Elucidation of disease-inducing mechanisms of environmental particulates focusing on the constituent molecules of extracellular vesicles

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K18035
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 63030:Chemical substance influence on environment-related
• Research Institution: Kyoto University
• Principal Investigator: Ishikawa Raga 京都大学, 地球環境学堂, 特定助教 (10914161)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 環境中微粒子 / PM2.5 / 細胞外小胞 / バイオマーカー

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we focused on extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are carriers of intercellular communication and have recently been linked to various biological phenomena and diseases. We aimed to elucidate the mechanisms by which environmental particulates, such as Asian sand dust, induce and exacerbate respiratory and allergic diseases. We collected and characterized EVs released from human alveolar epithelial cells and asthma model mice upon exposure to various environmental particulates. It was found that exposure to environmental particulates with high cytotoxicity and inflammatory potential, such as Asian sand dust and diesel exhaust particles, notably increased the production of EVs.

Free Research Field

細胞生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、生体免疫応答において重要な役割を果たすEVに焦点を当て、環境中微粒子が呼吸器・免疫アレルギー系に与える影響との関連というこれまで未解明であった領域に新たな知見をもたらした点において学術的意義がある。また、疾患バイオマーカーとしても注目されているEVを用いることで、環境中微粒子が関連する疾患（喘息、肺がんなど）に対する新規バイオマーカーの探索に貢献し得る点で社会的意義がある。