1.Research Summary

In the field of medical oncology, basic and clinical research is conducted on cancer drug therapies, particularly molecular-targeted agents, which go beyond the boundaries of each organ system in medicine. We also conduct research on organ regeneration.

2.Research Groups

• This department is not divided into separate research groups.

3.Basic Research Group

Research subjects

Research on molecular markers for molecular-targeted agents for the treatment of lung cancer
Research on molecular markers for molecular-targeted agents for the treatment of colon cancer
Analysis of Keap1-nrf2 system abnormalities in solid tumors
Research on lung regeneration using iPS cells

4.Research Results

[Area] Medical Oncology
[Research subject] nrf2 activation by keap1 methylation in colon cancer cells
[Description] Keap1 regulates nrf2 activation to protect cells from oxidative stress. In lung cancer cells, keap1 and nrf2 gene abnormalities have been identified. Assays of colon cancer cell lines revealed no keap1 or nrf2 gene abnormalities but showed nrf2 activation with methylation of the keap1 promoter region. It was demonstrated that this nrf2 activation promotes proliferation and causes treatment resistance in colon cancer cells. Currently, research is ongoing to develop treatments targeting the keap1-nrf2 system.	Photographs]

Please see the Medical Oncology website for a detailed description of our research.