Elucidation of the Molecular Mechanism of Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation Focusing on Cancer-Derived Metabolites

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K07936
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 53010:Gastroenterology-related
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Minami Tatsuya 東京大学, 医学部附属病院, 助教 (60459401)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 工藤 洋太郎 東京大学, 医学部附属病院, 助教 (90608358)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 肝星細胞活性化

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study elucidated the activation mechanisms of hepatic stellate cells, which play a significant role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. We focused particularly on the protein p62, known to inhibit the activation of these cells. Our experiments discovered that specific metabolic byproducts from cancer cells decrease the expression of p62, which, in turn, promotes the progression of liver fibrosis and cancer. These findings offer the potential for new approaches to the treatment and prevention of liver cancer. Future research will aim to clarify the detailed molecular mechanisms by which these metabolic byproducts suppress p62 expression.

Free Research Field

肝臓病学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、肝がん進行に寄与する肝星細胞の活性化に関わる分子メカニズムを解明しました。がん細胞が放出する特定の物質が、肝星細胞を活性化させ、肝線維化とがんの進行を促進することを発見しました。この知見は、肝疾患の予防や治療法の開発に向けた新たな方向性を示しており、将来の肝がん治療の改善に貢献する可能性があります。学術的には、疾患の根本的なメカニズムの理解を深め、社会的には治療オプションの拡大を促す成果です。