MicroRNA-based risk assessment for fibrous and particulate substances on the basis of molecular epidemiological and experimental studies

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24390153
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Hygiene
• Research Institution: Mie University
• Principal Investigator: HIRAKU Yusuke 三重大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 講師 (30324510)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): OMAE Kazuyuki 慶應義塾大学, 医学部, 教授 (60118924) ; TANAKA Akiyo 九州大学, 医学研究院, 講師 (10136484)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 繊維・粒子状物質 / マイクロRNA / インジウム / 石綿 / 発がん / リスク評価

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Inhalation exposure to fibrous and particlate materials induces carcinogenesis and fibrosis in respiratory systems, but precise mechanisms remain to be clarified. We have performed comprehensive microarray analysis for microRNA (miRNA) and gene expression in the lung tissues of animals exposed to asbestos and indium compounds. We found that these compounds significanlty changed the expression levels of several miRNAs, which may regulate genes involved in carcinogenesis and fibrosis. We also found that an indium compound altered miRNA levels in the serum of rats. These findings raise the possibility that miRNAs can be used for evaluation of the risk of respiratory diseases in individuals exposed to these compounds and provide an insight into molecular epidemiology for indium-exposed workers.

Free Research Field

衛生学