Significance of L-serine in intercellular communication between cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24614007
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Integrated Nutrition Science
• Research Institution: International University of Health and Welfare
• Principal Investigator: Ogawa Takuya 国際医療福祉大学, 薬学部, 講師 (30457147)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): Norihiro Kitagawa 奈良先端科学技術大学院大学, バイオサイエンス研究科, 助教 (30294284)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: セリン / Phgdh / 腫瘍 / マクロファージ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play important roles in tumor development. Previously, we revealed the importance of serine from the extracellular miliue for the differentiation of bone marrow macrophages. In this study, we evaluated the contribution of serine for recruitment and tumor supporting function of TAMs. Suppression of serine biosynthesis or serine transport in mouse tumor cells by microRNA introduction decreased the proliferation of tumor cells in vitro as well as in vivo. Although neither infiltration nor polarization of TAMs were affected by the alteration of production and supply of serine from tumor cells, serine biosynthesis as well as neutral amino acid transporters can be a valid therapeutic targets for the treatment of cancers.

Free Research Field

細胞生物学