RAGE and its ligands: from pathogenesis to therapeutics

Abstract

Receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is an immunoglobulin-like receptor present on cell surface. RAGE binds to an array of structurally diverse ligands, acts as a pattern recognition receptor (PRR) and is expressed on cells of different origin performing different functions. RAGE ligation leads to the initiation of a cascade of signaling events and is implicated in diseases, such as inflammation, cancer, diabetes, vascular dysfunctions, retinopathy, and neurodegenerative diseases. Because of the significant involvement of RAGE in the progression of numerous diseases, RAGE signaling has been targeted through use of inhibitors and anti-RAGE antibodies as a treatment strategy and therapy. Here in this review, we have summarized the physical and physiological aspects of RAGE biology in mammalian system and the importance of targeting this molecule in the treatment of various RAGE mediated pathologies.

Highlights

• Receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a member of immunoglobulin superfamily of receptors and involved in many pathophysiological conditions.

• RAGE ligation with its ligands leads to initiation of distinct signaling cascades and activation of numerous transcription factors.

• Targeting RAGE signaling through inhibitors and anti-RAGE antibodies can be promising treatment strategy.

Keywords:

• Receptor
• ligands
• signaling
• inflammation
• inflammatory diseases

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by grants from the Department of Biotechnology, New Delhi [grant number 102/IFD/SAN/2237 and BT/PR13045/BRB/10/1461/2015] and Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi [grant number EMR/2016/003932] and Institute of Life Sciences core fund.