Analysis of radiation effects on the formation of fusion genes involved in lung cancer

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26340035
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Risk sciences of radiation and chemicals
• Research Institution: Radiation Effects Research Foundation
• Principal Investigator: TAGA Masataka 公益財団法人放射線影響研究所, 分子生物科学部, 研究員 (70359462)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 放射線 / 肺がん / 融合遺伝子

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The molecular mechanisms for development of radiation-associated lung cancer among atomic bomb (A-bomb) survivors have thus far remained unclear. Recently, researchers reported anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion genes (e.g. EML4-ALK) in spontaneous lung adenocarcinoma. In addition, we have found ALK fusion genes in papillary thyroid cancer cases exposed to A-bomb radiation. In this study, we examined the possible involvement of ALK fusion genes in the development of human lung adenocarcinoma following radiation exposure. Using archival lung adenocarcinoma tissues from A-bomb survivors, we established a series of analytical methods for ALK fusion genes. An in vitro experimental system was also developed to assess EML4-ALK induction in an X-irradiated human lung cell line. However, no evidence for links between ALK fusion genes and radiation-associated lung adenocarcinoma has been obtained.

Free Research Field

放射線発がん