The molecular mechanism and physiological significance of vesicular ATP release in purinergic chemical transmission

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26460067
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Biological pharmacy
• Research Institution: Okayama University
• Principal Investigator: Miyaji Takaaki 岡山大学, 自然生命科学研究支援センター, 准教授 (40550314)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: プリン作動性化学伝達 / 小胞型ヌクレオチドトランスポーター / ATP

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Vesicular nucleotide transporter (VNUT) is responsible for vesicular storage and release of ATP, and is essential for purinergic chemical transmission. The aim of this research project was to reveal the molecular mechanism of vesicular ATP release and its physiological significance in nervous and endocrine systems. We showed that VNUT knockout mice improve hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, inflammatory and neuropathic pain, and the accompanying inflammation. In addition, we found VNUT specific inhibitor among the existing drugs, and demonstrated that VNUT inhibitor have the therapeutic effects as well as VNUT knockout mice. In summary, VNUT plays an important roles in onset of neurological and endocrine diseases, and the VNUT inhibitor is a suitable target of drug discovery.

Free Research Field

生化学・分子生物学