Kyushu University · Medicine
Professor Toshifumi Fujiwara's research lab focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression and bone metabolism, with a particular emphasis on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in drug resistance and tumor microenvironment modulation, and the regulation of lysosomal trafficking in osteoclasts. The lab investigates how signaling molecules such as EGFR and RAB7 effectors like PLEKHM1 and DEF8 influence disease pathogenesis, especially in cancer and osteopetrosis. Additionally, the lab explores the translational implications of these pathways in therapeutic targeting and clinical outcomes, including prognosis in severe rheumatoid arthritis. These studies integrate cell biology, molecular signaling, and clinical data to uncover novel mechanisms and biomarkers in oncology and bone disorders.
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
Overexpression and increased signaling from the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) often changes oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and thus EGFR is frequently targeted molecularly by the therapeutic antibody cetuximab. We assessed the roles of OSCC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes in the trafficking of cetuximab and in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of epithelial cells. OSCC cells abundantly expressed EGFR, which was secreted from cells with OSCC-EVs upon
Mutations of the <i>Plekhm1</i> gene in humans and rats cause osteopetrosis, an inherited bone disease characterized by diminished bone resorption by osteoclasts. PLEKHM1 binds to RAB7 and is critical for lysosome trafficking. However, the molecular mechanisms by which PLEKHM1 regulates lysosomal pathways remain unknown. Here, we generated germline and conditional <i>Plekhm1</i>-deficient mice. These mice displayed no overt abnormalities in major organs, except for an increase in trabecular bone
Genetic amplification, overexpression, and increased signaling from the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are often found in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and thus EGFR is frequently targeted molecularly by the therapeutic antibody cetuximab. We assessed effects of cetuximab in control of EGF-driven malignant traits of OSCC cells. EGF stimulation promoted progression level of mesenchymal traits in OSCC cells, which were attenuated by cetuximab but incompletely. We pursued a potential
The Musashi family of RNA-binding proteins, Musashi1 and Musashi2, regulate self-renewal and differentiation of neuronal and hematopoietic stem cells by modulating protein translation. It has been recently reported that Musashi2, not Musashi1, regulates hematopoietic stem cells. Although osteoclasts are derived from hematopoietic cells, the expression and functions of Musashi proteins in osteoclast lineage cells remain unknown. In this study, we have uncovered that Musashi2 is the predominant is
Tumor prostheses for the lower limb following resection of musculoskeletal tumors is useful limb salvage management; however, as compared with routine total joint replacement, an increased incidence of deep periprosthetic infection of tumor prosthesis has been observed. The risk factors for periprosthetic infection of tumor prosthesis remain unclear. This study examines the risk factors and outcomes of periprosthetic infection. This was a retrospective observational study including 121 patients
Our study demonstrated that the nonuse of csDMARDs, high updated CCI, elevated APACHE II score, and coagulation abnormalities predicted poorer prognosis in RA patients admitted to the ICU.
<b>Objectives:</b> This study retrospectively investigated the mid-term outcome of Legacy constrained condylar knee (LCCK) prosthesis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) having severe varus/valgus deformity, instability, and/or bone loss. <b>Methods:</b> Between January 2000 and December 2015, LCCK prostheses had been performed in 32 knees of 25 patients with RA, and 23 knees of 17 patients of the postoperative follow-up minimum 2 years were analyzed in this study (Primary: 14 knees, Revi
In this study, patient satisfaction in terms of cost, treatment effect, ADL, and overall treatment was generally higher, but some patients were dissatisfied. The cost of satisfaction increased with age and a history of musculoskeletal surgery, while it decreased with a lower EQ5D score and the use of b/tsDMARDs.
Open papers in the app to read, cite, and organize with AI.