Roles for the TRPVs channels in the lens in the initiation of presbyopia

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K07184
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 47060:Clinical pharmacy-related
• Research Institution: Keio University
• Principal Investigator: Nakazawa Yosuke 慶應義塾大学, 薬学部(芝共立), 講師 (60411708)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 老視 / 老眼 / aging / 水晶体 / TRPVチャネル

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we examined the function of TRPV channels in the lens and contribution for presbyopia onset. We have previously reported the localization of TRPV channels in the lens, and examined the factors that influence their localization in this study. As a result, we found that the localization was changed by changes in external temperature and stimulation pressure from the ciliary muscle. We also found that administration of the anti-cataract candidate compounds hesperetin and water-soluble hesperidin suppressed the decrease in elasticity of the mouse lens due to altering the localization of TRPV channels. Furthermore, we found that Capsaicin, which is TRPV1 agonist, eye drops suppressed the development of secondary cataracts. In the future, we will examine TRPV channels in human lens samples and create the basis for the development of anti-presbyopia drugs.

Free Research Field

創薬化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

老視の世界人口は年々増加しており、2030年には人口の25%が老視に悩まされると推察されている。また我が国日本においても高齢者雇用安定法が改正・施行されたとから、高齢者の視機能はますます重要な課題となってくる。さらに“健康日本21プロジェクト”で掲げている健康寿命延命に向けても視機能の維持は欠かせない。
本研究遂行により、水晶体のTRPVチャネルの役割が明らかとなりまた、老視モデル動物の基盤を作ることができた。2023年現在、日本で老視に適応可能な医薬品は存在しない。本研究が基盤となり、モデル動物が開発されれば、老視薬物治療開発が飛躍的に伸び、健康寿命の延伸に大きく貢献できると確信している。