Elucidation of the mechanism of central nervous system regeneration by vitamin K for the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K11709
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 59040:Nutrition science and health science-related
• Research Institution: Shibaura Institute of Technology
• Principal Investigator: Hirota Yoshihisa 芝浦工業大学, システム理工学部, 准教授 (70724277)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 須原 義智 芝浦工業大学, システム理工学部, 教授 (30297171) ; 郡山 恵樹 鈴鹿医療科学大学, 薬学部, 教授 (70397199)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: ビタミンK / 神経変性疾患 / L型Ca2+チャネル / 代謝型グルタミン酸受容体 / 神経修復促進効果 / 誘導体創製 / 分子動力学シュミレーション

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We reported that vitamin K in the brain selectively induces neural stem cells to differentiate into neurons. Our comprehensive genetic analysis identified crucial associations involving L-type Ca2+ channels and metabolic glutamate receptors in this differentiation process. These elements play significant roles in the molecular mechanism through which vitamin K induces neuronal differentiation from neural stem cells. Additionally, we discovered that vitamin K homologues might facilitate the repair and regeneration of damaged neurons.

Furthermore, our research indicates that dietary vitamin K promotes the differentiation and regeneration of cranial nerve cells damaged by cerebrovascular disorders and other factors. The development of new vitamin K derivatives holds promise for treating cerebrovascular disorders.

Free Research Field

分子栄養学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究成果がもたらす意義は、学術面では脳内におけるビタミンKの重要性を明らかにすることで、新たなビタミンK研究のパラダイムを提示することに繋がる。また、本研究から明らかになる脳神経細胞の分化・修復作用に対するビタミンKの分子機構を基に、ビタミンK誘導体を合成し、独自の迅速なスクリーニング手法を用いて、脳血管障害患者の新たな脳機能回復治療法の提案に繋がることが期待される。