Aberrant energy metabolism induced by iron overload; Analysis for novel carcinogenic factor in liver tissue

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26830092
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Tumor diagnostics
• Research Institution: Asahikawa Medical College
• Principal Investigator: Tanaka Hiroki 旭川医科大学, 医学部, 助教 (70596155)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 鉄過剰 / 肝癌 / 脂質代謝

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In the iron-loaded mouse livers, genetic expression of metabolic enzymes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, β oxidation and prenylation (Fdps, FTase) were increased. These metabolic pathways are known to modulate Ras proteins post-translationally. In mouse primary hepatocytes, although iron-induced 8OHdG production was neutralized in the presence of the anti-oxidant NAC, phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was not canceled even in the presence of NAC. However, the iron chelator, deferoxamine reduced iron-induced expression of Fdps, FTase and phospho-ERK1/2. These results clearly indicate that iron affects not only the production of oxidative damage but lipid metabolism, thereby promoting a proliferation signal in the liver.

Free Research Field

病理学