# Adenylyl Cyclase in Ocular Health and Disease: A Comprehensive Review

## TL;DR

This review explores the role of adenylyl cyclase in eye health and disease, highlighting its potential as a target for new treatments.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of adenylyl cyclase's roles in various parts of the eye and its therapeutic potential.

## Key findings

- Adenylyl cyclase is involved in corneal endothelial cell function and stromal clarity.
- Soluble adenylyl cyclase is abundant in the eye and may serve as a therapeutic target for dry eye disease and glaucoma.
- Adenylyl cyclase in the ciliary body and retina suggests potential for new treatments in aqueous humour production and retinal cell survival.

## Abstract

Adenylyl cyclase is an enzyme that plays an important role in cellular signalling in mammals. This review gathers current understanding of the role of adenylyl cyclase in the eye, covering the cornea, lens, retina, lacrimal gland and tear film, and explores their potential as targets for therapeutic innovation.

Adenylyl cyclases (ACs) are a group of enzymes that convert adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP) to cyclic adenosine 3′,5′ monophosphate (cAMP), a vital and ubiquitous signalling molecule in cellular responses to hormones and neurotransmitters. There are nine transmembrane (tmAC) forms, which have been widely studied; however, the tenth, soluble AC (sAC) is less extensively characterised. The eye is one of the most metabolically active sites in the body, where sAC has been found in abundance, making it a target for novel therapeutics and biomarking. In the cornea, AC plays a role in endothelial cell function, which is vital in maintaining stromal dehydration, and therefore, clarity. In the retina, AC has been implicated in axon cell growth and survival. As these cells are irreversibly damaged in glaucoma and injury, this molecule may provide focus for future therapies. Another potential area for glaucoma management is the source of aqueous humour production, the ciliary body, where AC has also been identified. Furthering the understanding of lacrimal gland function is vital in managing dry eye disease, a common and debilitating condition. sAC has been linked to tear production and could serve as a therapeutic target. Overall, ACs are an exciting area of study in ocular health, offering multiple avenues for future medical therapies and diagnostics. This review paper explores the diverse roles of ACs in the eye and their potential as targets for innovative treatments.