Search for Novel Cancer Therapeutic Targets Based on Large-Scale Genomics and Functional Screening

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K16323
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 54010:Hematology and medical oncology-related
• Research Institution: Kyushu University
• Principal Investigator: Hirabayashi Shigeki 九州大学, 医学研究院, 助教 (30910947)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: がん / 血液腫瘍 / CRISPRスクリーニング

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In recent years, molecular targeted drugs have been developed for hematologic tumors and cancers. However, even with treatment using molecular targeted drugs, resistant cells often proliferate, making complete eradication difficult. Therefore, this study aims to develop new therapies that are effective against a wide range of cancers while minimizing severe adverse events by identifying genes essential for the survival of both cancer and normal cells. First, 907 genes crucial for cancer survival were identified from cancer databases. Additionally, screening in hematopoietic stem cells identified 49 genes essential for cancer survival but not for hematopoietic stem cell survival, along with 11 disadvantageous genes. In the future, I hope to identify promising therapeutic targets from the identified genes.

Free Research Field

システムゲノム科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

日本における死因の第一は悪性新生物、つまりがんである。したがって、がんの治療に貢献する研究は社会的な意義が大きい。本研究成果はがんの生存に必須な遺伝子と正常な造血幹細胞に必須ではない遺伝子を同定することで、がん細胞特異的な治療を目指すもので、本研究の成果は今後の治療困難な広範な種類のがんの治療につながる可能性を秘めている。