Targeted metal modulation preserves retinal structure and vision in zebrafish

In a zebrafish model combining impaired DNA repair, mitochondrial oxidative stress, and progressive retinal degeneration, researchers tested an intracellular metal modulator called Telomir-Zn. The zinc-based compound depletes labile iron, potently inhibits multiple JmjC histone demethylases, and induces epigenetic reprogramming. In treated zebrafish, Telomir-Zn reduced oxidative stress, preserved retinal architecture, and improved visual behaviors. It also partially normalized both telomeric content and CpG methylation patterns. In complementary tests using cultured human ARPE-19 retinal pigment epithelium cells, the compound reduced reactive oxygen species and calcium dysregulation induced by iron and copper, while driving reciprocal zinc accumulation and labile iron depletion.