Human carbonic anhydrase modulators: the past, present, and future
Simone Giovannuzzi1, Claudiu T Supuran1
1NEUROFARBA Department, Section of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.
Trends in Pharmacological Sciences
|August 7, 2025
Summary
Human carbonic anhydrases (hCAs) are enzymes with therapeutic potential beyond glaucoma. Research is expanding their use for obesity, inflammation, tumors, and neurodegeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Human carbonic anhydrases (hCAs) are metalloenzymes historically linked to ocular and renal conditions.
- Current antiglaucoma and diuretic drugs target hCAs, but their therapeutic scope is broader.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolving understanding of hCA modulators.
- To highlight hCA dysregulation in diverse pathologies.
- To discuss therapeutic development progress.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of hCA research.
- Analysis of hCA roles in various diseases.
- Examination of therapeutic strategies targeting hCAs.
Main Results:
- hCA modulators show potential in obesity, inflammation, hypoxic tumors, neurodegeneration, and neuropathic pain.
- Dysregulation of CAs is implicated in numerous diseases.
- Significant progress has been made in developing hCA modulators for therapeutic applications.
Conclusions:
- hCA modulators represent a promising therapeutic avenue for a wide range of diseases.
- Further research into hCA modulation is warranted for novel treatment strategies.
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