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Author Spotlight: A Novel Protocol for Intracameral Injections to Enhance Precision in Rodent Ophthalmology
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Shikonin as a therapeutic agent in renal cell carcinoma: insights from TEK-related causal association with glaucoma

Ruyue Jia1,2, Yiran Liang3, Benkui Zou1

  • 1Department of Urology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China.

Frontiers in Pharmacology
|August 14, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Glaucoma may causally influence renal cell carcinoma (RCC) development. Targeting the TEK gene with shikonin shows promise for treating this cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) incidence is rising.
  • Glaucoma shares systemic mechanisms like oxidative stress with cancers.
  • Investigating shared pathways may reveal novel therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine a potential causal link between glaucoma and RCC.
  • To explore molecular connections between the two diseases.
  • To identify therapeutic targets for RCC based on glaucoma-related pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Two-step Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis utilized genetic data from GWAS Catalog, FinnGen, and NHANES.
  • Gene expression analysis identified glaucoma-related genes in RCC.
  • Molecular docking and functional assays assessed shikonin's impact on TEK and AKT/mTOR signaling.

Main Results:

  • MR analysis confirmed a significant causal relationship between glaucoma and RCC.
  • The glaucoma-related gene TEK was found to be downregulated in RCC and associated with advanced disease.
  • Shikonin treatment upregulated TEK, inhibited RCC cell proliferation and migration, and suppressed AKT/mTOR phosphorylation.

Conclusions:

  • Glaucoma-associated genes play a role in RCC development and progression.
  • Shikonin demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent targeting the TEK/AKT/mTOR axis in RCC.
Keywords:
Mendelian randomization (MR)NHANESTEKgene expressionglaucomarenal cell carcinoma (RCC)shikonin

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