snRPN controls the ability of neurons to regenerate axons

Appropriate patient population for future visual system axon regeneration therapies

A number of blinding diseases caused by damage to the optic nerve result in progressive vision loss or loss of visual acuity. Secondary glaucoma results from traumatic injuries, pseudoexfoliation or pigmentary dispersion syndrome. Progressive peripheral vision loss is common to all secondary glaucoma irrespective of the initial event. Axon regeneration is a potential therapeutic avenue to restore lost vision in these patients. In contrast to the usual approach of having the worst possible patient population for initial therapies, axon regeneration may require consideration of appropriate patient population even for initial treatment trials. The current state of axon regeneration therapies, their potential future and suitable patient population when ready is discussed in this perspective. The selection of patients are important for adoption of axon regeneration specifically in the areas of central nervous system regenerative medicine. This article is categorized under: Neurological Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology Neurological Diseases > Biomedical Engineering Metabolic Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.

Causal effects of gut microbiota on sepsis and sepsis-related death: insights from genome-wide Mendelian randomization, single-cell RNA, bulk RNA sequencing, and network pharmacology

BACKGROUND

Gut microbiota alterations have been implicated in sepsis and related infectious diseases, but the causal relationship and underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

METHODS

We evaluated the association between gut microbiota composition and sepsis using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis based on published genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to validate the robustness of the results. Reverse MR analysis and integration of GWAS and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data were performed to identify potential genes and therapeutic targets.

RESULTS

Our analysis identified 11 causal bacterial taxa associated with sepsis, with increased abundance of six taxa showing positive causal relationships. Ten taxa had causal effects on the 28-day survival outcome of septic patients, with increased abundance of six taxa showing positive associations. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these associations. Reverse MR analysis did not provide evidence of reverse causality. Integration of GWAS and eQTL data revealed 76 genes passing the summary data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) test. Differential expression of these genes was observed between sepsis patients and healthy individuals. These genes represent potential therapeutic targets for sepsis. Molecular docking analysis predicted potential drug-target interactions, further supporting their therapeutic potential.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides insights for the development of personalized treatment strategies for sepsis and offers preliminary candidate targets and drugs for future drug development.