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Ung TT, Starr CR, Zhylkibayev A, Saltykova I, Gorbatyuk M. Development of TRIB3-Based Therapy as a Gene-Independent Approach to Treat Retinal Degenerative Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4716. [PMID: 38731938 PMCID: PMC11083933 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal degeneration (RD) constitutes a heterogeneous group of genetic retinal degenerative disorders. The molecular mechanisms underlying RD encompass a diverse spectrum of cellular signaling, with the unfolded protein response (UPR) identified as a common signaling pathway chronically activated in degenerating retinas. TRIB3 has been recognized as a key mediator of the PERK UPR arm, influencing various metabolic pathways, such as insulin signaling, lipid metabolism, and glucose homeostasis, by acting as an AKT pseudokinase that prevents the activation of the AKT → mTOR axis. This study aimed to develop a gene-independent approach targeting the UPR TRIB3 mediator previously tested by our group using a genetic approach in mice with RD. The goal was to validate a therapeutic approach targeting TRIB3 interactomes through the pharmacological targeting of EGFR-TRIB3 and delivering cell-penetrating peptides targeting TRIB3 → AKT. The study employed rd10 and P23H RHO mice, with afatinib treatment conducted in p15 rd10 mice through daily intraperitoneal injections. P15 P23H RHO mice received intraocular injections of cell-penetrating peptides twice at a 2-week interval. Our study revealed that both strategies successfully targeted TRIB3 interactomes, leading to an improvement in scotopic A- and B-wave ERG recordings. Additionally, the afatinib-treated mice manifested enhanced photopic ERG amplitudes accompanied by a delay in photoreceptor cell loss. The treated rd10 retinas also showed increased PDE6β and RHO staining, along with an elevation in total PDE activity in the retinas. Consequently, our study demonstrated the feasibility of a gene-independent strategy to target common signaling in degenerating retinas by employing a TRIB3-based therapeutic approach that delays retinal function and photoreceptor cell loss in two RD models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Marina Gorbatyuk
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (T.T.U.); (C.R.S.); (A.Z.)
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Li L, Guo Y, Lu Y, Xu Y, Lu Y, Zhu X, Dong X, Che J. An updated patent review of AKT inhibitors (2020 - present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:549-564. [PMID: 37864349 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2273895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Protein kinase B (Akt), an essential protein in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, plays a crucial role in tumor progression. Over the past two years, different types of Akt modulators have continued to emerge in the patent literature. AREAS COVERED This review focuses on the patent literature covering small molecule inhibitors, peptides, PROTACs, and antisense nucleic acids targetingAkt from 2020 to present. Also, we discuss the outcomes of several clinical trials, combination strategies for different mechanisms, and the application of Akt regulators in other non-oncology indications.Our search for relevant information was conducted using various databases, including the European Patent Office, SciFinder, andPubMed, from 01.2020 to 04.2023. EXPERT OPINION In recent years, some combination therapeutic strategies involvingAkt inhibitors have shown promising clinical outcomes. Future research can be directed toward developing new applications of Akt inhibitors, which may have implications for other diseases beyond cancer. New attempts suggest that targeting allosteric sites may be a potential solution to the problem of isoform selectivity.Furthermore, directly knocking out Akt protein by using the degraderssuggests a promising direction for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linjie Li
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yu Guo
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yang Lu
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yaping Xu
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xiuping Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xiaowu Dong
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, P. R. China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jinxin Che
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
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Kovacs KD, Ciulla TA, Kiss S. Advancements in ocular gene therapy delivery: vectors and subretinal, intravitreal, and suprachoroidal techniques. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2022; 22:1193-1208. [PMID: 36062410 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2022.2121646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION : Ocular gene therapy represents fertile ground for rapid innovation, with ever-expanding therapeutic strategies, molecular targets, and indications. AREAS COVERED : Potential indications for ocular gene therapy have classically focused on inherited retinal disease (IRD), but more recently include acquired retinal diseases, such as neovascular age-related macular degeneration, geographic atrophy and diabetic retinopathy. Ocular gene therapy strategies have proliferated recently, and include gene augmentation, gene inactivation, gene editing, RNA modulation, and gene-independent gene augmentation. Viral vector therapeutic constructs include adeno-associated virus and lentivirus and continue to evolve through directed evolution and rationale design. Ocular gene therapy administration techniques have expanded beyond pars plana vitrectomy with subretinal injection to intravitreal injection and suprachoroidal injection. EXPERT OPINION : The success of treatment for IRD, paired with the promise of clinical research in acquired retinal diseases and in administration techniques, has raised the possibility of in-office gene therapy for common retinal disorders within the next five to ten years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle D Kovacs
- Department of Ophthalmology, Retina Service, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Szilárd Kiss
- Department of Ophthalmology, Retina Service, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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The variation in promoter sequences of the Akt3 gene between cow and buffalo revealed different responses against mastitis. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2021; 19:164. [PMID: 34677734 PMCID: PMC8536807 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-021-00258-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Serine/threonine kinase 3 (AKT3) is a protein-coding gene that is associated with several cattle immune diseases including different tumors and cancers. The objective of this study was to investigate the differences in structures and functions of AKT3 of cow and buffalo cattle. Methods The sequence differences of gene-coding sequence (CDS) and core promoter region of AKT3 in cow and buffalo were analyzed by using bioinformatics tools and PCR sequencing. Also, the functional analysis of promoter regulating gene expression by RT-PCR was performed using 500 Holstein cows and buffalos. And, evaluation of AKT3 inflammatory response to the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mastitis was performed between both species. Results The results revealed the variation in 6 exons out of 13 exons of the two species of CDS. Also, 4 different regions in 3-kb promoters of the AKT3 gene were significantly different between cow and buffalo species, in which cow’s AKT3 promoter sequence region was started from − 371 to − 1247, while in buffalo, the sequence was started from − 371 to − 969 of the promoter crucial region. Thus, the promoter was overexpressed in cows compared to buffaloes. As a result, significant differences (P < 0.05) between the two species in the AKT3 gene expression level related to the LPS stimulation in their mammary epithelial cell line. Conclusions This study emphasized the great importance of the structural differences of AKT3 between the animal species on their different responses against immune diseases like mastitis.
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Abstract
The outer retina is nourished from the choroid, a capillary bed just inside the sclera. O2, glucose, and other nutrients diffuse out of the choroid and then filter through a monolayer of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells to fuel the retina. Recent studies of energy metabolism have revealed striking differences between retinas and RPE cells in the ways that they extract energy from fuels. The purpose of this review is to suggest and evaluate the hypothesis that the retina and RPE have complementary metabolic roles that make them depend on each other for survival and for their abilities to perform essential and specialized functions. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Vision Science, Volume 7 is September 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- James B Hurley
- Departments of Biochemistry and Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98115, USA;
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Pan WW, Wubben TJ, Besirli CG. Photoreceptor metabolic reprogramming: current understanding and therapeutic implications. Commun Biol 2021; 4:245. [PMID: 33627778 PMCID: PMC7904922 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01765-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acquired and inherited retinal disorders are responsible for vision loss in an increasing proportion of individuals worldwide. Photoreceptor (PR) death is central to the vision loss individuals experience in these various retinal diseases. Unfortunately, there is a lack of treatment options to prevent PR loss, so an urgent unmet need exists for therapies that improve PR survival and ultimately, vision. The retina is one of the most energy demanding tissues in the body, and this is driven in large part by the metabolic needs of PRs. Recent studies suggest that disruption of nutrient availability and regulation of cell metabolism may be a unifying mechanism in PR death. Understanding retinal cell metabolism and how it is altered in disease has been identified as a priority area of research. The focus of this review is on the recent advances in the understanding of PR metabolism and how it is critical to reduction-oxidation (redox) balance, the outer retinal metabolic ecosystem, and retinal disease. The importance of these metabolic processes is just beginning to be realized and unraveling the metabolic and redox pathways integral to PR health may identify novel targets for neuroprotective strategies that prevent blindness in the heterogenous group of retinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren W Pan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Thomas J Wubben
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Cagri G Besirli
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Yao A, Wijngaarden P. Metabolic pathways in context:
mTOR
signalling in the retina and optic nerve ‐ A review. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2020; 48:1072-1084. [DOI: 10.1111/ceo.13819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Yao
- Centre for Eye Research Australia Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital East Melbourne, Victoria Australia
| | - Peter Wijngaarden
- Centre for Eye Research Australia Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital East Melbourne, Victoria Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery University of Melbourne Melbourne, Victoria Australia
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Gorbatyuk MS, Starr CR, Gorbatyuk OS. Endoplasmic reticulum stress: New insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of retinal degenerative diseases. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 79:100860. [PMID: 32272207 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Physiological equilibrium in the retina depends on coordinated work between rod and cone photoreceptors and can be compromised by the expression of mutant proteins leading to inherited retinal degeneration (IRD). IRD is a diverse group of retinal dystrophies with multifaceted molecular mechanisms that are not fully understood. In this review, we focus on the contribution of chronically activated unfolded protein response (UPR) to inherited retinal pathogenesis, placing special emphasis on studies employing genetically modified animal models. As constitutively active UPR in degenerating retinas may activate pro-apoptotic programs associated with oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory signaling, dysfunctional autophagy, free cytosolic Ca2+ overload, and altered protein synthesis rate in the retina, we focus on the regulatory mechanisms of translational attenuation and approaches to overcoming translational attenuation in degenerating retinas. We also discuss current research on the role of the UPR mediator PERK and its downstream targets in degenerating retinas and highlight the therapeutic benefits of reprogramming PERK signaling in preclinical animal models of IRD. Finally, we describe pharmacological approaches targeting UPR in ocular diseases and consider their potential applications to IRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina S Gorbatyuk
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Optometry, USA.
| | - Christopher R Starr
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Optometry, USA
| | - Oleg S Gorbatyuk
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Optometry, USA
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