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Leveraging Nuclear Receptors as Targets for Pathological Ocular Vascular Diseases
Pei-Li Yao1, Jeremy Peavey1, Goldis Malek1,2
1Duke Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27503, USA.
Abstract:
Vasculogenesis and angiogenesis are physiological mechanisms occurring throughout the body. Any disruption to the precise balance of blood vessel growth necessary to support healthy tissue, and the inhibition of abnormal vessel sprouting has the potential to negatively impact stages of development and/or healing. Therefore, the identification of key regulators of these vascular processes is critical to identifying therapeutic means by which to target vascular-associated compromises and complications. Nuclear receptors are a family of transcription factors that have been shown to be involved in modulating different aspects of vascular biology in many tissues systems. Most recently, the role of nuclear receptors in ocular biology and vasculopathies has garnered interest. Herein, we review studies that have used in vitro assays and in vivo models to investigate nuclear receptor-driven pathways in two ocular vascular diseases associated with blindness, wet or exudative age-related macular degeneration, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The potential therapeutic targeting of nuclear receptors for ocular diseases is also discussed.
Insights
Nuclear receptors regulate blood vessel growth, impacting development and healing. Targeting these receptors offers potential therapies for blinding eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
Area of Science:
- Vascular biology
- Ocular biology
- Molecular medicine
Background:
- Vasculogenesis and angiogenesis are crucial for tissue health, but disruptions can impair development and healing.
- Abnormal blood vessel growth is implicated in various diseases, necessitating identification of regulatory mechanisms.
- Nuclear receptors are transcription factors influencing vascular biology, with emerging interest in ocular applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of nuclear receptors in ocular vascular diseases.
- To explore nuclear receptor-driven pathways in wet age-related macular degeneration and proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting nuclear receptors for eye conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of in vitro assays and in vivo models investigating nuclear receptor functions.
- Analysis of studies focusing on nuclear receptor involvement in ocular vasculopathies.
- Synthesis of current research on therapeutic strategies targeting nuclear receptors in ophthalmology.
Main Results:
- Nuclear receptors significantly modulate vascular processes in ocular tissues.
- Specific nuclear receptor pathways are implicated in the pathogenesis of wet age-related macular degeneration and proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
- Evidence suggests nuclear receptors are viable therapeutic targets for these blinding conditions.
Conclusions:
- Nuclear receptors play a critical role in regulating ocular vascularization.
- Targeting nuclear receptors presents a promising therapeutic avenue for treating blinding eye diseases.
- Further research into nuclear receptor-driven pathways can advance treatments for vascular complications in the eye.
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