International Review of Ophthalmology ›› 2025, Vol. 49 ›› Issue (4): 304-308.doi: 10. 3760/cma.j.cn115500-20241214-25411

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Role of Dickkopf-1 in occurrence and development of diabetic retinopathy

Li Yuanwei1，2, Huang Xionggao1，2   

  1. 1 Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570101, China; 2 Department of Emergency Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University； Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Hainan Trauma and Disaster Rescue, Haikou 571199, China
  • Received:2024-12-14 Online:2025-08-22 Published:2025-08-12
  • Contact: Huang Xionggao, Email: hxg_eye@163.com E-mail:hxg_eye@163.com

Abstract: The Dickkopf (DKK) protein family plays a crucial role in biological development and cellular signal transduction. It mainly affects cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and plays a role in many diseases. DKK-1 inhibits the proliferation and migration of retinal pigment epithelium and retinal microvascular endothelial cells by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is important for maintaining the stability of the blood-retinal barrier, reducing neovascularization, and has a significant impact on the occurrence and development of fundus diseases such as diabetic retinopathy. This may provide new strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy. In the future, it may be possible to develop safer specific small-molecule drugs or biological agents targeting DKK-1, or combine them with new gene therapy technologies to attempt new treatment methods for retinal diseases.

Key words: Dickkopf-1, Diabetic retinopathy, Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway