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Updated: Jul 18, 2025
In Vivo Multimodal Imaging and Analysis of Mouse Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization Model
Published on: January 21, 2018
Identification of Potential Therapeutic Targets for Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization via Discovery-Driven Data
Junhan Chen1,2, Shin-Ichi Ikeda1,2, Kazuno Negishi2
1Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Purpose: Myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) is a prevalent cause of vision loss. However, the development of effective therapeutic targets for mCNV has been hindered by the paucity of suitable animal models. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify potential genes and pathways associated with mCNV and to unearth prospective therapeutic targets that can be utilized to devise efficacious treatments.Methods: Text data mining was used to identify genes linked to choroid, neovascularization, and myopia. g: Profiler was utilized to analyze the biological processes of gene ontology and the Reactome pathways. Protein interaction network analysis was performed using strings and visualized in Cytoscape. MCODE and cytoHubba were used for further screening.Results: Discovery-driven text data mining identified 55 potential genes related to choroid, neovascularization, and myopia. Gene enrichment analysis revealed 11 biological processes and seven Reactome pathways. A protein-protein interaction network with 47 nodes was constructed and analyzed using centrality ranking. Key clusters were identified through algorithm tools. Finally, 14 genes (IL6, FGF2, MMP9, IL10, TNF, MMP2, HGF, MMP3, IGF1, CCL2, CTNNB1, BDNF, NGF, and EDN1), in addition to VEGFA, were evaluated as targets with potential as future therapeutics.Conclusions: This study provides new potential therapeutic targets for mCNV, including IL6, FGF2, MMP9, IL10, TNF, MMP2, HGF, MMP3, IGF1, CCL2, CTNNB1, BDNF, NGF, and EDN1, which correspond to seven potential enriched pathways. These findings provide a basis for further research and offer new possibilities for developing therapeutic interventions for this condition.
Insights
This study identifies 14 key genes, including IL6 and FGF2, as potential therapeutic targets for myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV), a major cause of vision loss. These targets are linked to seven enriched pathways, offering new treatment possibilities.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) is a leading cause of vision impairment.
- Lack of suitable animal models impedes the development of effective mCNV therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genes and pathways associated with mCNV.
- To uncover potential therapeutic targets for mCNV treatment.
Main Methods:
- Text data mining to identify myopia, choroid, and neovascularization-related genes.
- Gene enrichment analysis (Gene Ontology, Reactome pathways).
- Protein-protein interaction network analysis (STRING, Cytoscape, MCODE, cytoHubba).
Main Results:
- Identified 55 potential genes and 11 biological processes.
- Revealed seven enriched Reactome pathways.
- Highlighted 14 genes (e.g., IL6, FGF2, MMP9) and VEGFA as promising therapeutic targets.
Conclusions:
- This research proposes novel therapeutic targets for mCNV.
- Identified targets are associated with seven enriched pathways, providing a foundation for future research.
- Findings offer new avenues for developing effective mCNV interventions.
