We investigated the mechanism by which 5-FU is effective on the tumor with LINE-1 hypomethylation. LINE-1 expression status is not associated with tumor sensitivity to 5-FU. Chromatin structure looses in the tumor with LINE-1 hypomethylation. Colorectal cancer cell with loosed chromatin is more sensitive to 5-FU compared to one with condensed chromatin. The results suggest that the association between LINE-1 hypomethylation and chromatin structure underlies mechanism of anticancer activity of 5-FU. Knockdown of LINE-1 expression results in suppression of cancer growth. Many anticancer drugs inhibit LINE-1 expression, suggesting that suppression of LINE-1 might be one of mechanism by which 5-FU and other anticancer drugs shows synergistic effect. These findings could be important for achieving personalized chemotherapy and developing novel strategy using 5-FU.
ヒトの主要なレトロポゾンであるLINE-1が低メチル化により活性化している大腸がんにおいて、5-FUの効果が高いメカニズムを解析した。その結果、LINE-1の発現自体は直接5-FUの効果に影響を与えておらず、LINE-1の低メチル化によりクロマチン構造が弛緩することが5-FUの効果に関与していると判明した。LINE-1の発現亢進は細胞障害よりもむしろ細胞増殖に関与しており、5-FUとの併用効果を認める抗がん剤ではLINE-1の発現を抑制することが抗腫瘍効果発現メカニズムの1つであると示唆された。