The PERK–p38 MAPK Axis Drives Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Induced Apoptosis in Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy
p38 MAPK serves as a critical mediator of ER stress-induced apoptosis in corneal endothelial cells, where it functions as a molecular switch between adaptive and pro-apoptotic UPR signaling. The cytoprotective efficacy of p38 MAPK inhibitors across multiple ER stress models suggests their potential for therapeutic repurposing in FECD.
Authors
- Naohiko Ueda (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9131-2867)
- Theofilos Tourtas (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3465-9837)
- Naoki Okumura (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2275-5263)
- Takako Onishi
- Kenji Miyadai
- Noriko Koizumi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6940-1334)
- Taichi Yuasa
- Ursula Schlötzer-Schrehardt
- Friedrich E. Kruse
Institutions
- Doshisha University (JP)
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (DE)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
- Published
- 2025-08-26
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.66.11.63
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Corneal surgery and disorders
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.36