Molecular targeted drug discovery for cancer cell radiosensitization using RNA technology

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 23390301
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Radiation science
• Research Institution: Tottori University
• Principal Investigator: KURIMASA Akihiro 鳥取大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 准教授 (80343276)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): OKAYASU Ryuichi 放射線医学総合研究所, 放射線防護センターリスク低減化研究プログラム, 主任研究員 (50356135)
• Project Period (FY): 2011-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: がん / 放射線 / 放射線生物影響 / ＲＮＡ工学 / 画像工学 / ＤＮＡ修復 / 分子標的創薬

Outline of Final Research Achievements

RNA aptamers are artificial synthetic ribonucleic acids that form a higher-order structure and bind phosphorylated sites of specific protein. We will develop novel cancer therapy by utilizing RNA aptamers for controlling radio-sensitivities of malignant cells during radiation therapy for cancer. We tried making RNA aptamers against phosphorylated sites of DNA-PKcs by SELEX, and produced specific molecules to DNA-PK. Some of the RNA enhanced sensitivity of radiation for U2OS cells. In this experiment, we also try to construct an expression system of RNA aptamers using lenti-virus RNA expression vector, and try to find a good candidate molecule for therapy. Furthermore, for developing better radiation therapy, we combine RNA technology and live cell-imaging technology for evaluating DNA damage and cell cycle progression.

Free Research Field

放射線腫瘍学