Analysis of the molecular mechanism of signal transduction emanated from receptor RANK which regulates osteoclastogenesis

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25861297
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Orthopaedic surgery
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: TAGUCHI Yuu 東京大学, 医科学研究所, 助教 (20549472)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 骨免疫学 / 骨代謝 / 破骨細胞 / RANK

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Since excess formation and differentiation of osteoclasts, which have an ability to resorb bone matrix, cause bone diseases such as osteoporosis and bone metastasis, elucidating the molecular mechanism of osteoclastogenesis is very significant for developing the novel method for treating bone diseases. In this study, candidate proteins were identified as binding protein to HCR, which is essential region in receptor RANK for induction of osteoclastogenic signaling. As a result, I found the novel signaling pathway in RANK signaling for osteoclastogenesis. Treatment osteoclast precursor cells with peptides corresponding to amino acid sequences of HCR inhibit osteoclastogenesis, suggesting that osteoclastogenesis can be controlled artificially. Furthermore, the novel gene was indentified as suppressor for osteoclastogenesis. These results should be helpful for developing the novel drug and treating methods against bone disease.

Free Research Field

骨免疫学