Identification of glycolipids and associating molecules on cell membrane involved in the process of carcinogenesis of melanocytes, and analysis of their action mechanisms

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24791182
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Dermatology
• Research Institution: Nagoya City University (2014); Chubu University (2012-2013)
• Principal Investigator: MIYATA Maiko 名古屋市立大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 助教 (90397456)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: ガングリオシド / メラノーマ / メラノサイト / 糖転移酵素 / ケラチノサイト / 紫外線 / 炎症性サイトカイン

Outline of Final Research Achievements

To clarify expression of gangliosides and ganglioside synthase genes during evolution of melanomas from melanocytes, their expression was analyzed with cultured melanocytes and melanoma cell lines, showing that that melanomas expressed high mRNA levels of GD3 synthase and GM2/GD2 synthase and low levels of GM1/GD1b synthase genes compared with melanocytes. Despite no effects of ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation on the expression levels of ganglioside synthase genes in melanocytes, culture supernatants of UVB-irradiated keratinocytes induced definite up-regulation of GD3 synthase and GM2/GD2 synthase genes. Analysis of the supernatants revealed that inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα and IL-6 enhanced GD3 synthase gene expression. These results suggest that inflammatory cytokines secreted from UVB-irradiated keratinocytes induced melanoma-associated ganglioside synthase genes, proposing roles of skin microenvironment in the promotion of melanoma-like ganglioside profiles in melanocytes.

Free Research Field

生化学