Development of functionalized anticancer polymers against cancer stem cells and drug resistant cancer cells utilizing 3D culture system

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K12684
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 90120:Biomaterials-related
• Research Institution: Hiroshima University
• Principal Investigator: Takahashi Haruko 広島大学, 統合生命科学研究科(理), 助教 (70775767)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 抗がん性高分子 / 3次元in vitroがんモデル

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The aim of this study was to develop novel anti-cancer polymers that are effective against stem cell- and drug-resistant cancer cells, which are the cause of malignant transformation (metastasis, recurrence, etc.) of solid tumors. We designed and synthesized membrane-active synthetic polymers that mimic the physicochemical properties of host defense peptide (HDP), and identified the optimal molecular structure for specific and selective anti-cancer activity. We also established an 3D in vitro solid tumor model in which cancer stromal cells are co-cultured around cancer spheroids, and evaluated the efficacy of synthesized anticancer polymers using this system.

Free Research Field

Biofunctional materials

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では、生体のペプチドを模倣した設計により、固形がんの深部まで到達し、既存の抗がん薬が効かないがん細胞にも有効な新しい抗がん性高分子の開発を行った。本研究期間で、ポリマーデザインの最適化を行うとともに、ポリマーの有効性を評価するため3次元in vitro固形がんモデルを確立し、画像解析技術と組み合わせることで定量的に評価可能なことを実証できた。本研究で開発した抗がん性ポリマーは従来の抗がん薬とは異なり、がん細胞膜に直接作用する高分子ならではの機能により抗がん活性を示すため、次世代の抗がん剤として利用できると期待される。