Foundational investigation for development of new cancer drug based on blockage of vasculogenic mimicry

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K15354
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 48030:Pharmacology-related
• Research Institution: Kindai University
• Principal Investigator: Nishinaka Takashi 近畿大学, 医学部, 講師 (50786184)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 終末糖化産物 / 血管擬態 / 抗腫瘍免疫 / マクロファージ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) which are abundant in cooked foods and intravitally produced under several condition such as high glucose, are accumulated in body with aging. In the present study, we found that AGEs accelerate vasculogenic mimicry which tumor cell itself forms vessel-like structure. In addition, AGEs are associated with the regulation of intracellular signaling related to the response to antitumor immunity. These effects of AGEs are mediated by scavenger receptor bound in AGEs.

Free Research Field

血管、腫瘍、自然免疫

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

がんの進展や治療応答性に関わる血管擬態の形成や抗腫瘍免疫応答の制御因子としてのAGEsの新しい役割を示した。その機序としてAGEsが作用するスカベンジャー受容体を見出しており、これを切り口にして新たながん治療薬開発の確立に寄与することが期待される。また、生体内のAGEs量は食事を含めた生活習慣と密接に関係することが知られている。本研究成果は、がんの進展と生活習慣を結びつける科学的根拠を示し、生活改善に向けた取り組みの重要性を改めて強調するものである。