Role of a novel large Rab protein in rheumatoid arthritis and its application

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K21140
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 0908:Society medicine, nursing, and related fields
• Research Institution: Nagasaki University
• Principal Investigator: Ogawa Kohei 長崎大学, 医歯薬学総合研究科(歯学系), 客員研究員 (80908533)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-08-30 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 骨髄細胞 / 細胞内輸送 / Rab44

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Rheumatoid arthritis causes autoimmune joint destruction. The main cause is thought to be induced by dysregulation of osteoclasts and immune cells. Through our own research, we discovered a novel gene, Rab44, that is expressed in osteoclasts and immune cells. However, the function of Rab44 in vivo has not yet been elucidated. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the role of Rab44 in rheumatoid arthritis. For this purpose, we performed model experiments of rheumatoid arthritis using Rab44 knockout mice, and analyzed the pathology of these mice. Through this research, we will elucidate a new aspect of intracellular vesicle transport in immune cells and osteoclasts, leading to applications in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Free Research Field

歯科薬理学、細胞生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では破骨細胞や免疫系細胞にRab44が特異的に発現しているという我々の独自の知見を基盤にして関節リウマチへの応用を視野に入れた研究を展開している。Rab44の分子基盤の解明は破骨細胞の骨吸収機構や免疫細胞でのRab44の解明にとって有益な情報となるだけでなく、新しい骨代謝の予防・診断・治療薬への手掛かりになる可能性がある。