Penicophenone F from an Arctic Fungus Against UVB-Induced Corneal Damage via Inhibiting the ROS-EphA2 Pathway

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Molecular Biology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation causes significant corneal injury.
• The molecular mechanisms of UVB-induced corneal damage are not fully understood.
• This limits the development of effective treatments for corneal diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the molecular pathway of UVB-induced corneal damage.
• To identify and develop a novel therapeutic agent for UVB-induced corneal injury.
• To investigate the therapeutic potential of Penicophenone F (PP-F) against UVB damage.

Main Methods:

• Investigated the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and EphA2 activation in UVB-induced corneal damage.
• Screened and identified Penicophenone F (PP-F) from the Arctic fungus *Penicillium* sp. MYA5.
• Conducted in vitro and in vivo experiments to evaluate PP-F's therapeutic effects.

Main Results:

• UVB exposure increases ROS and activates EphA2, leading to DNA damage and photoaging in corneal cells.
• PP-F counteracts UVB damage by modulating ROS, inhibiting EphA2 activation, and promoting DNA repair.
• PP-F upregulates IRF6 and activates the cGAS pathway, enhancing antioxidant defenses and restoring corneal barrier integrity.

Conclusions:

• UVB-induced corneal damage involves ROS burst and aberrant EphA2 activation.
• Penicophenone F (PP-F) is a potential therapeutic agent for UVB-induced corneal damage.
• PP-F demonstrates dual mechanisms involving antioxidant effects and cGAS pathway activation for corneal protection.