Analysis of sialylation on cell biological functions

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15H04354
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Functional biochemistry
• Research Institution: Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University
• Principal Investigator: GU Jianguo 東北医科薬科大学, 薬学部, 教授 (40260369)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 陸 吉順 東北医科薬科大学, 薬学部, その他 (00649056)
• Research Collaborator: ISAJI Tomoya ; FUKUDA Tomohiko
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: シアル酸 / 細胞接着

Outline of Final Research Achievements

So far, many studies on the function of sialic acid on cell biology have not clearly distinguished linkages of α2,3 and α2,6. Therefore, many seemingly contradictory results have been reported. The present study elucidated the regulatory mechanism of expression of N-glycans, especially α2,3 and α2,6 sialylation in cell adhesion and EMT, as well as cancer cell metastasis, invasion and survival. These findings are considered to contribute to the development of next-generation anticancer agents related to sialic acid.

Free Research Field

生化学・分子生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

まず、α2,3とα2,6シアル酸による細胞機能の緻密な制御を明らかにし、シアル酸の機能に対してその重要性を再認識すること、そして、異なるシアル酸によるEMTおよびがん細胞の転移・浸潤・生存の制御機構を解明することができた。これらの研究は、がん研究のみならず、ESやiPS細胞を利用する再生医療の開発にも新知見を与えるのであろうと考えられる。