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Vercammen H, Ondra M, Kotulova J, De La Hoz EC, Witters C, Jecmenova K, Le Compte M, Deben C, Ní Dhubhghaill S, Koppen C, Hajdúch M, Van den Bogerd B. "Keep on ROCKIn": Repurposed ROCK inhibitors to boost corneal endothelial regeneration. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116435. [PMID: 38513591 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116435] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The global shortage of corneal endothelial graft tissue necessitates the exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies. Rho-associated protein kinase inhibitors (ROCKi), recognized for their regenerative potential in cardiology, oncology, and neurology, have shown promise in corneal endothelial regeneration. This study investigates the repurposing potential of additional ROCKi compounds. Through screening a self-assembled library of ROCKi on B4G12 corneal endothelial cells, we evaluated their dose-dependent effects on proliferation, migration, and toxicity using live-cell imaging. Nine ROCKi candidates significantly enhanced B4G12 proliferation compared to the basal growth rate. These candidates were further assessed for their potential to accelerate wound closure as another indicator for tissue regeneration capacity, with most demonstrating notable efficacy. To assess the potential impact of candidate ROCKi on key corneal endothelial cell markers related to cell proliferation, leaky tight junctions and ion efflux capacity, we analyzed the protein expression of cyclin E1, CDK2, p16, ZO-1 and Na+/K+-ATPase, respectively. Immunocytochemistry and western blot analysis confirmed the preservation of corneal endothelial markers post-treatment with ROCKi hits. However, notable cytoplasm enlargement and nuclear fragmentation were detected after the treatment with SR-3677 and Thiazovivin, indicating possible cellular stress. In compared parameters, Chroman-1 at a concentration of 10 nM outperformed other ROCKi, requiring significantly 1000-fold lower effective concentration than established ROCKi Y-27632 and Fasudil. Altogether, this study underscores the potential of repurposing ROCKi for treating corneal endothelial dysfunctions, offering a viable alternative to conventional grafting methods, and highlights Chroman-1 as a promising candidate structure for hit-to-lead development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Vercammen
- Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science (ARGOS), Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium; Department of Ophthalmology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium; DrugVision Lab, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Martin Ondra
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Kotulova
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | | | - Charissa Witters
- Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science (ARGOS), Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium; Department of Ophthalmology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium; DrugVision Lab, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Katerina Jecmenova
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | - Carina Koppen
- Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science (ARGOS), Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium; Department of Ophthalmology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Marián Hajdúch
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Bert Van den Bogerd
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
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Lu Z, Lin H, Li J, Feng Y. Deciphering the molecular symphony: Unraveling endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in corneal endothelial cells. Exp Eye Res 2024; 240:109795. [PMID: 38253308 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109795] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the molecular complexity of this phenomenon provides innovative targets for maintaining phenotypic integrity during in vitro expansion, thereby advancing corneal endothelial tissue engineering. In this study, we established an in vitro model to simulate endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in corneal endothelial cells. Through RNA sequencing, we identified 452 upregulated and 163 downregulated genes, resulting in a total of 615 differentially expressed genes. Key pathways enriched by GO and KEGG analysis include extracellular matrix (ECM) regulation and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Potential hub proteins such as THBS1, ITGA5, COL1A1, and SNAI1/2 were also identified, and their dynamic changes at different time points (0, 2, 12, 24 h) were monitored. Uncovering these key pathways and genes may deepen our understanding of the mechanisms underlying EndMT in corneal endothelial cells, providing valuable insights for optimizing in vitro cultivation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoxiang Lu
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Haimiao Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jinming Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Feng
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
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Pagano L, Lee JW, Posarelli M, Giannaccare G, Kaye S, Borgia A. ROCK Inhibitors in Corneal Diseases and Glaucoma-A Comprehensive Review of These Emerging Drugs. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6736. [PMID: 37959203 PMCID: PMC10648286 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitors have gained significant attention as emerging novel treatment options in the field of ophthalmology in recent years. The evidence supporting their efficacy in glaucoma and corneal pathology includes both in vitro and clinical studies. Among the available options, ripasudil and netarsudil have emerged as the leading ROCK inhibitors, and some countries have approved these therapeutic options as treatments for glaucoma. Various dosing regimens have been studied, including monotherapy and combination therapy, especially for patients with secondary glaucoma who are already on multiple medications. Another rising application of ROCK inhibitors includes their use as an adjunct in surgical procedures such as Descemetorhexis Without Endothelial Keratoplasty (DWEK), Descemet Stripping Only (DSO) to accelerate visual recovery, glaucoma surgeries to reduce scarring process and allow better intraocular pressure (IOP) control, or after complicated anterior segment surgery to treat corneal oedema. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the existing literature in the field, offering recommendations for prescribing ROCK inhibitors and also discussing patient selection, drug efficacy, and possible adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pagano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Milano, Italy;
| | - Jason William Lee
- Clinical Eye Research Centre, St Paul’s Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8YE, UK;
| | - Matteo Posarelli
- Department of Corneal Diseases, St. Paul’s Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8YE, UK; (M.P.); (S.K.); (A.B.)
- Ophthalmology Unit of the Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannaccare
- Eye Clinic, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stephen Kaye
- Department of Corneal Diseases, St. Paul’s Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8YE, UK; (M.P.); (S.K.); (A.B.)
| | - Alfredo Borgia
- Department of Corneal Diseases, St. Paul’s Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8YE, UK; (M.P.); (S.K.); (A.B.)
- Eye Unit, Humanitas-Gradenigo Hospital, 10122 Turin, Italy
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