Abnormal angiogenesis is at the forefront of ischaemic retinopathies like diabetic retinopathy, where new research identifies the angiogenic factor AGGF1 as pivotal. Recent findings reveal how AGGF1 orchestrates retinal angiogenesis through its interaction with TNFSF12 and FN14 signaling pathways.
Diabetic retinopathy continues to challenge healthcare systems globally, contributing significantly to vision impairment and blindness. The condition is characterized by disorganized new vessel formation, prompting the need for novel therapeutic targets. The role of AGGF1 emerges as significant, as it exhibits heightened expression during retinal pathology.
Researchers from Tianjin Medical University have explored AGGF1's effects using various animal models, including db/db mice, to unravel its contribution to retinal vascularization. The study highlights correlations between AGGF1 levels and pathological neovascularisation, particularly during the oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model phase.
AGGF1's upregulation coincides with retinal ischaemia and hypoxia, conditions prevalent during diabetic complications. The findings underline AGGF1's regulatory influence over other angiogenic factors; it was observed to significantly promote the binding of TNFSF12 to its receptor FN14, thereby enhancing cell proliferation and migration linked to angiogenesis.
Notably, the research elucidates AGGF1's potential as both a marker for disease progression and as a therapeutic target. Anti-AGGF1 therapy effectively inhibited pathological neovascularization, showcasing promising avenues for treating diabetic retinopathy.
An additional exciting element is the efficacy of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), which also appear to inhibit AGGF1 signaling pathways early, translating their action to therapeutic benefits for patients with diabetic retinopathy.
The study concludes by urging future investigations to focus on the AGGF1/TNFSF12/FN14 pathway as it may provide transformative strategies for addressing ischaemic retinopathy more effectively.