研究内容
Hepatogenesis （肝発生）
Fascin expression persists with fibronectin in embryonic rat hepatoblasts. PDF
abstract
Both fascin and fibronectin are known to play important roles in cell adhesion and migration. They are noted as tumor markers or inhibiting target for tumor treatment. In this study, embryonic rat livers were obtained to examine the expression of fascin and fibronectin during liver development.
Expression of fascin-1, an actin-bundling protein, in migrating hepatoblasts during rat liver development. PDF
abstract
Fascin-1 is an actin-bundling protein localized at the core actin bundles within microvillar projections and filopodial extensions in migrating cells. It is expressed at a low level in normal epithelial cells, but at a high level in tumor cells, indicating its importance in the invasion and motility of tumor cells.
Hepatic Stellate Cell（肝星細胞）
Hepatic stellate cells derived from the nestin-positive cells in septum transversum during rat liver development. PDF
abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a principal role in Vitamin A metabolism and are considered the major matrix-producing cell type in the diseased liver. Rat HSCs are identified by immunohistochemistry with myogenic or mesenchymal (desmin, vimentin, and alpha-smooth muscle actin) or neural (e.g., GFAP or neuronal cell adhesion molecule) markers.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma（肝癌）
NOTCH2 signaling confers immature morphology and aggressiveness in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. PDF
abstract
The NOTCH family of membranous receptors plays key roles during development and carcinogenesis. Since NOTCH2, yet not NOTCH1 has been shown essential for murine hepatogenesis, NOTCH2 rather than NOTCH1 may be more relevant to human hepatocarcinogenesis; however, no previous studies have supported this hypothesis.
Fascin-1 expression correlates with repression of E-cadherin expression in hepatocellular carcinoma cells and augments their invasiveness in combinationwith matrix metalloproteinases. PDF
abstract
Expression of fascin-1, an actin bundling protein, is a poor prognostic factor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its biological role in HCC cells remains unclear. Using human HCC tissues and cell lines HLE, Hep3B, and Huh7, we investigated whether fascin-1 is involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and increases invasiveness, thus serving as a promoter of cancer aggressiveness.
Cancer invasion and metastasis （癌浸潤・転移）
Evaluation of Clinical and Immunohistochemical Factors Relating to Melanoma Metastasis: Potential Roles of Nestin and Fascin in Melanoma. PDF
abstract
For melanoma treatment, an early diagnosis and a complete resection of the primary tumor is essential. In addition, detection of factors that may be related to metastasis is indispensable. A total of 30 Japanese patients with Stage I or II melanoma, diagnosed according to the classification of the American Joint Committee on Cancer, are included in this study.