Role of new disease-susceptibility gene in the development and pathogenesis of PBC

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25860576
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Gastroenterology
• Research Institution: Department of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization Nagasaki Medical Center
• Principal Investigator: AIBA YOSHIHIRO 独立行政法人国立病院機構(長崎医療センター臨床研究センター), 臨床研究センター, 研究員 (70450955)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 原発性胆汁性肝硬変 / 疾患感受性遺伝子

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Systemic and local levels of TL1A, a newly identified disease-susceptibility gene for PBC in a Japanese population, were increased in PBC patients. In response to UDCA treatment, serum TL1A levels were significantly decreased in early-stage PBC patients. On the other hand, they remained higher in late-stage PBC patients even after UDCA treatment. These results potentially indicate that TL1A might be a new therapeutic target for PBC, especially for the late-stage patients. In addition, in vivo and in vitro analyses indicate that TL1A signaling may be involved in PBC pathogenesis via infiltrating T lymphocytes rather than direct injury of intrahepatic bile ducts.

Free Research Field

肝臓病学