Study for investigating the role of microRNAs in midface formation

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K17157
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 57070:Developmental dentistry-related
• Research Institution: Niigata University
• Principal Investigator: Osawa Kazuaki 新潟大学, 医歯学総合病院, 医員 (10882277)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: microRNA

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Midface deficiency is a major anomaly that requires surgical orthodontic treatments. Midface deficiency is observed in syndrome patients, while it is also found as a non-familial condition. Non-familial midface defects are not caused by genomic abnormalities. This study investigated pathogenesis of midface deficiency observed in mice with defect of microRNA, one of the epigenetic factors. The results suggest that DNA damage is avoided by microRNA expression in neural crest-derived cells during normal facial development. It is possible that non-familial midface deficiencies are caused by the induction of senescence signals due to presence of DNA damage which is induced by changes in microRNA expression.

Free Research Field

歯科矯正学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

審美的な要求度の高い顔面における異常は、患者のquality of lifeに大きな影響を与える。中顔面陥凹は外科的矯正治療などを必要とする大きな顔面異常である。その多くは非家族性として認められるが、発症機序は謎のままである。本研究結果は、顔面形成に、ゲノムではないエピジェネティクス因子の一つであるmicroRNAが関与していることを示した。その本研究成果の意義は極めて大きい。今後、正常な顔面形成を促すための出生前治療の確立に大きく貢献できると考えられる。