Studies on molecular mechanisms regulating fate decision of hepatic stem cells and efficacy of hepatic stem cell transplantation

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24590957
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Gastroenterology
• Research Institution: Tokyo Medical and Dental University
• Principal Investigator: KAKINUMA Sei 東京医科歯科大学, 医歯(薬)学総合研究科, 講師 (30372444)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): ASAHINA Yasuhiro 東京医科歯科大学, 大学院医歯学総合研究科, 寄附講座教授 (00422692) ; WATANABE Mamoru 東京医科歯科大学, 大学院医歯学総合研究科, 教授 (10175127)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): KAMIYA Akihide 東海大学, 創造科学技術研究機構, 准教授 (30321904)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 発生・分化 / 移植 / 再生医学 / 肝疾患治療 / 細胞・組織

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Investigators of this research project have studied on the molecular mechanisms regulating differentiation and proliferation of primary hepatic stem/progenitor cells purified by cell surface markers and therapeutic efficacy of transplantation using hepatic stem/progenitor cells. We found that Wnt5a and Wnt5a-related signaling control the biliary differentiation of hepatic stem/progenitor cells. Next, our data indicated that MMP14 and MMP14-related signaling regulate luminal formation of bile ducts in developing liver, and that expression of MMP14 improves the efficacy of transplantation using hepatic stem/progenitor cells. These studies contribute to the progress of regenerative medical science and development of autologous stem cell therapy against chronic liver diseases.

Free Research Field

消化器病学