Renal; cardiovascular; hepatic

Mouse studies suggest inhibiting YY1 or its co-repressor FKBP12 could help treat chronic renal, heart and liver failure. In a mouse model of urethral obstruction-induced chronic renal failure, a tool compound FKBP12 inhibitor or guanidine dendrimer-linked morpholino oligomers targeting FKBP12 or YY1 decreased tubule damage and renal fibrosis compared with vehicle or control oligos, respectively. In mouse models of chronic heart failure and chronic liver failure, the FKBP12 inhibitor decreased fibrosis in the heart and liver, respectively, compared with vehicle. Next steps include identifying and testing additional FKBP12 or YY1 inhibitors in models of renal, heart and liver failure.

Novartis AG markets Elidel pimecrolimus, a non-steroidal pimecrolimus (ascomycin derivative) 1% cream targeting FKBP12, for eczema...