G0S2 modulates normal vitreous-induced proliferation in endothelial cells.

Abstract

Abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye is a leading cause of vision loss globally, particularly in diseases like diabetic retinopathy where the vitreous plays a crucial but poorly understood role in disease progression. While we know the vitreous can stimulate blood vessel growth, the specific molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here we show that a protein called G0S2 (G0/G1 switch gene 2) serves as a key regulator of blood vessel growth in response to normal vitreous. Through comprehensive gene analysis, we discovered that G0S2 levels increase significantly when blood vessel cells are exposed to normal vitreous. The importance of G0S2 is highlighted by our finding that uveal melanoma patients with higher G0S2 levels had poorer survival rates. When we removed G0S2 from blood vessel cells, they no longer responded to vitreous stimulation, confirming its critical role. Notably, we identified an existing drug that can target G0S2, potentially offering a new therapeutic approach. This discovery of G0S2's role and its potential therapeutic targeting opens new avenues for treating eye diseases characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth, while also providing a valuable biomarker for predicting disease progression in eye cancer patients.