Development of novel therapeutic method for melanoma by targeting D-DT and MIF

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K19681
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Dermatology
• Research Institution: University of Toyama
• Principal Investigator: YOSHIHISA Yoko 富山大学, 大学院医学薬学研究部(医学), 特命助教 (70623578)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: D-DT / メラノーマ / 炎症性サイトカイン / アポトーシス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

D-dopachrome tautomerase (D-DT), homologue of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has been observed to have similar functions as MIF. However, the role of D-DT in tumor biology remains unknown. It was hypothesized that D-DT and MIF could represent as a potential target for therapeutic interventions in melanoma. Here, we confirmed the production and expression of D-DT in the murine and human melanoma cells by Western blot analysis and RT-PCR. D-DT was released by all melanoma cell lines in vitro. The knock-down of D-DT and MIF by siRNA showed decrease protein expression of inflammatory cytokines and rendered them more prone to apoptosis induction. These results suggest that D-DT is associated with induction of inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis factors in melanoma cells. This qualifies D-DT for further evaluation as a therapeutic target in melanoma.

Free Research Field

皮膚科学