Elucidation of molecular basis of CCN family action as masterminds and its medical application

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24390415
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Functional basic dentistry
• Research Institution: Okayama University
• Principal Investigator: TAKIGAWA MASAHARU 岡山大学, 医歯(薬)学総合研究科, 教授 (20112063)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): KUBOTA Satoshi 岡山大学, 大学院医歯薬学総合研究科, 教授 (90221936) ; HATTORI Takako 岡山大学, 大学院医歯薬学総合研究科, 助教 (00228488) ; NISHIDA Takashi 岡山大学, 大学院医歯薬学総合研究科, 准教授 (30322233) ; AOYAMA Eriko 岡山大学, 大学院医歯薬学総合研究科, 助教 (10432650)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: CCN2/CTGF / CCN ファミリー / CCN3/Nov / マスターマインド / 軟骨 / 骨 / 再生 / 変形性関節症

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We elucidated molecular mechanism of actions of CCN family proteins as masterminds by investigating physical interactions between CCN proteins and various molecules such as growth factors and their receptors, and by determining their final biological outcome in various cultured cells. We also generated transgenic mice overexpressing CCN2 in cartilage and found harmonized promotion of endochondral ossification in the TG mice, which would be a proof of function of a mastermind. Moreover, TSP-1 module among 4 independent modules of CCN2 had more potent action than that of full length CCN2 in cartilage regeneration in experimental osteoarthritis animal models, suggesting possible medical application of a CCN2 fragment for regenerative medicine for skeletal tissues. Furthermore, low intensity pulsed ultrasound induced gene expression of CCN2, aggrecan and collagen type II in chondrocytes, suggesting possible non-invasive application of CCN2 for cartilage regeneration in osteoarthritis.

Free Research Field

口腔生化学