Translational Research: Bridging bench (lab-based research) and bedside (the clinical setting)
Introduction of Research by Division of Clinical Physiology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University
Professor Yutaka Hattori
The Hattori Laboratory in the Division of Clinical Physiology and Therapeutics at Keio University focuses on "Translational research", a process of taking the fruits of basic biomedical research and applying them to the clinical setting, as well as the reverse, to identify clinical issues such as incurable diseases, and to elucidate relevant disease mechanisms in the laboratory in "reverse translational research".
“We are currently working on cancer, the number 1 cause of death in Japan. There are various types of cancer and our particular focus is hematological cancers, also known as hematopoietic malignancies.”
The most common hematopoietic malignancies are leukemia and malignant lymphomas. With modern medicine, approximately 50% or more can be cured with the use of drugs. However, multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndrome are still considered incurable diseases that modern medical techniques are powerless to treat. The Hattori Laboratory is currently conducting research aimed at elucidating the pathogenesis of these diseases and developing potential pharmacotherapies.
“Thalidomide, notorious for its serious adverse effects, is now known to be effective in treating multiple myeloma. We have discovered the molecular basis for why thalidomide is effective against cancer, and also why it causes congenital anomalies and other adverse drug reactions. If thalidomide binds to the molecule here, it is effective against cancer, but if it binds to a different molecule, then it can cause deformities. If we understand these properties, then by changing thalidomide's molecular structure it should be possible to design an anticancer drug that does not cause deformities or show adverse effects. In fact, in a joint research project, we have developed an ideal compound and are currently studying it.”
The Hattori laboratory has many cancer cell lines, particularly those of hematopoietic malignancies, allowing us to study these cells in great detail. Although various cells may all cause the same type of cancer, some cell lines only progress slowly, while other cancer cell lines are highly malignant and the cancer progresses very rapidly. We compare these various cancer cells to study their differences on a genetic and protein level, and research and elucidate cellular morphology as well.
“In order to overcome difficult-to-treat cancers, we have been involved in elucidating the pathogenesis of cancers and developing drugs, but in actuality, things are not always so straightforward. In addition to pharmacotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy, cancer treatment includes another approach to therapy. Another alternative is using immunity to fight cancer. We still have too few chess pieces to try and conquer all cancers with chemotherapy alone. This is why we are also investigating immunotherapeutic approaches to cancer treatment in our laboratory.”