Elucidating the collapse of immune system against malignant melanoma

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25293361
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Plastic surgery
• Research Institution: Hokkaido University
• Principal Investigator: YAMAMOTO YUHEI 北海道大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 教授 (70271674)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): FURUKAWA HIROSHI 北海道大学, 大学院医学研究科, 准教授 (00399924) ; OYAMA AKIHIKO 北海道大学, 大学病院, 講師 (70374486) ; HAYASHI TOSHIHIKO 北海道大学, 歯学研究科, 准教授 (00432146) ; FUNAYAMA EMI 北海道大学, 大学院医学研究科, 講師 (10533630) ; MURAO NAOKI 北海道大学, 大学病院, 助教 (90706558)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): SEINO KENICHIRO 北海道大学, 遺伝子病制御研究所, 教授 (20312845)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 組織培養・移植学 / 悪性黒色腫 / リンパ浮腫 / 転移 / リンパ管新生

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study aimed to establish a consistent mouse hindlimb lymphedema model for further investigation of the mechanism and treatment of lymphedema. Using this modified mouse model, we analyzed lymphatic function, histological changes, and the expression of lymphangiogenic factors including vascular endothelial growth factor C at various time points. In addition, we reproduced melanoma in-transit metastasis in this model by implanting melanoma cells into the footpad of mice with lymphedema. Mice with in-transit metastasis were more likely to develop lung metastases than control mice. Primary tumor growth was augmented in lymphedema mice compared with control mice. These findings suggest that lymphatic dysfunction attenuates tumor immunity in malignant melanoma.

Free Research Field

皮膚悪性腫瘍、乳房再建、顔面神経麻痺