Establishing preventive strategy for mesothelioma by elucidating its carcinogenic mechanism

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24390094
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Experimental pathology
• Research Institution: Nagoya University
• Principal Investigator: TOYOKUNI SHINYA 名古屋大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 教授 (90252460)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): AKATSUKA Shinya 名古屋大学, 医学系研究科, 講師 (40437223) ; OKAZAKI Yasumasa 名古屋大学, 医学系研究科, 講師 (30403489)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 中皮腫 / アスベスト / 鉄 / マイクロアレイ解析 / 酸化ストレス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We analyzed the molecular carcinogenic mechanisms of mesothelioma by the use of rat model of intraperitoneal asbestos injection. This model revealed a very high incidence of mesothelioma with similar genetic alterations to human counterparts. We recognized that local iron overload is an important pathogenic factor, and showed a significant increase in epithelioid subtype that show favorable prognosis after preventive administration of an iron chelator, deferasirox. Furthermore, we identified connective tissue growth factor as a major responsible gene for sarcomatoid subtype and also for proliferation of mesothelioma cells.

Free Research Field

実験病理学