Current Issues in Molecular Biology (Jul 2024)

Could Gas6/TAM Axis Provide Valuable Insights into the Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis?

  • Daria Apostolo,
  • Davide D’Onghia,
  • Alessandra Nerviani,
  • Giulia Maria Ghirardi,
  • Daniele Sola,
  • Mattia Perazzi,
  • Stelvio Tonello,
  • Donato Colangelo,
  • Pier Paolo Sainaghi,
  • Mattia Bellan

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46070444
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 46, no. 7
pp. 7486 – 7504

Abstract

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Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by microvascular injury, extracellular matrix deposition, autoimmunity, inflammation, and fibrosis. The clinical complexity and high heterogeneity of the disease make the discovery of potential therapeutic targets difficult. However, the recent progress in the comprehension of its pathogenesis is encouraging. Growth Arrest-Specific 6 (Gas6) and Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK (TAM) receptors are involved in multiple biological processes, including modulation of the immune response, phagocytosis, apoptosis, fibrosis, inflammation, cancer development, and autoimmune disorders. In the present manuscript, we review the current evidence regarding SSc pathogenesis and the role of the Gas6/TAM system in several human diseases, suggesting its likely contribution in SSc and highlighting areas where further research is necessary to fully comprehend the role of TAM receptors in this condition. Indeed, understanding the involvement of TAM receptors in SSc, which is currently unknown, could provide valuable insights for novel potential therapeutic targets.

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