Development of novel therapy targeting the transcription factor HOXD9 for cervical cancer

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K20845
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 0901:Oncology and related fields
• Research Institution: Keio University
• Principal Investigator: SUGAWARA MASAKI 慶應義塾大学, 医学部(信濃町), 特任助教 (80906686)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-08-30 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 子宮頸癌 / HPV

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The transcription factor HOXD9 is highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues compared to normal cervical tissues and is deeply involved in the malignant transformation of cervical cancer. In this study, we examined siRNAs and small-molecule compounds that inhibit HOXD9 expression and cell proliferation in cervical cancer cell lines. We found that some siRNA sequences reduced HOXD9 mRNA expression and inhibited cell proliferation. Compound X decreased the expression of HPV-E6/E7 and inhibited cell proliferation, but increased the expression of HOXD9 mRNA. In the future, we aim to elucidate the mechanism of action by further detailed analysis.

Free Research Field

腫瘍免疫学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究により得られた知見は、転写因子HOXD9が子宮頸癌の治療標的となり得る可能性を示唆するものと考えられる。HPVは扁平上皮癌や通常型腺癌だけでなく小細胞癌や神経内分泌癌などの難治性子宮頸癌にも普遍的に検出されるほか、肛門癌の90%、中咽頭癌の50%、陰茎癌の60%においてもHPV感染が発癌の原因とされており、これらのHPV関連腫瘍の治療にも応用可能と考えられる。