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Cellular Metabolism and Retinal Diseases: Unraveling Molecular Pathways and Therapeutic Targets

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025 | Viewed by 260

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genoa, 6 Viale Benedetto XV, 16132 Genoa, Italy
Interests: diabetes; retinopathy; VEGF-A; IGF-1; advanced glycation end-products
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
Interests: the role of caveoles in the insulin and IGF1 signal; new technologies in the treatment of diabetes mellitus; role of bariatric surgery in the regulation of metabolism
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The retina is one of the most metabolically active tissues in the body, its different cell types organized in layers with close metabolic symbiotic exchanges between the cellular components. In particular, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) supplies nutrients from the choroidal vasculature to all retinal cellular components. However, the high metabolic demands depend on the nutrient supply. Therefore, the retina may be considered a metabolic ecosystem in which RPE cell dysfunction may compromise the function and viability of other retinal cells. RPE can use a lot of fuels, such as glucose, amino acids, lactic acid, and lipids, to produce energy. The disruption of the local energy supply may affect the redox balance, contributing to a disrupted retinal homeostasis. Moreover, metabolites affect epigenetic modifications, linking the cellular metabolism to transcriptional activity.

It is well known that the pathogenesis of retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, is associated with retinal metabolism dysregulation. This Special Issue aims to provide new insights into the metabolic mechanisms at the basis of retinal diseases, supporting new therapeutic targets.

Dr. Alessandra Puddu
Dr. Davide Maggi
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • retina
  • metabolic dysfunction in retinal diseases
  • metabolism and retinal cell function
  • metabolism and oxidative stress
  • therapeutic targets
  • intracellular signaling
  • epigenetic modification

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

16 pages, 11207 KiB  
Article
IGF-1 Signaling Modulates Oxidative Metabolism and Stress Resistance in ARPE-19 Cells Through PKM2 Function
by Silvia Ravera, Alessandra Puddu, Nadia Bertola, Daniela Verzola, Elisa Russo, Davide Maggi and Isabella Panfoli
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(24), 13640; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252413640 - 20 Dec 2024
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) contributes to retinal homeostasis, and its metabolic dysfunction is implied in the development of retinal degenerative disease. The isoform M2 of pyruvate kinase (PKM2) is a key factor in cell metabolism, and its function may be affected by [...] Read more.
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) contributes to retinal homeostasis, and its metabolic dysfunction is implied in the development of retinal degenerative disease. The isoform M2 of pyruvate kinase (PKM2) is a key factor in cell metabolism, and its function may be affected by insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). This study aims to investigate the effect of IGF-1 on PKM2 modulation of RPE cells and whether co-treatment with klotho may preserve it. ARPE-19 cells, an ex vivo model of human pigmented epithelium, were exposed to IGF-1. Then, we evaluated PKM2 expression, dimerization and subcellular localization, energy metabolism, and redox balance, and whether pre-treatment with Klotho may antagonize the effects of IGF-1. The results show that IGF-1 favors PKM2 dimerization, thus reducing the activity of PKM2 and leading to an altered cellular energy status coupled with reduced oxidative stress. In conclusion, PKM2 plays a pivotal role in the modulation of RPE metabolism and redox balance and could explain the mechanisms through which IGF-1 participates in the pathogenesis of some retinal diseases. Klotho may exert protective effects by mitigating the IGF-1 signal and its effect on mitochondrial function. Full article
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