Pharmacological PTEN inhibition: potential clinical applications and effects in tissue regeneration
Gabriel A Borges1,2, Liana P Webber1, Ana Elizia M Marques1,2
1Laboratory of Epithelial Biology, Department of Periodontics & Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA.
Abstract:
Although the human body can heal, it takes time, and slow healing and chronic wounds often occur. Thus, identifying novel therapies to aid regeneration is needed. Here, we conducted a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews guidelines and assessed preclinical studies on phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) inhibitors and their effects on tissue repair and regeneration. In conditions associated with neurodegeneration, tissue injury and ischemia, the PTEN-regulated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is activated. The use of PTEN inhibitors resulted in better tissue response by reducing the healing time and lesion sizes or inducing neuronal regeneration. Notably, all studies included in this systematic review indicated that pharmacological inhibition of PTEN enhanced the repair process of the eye, lung, muscle and nervous system.
Insights
Novel therapies are needed for chronic wounds. This review found that phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) inhibitors enhance tissue regeneration and reduce healing times in preclinical models.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The human body's natural healing process can be slow, leading to chronic wounds and the need for novel regenerative therapies.
- The phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) pathway plays a critical role in cellular processes, including tissue repair and regeneration.
- Dysregulation of the PTEN-PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is implicated in conditions like neurodegeneration, tissue injury, and ischemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review preclinical studies on the efficacy of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) inhibitors in promoting tissue repair and regeneration.
- To assess the impact of PTEN inhibition on healing times and lesion sizes across various tissue types.
- To evaluate the potential of PTEN inhibitors as a therapeutic strategy for enhancing regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines.
- Inclusion of preclinical studies investigating the effects of PTEN inhibitors on tissue repair and regeneration.
- Analysis of studies focusing on conditions involving neurodegeneration, tissue injury, and ischemia.
Main Results:
- Pharmacological inhibition of PTEN demonstrated a positive effect on tissue repair across multiple studies.
- PTEN inhibitors were associated with reduced healing times and smaller lesion sizes.
- Studies indicated that PTEN inhibition promoted neuronal regeneration.
- Enhanced repair processes were observed in the eye, lung, muscle, and nervous system following PTEN inhibition.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacological inhibition of PTEN is a promising therapeutic strategy for enhancing tissue repair and regeneration.
- PTEN inhibitors show potential for accelerating healing and improving outcomes in various tissue types, including neural tissue.
- Further research into PTEN-targeted therapies could lead to novel treatments for chronic wounds and degenerative conditions.
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