IGFBPL1 PROTEIN

Transformative therapeutic approach based on a unique protein: IGFBPL1

To halt disease progression, therapeutics must mitigate toxic neuroinflammation and promote retinal ganglion cell survival. These two processes cannot be effectively modulated by a single target.

IGFBPL1: The first multi-targeting, multifunctional therapeutic protein for glaucoma and other ophthalmologic diseases.

FireCyte discovered that a natural protein produced in the human CNS interacts with two distinct targets, creating a novel combination of pharmacology uniquely beneficial for neurodegenerative diseases. Loss of IGFBPL1 leads to development of normotensive glaucoma and tauopathies.1

Sortilin 1 (SORT1)

  • Identified due to its link with Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Modulates processes integral to inflammation and stress response.
  • Expressed by both microglia and neurons.
  • IGFBPL1 inhibits SORT1.
Netrin 1 Receptor (DCC)
  • A growth-factor like receptor in neurons.
  • Promotes neuronal survival, regulates axon guidance and promotes neurite outgrowth (especially during development).
  • Expressed by neurons.
  • IGFBPL1 modulates DCC.

SOURCE  Images courtesy of the National Center for Biotechnology Information
1 www.firecyte.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2023-Cell-Rep-IGBPL1-Master-Driver-Microglia.pdf

In animal studies, IGFBPL1 preserves visual function in models of glaucomatous retinal degeneration and accelerates wound healing in models of retinal damage.