IJMS, Vol. 24, Pages 4698: β-Adrenoreceptors as Therapeutic Targets for Ocular Tumors and Other Eye Diseases—Historical Aspects and Nowadays Understanding

IJMS, Vol. 24, Pages 4698: β-Adrenoreceptors as Therapeutic Targets for Ocular Tumors and Other Eye Diseases—Historical Aspects and Nowadays Understanding

International Journal of Molecular Sciences doi: 10.3390/ijms24054698

Authors: Elsa Wilma Böhm Bernhard Stoffelns Adrian Gericke

β-adrenoreceptors (ARs) are members of the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and are activated by catecholamines, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine. Three subtypes of β-ARs (β1, β2, and β3) have been identified with different distributions among ocular tissues. Importantly, β-ARs are an established target in the treatment of glaucoma. Moreover, β-adrenergic signaling has been associated with the development and progression of various tumor types. Hence, β-ARs are a potential therapeutic target for ocular neoplasms, such as ocular hemangioma and uveal melanoma. This review aims to discuss the expression and function of individual β-AR subtypes in ocular structures, as well as their role in the treatment of ocular diseases, including ocular tumors.