The Role of Adipocytes in Extracapsular Spread of Lymph Node Metastasis in Oral Cancer

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K10116
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 57060:Surgical dentistry-related
• Research Institution: Ehime University
• Principal Investigator: Kuribayashi Kyoko 愛媛大学, 医学部附属病院, 助教(病院教員) (60579952)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 中城 公一 愛媛大学, 医学系研究科, 准教授 (90314880)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 脂肪細胞 / 口腔癌 / リンパ節転移

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study elucidated the role of adipocytes in the microenvironment of metastatic cervical lymph nodes in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Metastatic lymph node specimens from OSCC tissues were used, and spatial gene expression analysis was performed using Visium. The results showed a decrease in the expression of ADIPOQ, a marker of adipocyte differentiation, in clusters of adipose tissue adjacent to OSCC tissues. Additionally, there was an increased expression of Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4), which is implicated in metastasis, in OSCC tissues infiltrating adipose tissue. These findings suggest that the interaction between OSCC tissues and adjacent adipose tissue affects their respective gene expressions. This interaction may induce dedifferentiation in adipocytes and enhance the metastatic potential of cancer cells.

Free Research Field

脂肪細胞

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究成果として、口腔扁平上皮癌組織 と脂肪組織は接することにより相互の遺伝子発現に影響を及ぼし、 脂肪細胞に対しては脱分化を誘導し，癌細胞に対しては転移能を高める可能性が示唆され、学術的意義が見いだされた。さらに、口腔癌におけるリンパ節転移における新たな治療の可能性が示唆され、社会的に意義のある成果が見いだされた。