Theragen Bio is a joint research project of Gilo Research Institute, Yonsei University, University of Tsukuba, Japan, and MedPacto, published in the July issue of ‘Nature Communications (IF: 17.694)’, an online sister journal of the world-renowned academic journal ‘Nature’. It was reported that it was published in .
The results of this study, led by Gilo Research Institute (hereinafter referred to as Gilo), a foundation where MedPacto CEO Kim Seong-jin also serves as the director of the research institute, show that the MAST4 protein determines the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) into cartilage cells or bone cells. It was identified that it is a key protein.
The results of this study are significant in that, for the first time in the world, a Korean research team discovered a new protein (MAST4) that plays an important role in research on the treatment of various cartilage and bone losses, such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis, which are chronic incurable bone and joint diseases in the aging era. In other words, it was discovered that the MAST4 protein suppresses cartilage differentiation while promoting bone differentiation, proving for the first time in the world that in the absence of the MAST4 protein, MSCs differentiate into chondrocytes, and when the MAST4 protein increases, MSCs differentiate into osteocytes. It was done.
The research team also confirmed that cartilage differentiation and production of mesenchymal stem cells were promoted when stem cells lacking the MAST4 protein were inoculated and transplanted subcutaneously into mice. In addition, in a rabbit cartilage damage treatment model, it was confirmed that damaged cartilage tissue was completely regenerated when human-derived bone marrow cells deficient in the MAST4 protein were transplanted.
MSCs have low immunogenicity, so both autologous or homologous cells can be used, making it easy to secure cells. Since the MSCs can be transplanted after simply removing the MAST4 protein gene with genetic scissors, it has the potential to be a groundbreaking treatment for cartilage regeneration. It is expected to greatly contribute to the field of regenerative medicine.
In this joint research, Dr. Hong Chang-pyo of Theragen Bio was responsible for proving through transcriptome data analysis that MAST4 is regulated by TGF-Β and Wnt signaling. Dr. Changpyo Hong said, “This paper discovers the MAST4 protein, an important central mediator of previously known TGF-Β and Wnt signaling, and newly unravels the connection between the bone and cartilage differentiation process.” He added, “It will be used for the treatment and regeneration of osteoarticular diseases in the future. “It is expected that it will significantly contribute to the advancement of medicine.”
Meanwhile, Nature Communications is a peer-reviewed, open access, SCI-level scientific journal of global status published by Nature Research since 2010. It presents major research results in natural sciences, including physics, chemistry, earth science, medicine, and biology.
Source: Pangyo Techno Valley Official Newsroom
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