Professor Misuzu K. Seo
■Area and Subject Taught:Molecular and Cell Biology, Cell Signaling
■Research Theme(s):Regulation of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation by
Growth Factors and Cell Signaling
■Academic Degrees:Ph. D. (Pharmaceutical Sciences)
■Keywords for Research Field:Cancer Molecular Target Therapy,
Angiogenesis, Neurogenesis, VEGF, FGF, Kallmann syndrome, Anosmin-1
[Research Overview]
Cancer Molecular Target Therapy- Angiogenesis
Why do cancers become malignant (likely to cause death) and spread (metastasize) around the body? Because cancer cells secrete cell proliferation factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) that cause vascular endothelial cells to congregate in cancer tissue and induce new blood vessels (angiogenesis). As a result of being supplied with fresh nutrients and oxygen via these blood vessels, the cancer cells undergo dramatic growth and infiltrate the blood vessels, spreading to different organs. We are investigating the molecular mechanisms whereby cancer cells secrete VEGF and FGF and stimulate endothelial cells to form new blood vessels into the cancer tissue. Specifically, our research focuses on the question of whether or how VEGF and FGF help endothelial cells and cancer cells to survive and proliferate, and how signals (information) are transmitted to the nucleus after angiogenesis factors are accepted by receptors on the cell surface. In addition, VEGF and FGF induce the survival and differentiation of neurons. Our contributions in these research fields are expected to lead to the development of regenerative therapies, which are currently the center of attention, as well as novel cancer treatments.
Molecular Neuroscience- Kallmann syndrome
