Study on the bio-active molecule, DIF, found in the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24590110
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Biological pharmacy
• Research Institution: Juntendo University (2015); Gunma University (2012-2014)
• Principal Investigator: Kubohara Yuzuru 順天堂大学, スポーツ健康科学研究科, 教授 (00221937)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): KOJIMA Itaru 群馬大学, 生体調節研究所, 教授 (60143492) ; OSHIMA Yoshiteru 東北大学, 大学院薬学研究科, 教授 (00111302)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 細胞性粘菌 / DIF / がん / 糖尿病 / ミトコンドリア / 走化性運動 / トリパノソーマ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

DIF-1, a low-molecular weight compound found in the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum, and its derivatives possess multiple biological activities, such as anti-proliferative and glucose-uptake-promoting activities in vitro in mammalian cells. We have investigated the pharmacological functions of DIFs and indicated that DIFs may be good lead compounds for the development of novel anti-tumor, anti-obesity/anti-diabetes, and anti-Trypanosoma drugs. In addition, we have found that DIFs may function, at least in part, by disturbing mitochondrial activity in mammalian cells.

Free Research Field

細胞生物学