Profile

Department of Molecular Biosciences
Faculty of Life Sciences
Kyoto Sangyo University
Division of Life Sciences (Molecular Biosciences)
Division of Engineering (Biotechnology)

Professor（Ph.D.）
Doctor of Pharmaceutical Science（Kyoto Univ）
 E-mail: mseo@cc.kyoto-su.ac.jp
 Tel :075-705-1488
 Fax :075-705-1488

Research Objective

Exploration of therapeutic target molecules and identification of the mechanisms for neural disease and cancer

Solid tumor growth in animals and in man is accompanied by neovascularization called angiogenesis. New capillary growth is elicited by a diffusible factor such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) generated by malignant tumor cells. There is evidence that overexpression of VEGF and FGF correlate poor prognosis. We are investigating the molecular mechanisms whereby VEGF and FGF mediate tumor progression. Anti-VEGF antibodies (such as Avastin) have received much attention lately for their ability to block tumor angiogenesis and prolong the life of cancer patients. Neuropilins (NRP1 and NRP2) are receptors for the VEGF family of angiogenesis stimulators. Previously, it was shown that VEGFs act via VEGF receptor tyrosine kinases, but it now appears that VEGF activity is also modulated by NRPs, which have no kinase activity. We focus on developing new antitumor agents, which target the VEGF/NRPs and/or FGF mediated cell signaling in malignant tumor cells.　

Research Area

Cell Growth Factors, Axonal Guidance Molecules, Cell Signaling, Cancer, Neuron, Growth, Defferentiation

History

Others