A Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Peripheral Nerve Injury Targeting the Kinase SGK

2024 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K17611
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 59010:Rehabilitation science-related
• Research Institution: Nagoya City University
• Principal Investigator: Morimoto Hiroyuki 名古屋市立大学, 医薬学総合研究院(医学), 助教 (10847453)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-04-01 – 2025-03-31
• Keywords: SGK1 / シュワン細胞 / 末梢神経再生 / 分化制御

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study elucidated the role of serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) in Schwann cells following peripheral nerve injury. In vivo experiments using a mouse sciatic nerve crush model demonstrated the appearance of GFAP-positive immature Schwann cells at the injury site, where SGK1 expression was observed. Furthermore, in vitro analysis using rat-derived S16 Schwann cells revealed that SGK1 inhibition suppressed cell proliferation, induced morphological changes indicative of maturation, and upregulated the expression of myelination-related genes (BDNF, MBP, and Krox20). These findings suggest that SGK1 functions as a “molecular switch” controlling the balance between proliferation and differentiation of Schwann cells, playing a critical role in peripheral nerve regeneration.

Free Research Field

神経科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、末梢神経損傷後の再生過程において、SGK1がシュワン細胞分化の「分子スイッチ」として機能し、髄鞘形成関連遺伝子発現を促進することを明らかにした。これにより神経再生の分子基盤理解が進み、末梢神経障害の新たな治療法開発に貢献する。SGK1標的療法は外傷性神経障害や慢性進行性末梢神経障害への応用も期待される。