Xian Wang

Xian Wang

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Xian Wang

Laboratory of Cardiovascular Signaling, Centenary Institute, and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

9Years (2018-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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2 November 2018 in Science Advances
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JCJaesung Peter Choi
Jaesung Peter Choi
RWRui Wang
Rui Wang
XYXi Yang
Xi Yang
XWXian Wang
Xian Wang
LWLu Wang
Lu Wang
XZXiangjian Zheng
Xiangjian Zheng
Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is a common cerebrovascular disease that can occur sporadically or be inherited. They are major causes of stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, and neurological deficits in the younger population. Loss-of-function mutations in three genes, CCM1, CCM2, and CCM3, have been identified as the cause of human CCMs. Currently, no drug is available to treat CCM disease. Hyperactive mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase Kinase 3 (MEKK3) kinase signaling as a consequence of loss of CCM genes is an underlying cause of CCM lesion development. Using a U.S. Food and Drug Administration–approved kinase inhibitor library combined with virtual modeling and biochemical and cellular assays, we have identified a clinically approved small compound, ponatinib, that is capable of inhibiting MEKK3 activity and normalizing expression of downstream kruppel-like factor (KLF) target genes. Treatment with this compound in neonatal mouse models of CCM can prevent the formation of new CCM lesions and reduce the growth of already formed lesions. At the ultracellular level, ponatinib can normalize the flattening and disorganization of the endothelium caused by CCM deficiency. Collectively, our study demonstrates ponatinib as a novel compound that may prevent CCM initiation and progression in mouse models through inhibition of MEKK3-KLF signaling.