Development of a remedy for ischemic necrosis using cell volume regulation ability created from intermolecular cooperation

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K06792
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 48020:Physiology-related
• Research Institution: Akita University
• Principal Investigator: Numata Tomohiro 秋田大学, 医学系研究科, 教授 (20455223)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 細胞容積調節

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The research aimed to investigate the role of two proteins, namely TRPM7 and VSOR, in the cell volume regulation mechanism. TRPM7 protein has the ability to sense mechanical stimulation, while VSOR protein is an anion channel that helps cells to recover their original size. The study found that these two proteins work together to suppress cell swelling and allow cells to return to their original volume. They achieve this through a physical interaction between TRPM7 and the VSOR core molecule LRRC8A during cell swelling. Additionally, the functional coupling of TRPM7-VSOR was revealed through the measurement of two types of ion channels that work together.

Free Research Field

生理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

細胞は、からだを作る最小単位として、その大きさが変化しても元の大きさに戻る仕組みを備えている。しかし、種々の病理的条件下でこの調節機能を失うと、細胞は死滅し、そのことが原因で病気となる。細胞の大きさを調節するメカニズムを理解することは、細胞の生死の制御を行うことにつながるため、がん細胞の治療法開発などへの応用が期待される。この研究成果は、細胞の生存メカニズムの解明に貢献し、将来的にはさまざまな病気の治療法の革新に寄与する可能性がある。