Deciphering the Mechanisms of Human Kidney Development Through Enhancers

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K15354
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 48010:Anatomy-related
• Research Institution: Tohoku University
• Principal Investigator: Kasahara Tomoko 東北大学, 医学系研究科, 助教 (40806957)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 腎臓 / ヒトiPS細胞 / 老化

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Human iPS cells were utilized to faithfully recapitulate kidney development, and biological age at each stage was measured using a transcriptomic clock. Results unveiled a point during the intermediate mesoderm stage where biological age reaches its minimum. Principal component analysis indicated that development comprises two distinct processes differing from aging, suggesting the involvement of initialization-related and aging-related genes. Moreover, rejuvenation occurs during kidney development, with ROS, TNF, and p53 pathways playing a role. This study illuminates the onset and mechanisms of kidney aging and highlights the potential for developing innovative anti-aging strategies. The findings contribute to understanding the relationship between development and aging, providing a foundation for achieving healthy longevity.

Free Research Field

発生学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、ヒト腎臓の発生過程における生物学的年齢の変化と若返りのメカニズムを世界で初めて明らかにした点で学術的に意義深い。加齢に伴う腎機能低下は高齢者の QOL を大きく損なう要因であり、本研究で得られた知見は腎臓の老化メカニズムの理解に貢献し、革新的な抗老化治療法の開発に繋がることが期待される。さらに、他の臓器の発生過程における老化の始まりやメカニズムの解明にも応用可能であり、超高齢社会における健康長寿の実現に向けた重要な一歩となり得る。