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Updated: Jul 22, 2025
A Mouse Model for Laser-induced Choroidal Neovascularization
Published on: December 27, 2015
Intravitreal CendR peptides target laser-induced choroidal neovascularization sites in mice
Jooseppi Puranen1, Sonja Korhonen1, Maarja Haugas2
1School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, 70210 Kuopio, Finland.
Abstract:
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a common ocular pathology that may be associated in a variety of eye diseases. Although intravitreal injection treatment of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs shows significant clinical benefits in CNV treatment, the limitations of the current therapy need to be addressed. The aim of our study was to investigate the potential utility of three C-end Rule (CendR) peptides (RPARPAR, PL3, iRGD) for CNV targeting and to evaluate the efficacy of peptides for treating experimental CNV in mice. We observed that the CendR peptides localize to the CNV lesion sites after intravitreal injection and were mainly found in the outer nuclear cell layer (ONL) of the mouse retina. Interestingly, experimental therapy with tenascin-C (TNC-C) and neuropilin-1 (NRP-1)-targeting PL3 peptide, reduced angiogenesis and decreased vascular leakage. The results suggest that PL3 and potentially other CendR peptides could serve as affinity targeting ligands and therapeutics for ocular diseases that involve pathological CNV.
Insights
New C-end Rule (CendR) peptides show promise for targeting choroidal neovascularization (CNV). The PL3 peptide effectively reduced angiogenesis and vascular leakage in experimental models, suggesting potential as novel therapeutics for CNV-related eye diseases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a significant cause of vision loss.
- Current anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapies for CNV have limitations.
- Targeted delivery of therapeutics to CNV lesions is an area of active research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the targeting potential of three C-end Rule (CendR) peptides (RPARPAR, PL3, iRGD) in experimental CNV.
- To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of these CendR peptides in a mouse model of CNV.
- To assess the localization and effects of CendR peptides within the retinal layers.
Main Methods:
- Intravitreal injection of CendR peptides in a mouse model of laser-induced CNV.
- Localization studies using fluorescence microscopy to determine peptide distribution in retinal tissues.
- Assessment of anti-angiogenic and anti-vascular leakage effects of peptide therapy.
Main Results:
- CendR peptides successfully localized to CNV lesion sites after intravitreal injection.
- Peptides were predominantly found in the outer nuclear cell layer (ONL) of the retina.
- The PL3 peptide, targeting tenascin-C (TNC-C) and neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), significantly reduced angiogenesis and vascular leakage.
Conclusions:
- CendR peptides demonstrate effective targeting of CNV lesions in the retina.
- The PL3 peptide exhibits therapeutic potential by inhibiting angiogenesis and vascular leakage.
- CendR peptides represent a promising class of ligands and therapeutics for ocular diseases characterized by pathological CNV.
