{"id":370,"date":"2026-09-21T08:31:17","date_gmt":"2026-09-21T08:31:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.m.ehime-u.ac.jp\/school\/epcrc\/?page_id=370"},"modified":"2026-09-21T09:45:31","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T09:45:31","slug":"other-research-projects","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.m.ehime-u.ac.jp\/school\/epcrc\/en\/research-themes\/other-research-projects\/","title":{"rendered":"Other Research Projects"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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patial Characterization of the Molecular Landscape of TSC-AML<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)<\/strong> is a hereditary disorder caused by alterations in the TSC1\/TSC2 genes<\/strong> and is frequently associated with renal angiomyolipoma (AML).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We perform spatial transcriptomic analyses of TSC-associated AML (TSC-AML)<\/strong> to characterize molecular heterogeneity within the tumor and its microenvironment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By comparing TSC-AML with sporadic AML and renal cell carcinoma, we aim to identify molecular features specific to TSC-AML and translate these findings into novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000Watanabe et al. Sci. Rep. 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How Do Cancer Cells Change Their Phenotype?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A subset of urothelial carcinomas undergoes basal\/squamous differentiation<\/strong> during tumor progression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using spatial transcriptomic analysis, we investigate the molecular changes associated with the transition from conventional urothelial carcinoma to squamous differentiation and identified Galectin-7 (LGALS7)<\/strong> as a characteristic molecule associated with this phenotype.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are currently investigating the potential of Galectin-7 as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000\u3000Haga, Watanabe et al. Discover Oncology 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Extending Technologies Developed in Prostate Cancer Research to Other Diseases<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We apply technologies established through our prostate cancer research\u2014including single-cell analysis, spatial transcriptomics, and molecular pathology<\/strong>\u2014to a broad range of diseases, including renal cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By exploring molecular mechanisms that transcend individual diseases and organs, we aim to translate these approaches into the discovery of novel diagnostic methods and therapeutic targets<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Related Publications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Spatial gene expression profiling reveals the distinct microenvironment of tuberous sclerosis complex-associated angiomyolipoma<\/strong>
Watanabe R, Fukumoto T, Miura N, Kurata M, Kitazawa R, Kikugawa T, Saika T.
Sci Rep. 2025 Nov 27;15(1):42470.<\/em>
PMID: 41309810<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spatial transcriptomics of urothelial carcinoma with basal\/squamous differentiation identifies Galectin-7 as a specific marker of squamous lineage commitment<\/strong>
Haga S, Watanabe R, Kurata M, Miura N, Liu S, Kikugawa T, Kitazawa R, Mogi M, Saika T.
Discov Oncol. 2026 Mar 31;17(1):722.<\/em>
PMID: 41917522<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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