Analysis of the molecular interaction between KRAP and IP3R and its application for drug discovery

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24710265
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Chemical biology
• Research Institution: Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine (2013-2014); Fukuoka University (2012)
• Principal Investigator: FUJIMOTO Takahiro 京都府立医科大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 助教 (10446114)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 分子間相互作用 / 分子標的 / カルシウムイオンシグナル / 癌 / リンパ球 / 翻訳後修飾 / リン酸化

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Through the analysis of the molecular interaction between KRAP and IP3Rs, KRAP homolog gene was identified. KRAP homolog protein was specifically expressed in T- and B-lymphocytes and was found to interact with IP3Rs. KRAP homolog protein was localized around microdomain between ER and mitochondrial membranes, and appeared to regulate calcium ion flow from ER to mitochondria. It was worthy to note that both KRAP homolog and KRAP were phosphorylated upon extracellular calcium ion influx in lymphocytes and cancer cells, respectively. In this study, chemical screening to explore candidate of cancer drug targeting to KRAP-IP3R interaction was failed. However, elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying posttranslational modification of KRAP family proteins may provide a novel strategy for cancer theraphy.

Free Research Field

分子・細胞生物学、分子病態学