Professor Masaya Baba

“This research will provide the basis for the development of more effective BHD kidney cancer-specific therapeutics with fewer side effects.”                                             

Professor Masaya Baba
Associate Professor
Kumamoto University, Japan

CRISPR/Cas9 mediated unbiased genome wide screening to target both tumour cell autonomous and tumour microenvironmental factors in FLCN deficient RCC cells

Research Summary

Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome predisposes patients to develop lung cysts, benign skin tumors and Kidney Cancer. I am particularly interested in Kidney Cancer, because I used to see Kidney Cancer patients as a urologist. Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome is caused by mutation in the FLCN gene. So, we have been working to clarify how FLCN deficiency leads to the development of Kidney Cancer. FLCN deficient cells are known to exhibit alteration in gene expression, enzyme activity and cellular metabolism. Despite these important findings, key molecules to target for BHD kidney cancer therapy have not been identified.

In this research project, we will identify molecules and signaling pathways that are specifically essential for FLCN-deficient cells to survive and to form clinically significant tumours. To achieve this goal, we will conduct genome-wide searches for genes that are necessary for tumour formation in FLCN-deficient tissues using state-of-the-art technology. This research will provide the basis for the development of more effective BHD kidney cancer-specific therapeutics with fewer side effects.