The University of Tokyo · Medicine
Professor Megumi Honjo's research lab focuses on identifying novel therapeutic targets and drug candidates for ocular diseases, particularly glaucoma and retinal ischemic disorders. The lab investigates the role of signaling pathways such as Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) and inflammatory receptors like LOX-1 in ocular physiology and pathology, with a strong emphasis on intraocular pressure regulation and neuroprotection. Key research directions include the development of ROCK inhibitors to reduce fibrosis after glaucoma surgery and the exploration of repurposed drugs like statins for neuroprotective effects in retinal diseases. The lab integrates in vivo animal models with in vitro cellular studies to translate molecular mechanisms into clinical applications.
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
Administration of Y-27632 caused a reduction in IOP and an increase in the outflow facility. The in vitro experiments suggest that the IOP-lowering effects of Y-27632 may be related to the altered cellular behavior of TM cells and relaxation of CM contraction. These studies suggest that ROCK inhibitors may have great potential to be developed for treatment of glaucoma and other ocular diseases.
Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) is a major endothelial receptor for oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and is assumed to play a proatherogenic role in atherosclerosis. LOX-1 expression is induced by inflammatory cytokines as well as by proatherogenic stimuli. LOX-1 protein binds agedapoptotic cells, activated platelets, and bacteria, suggesting that it may have diverse activities in vivo. Here, we reveal a role for LOX-1 in endotoxin-induced inflammation. In a mode
Y-27632 had profound effects on activities of HTFs and was effective in preventing fibroproliferation and scar formation in a rabbit model of glaucoma surgery. A ROCK inhibitor may be an effective anti-scarring agent after glaucoma filtering surgery.
These studies revealed the upregulated expression of CNTF and GFAP in Muller cells in response to NMDA- and KA-induced neuronal death, suggesting that production of CNTF in Muller cells may be a part of the endogenous neuroprotective system in the retina.
Use of HA1077 caused a reduction in IOP and an increase in the outflow facility. The results of in vitro experiments suggest that the IOP-lowering effects of HA1077 may be related to the altered cellular behavior of TM cells and relaxation of CM contraction. The results of these studies suggested that protein kinase inhibitors have the potential to be developed into a treatment modality for glaucoma.
As a result of its efficacy in preventing retinal neuronal death, statin may be developed into a novel therapeutic modality for many ocular ischemic diseases.
The pattern of differential expression of the five cadherins supports the idea that these molecules may play a role in selective cell interactions within the heterogeneous cell pool of the neural retina.
Although further studies are indicated, this study suggests that the combined operation of PPV, PEA, and IOL implantation is safe and effective for patients with PDR. The choice of IOL may be correlated with postoperative complications.
The results of this study, including the robust induction of ATX by Dex treatment, in association with fibrotic changes and ECM production in HTM cells, collectively suggest a potential role for ATX-LPA pathway in the regulation of aqueous humor outflow and IOP in glaucomatous eyes.
Surgical results of external trabeculotomy remain effective for a long time. It has been shown that the trabeculotomy can be a useful and effective surgical treatment of patients with steroid-induced glaucoma.
Phacoemulsification and IOL implantation combined with trabeculotomy was an effective treatment for patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and cataract.
Cataract extraction by phacoemulsification or ECCE combined with IOL implantation and trabeculotomy ab externo is a safe, effective treatment for patients with coexisting glaucoma and cataract.
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