Projects per year
Personal profile
Research interests
The laboratory of Dr. Ian Zagon investigates a novel regulatory pathway, present in a variety of cells and tissues that comprises an endogenous opioid peptide termed opioid growth factor (OGF) and its receptor, OGFr. OGF is an inhibitory growth factor that maintains homeostatic function of cell replication by binding to OGFr, a nuclear-associated receptor. The OGFr gene has been cloned in the Zagon lab, and the human chromosomal location is 20q13.3. OGF binds to OGFr, is transported into the nucleus, upregulates cyclin-dependent inhibitory kinases and subsequently down-regulates the cell cycle.
Currently, the lab’s work is a combination of basic and translational studies focusing on different disease states (i.e., cancer, autoimmune disorders and diabetic complications). Of current interest is the hypothesis that OGF levels are low in autoimmune disorders. Hence, low doses of naltrexone (LDN) that stimulate endogenous OGF production or exogenous OGF treatments are effective at inhibiting inflammatory cell proliferation, thus reversing behavioral deficits and reducing pain. Clinical and animal studies are being used to investigate the role of LDN as a treatment of autoimmune disorders (e.g., Crohn’s, fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis).
In addition to pursuing the basic biology of the OGF-OGFr axis, the lab is interested in the repercussions of overexpression of OGF and the resulting depressed cell replication often manifested as delayed epithelialization of the cornea following abrasion, dry eye disease, ocular surface hypersensitivity and/or delayed healing of full-thickness cutaneous wounds leading to diabetic foot ulcers. Continuous or total blockade of the OGF-OGFr axis with novel therapeutics has resulted in a reversal of these complications in type 1 diabetic rats, type 2 diabetic mice, and normal animals with specific defects.
Modulation of the OGF-OGFr pathway with receptor antagonists has resulted in a number of therapies that have been patented; several start-up companies have been formed and IP licensed for further commercialization.
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Projects
- 10 Finished
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OGF-OGFr Axis Modulation to Prevent Diabetic Ocular Surface Complications.
Zagon, I. (PI)
9/30/18 → 6/30/22
Project: Research project
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Naltrexone as a Novel Treatment for Diabetic Keratopathy
Zagon, I. (PI)
9/15/06 → 1/31/12
Project: Research project
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Naltrexone as a Novel Treatment for Diabetic Keratopathy
Zagon, I. (PI)
9/30/04 → 8/31/06
Project: Research project
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Gene Gun Technology, Opioids, and Corneal Diseases
Zagon, I. (PI)
8/1/01 → 7/31/05
Project: Research project
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REGULATION OF CORNEAL WOUND HEALING IN TYPE I DIABETES
Zagon, I. (PI)
9/30/99 → 9/29/00
Project: Research project
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Topical naltrexone increases aquaporin 5 production in the lacrimal gland and restores tear production in diabetic rats
Diaz, D., Sassani, J. P., Zagon, I. S. & McLaughlin, P. J., 2024, In: Experimental Biology and Medicine. 249, 10175.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Safety study of topical naltrexone therapy for diabetic skin wounds is confirmed in Göttingen mini-pigs
McLaughlin, P. J., Sassani, J. W. & Zagon, I. S., Sep 2023, In: Drug Development Research. 84, 6, p. 1279-1284 6 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Low-dose naltrexone reduced anxiety in persons with multiple sclerosis during the COVID-19 pandemic
McLaughlin, P. J., Odom, L. B., Arnett, P. A., Orehek, S., Thomas, G. A. & Zagon, I. S., Dec 2022, In: International Immunopharmacology. 113, 109438.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access4 Scopus citations -
Timing of treatment with an endogenous opioid alters immune response and spinal cord pathology in female mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Patel, C., Zagon, I. S., Pearce-Clawson, M. & McLaughlin, P. J., Feb 2022, In: Journal of Neuroscience Research. 100, 2, p. 551-563 13 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access1 Scopus citations -
Blockade of OGFr delays the onset and reduces the severity of diabetic ocular surface complications
Zagon, I. S., Sassani, J. W., Purushothaman, I. & McLaughlin, P. J., Mar 2021, In: Experimental Biology and Medicine. 246, 5, p. 629-636 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
10 Scopus citations
Prizes
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Distinguished Educator Award
Ballard, J. (Recipient), Lloyd, T. (Recipient), Ostrov, B. (Recipient), Zagon, I. (Recipient) & Zelis, R. (Recipient), 2003
Prize