Functional analysis of small GTP binding protein Ral in colitis-associated cancer

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24590941
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Gastroenterology
• Research Institution: Kyoto University
• Principal Investigator: NAKASE Hiroshi 京都大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 講師 (60362498)
• Research Collaborator: HONZAWA Yusuke ; MATSUMURA Kayoko
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 炎症性腸疾患 / 炎症性大腸発がん / Ral / 自然免疫

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The aim of this study is to elucidate the role of Small GTP binding protein Ral in development of colitis-associated cancer (CAC). We used Ral-GAPα2 KO mice (Ral continuously activated) for this study. The gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was significantly up-regulated in colonic mucosa of Ral-GAPα2 KO mice than in wild type mice. Interestingly, Ral activation accelerated colonic inflammation of IL-10KO mice. In addition, we made CAC model by the injection of azoxymethane (AOM) with repeated administration of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The number of CAC with submucosal invasion was higher in Ral-GAPα2 KO mice treated with AOM and DSS than in wild type mice. These data indicate that Ral is involved in innate immune system and providing invasive phenotype in CAC.

Free Research Field

消化器病学