A recent study could open up new treatment options for endometriosis sufferers beyond hormonal treatments. The research, conducted by Insilico Medicine in collaboration with a university in Hong Kong, used artificial intelligence (AI) to identify two new therapeutic targets and an already approved drug that could be used to treat endometriosis in the future.
The proteins discovered
Using the PandaOmics AI platform, the researchers analyzed large amounts of data to find new approaches to treating endometriosis. In the process, they discovered two proteins:
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Guanylate-binding protein 2 (GBP2): Regulates immunological and inflammatory processes.
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Hematopoietic cell kinase (HCK): Plays a role in cell growth and survival.
Experiments with mice have shown that reducing these proteins slows the growth of endometriosis lesions and inhibits cell division. Importantly, both proteins have also been found in increased levels in human endometriosis tissue, underscoring their relevance to the disease.
Dry eye medication as a new therapy
The study also identified an already approved drug as a potential treatment option. The drug Lifitegrast, originally developed for the treatment of dry eye, targets the ITGB2 protein. In animal models, it was able to significantly inhibit the growth of endometriosis lesions.
Conclusion
This current research shows how AI can help develop new therapeutic approaches more quickly and cost-effectively. The discovery of the proteins GBP2 and HCK, as well as the possible repurposing of lifitegrast, offers hope for non-hormonal treatment alternatives. For those of us affected, this could mean a significant improvement in the future.
Link to the original publication | Link to the press release