Download Cancer cells have characteristic shapes that are easily distinguished

FUNDING PROGRAM FOR NEXT GENERATION WORLD-LEADING RESEARCHERS
Project Title: Molecular assembly of mesoscale membrane structures for cancer development
Name: Shiro SUETSUGU
Institution: The University of Tokyo
1. Background of research
Cancer cells have characteristic shapes that are easily distinguished from normal cells. These abnormal
shapes of cancer cells are thought to derived from the alteration in plasma membrane mesoscale structures
such as clathrin coated pit, caveolae, filopodia, lamellipodia, and podosomes. These mesoscale membrane
structures are described as the assembly of tens to hundreds of proteins and thousands of lipids but have not
been described enough.
2. Research objectives
The aim of this research is to elucidate the molecular assembly of mesoscale structures involved in cancer, that
will give insight for understanding cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis.
3. Research characteristics (incl. originality and creativity)
This study integrates cell biology, biochemistry, and structural biology for understanding the molecular
assembly of mesoscale structures.
4. Anticipated effects and future applications of research
The understanding of molecular assembly based on protein structures will provide the idea for drug design and
novel cancer therapy.