Differential expression of nerve injury-induced protein 1 (ninjurin 1) in in vivo and in vitro models for diabetic erectile dysfunction

The Role of Ninjurin1 and Its Impact beyond the Nervous System

Ninjurin1 (Ninj1) is a double-transmembrane cell surface protein that could promote nerve regeneration in the process of the peripheral nervous system injury and repairment. Nonetheless, the accurate function of Ninj1 in the central nervous system and outside the nervous system is not completely clear. According to the recent studies, we found that Ninj1 is also aberrantly expressed in various pathophysiological processes in vivo, including inflammation, tumorigenesis, and vascular, bone, and muscle homeostasis. These findings suggest that Ninj1 may play an influential role during these pathophysiological processes. Our review summarizes the diverse roles of Ninj1 in multiple pathophysiological processes inside and outside the nervous system. Ninj1 should be considered as an important and novel therapeutic target in certain diseases, such as inflammatory diseases and ischemic diseases. Our study provided a better understanding of Ninj1 in different pathophysiological processes and thereby provided the theoretical support for further research.

Treatment of erectile dysfunction: new targets and strategies from recent research

In recent years, research on penile erection has increasingly been centered on the molecular mechanisms involved. Major progress has been made in the field and at present a whole number of neurotransmitters, chemical effectors, growth factors, second-messenger molecules, ions, intercellular proteins, and hormones have been characterized as components of the complex process of erection. This knowledge has led to the discovery of several new therapeutic targets and multiple medical approaches for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). This review focuses on the progress made in this field within the last few years.