SARI prevents ocular angiogenesis and inflammation in mice

SARI (Suppressor of AP-1, regulated by IFN-beta) is known to play an important role in some systemic disease processes such an inflammatory conditions and cancer. We hypothesize that SARI may also play a role in ocular diseases involving inflammation and neovascularization. To explore our hypothesis, further, we investigated an endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) and experimental argon laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) model in SARI wild-type (SARI(WT)) and SARI-deficient (SARI(-/-)) mice. Through imaging, morphological and immunohistochemical (IHC) studies, we found that SARI deficiency exacerbated the growth of CNV. More VEGF-positive cells were presented in the retina of SARI(-/-) mice with CNV. Compared to SARI(WT) mice, more inflammatory cells infiltrated the ocular anterior segment and posterior segments in SARI(-/-) mice with EIU. Collectively, the results point to a potential dual functional role of SARI in inflammatory ocular diseases, suggesting that SARI could be a potential therapy target for ocular inflammation and neovascularization.