Identification of a novel drug resistance mechanism in melanoma cells

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K16213
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 53050:Dermatology-related
• Research Institution: Tottori University
• Principal Investigator: OHIRA Takahito 鳥取大学, 医学部, 助教 (60757665)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: メラノーマ / 薬剤耐性

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, anti-cancer effects of the PITX1/SOX9 pathway in melanoma were investigated in detail by analysis including drug-resistant cells. In addition, we performed experiments to identify compounds that induce PITX1 protein synthesis, which would lead to the development of novel melanoma therapies.
As a result, we found that PITX1 functions as a key factor in melanoma development to cause anti-cancer effects, and we identified a possible approach to the development of a novel anti-cancer drug for melanoma via the PITX1/SOX9 pathway. On the other hand, the effect may be limited in resistant melanoma cells.

Free Research Field

腫瘍生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では、PITX1によるメラノーマの制がん効果について詳細な検討を行った。その結果、PITX1の発現を誘導する可能性のある低分子化合物として2種類のキナーゼ阻害剤を同定した。この2種類の化合物はメラノーマにおける分子標的薬としての可能性をもち、PITX1の発現誘導を標的とした新たなメラノーマの治療戦略開発の糸口になると期待される。