Hokudai University. Japan: Conjunctiva is the tissue that covers the surface of the eye, and is
the first line of defense against pathogens from the outside. This
defense mechanism is an immune mechanism controlled by the conjunctival
lymphoid, which activates lymphocyte type B-cells, T-cells, and
dendritic cells, when a pathogen is detected. The most frequent tissue
type of malignant lymphoma on conjunctiva is extranodal marginal zone
B-cell lymphoma, which is observed in 7% of cases of non-Hodgkin’s
B-cell lymphoma4).
The research team of Professor Susumu Ishida, Specially Appointed
Lecturer Atsuhiro Kanda, Graduate Student Erdal Tan Ishizuka, and others
of Department of Ophthalmology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of
Medicine, clearly identified for the first time that tissue
renin-angiotensin system is involved in the fibrosis and metastasis of
conjunctival extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma, and (pro) renin
receptor which is located upstream is an important key molecule in human
tissue. This research achievement is expected to greatly contribute to
future drug discovery research, since it clearly identifies the target
for new pharmacological therapy. Furthermore, this study was carried out
as a part of “The Matching Program for Innovations in Future Drug
Discovery and Medical Care” (Hokkaido University) under the Creation of
Innovation for Advanced Interdisciplinary Areas Program of Ministry of
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
Key Points
・ (Pro) renin receptor1)and the renin-angiotensin system2)were
discovered to be important pathological factors in the control of the
disease condition of conjunctival extranodal marginal zone B-cell
lymphoma3)
・We identified (pro) renin receptor and the renin-angiotensin system as promising molecular targets for drug development.
Note 1) (Pro) renin receptor: Functions to activate
the receptor itself and promote the renin-angiotensin system by binding
with prorenin.
Note 2) Renin-angiotensin system (RAS): One of the
blood pressure control mechanisms, which consists from enzymes to
degrade proteins and to adjust blood pressure. Produced in kidney.
Note 3) Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma: A
kind of lymphoma, which generally occurs in periocular tissue such as
the conjunctiva and lachrymal gland. Prognosis is better than general
lymphoma occurring in the eyeball, but within the adnexa oculi, it is
comparatively often occurring malignant lymphoma.
Note 4) Non-Hodgkin’s B-cell lymphoma: A malignant type of lymphoma. Cells of whole body in lymph tissue become malignant.