Development of a novel lymphatic regeneration therapy by direct reprogramming

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K08833
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 55030:Cardiovascular surgery-related
• Research Institution: Asahikawa Medical College
• Principal Investigator: SAITO Yukihiro 旭川医科大学, 医学部, 客員准教授 (80540583)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: リンパ管 / 静脈 / ダイレクト・リプログラミング

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study is a research project to develop a new lymphedema treatment method using direct reprogramming (D-reP) technology to direct veins to lymphatic vessels. Based on the results of previous studies, Prox1 and VEGFR-3 were candidates as D-reP factors. Gene transfer of Prox-1 and VEGFR-3 plasmids into saphenous vein endothelial cells (HSaVECs) showed increased expression of these factors, but no change in expression of lymphatic markers, and HSaVECs could not be induced to become LECs. Additional factors were explored. Exhaustive analysis identified 130 additional candidates. Future work will identify D-reP factors from the candidates.

Free Research Field

脈管学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

リンパ浮腫は根治療法が存在しない難治性疾患で、新たな治療法の開発が切望されている。先端医療（遺伝子治療、再生医療）としていくつかの治験が進行中であるが臨床へたどり着いたものはない。他疾患も含めD-reP技術を用いた再生医療の臨床報告例はない。今回の我々の試みは次世代再生医療技術開発、リンパ浮腫治療法開発のいずれにおいても、新規性、知財面において有望な開発と考えられる。