Novel potential drugs for the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma using protein-protein interaction network analysis

Metformin in Glaucoma Treatment

PRCIS

Rigorous trials are essential to develop comprehensive treatment strategies that fully exploit the therapeutic potential of metformin in the treatment of glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potentially beneficial effect of metformin on glaucoma risk factors and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. The aim is to contribute to the development of new treatment strategies for glaucoma.

METHODS

We searched for studies that assessed the effects of metformin on glaucoma risk factors and the associated underlying mechanisms. Our search included electronic databases such as PUBMED, EMBASE, and clinicaltrials.gov.

RESULTS

Unfortunately, we did not find any clinical trials that specifically investigated the impact of metformin on glaucoma. However, data from experimental studies demonstrated the capability of metformin to modulate various pathways that could contribute to neuroprotection in glaucoma.

CONCLUSION

In order to develop comprehensive treatment strategies that fully exploit the therapeutic potential of metformin in the treatment of glaucoma, rigorous trials are essential. These studies are necessary to demonstrate both the safety and efficacy of metformin in the context of glaucoma treatment.

Utilizing systems genetics to enhance understanding into molecular targets of skin cancer

Despite progress made with immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies, skin cancer remains a significant public health concern in the United States. The intricacies of the disease, encompassing genetics, immune responses, and external factors, call for a comprehensive approach. Techniques in systems genetics, including transcriptional correlation analysis, functional pathway enrichment analysis, and protein-protein interaction network analysis, prove valuable in deciphering intricate molecular mechanisms and identifying potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for skin cancer. Recent studies demonstrate the efficacy of these techniques in uncovering molecular processes and pinpointing diagnostic markers for various skin cancer types, highlighting the potential of systems genetics in advancing innovative therapies. While certain limitations exist, such as generalizability and contextualization of external factors, the ongoing progress in AI technologies provides hope in overcoming these challenges. By providing protocols and a practical example involving Braf, we aim to inspire early-career experimental dermatologists to adopt these tools and seamlessly integrate these techniques into their skin cancer research, positioning them at the forefront of innovative approaches in combating this devastating disease.

Integrating network pharmacology: The next-generation approach in ocular drug discovery

With the spread of the "omics" sciences, the approaches of systems biology can be considered as new paradigms of pharmacological research for discovery of novel targets and/or treatments for complex multifactorial diseases. Data from omics sciences can be used for the design of biologic networks, that in turn can be quantitatively analyzed to identify new pharmacological targets. In this review, we will introduce the concept of network pharmacology, particularly the application of this innovative approach in the field of ocular pharmacology, with a focus on retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy (DR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma.

Computational methods in glaucoma research: Current status and future outlook

Advancements in computational techniques have transformed glaucoma research, providing a deeper understanding of genetics, disease mechanisms, and potential therapeutic targets. Systems genetics integrates genomic and clinical data, aiding in identifying drug targets, comprehending disease mechanisms, and personalizing treatment strategies for glaucoma. Molecular dynamics simulations offer valuable molecular-level insights into glaucoma-related biomolecule behavior and drug interactions, guiding experimental studies and drug discovery efforts. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies hold promise in revolutionizing glaucoma research, enhancing disease diagnosis, target identification, and drug candidate selection. The generalized protocols for systems genetics, MD simulations, and AI model development are included as a guide for glaucoma researchers. These computational methods, however, are not separate and work harmoniously together to discover novel ways to combat glaucoma. Ongoing research and progresses in genomics technologies, MD simulations, and AI methodologies project computational methods to become an integral part of glaucoma research in the future.