The role of FoxM1 transcription factor in the development of hepatic inflammation, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma: the study using conditional transgenic mice

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26461001
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Gastroenterology
• Research Institution: Osaka University
• Principal Investigator: YOSHIDA YUICHI 大阪大学, 医学系研究科, 特任助教 (30457014)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: FoxM1 / 肝細胞癌 / 肝細胞死 / 炎症 / トランスジェニックマウス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Forkhead Box M1 (FoxM1) is a transcription factor that regulates cell cycle and plays regeneration and plays an important role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. To elucidate the functional role of FoxM1 in hepatocytes, we developed a novel transgenic mice in which we can regulate expression of human FoxM1 in murine hepatocytes under the control of tetracycline. Unexpectedly, transgenic expression of FoxM1 in hepatocytes resulted in hepatocyte apoptosis and hepatic inflammation. Finally, these transgenic mice spontaneously developed marked liver fibrosis. These data reveled a new function of FoxM1 in hepatocyte death, hepatic inflammation, and subsequent liver fibrosis.

Free Research Field

肝臓病学