Analysis of the role of circadian clock gene in leukemogenesis

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26461421
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Hematology
• Research Institution: Yamaguchi University
• Principal Investigator: YUJIRI Toshiaki 山口大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 准教授 (80346551)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 時計遺伝子 / 白血病

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The circadian rhythm, defined as daily oscillation in various biological processes, is controlled by an endogenous clock in most normal cells in the body. Circadian rhythm disruption by shift work is associated with greater risk for cancer development and poor prognosis, suggesting a putative tumor-suppressive role for circadian rhythm homeostasis. Recent findings demonstrate a previously unrecognized role for the core circadian clock genes in acute myeloid leukemia. In hematopoietic cancers, the regulatory role of circadian clock genes has not yet been entirely clarified. Using cell lines, primary leukemic cells, and a genetically engineered mouse model of leukemia, we have characterized the effects of circadian rhythm disruption on leukemogenesis. The drugs that alter the circadian rhythm may sensitize leukemia cells to traditional anti-cancer therapies and facilitate targeting of leukemic stem cells to eliminate disease more effectively.

Free Research Field

血液内科