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Charng J, Thompson JA, Heath Jeffery RC, Kalantary A, Lamey TM, McLaren TL, Chen FK. Censoring the Floor Effect in Long-Term Stargardt Disease Microperimetry Data Produces a Faster Rate of Decline. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2024; 4:100581. [PMID: 39280350 PMCID: PMC11401193 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2024.100581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024]
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate progression rate estimation in long-term Stargardt disease microperimetry data by accounting for floor effect. Design Cohort study. Subjects Thirty-seven subjects (23 females, 14 males) with biallelic ABCA4 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants and more than >2 years of longitudinal microperimetry data. Methods Cross-sectional and longitudinal microperimetry data (Grid A: 18° diameter, Grid B: 6° diameter; Macular Integrity Assessment microperimeter, dynamic range 0-36 decibels [dB]) was extracted from patients with biallelic mutation in the adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette subfamily A member 4 (ABCA4) gene. For each eye, mean sensitivity (MS) and responding point sensitivity (RPS) rates were extracted. Floor censored sensitivity (FCS) progression rate, which accounts for the floor effect at each locus by terminating calculation when scotoma was observed in 2 consecutive visits, was also calculated. In a subset of eyes with ≥1 scotomatous locus at baseline (Grid A), sensitivity progression of loci around the scotoma (edge of scotoma sensitivity [ESS]) was examined against other progression parameters. Paired t test compared progression rate parameters across the same eyes. Main Outcome Measures Microperimetry grid parameters at baseline and progression rates. Results A total of 37 subjects with biallelic ABCA4 mutations and >2 years of longitudinal microperimetry data were included in the study. In Grid A, at baseline, the average MS and RPS were 16.5 ± 7.9 and 19.1 ± 5.7 dB, respectively. Similar MS (18.4 ± 7.6 dB) and RPS (20.0 ± 5.5 dB) values were found at baseline for Grid B. In Grid A, overall, MS, RPS, and FCS progression rates were -0.57 ± 1.05, -0.74 ± 1.24, and -1.26 ± 1.65 (all dB/year), respectively. Floor censored sensitivity progression rate was significantly greater than the MS or RPS progression rates. Similar findings were observed in Grid B (MS -1.22 ± 1.42, RPS -1.44 ± 1.44, FCS -2.16 ± 2.24, all dB/year), with paired t test again demonstrated that FCS had a significantly faster rate of decline than MS or RPS. In patients with progression data in both grids, MS, RPS, and FCS progression rates were significantly faster in the smaller Grid B. In 24 eyes with scotoma at baseline, fastest rate of decline was ESS combined with FCS compared with other progression parameters. Conclusions Incorporation of FCS can reduce confound of floor effect in perimetry analysis and can in turn detect a faster rate of decline. Financial Disclosures Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Charng
- Centre of Ophthalmology and Visual Science (incorporating Lions Eye Institute), The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Discipline of Optometry, School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jennifer A Thompson
- Australian Inherited Retinal Disease Registry and DNA Bank, Department of Medical Technology and Physics, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rachael C Heath Jeffery
- Centre of Ophthalmology and Visual Science (incorporating Lions Eye Institute), The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amy Kalantary
- Centre of Ophthalmology and Visual Science (incorporating Lions Eye Institute), The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Tina M Lamey
- Australian Inherited Retinal Disease Registry and DNA Bank, Department of Medical Technology and Physics, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Terri L McLaren
- Centre of Ophthalmology and Visual Science (incorporating Lions Eye Institute), The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Australian Inherited Retinal Disease Registry and DNA Bank, Department of Medical Technology and Physics, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Fred K Chen
- Centre of Ophthalmology and Visual Science (incorporating Lions Eye Institute), The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Battaglia Parodi M, Arrigo A, Bianco L, Antropoli A, Saladino A, Pili L, Pina A, Battista M, Bandello F. Inner retinal thickness in Stargardt disease. Eur J Ophthalmol 2024; 34:1373-1376. [PMID: 38311892 DOI: 10.1177/11206721241229473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze the alterations at the level of the inner retina in patients affected by Stargardt disease (STGD1). METHODS Cross-sectional investigation involving STGD1 patients with genetically confirmed diagnosis, who underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT), optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), and microperimetry. RESULTS Overall, 31 patients (62 eyes) with genetically confirmed STGD1 were included in the study. Mean inner retinal thickness, vessel density of plexa, and retinal sensitivity resulted significantly reduced in STGD patients, compared with healthy controls (p < 0.05), both in the outer and in the inner ETDRS rings. Overall, 43% of eyes revealed an inner retinal thinning, whereas 21% and 35% showed a thicker or within normal range inner retina. CONCLUSIONS Inner retina is irregularly altered in STGD1, showing variable quantitative alterations as detected on OCT. Inner retinal status might represent a useful biomarker to better characterize STGD1 and to ascertain the effects of new treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Lorenzo Pili
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Adelaide Pina
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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Ghenciu LA, Hațegan OA, Stoicescu ER, Iacob R, Șișu AM. Emerging Therapeutic Approaches and Genetic Insights in Stargardt Disease: A Comprehensive Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8859. [PMID: 39201545 PMCID: PMC11354485 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Stargardt disease, one of the most common forms of inherited retinal diseases, affects individuals worldwide. The primary cause is mutations in the ABCA4 gene, leading to the accumulation of toxic byproducts in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and subsequent photoreceptor cell degeneration. Over the past few years, research on Stargardt disease has advanced significantly, focusing on clinical and molecular genetics. Recent studies have explored various innovative therapeutic approaches, including gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and pharmacological interventions. Gene therapy has shown promise, particularly with adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors capable of delivering the ABCA4 gene to retinal cells. However, challenges remain due to the gene's large size. Stem cell therapy aims to replace degenerated RPE and photoreceptor cells, with several clinical trials demonstrating safety and preliminary efficacy. Pharmacological approaches focus on reducing toxic byproduct accumulation and modulating the visual cycle. Precision medicine, targeting specific genetic mutations and pathways, is becoming increasingly important. Novel techniques such as clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 offer potential for directly correcting genetic defects. This review aims to synthesize recent advancements in understanding and treating Stargardt disease. By highlighting breakthroughs in genetic therapies, stem cell treatments, and novel pharmacological strategies, it provides a comprehensive overview of emerging therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Andreea Ghenciu
- Department of Functional Sciences, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Ovidiu Alin Hațegan
- Discipline of Anatomy and Embriology, Medicine Faculty, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Revolution Boulevard 94, 310025 Arad, Romania
| | - Emil Robert Stoicescu
- Field of Applied Engineering Sciences, Specialization Statistical Methods and Techniques in Health and Clinical Research, Faculty of Mechanics, ‘Politehnica’ University Timișoara, Mihai Viteazul Boulevard No. 1, 300222 Timișoara, Romania; (E.R.S.); (R.I.)
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, ‘Victor Babeș’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, ‘Victor Babeș’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Iacob
- Field of Applied Engineering Sciences, Specialization Statistical Methods and Techniques in Health and Clinical Research, Faculty of Mechanics, ‘Politehnica’ University Timișoara, Mihai Viteazul Boulevard No. 1, 300222 Timișoara, Romania; (E.R.S.); (R.I.)
- Department of Anatomy and Embriology, ‘Victor Babeș’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Alina Maria Șișu
- Department of Anatomy and Embriology, ‘Victor Babeș’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
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Burnight ER, Fenner BJ, Han IC, DeLuca AP, Whitmore SS, Bohrer LR, Andorf JL, Sohn EH, Mullins RF, Tucker BA, Stone EM. Demonstration of the pathogenicity of a common non-exomic mutation in ABCA4 using iPSC-derived retinal organoids and retrospective clinical data. Hum Mol Genet 2024; 33:1379-1390. [PMID: 37930186 PMCID: PMC11305681 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in ABCA4 are the most common cause of Mendelian retinal disease. Clinical evaluation of this gene is challenging because of its extreme allelic diversity, the large fraction of non-exomic mutations, and the wide range of associated disease. We used patient-derived retinal organoids as well as DNA samples and clinical data from a large cohort of patients with ABCA4-associated retinal disease to investigate the pathogenicity of a variant in ABCA4 (IVS30 + 1321 A>G) that occurs heterozygously in 2% of Europeans. We found that this variant causes mis-splicing of the gene in photoreceptor cells such that the resulting protein contains 36 incorrect amino acids followed by a premature stop. We also investigated the phenotype of 10 patients with compound genotypes that included this mutation. Their median age of first vision loss was 39 years, which is in the mildest quintile of a large cohort of patients with ABCA4 disease. We conclude that the IVS30 + 1321 A>G variant can cause disease when paired with a sufficiently deleterious opposing allele in a sufficiently permissive genetic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin R Burnight
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Beau J Fenner
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Ian C Han
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Adam P DeLuca
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - S Scott Whitmore
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Laura R Bohrer
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Jeaneen L Andorf
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Elliott H Sohn
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Robert F Mullins
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Budd A Tucker
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Edwin M Stone
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
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Cvekl A, Vijg J. Aging of the eye: Lessons from cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 99:102407. [PMID: 38977082 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Aging is the greatest risk factor for chronic human diseases, including many eye diseases. Geroscience aims to understand the effects of the aging process on these diseases, including the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms that underlie the increased risk of disease over the lifetime. Understanding of the aging eye increases general knowledge of the cellular physiology impacted by aging processes at various biological extremes. Two major diseases, age-related cataract and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are caused by dysfunction of the lens and retina, respectively. Lens transparency and light refraction are mediated by lens fiber cells lacking nuclei and other organelles, which provides a unique opportunity to study a single aging hallmark, i.e., loss of proteostasis, within an environment of limited metabolism. In AMD, local dysfunction of the photoreceptors/retinal pigmented epithelium/Bruch's membrane/choriocapillaris complex in the macula leads to the loss of photoreceptors and eventually loss of central vision, and is driven by nearly all the hallmarks of aging and shares features with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. The aging eye can function as a model for studying basic mechanisms of aging and, vice versa, well-defined hallmarks of aging can be used as tools to understand age-related eye disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ales Cvekl
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
| | - Jan Vijg
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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Fenner BJ, Whitmore SS, DeLuca AP, Andorf JL, Daggett HT, Luse MA, Haefeli LM, Riley JB, Critser DB, Wilkinson ME, Dumitrescu AV, Drack AV, Boyce TM, Russell JF, Binkley EM, Sohn EH, Russell SR, Boldt HC, Mullins RF, Tucker BA, Scheetz TE, Han IC, Stone EM. A Retrospective Longitudinal Study of 460 Patients with ABCA4-Associated Retinal Disease. Ophthalmology 2024; 131:985-997. [PMID: 38309476 PMCID: PMC11398085 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2024.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the distribution of genotypes and natural history of ABCA4-associated retinal disease in a large cohort of patients seen at a single institution. DESIGN Retrospective, single-institution cohort review. PARTICIPANTS Patients seen at the University of Iowa between November 1986 and August 2022 clinically suspected to have disease caused by sequence variations in ABCA4. METHODS DNA samples from participants were subjected to a tiered testing strategy progressing from allele-specific screening to whole genome sequencing. Charts were reviewed, and clinical data were tabulated. The pathogenic severity of the most common alleles was estimated by studying groups of patients who shared 1 allele. Groups of patients with shared genotypes were reviewed for evidence of modifying factor effects. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Age at first uncorrectable vision loss, best-corrected visual acuity, and the area of the I2e isopter of the Goldmann visual field. RESULTS A total of 460 patients from 390 families demonstrated convincing clinical features of ABCA4-associated retinal disease. Complete genotypes were identified in 399 patients, and partial genotypes were identified in 61. The median age at first vision loss was 16 years (range, 4-76 years). Two hundred sixty-five families (68%) harbored a unique genotype, and no more than 10 patients shared any single genotype. Review of the patients with shared genotypes revealed evidence of modifying factors that in several cases resulted in a > 15-year difference in age at first vision loss. Two hundred forty-one different alleles were identified among the members of this cohort, and 161 of these (67%) were found in only a single individual. CONCLUSIONS ABCA4-associated retinal disease ranges from a very severe photoreceptor disease with an onset before 5 years of age to a late-onset retinal pigment epithelium-based condition resembling pattern dystrophy. Modifying factors frequently impact the ABCA4 disease phenotype to a degree that is similar in magnitude to the detectable ABCA4 alleles themselves. It is likely that most patients in any cohort will harbor a unique genotype. The latter observations taken together suggest that patients' clinical findings in most cases will be more useful for predicting their clinical course than their genotype. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beau J Fenner
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Singapore National Eye Centre; Singapore Eye Research Institute; and Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - S Scott Whitmore
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Adam P DeLuca
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Jean L Andorf
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Heather T Daggett
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Meagan A Luse
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Lorena M Haefeli
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Janet B Riley
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Douglas B Critser
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Mark E Wilkinson
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Alina V Dumitrescu
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Arlene V Drack
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Timothy M Boyce
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Jonathan F Russell
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Elaine M Binkley
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Elliott H Sohn
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Stephen R Russell
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - H Culver Boldt
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Robert F Mullins
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Budd A Tucker
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Todd E Scheetz
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Ian C Han
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Edwin M Stone
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
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Fu C, Yang N, Chuang JZ, Nakajima N, Iraha S, Roy N, Wu Z, Jiang Z, Otsu W, Radu RA, Yang HH, Lee MP, Worgall TS, Xiong WC, Sung CH. Mutant mice with rod-specific VPS35 deletion exhibit retinal α-synuclein pathology-associated degeneration. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5970. [PMID: 39043666 PMCID: PMC11266608 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50189-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Vacuolar protein sorting 35 (VPS35), the core component of the retromer complex which regulates endosomal trafficking, is genetically linked with Parkinson's disease (PD). Impaired vision is a common non-motor manifestation of PD. Here, we show mouse retinas with VPS35-deficient rods exhibit synapse loss and visual deficit, followed by progressive degeneration concomitant with the emergence of Lewy body-like inclusions and phospho-α-synuclein (P-αSyn) aggregation. Ultrastructural analyses reveal VPS35-deficient rods accumulate aggregates in late endosomes, deposited as lipofuscins bound to P-αSyn. Mechanistically, we uncover a protein network of VPS35 and its interaction with HSC70. VPS35 deficiency promotes sequestration of HSC70 and P-αSyn aggregation in late endosomes. Microglia which engulf lipofuscins and P-αSyn aggregates are activated, displaying autofluorescence, observed as bright dots in fundus imaging of live animals, coinciding with pathology onset and progression. The Rod∆Vps35 mouse line is a valuable tool for further mechanistic investigation of αSyn lesions and retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Margaret M. Dyson Vision Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Nan Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Margaret M. Dyson Vision Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Jen-Zen Chuang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Margaret M. Dyson Vision Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Nobuyuki Nakajima
- Department of Ophthalmology, Margaret M. Dyson Vision Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Department of Urology, Tokai University School of Medicipne, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Iraha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Margaret M. Dyson Vision Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University; Department of Ophthalmology, National Sanatorium Kikuchi Keifuen, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Neeta Roy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Margaret M. Dyson Vision Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Zhenquan Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Margaret M. Dyson Vision Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Zhichun Jiang
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute, and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Wataru Otsu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Margaret M. Dyson Vision Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Department of Biomedical Research Laboratory, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Roxana A Radu
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute, and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Howard Hua Yang
- The Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Maxwell Ping Lee
- The Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tilla S Worgall
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wen-Cheng Xiong
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ching-Hwa Sung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Margaret M. Dyson Vision Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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Ng ESY, Hu J, Jiang Z, Radu RA. Impaired cathepsin D in retinal pigment epithelium cells mediates Stargardt disease pathogenesis. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23720. [PMID: 38837708 PMCID: PMC11296957 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400210rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Recessive Stargardt disease (STGD1) is an inherited juvenile maculopathy caused by mutations in the ABCA4 gene, for which there is no suitable treatment. Loss of functional ABCA4 in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) alone, without contribution from photoreceptor cells, was shown to induce STGD1 pathology. Here, we identified cathepsin D (CatD), the primary RPE lysosomal protease, as a key molecular player contributing to endo-lysosomal dysfunction in STGD1 using a newly developed "disease-in-a-dish" RPE model from confirmed STGD1 patients. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived RPE originating from three STGD1 patients exhibited elevated lysosomal pH, as previously reported in Abca4-/- mice. CatD protein maturation and activity were impaired in RPE from STGD1 patients and Abca4-/- mice. Consequently, STGD1 RPE cells have reduced photoreceptor outer segment degradation and abnormal accumulation of α-synuclein, the natural substrate of CatD. Furthermore, dysfunctional ABCA4 in STGD1 RPE cells results in intracellular accumulation of autofluorescent material and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). The altered distribution of PE associated with the internal membranes of STGD1 RPE cells presumably compromises LC3-associated phagocytosis, contributing to delayed endo-lysosomal degradation activity. Drug-mediated re-acidification of lysosomes in the RPE of STGD1 restores CatD functional activity and reduces the accumulation of immature CatD protein loads. This preclinical study validates the contribution of CatD deficiencies to STGD1 pathology and provides evidence for an efficacious therapeutic approach targeting RPE cells. Our findings support a cell-autonomous RPE-driven pathology, informing future research aimed at targeting RPE cells to treat ABCA4-mediated retinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunice Sze Yin Ng
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jane Hu
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Zhichun Jiang
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Roxana A. Radu
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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9
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Corradi Z, Hitti-Malin RJ, de Rooij LA, Garanto A, Collin RWJ, Cremers FPM. Antisense Oligonucleotide-Based Rescue of Complex Intronic Splicing Defects in ABCA4. Nucleic Acid Ther 2024; 34:125-133. [PMID: 38800942 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2024.0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The ABCA4 gene, involved in Stargardt disease, has a high percentage of splice-altering pathogenic variants, some of which cause complex RNA defects. Although antisense oligonucleotides (AONs) have shown promising results in splicing modulation, they have not yet been used to target complex splicing defects. Here, we performed AON-based rescue studies on ABCA4 complex splicing defects. Intron 13 variants c.1938-724A>G, c.1938-621G>A, c.1938-619A>G, and c.1938-514A>G all lead to the inclusion of different pseudo-exons (PEs) with and without an upstream PE (PE1). Intron 44 variant c.6148-84A>T results in multiple PE inclusions and/or exon skipping events. Five novel AONs were designed to target these defects. AON efficacy was assessed by in vitro splice assays using midigenes containing the variants of interest. All screened complex splicing defects were effectively rescued by the AONs. Although varying levels of efficacy were observed between AONs targeting the same PEs, for all variants at least one AON restored splicing to levels comparable or better than wildtype. In conclusion, AONs are a promising approach to target complex splicing defects in ABCA4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelia Corradi
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rebekkah J Hitti-Malin
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Laura A de Rooij
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Alejandro Garanto
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rob W J Collin
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Frans P M Cremers
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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10
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Andreazzoli M, Longoni B, Angeloni D, Demontis GC. Retinoid Synthesis Regulation by Retinal Cells in Health and Disease. Cells 2024; 13:871. [PMID: 38786093 PMCID: PMC11120330 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Vision starts in retinal photoreceptors when specialized proteins (opsins) sense photons via their covalently bonded vitamin A derivative 11cis retinaldehyde (11cis-RAL). The reaction of non-enzymatic aldehydes with amino groups lacks specificity, and the reaction products may trigger cell damage. However, the reduced synthesis of 11cis-RAL results in photoreceptor demise and suggests the need for careful control over 11cis-RAL handling by retinal cells. This perspective focuses on retinoid(s) synthesis, their control in the adult retina, and their role during retina development. It also explores the potential importance of 9cis vitamin A derivatives in regulating retinoid synthesis and their impact on photoreceptor development and survival. Additionally, recent advancements suggesting the pivotal nature of retinoid synthesis regulation for cone cell viability are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Biancamaria Longoni
- Department of Translational Medicine and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Debora Angeloni
- The Institute of Biorobotics, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
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11
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D'haene E, López-Soriano V, Martínez-García PM, Kalayanamontri S, Rey AD, Sousa-Ortega A, Naranjo S, Van de Sompele S, Vantomme L, Mahieu Q, Vergult S, Neto A, Gómez-Skarmeta JL, Martínez-Morales JR, Bauwens M, Tena JJ, De Baere E. Comparative 3D genome analysis between neural retina and retinal pigment epithelium reveals differential cis-regulatory interactions at retinal disease loci. Genome Biol 2024; 25:123. [PMID: 38760655 PMCID: PMC11100165 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-024-03250-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vision depends on the interplay between photoreceptor cells of the neural retina and the underlying retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Most genes involved in inherited retinal diseases display specific spatiotemporal expression within these interconnected retinal components through the local recruitment of cis-regulatory elements (CREs) in 3D nuclear space. RESULTS To understand the role of differential chromatin architecture in establishing tissue-specific expression at inherited retinal disease loci, we mapped genome-wide chromatin interactions using in situ Hi-C and H3K4me3 HiChIP on neural retina and RPE/choroid from human adult donor eyes. We observed chromatin looping between active promoters and 32,425 and 8060 candidate CREs in the neural retina and RPE/choroid, respectively. A comparative 3D genome analysis between these two retinal tissues revealed that 56% of 290 known inherited retinal disease genes were marked by differential chromatin interactions. One of these was ABCA4, which is implicated in the most common autosomal recessive inherited retinal disease. We zoomed in on retina- and RPE-specific cis-regulatory interactions at the ABCA4 locus using high-resolution UMI-4C. Integration with bulk and single-cell epigenomic datasets and in vivo enhancer assays in zebrafish revealed tissue-specific CREs interacting with ABCA4. CONCLUSIONS Through comparative 3D genome mapping, based on genome-wide, promoter-centric, and locus-specific assays of human neural retina and RPE, we have shown that gene regulation at key inherited retinal disease loci is likely mediated by tissue-specific chromatin interactions. These findings do not only provide insight into tissue-specific regulatory landscapes at retinal disease loci, but also delineate the search space for non-coding genomic variation underlying unsolved inherited retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva D'haene
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Víctor López-Soriano
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pedro Manuel Martínez-García
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Soraya Kalayanamontri
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Alfredo Dueñas Rey
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ana Sousa-Ortega
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Silvia Naranjo
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Stijn Van de Sompele
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lies Vantomme
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Quinten Mahieu
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sarah Vergult
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ana Neto
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - José Luis Gómez-Skarmeta
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Juan Ramón Martínez-Morales
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Miriam Bauwens
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Juan Jesús Tena
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Elfride De Baere
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
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12
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Kurzawa-Akanbi M, Tzoumas N, Corral-Serrano JC, Guarascio R, Steel DH, Cheetham ME, Armstrong L, Lako M. Pluripotent stem cell-derived models of retinal disease: Elucidating pathogenesis, evaluating novel treatments, and estimating toxicity. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 100:101248. [PMID: 38369182 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Blindness poses a growing global challenge, with approximately 26% of cases attributed to degenerative retinal diseases. While gene therapy, optogenetic tools, photosensitive switches, and retinal prostheses offer hope for vision restoration, these high-cost therapies will benefit few patients. Understanding retinal diseases is therefore key to advance effective treatments, requiring in vitro models replicating pathology and allowing quantitative assessments for drug discovery. Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) provide a unique solution given their limitless supply and ability to differentiate into light-responsive retinal tissues encompassing all cell types. This review focuses on the history and current state of photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell generation from PSCs. We explore the applications of this technology in disease modelling, experimental therapy testing, biomarker identification, and toxicity studies. We consider challenges in scalability, standardisation, and reproducibility, and stress the importance of incorporating vasculature and immune cells into retinal organoids. We advocate for high-throughput automation in data acquisition and analyses and underscore the value of advanced micro-physiological systems that fully capture the interactions between the neural retina, RPE, and choriocapillaris.
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13
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Pedersen HR, Gilson SJ, Hagen LA, Holtan JP, Bragadottir R, Baraas RC. Multimodal in-vivo maps as a tool to characterize retinal structural biomarkers for progression in adult-onset Stargardt disease. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2024; 4:1384473. [PMID: 38984108 PMCID: PMC11182093 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2024.1384473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Purpose To characterize retinal structural biomarkers for progression in adult-onset Stargardt disease from multimodal retinal imaging in-vivo maps. Methods Seven adult patients (29-69 years; 3 males) with genetically-confirmed and clinically diagnosed adult-onset Stargardt disease and age-matched healthy controls were imaged with confocal and non-confocal Adaptive Optics Scanning Light Ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO), optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus infrared (FIR), short wavelength-autofluorescence (FAF) and color fundus photography (CFP). Images from each modality were scaled for differences in lateral magnification before montages of AOSLO images were aligned with en-face FIR, FAF and OCT scans to explore changes in retinal structure across imaging modalities. Photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, flecks, and other retinal alterations in macular regions were identified, delineated, and correlated across imaging modalities. Retinal layer-thicknesses were extracted from segmented OCT images in areas of normal appearance on clinical imaging and intact outer retinal structure on OCT. Eccentricity dependency in cell density was compared with retinal thickness and outer retinal layer thickness, evaluated across patients, and compared with data from healthy controls. Results In patients with Stargardt disease, alterations in retinal structure were visible in different image modalities depending on layer location and structural properties. The patients had highly variable foveal structure, associated with equally variable visual acuity (-0.02 to 0.98 logMAR). Cone and rod photoreceptors, as well as RPE-like structures in some areas, could be quantified on non-confocal split-detection AOSLO images. RPE cells were also visible on dark field AOSLO images close to the foveal center. Hypo-reflective gaps of non-waveguiding cones (dark cones) were seen on confocal AOSLO in regions with clinically normal CFP, FIR, FAF and OCT appearance and an intact cone inner segment mosaic in three patients. Conclusion Dark cones were identified as a possible first sign of retinal disease progression in adult-onset Stargardt disease as these are observed in retinal locations with otherwise normal appearance and outer retinal thickness. This corroborates a previous report where dark cones were proposed as a first sign of progression in childhood-onset Stargardt disease. This also supports the hypothesis that, in Stargardt disease, photoreceptor degeneration occurs before RPE cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilde R Pedersen
- National Centre for Optics, Vision and Eye Care, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Kongsberg, Norway
| | - Stuart J Gilson
- National Centre for Optics, Vision and Eye Care, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Kongsberg, Norway
| | - Lene A Hagen
- National Centre for Optics, Vision and Eye Care, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Kongsberg, Norway
| | - Josephine Prener Holtan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ragnheidur Bragadottir
- Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Rigmor C Baraas
- National Centre for Optics, Vision and Eye Care, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Kongsberg, Norway
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14
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Abcouwer SF, Miglioranza Scavuzzi B, Kish PE, Kong D, Shanmugam S, Le XA, Yao J, Hager H, Zacks DN. The mouse retinal pigment epithelium mounts an innate immune defense response following retinal detachment. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:74. [PMID: 38528525 PMCID: PMC10964713 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03062-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) maintains photoreceptor viability and function, completes the visual cycle, and forms the outer blood-retinal barrier (oBRB). Loss of RPE function gives rise to several monogenic retinal dystrophies and contributes to age-related macular degeneration. Retinal detachment (RD) causes separation of the neurosensory retina from the underlying RPE, disrupting the functional and metabolic relationships between these layers. Although the retinal response to RD is highly studied, little is known about how the RPE responds to loss of this interaction. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was used to compare normal and detached RPE in the C57BL6/J mouse. The naïve mouse RPE transcriptome was compared to previously published RPE signature gene lists and from the union of these 14 genes (Bmp4, Crim1, Degs1, Gja1, Itgav, Mfap3l, Pdpn, Ptgds, Rbp1, Rnf13, Rpe65, Slc4a2, Sulf1 and Ttr) representing a core signature gene set applicable across rodent and human RPE was derived. Gene ontology enrichment analysis (GOEA) of the mouse RPE transcriptome identified expected RPE features and functions, such as pigmentation, phagocytosis, lysosomal and proteasomal degradation of proteins, and barrier function. Differentially expressed genes (DEG) at 1 and 7 days post retinal detachment (dprd) were defined as mRNA with a significant (padj≤0.05) fold change (FC) of 0.67 ≥ FC ≥ 1.5 in detached versus naïve RPE. The RPE transcriptome exhibited dramatic changes at 1 dprd, with 2297 DEG identified. The KEGG pathways and biological process GO groups related to innate immune responses were significantly enriched. Lipocalin 2 (Lcn2) and several chemokines were upregulated, while numerous genes related to RPE functions, such as pigment synthesis, visual cycle, phagocytosis, and tight junctions were downregulated at 1 dprd. The response was largely transient, with only 18 significant DEG identified at 7 dprd, including upregulation of complement gene C4b. Validation studies confirmed RNA-Seq results. Thus, the RPE quickly downregulates cell-specific functions and mounts an innate immune defense response following RD. Our data demonstrate that the RPE contributes to the inflammatory response to RD and may play a role in attraction of immune cells to the subretinal space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven F Abcouwer
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA.
| | - Bruna Miglioranza Scavuzzi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Phillip E Kish
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Dejuan Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Sumathi Shanmugam
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Xuan An Le
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Jingyu Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Heather Hager
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - David N Zacks
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medicine, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
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15
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Fujinami K, Waheed N, Laich Y, Yang P, Fujinami-Yokokawa Y, Higgins JJ, Lu JT, Curtiss D, Clary C, Michaelides M. Stargardt macular dystrophy and therapeutic approaches. Br J Ophthalmol 2024; 108:495-505. [PMID: 37940365 PMCID: PMC10958310 DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2022-323071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Stargardt macular dystrophy (Stargardt disease; STGD1; OMIM 248200) is the most prevalent inherited macular dystrophy. STGD1 is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by multiple pathogenic sequence variants in the large ABCA4 gene (OMIM 601691). Major advances in understanding both the clinical and molecular features, as well as the underlying pathophysiology, have culminated in many completed, ongoing and planned human clinical trials of novel therapies.The aims of this concise review are to describe (1) the detailed phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of the disease, multimodal imaging findings, natural history of the disease, and pathogenesis, (2) the multiple avenues of research and therapeutic intervention, including pharmacological, cellular therapies and diverse types of genetic therapies that have either been investigated or are under investigation and (3) the exciting novel therapeutic approaches on the translational horizon that aim to treat STGD1 by replacing the entire 6.8 kb ABCA4 open reading frame.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaoru Fujinami
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, NHO Tokyo Medical Center, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Nadia Waheed
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yannik Laich
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Eye Center, Medical Center, University of Freiburg Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Paul Yang
- Oregon Health and Science University Casey Eye Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Yu Fujinami-Yokokawa
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, NHO Tokyo Medical Center, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Keio University School of Medicine Graduate School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Jonathan T Lu
- SalioGen Therapeutics Inc, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Darin Curtiss
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, Florida, USA
| | - Cathryn Clary
- SalioGen Therapeutics Inc, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michel Michaelides
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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16
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Du X, Butler AG, Chen HY. Cell-cell interaction in the pathogenesis of inherited retinal diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1332944. [PMID: 38500685 PMCID: PMC10944940 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1332944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The retina is part of the central nervous system specialized for vision. Inherited retinal diseases (IRD) are a group of clinically and genetically heterogenous disorders that lead to progressive vision impairment or blindness. Although each disorder is rare, IRD accumulatively cause blindness in up to 5.5 million individuals worldwide. Currently, the pathophysiological mechanisms of IRD are not fully understood and there are limited treatment options available. Most IRD are caused by degeneration of light-sensitive photoreceptors. Genetic mutations that abrogate the structure and/or function of photoreceptors lead to visual impairment followed by blindness caused by loss of photoreceptors. In healthy retina, photoreceptors structurally and functionally interact with retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Müller glia (MG) to maintain retinal homeostasis. Multiple IRD with photoreceptor degeneration as a major phenotype are caused by mutations of RPE- and/or MG-associated genes. Recent studies also reveal compromised MG and RPE caused by mutations in ubiquitously expressed ciliary genes. Therefore, photoreceptor degeneration could be a direct consequence of gene mutations and/or could be secondary to the dysfunction of their interaction partners in the retina. This review summarizes the mechanisms of photoreceptor-RPE/MG interaction in supporting retinal functions and discusses how the disruption of these processes could lead to photoreceptor degeneration, with an aim to provide a unique perspective of IRD pathogenesis and treatment paradigm. We will first describe the biology of retina and IRD and then discuss the interaction between photoreceptors and MG/RPE as well as their implications in disease pathogenesis. Finally, we will summarize the recent advances in IRD therapeutics targeting MG and/or RPE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Holly Y. Chen
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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17
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Vincent M, Lehoux J, Desmarty C, Moine E, Legrand P, Dorandeu C, Simon L, Durand T, Brabet P, Crauste C, Begu S. A novel lipophenol quercetin derivative to prevent macular degeneration: Intravenous and oral formulations for preclinical pharmacological evaluation. Int J Pharm 2024; 651:123740. [PMID: 38145781 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Drugs with properties against oxidative and carbonyl stresses are potential candidates to prevent dry age-related macular degeneration (Dry-AMD) and inherited Stargardt disease (STGD1). Previous studies have demonstrated the capacity of a new lipophenol drug: 3-O-DHA-7-O-isopropyl-quercetin (Q-IP-DHA) to protect ARPE19 and primary rat RPE cells respectively from A2E toxicity and under oxidative and carbonyl stress conditions. In this study, first, a new methodology has been developed to access gram scale of Q-IP-DHA. After classification of the lipophenol as BCS Class IV according to physico-chemical and biopharmaceutical properties, an intravenous formulation with micelles (M) and an oral formulation using lipid nanocapsules (LNC) were developed. M were formed with Kolliphor® HS 15 and saline solution 0.9 % (mean size of 16 nm, drug loading of 95 %). The oral formulation was optimized and successfully allowed the formation of LNC (25 nm, 96 %). The evaluation of the therapeutic potency of Q-IP-DHA was performed after IV administration of micelles loaded with Q-IP-DHA (M-Q-IP-DHA) at 30 mg/kg and after oral administration of LNC loaded with Q-IP-DHA (LNC-Q-IP-DHA) at 100 mg/kg in mice. Results demonstrated photoreceptor protection after induction of retinal degeneration by acute light stress making Q-IP-DHA a promising preventive candidate against dry-AMD and STGD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Vincent
- ICGM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Jordan Lehoux
- IBMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France
| | - Claire Desmarty
- Institut des Neurosciences de Montpellier, INSERM U1051, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Thierry Durand
- IBMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France.
| | - Philippe Brabet
- Institut des Neurosciences de Montpellier, INSERM U1051, Montpellier, France.
| | - Céline Crauste
- IBMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France.
| | - Sylvie Begu
- ICGM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier, France.
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18
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Jilani S, Saco JD, Mugarza E, Pujol-Morcillo A, Chokry J, Ng C, Abril-Rodriguez G, Berger-Manerio D, Pant A, Hu J, Gupta R, Vega-Crespo A, Baselga-Carretero I, Chen JM, Shin DS, Scumpia P, Radu RA, Chen Y, Ribas A, Puig-Saus C. CAR-T cell therapy targeting surface expression of TYRP1 to treat cutaneous and rare melanoma subtypes. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1244. [PMID: 38336975 PMCID: PMC10858182 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45221-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A major limitation to developing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies for solid tumors is identifying surface proteins highly expressed in tumors but not in normal tissues. Here, we identify Tyrosinase Related Protein 1 (TYRP1) as a CAR-T cell therapy target to treat patients with cutaneous and rare melanoma subtypes unresponsive to immune checkpoint blockade. TYRP1 is primarily located intracellularly in the melanosomes, with a small fraction being trafficked to the cell surface via vesicular transport. We develop a highly sensitive CAR-T cell therapy that detects surface TYRP1 in tumor cells with high TYRP1 overexpression and presents antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo in murine and patient-derived cutaneous, acral and uveal melanoma models. Furthermore, no systemic or off-tumor severe toxicities are observed in an immunocompetent murine model. The efficacy and safety profile of the TYRP1 CAR-T cell therapy supports the ongoing preparation of a phase I clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameeha Jilani
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Justin D Saco
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Edurne Mugarza
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Aleida Pujol-Morcillo
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Chokry
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Clement Ng
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gabriel Abril-Rodriguez
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy Center at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David Berger-Manerio
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ami Pant
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jane Hu
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rubi Gupta
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Agustin Vega-Crespo
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ignacio Baselga-Carretero
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jia M Chen
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy Center at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Sanghoon Shin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center-UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Philip Scumpia
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Dermatology, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System-West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Roxana A Radu
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yvonne Chen
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy Center at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center-UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Broad Stem Cell Research Center-UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Antoni Ribas
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy Center at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center-UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Broad Stem Cell Research Center-UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Cristina Puig-Saus
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy Center at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center-UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Broad Stem Cell Research Center-UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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19
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Heath Jeffery RC, Lo J, Thompson JA, Lamey TM, McLaren TL, De Roach JN, Ayton LN, Vincent AL, Sharma A, Chen FK. Analysis of the Outer Retinal Bands in ABCA4 and PRPH2-Associated Retinopathy using OCT. Ophthalmol Retina 2024; 8:174-183. [PMID: 37209970 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2023.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the outer retinal bands using OCT in ABCA4- and PRPH2-associated retinopathy and develop a novel imaging biomarker to differentiate between these 2 genotypes. DESIGN Multicenter case-control study. PARTICIPANTS Patients with a clinical and genetic diagnosis of ABCA4- or PRPH2-associated retinopathy and an age-matched control group. METHODS Macular OCT was used to measure the thickness of the outer retinal bands 2 and 4 by 2 independent examiners at 4 retinal loci. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Outcome measures included the thicknesses of band 2, band 4, and the band 2/band 4 ratio. Linear mixed modeling was used to make comparisons across the 3 groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis determined the optimal cutoff for the band 2/band 4 ratio to distinguish PRPH2- from ABCA4-associated retinopathy. RESULTS We included 45 patients with ABCA4 variants, 45 patients with PRPH2 variants, and 45 healthy controls. Band 2 was significantly thicker in patients with PRPH2 compared with ABCA4 (21.4 vs. 15.9 μm, P < 0.001) variants, whereas band 4 was thicker in patients with ABCA4 variants than those with PRPH2 variants (27.5 vs. 21.7 μm, P < 0.001). Similarly, the band 2/band 4 ratio was significantly different (1.0 vs. 0.6 for PRPH2 vs. ABCA4, P < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve was 0.87 for either band 2 (> 18.58 μm) or band 4 (< 26.17 μm) alone and 0.99 (95% confidence interval: 0.97-0.99) for the band 2/band 4 ratio with a cutoff threshold of 0.79, providing 100% specificity. CONCLUSIONS We report an altered outer retinal band profile whereby the band 2/band 4 ratio was able to discriminate between PRPH2- and ABCA4-associated retinopathy. This may have future clinic utility in predicting the genotype and provide further insight into the anatomic correlate of band 2. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael C Heath Jeffery
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Ocular Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Johnny Lo
- School of Science, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jennifer A Thompson
- Australian Inherited Retinal Disease Registry and DNA Bank, Department of Medical Technology and Physics, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Tina M Lamey
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Australian Inherited Retinal Disease Registry and DNA Bank, Department of Medical Technology and Physics, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Terri L McLaren
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Australian Inherited Retinal Disease Registry and DNA Bank, Department of Medical Technology and Physics, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - John N De Roach
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Australian Inherited Retinal Disease Registry and DNA Bank, Department of Medical Technology and Physics, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Lauren N Ayton
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrea L Vincent
- Department of Ophthalmology, FMHS, New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Eye Department, Greenlane Clinical Centre, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Abhishek Sharma
- Ophthalmology Department, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Fred K Chen
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Ocular Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Australian Inherited Retinal Disease Registry and DNA Bank, Department of Medical Technology and Physics, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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20
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Kocherlakota S, Baes M. Benefits and Caveats in the Use of Retinal Pigment Epithelium-Specific Cre Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1293. [PMID: 38279294 PMCID: PMC10816505 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is an important monolayer of cells present in the outer retina, forming a major part of the blood-retina barrier (BRB). It performs many tasks essential for the maintenance of retinal integrity and function. With increasing knowledge of the retina, it is becoming clear that both common retinal disorders, like age-related macular degeneration, and rare genetic disorders originate in the RPE. This calls for a better understanding of the functions of various proteins within the RPE. In this regard, mice enabling an RPE-specific gene deletion are a powerful tool to study the role of a particular protein within the RPE cells in their native environment, simultaneously negating any potential influences of systemic changes. Moreover, since RPE cells interact closely with adjacent photoreceptors, these mice also provide an excellent avenue to study the importance of a particular gene function within the RPE to the retina as a whole. In this review, we outline and compare the features of various Cre mice created for this purpose, which allow for inducible or non-inducible RPE-specific knockout of a gene of interest. We summarize the various benefits and caveats involved in the use of such mouse lines, allowing researchers to make a well-informed decision on the choice of Cre mouse to use in relation to their research needs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Myriam Baes
- Laboratory of Cell Metabolism, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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21
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Rozanowska M, Edge R, Land EJ, Navaratnam S, Sarna T, Truscott TG. Scavenging of Cation Radicals of the Visual Cycle Retinoids by Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Taurine, and Melanin. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:506. [PMID: 38203675 PMCID: PMC10779001 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In the retina, retinoids involved in vision are under constant threat of oxidation, and their oxidation products exhibit deleterious properties. Using pulse radiolysis, this study determined that the bimolecular rate constants of scavenging cation radicals of retinoids by taurine are smaller than 2 × 107 M-1s-1 whereas lutein scavenges cation radicals of all three retinoids with the bimolecular rate constants approach the diffusion-controlled limits, while zeaxanthin is only 1.4-1.6-fold less effective. Despite that lutein exhibits greater scavenging rate constants of retinoid cation radicals than other antioxidants, the greater concentrations of ascorbate in the retina suggest that ascorbate may be the main protectant of all visual cycle retinoids from oxidative degradation, while α-tocopherol may play a substantial role in the protection of retinaldehyde but is relatively inefficient in the protection of retinol or retinyl palmitate. While the protection of retinoids by lutein and zeaxanthin appears inefficient in the retinal periphery, it can be quite substantial in the macula. Although the determined rate constants of scavenging the cation radicals of retinol and retinaldehyde by dopa-melanin are relatively small, the high concentration of melanin in the RPE melanosomes suggests they can be scavenged if they are in proximity to melanin-containing pigment granules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Rozanowska
- Cardiff Institute of Tissue Engineering and Repair, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Ruth Edge
- Dalton Cumbrian Facility, The University of Manchester, Westlakes Science Park, Moor Row, Cumbria CA24 3HA, UK;
| | - Edward J. Land
- The Paterson Institute, The University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4BX, UK;
| | - Suppiah Navaratnam
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK;
| | - Tadeusz Sarna
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland;
| | - T. George Truscott
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Lennard-Jones Building, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK;
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22
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Różanowska MB. Lipofuscin, Its Origin, Properties, and Contribution to Retinal Fluorescence as a Potential Biomarker of Oxidative Damage to the Retina. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:2111. [PMID: 38136230 PMCID: PMC10740933 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12122111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipofuscin accumulates with age as intracellular fluorescent granules originating from incomplete lysosomal digestion of phagocytosed and autophagocytosed material. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the current understanding of the role of oxidative stress and/or lysosomal dysfunction in lipofuscin accumulation and its consequences, particularly for retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Next, the fluorescence of lipofuscin, spectral changes induced by oxidation, and its contribution to retinal fluorescence are discussed. This is followed by reviewing recent developments in fluorescence imaging of the retina and the current evidence on the prognostic value of retinal fluorescence for the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the major blinding disease affecting elderly people in developed countries. The evidence of lipofuscin oxidation in vivo and the evidence of increased oxidative damage in AMD retina ex vivo lead to the conclusion that imaging of spectral characteristics of lipofuscin fluorescence may serve as a useful biomarker of oxidative damage, which can be helpful in assessing the efficacy of potential antioxidant therapies in retinal degenerations associated with accumulation of lipofuscin and increased oxidative stress. Finally, amendments to currently used fluorescence imaging instruments are suggested to be more sensitive and specific for imaging spectral characteristics of lipofuscin fluorescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata B. Różanowska
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Maindy Road, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, Wales, UK;
- Cardiff Institute for Tissue Engineering and Repair (CITER), Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3NB, Wales, UK
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23
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Bocquet B, Borday C, Erkilic N, Mamaeva D, Donval A, Masson C, Parain K, Kaminska K, Quinodoz M, Perea-Romero I, Garcia-Garcia G, Jimenez-Medina C, Boukhaddaoui H, Coget A, Leboucq N, Calzetti G, Gandolfi S, Percesepe A, Barili V, Uliana V, Delsante M, Bozzetti F, Scholl HP, Corton M, Ayuso C, Millan JM, Rivolta C, Meunier I, Perron M, Kalatzis V. TBC1D32 variants disrupt retinal ciliogenesis and cause retinitis pigmentosa. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e169426. [PMID: 37768732 PMCID: PMC10721274 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.169426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common inherited retinal disease (IRD) and is characterized by photoreceptor degeneration and progressive vision loss. We report 4 patients presenting with RP from 3 unrelated families with variants in TBC1D32, which to date has never been associated with an IRD. To validate TBC1D32 as a putative RP causative gene, we combined Xenopus in vivo approaches and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived (iPSC-derived) retinal models. Our data showed that TBC1D32 was expressed during retinal development and that it played an important role in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) differentiation. Furthermore, we identified a role for TBC1D32 in ciliogenesis of the RPE. We demonstrated elongated ciliary defects that resulted in disrupted apical tight junctions, loss of functionality (delayed retinoid cycling and altered secretion balance), and the onset of an epithelial-mesenchymal transition-like phenotype. Last, our results suggested photoreceptor differentiation defects, including connecting cilium anomalies, that resulted in impaired trafficking to the outer segment in cones and rods in TBC1D32 iPSC-derived retinal organoids. Overall, our data highlight a critical role for TBC1D32 in the retina and demonstrate that TBC1D32 mutations lead to RP. We thus identify TBC1D32 as an IRD-causative gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Béatrice Bocquet
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, Inserm, Montpellier, France
- National Reference Centre for Inherited Sensory Diseases, University of Montpellier, CHU, Montpellier, France
| | - Caroline Borday
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - Nejla Erkilic
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, Inserm, Montpellier, France
- National Reference Centre for Inherited Sensory Diseases, University of Montpellier, CHU, Montpellier, France
| | - Daria Mamaeva
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Alicia Donval
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - Christel Masson
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - Karine Parain
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - Karolina Kaminska
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB), Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mathieu Quinodoz
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB), Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Irene Perea-Romero
- Department of Genetics, Health Research Institute-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Garcia-Garcia
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular, Cellular and Genomics Biomedicine Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Joint Unit of Rare Diseases, IIS La Fe-Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carla Jimenez-Medina
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Hassan Boukhaddaoui
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Arthur Coget
- Department of Neuroradiology and
- Institute for Human Functional Imaging (I2FH), University of Montpellier, CHU, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Giacomo Calzetti
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB), Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine and Surgery
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Francesca Bozzetti
- Neuroradiology Unit, Diagnostic Department, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Hendrik P.N. Scholl
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB), Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marta Corton
- Department of Genetics, Health Research Institute-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Ayuso
- Department of Genetics, Health Research Institute-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose M. Millan
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular, Cellular and Genomics Biomedicine Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Joint Unit of Rare Diseases, IIS La Fe-Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlo Rivolta
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB), Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Isabelle Meunier
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, Inserm, Montpellier, France
- National Reference Centre for Inherited Sensory Diseases, University of Montpellier, CHU, Montpellier, France
| | - Muriel Perron
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - Vasiliki Kalatzis
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, Inserm, Montpellier, France
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24
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Mullin NK, Voigt AP, Boese EA, Liu X, Stone EM, Tucker BA, Mullins RF. Transcriptomic and Chromatin Accessibility Analysis of the Human Macular and Peripheral Retinal Pigment Epithelium at the Single-Cell Level. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:1750-1761. [PMID: 36775060 PMCID: PMC10616710 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Some human retinal diseases are characterized by pathology that is restricted to specific cell types and to specific regions of the eye. Several disease entities either selectively affect or spare the macula, the retina region at the center of the posterior pole. Photoreceptor cells in the macula are involved in high-acuity vision and require metabolic support from non-neuronal cell types. Some macular diseases involve the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), an epithelial cell layer with several metabolic-support functions essential for the overlying photoreceptors. In the current study, the ways in which RPE confers region-specific disease susceptibility were determined by examining heterogeneity within RPE tissue from human donors. RPE nuclei from the macular and peripheral retina were profiled using joint single-nucleus RNA and ATAC sequencing. The expression of several genes differed between macular and peripheral RPE. Region-specific ATAC peaks were found, suggesting regulatory elements used exclusively by macular or peripheral RPE. Across anatomic regions, subpopulations of RPE were identified that appeared to have differential levels of expression of visual cycle genes. Finally, loci associated with age-related macular degeneration were examined for a better understanding of RPE-specific disease phenotypes. These findings showed variations in the regulation of gene expression in the human RPE by region and subpopulation, and provide a source for a better understanding of the molecular basis of macular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel K Mullin
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Andrew P Voigt
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Erin A Boese
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Xiuying Liu
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Edwin M Stone
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Budd A Tucker
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Robert F Mullins
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
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25
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Pfeffer BA. Bisretinoid degradation and reduction of lipofuscin accumulation in the amelanotic retinal pigment epithelium of mammals with a tapetum. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2315421120. [PMID: 37871197 PMCID: PMC10622903 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2315421120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bruce A. Pfeffer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The State University of New York-University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY14215
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26
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Wang L, Shah SM, Mangwani-Mordani S, Gregori NZ. Updates on Emerging Interventions for Autosomal Recessive ABCA4-Associated Stargardt Disease. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6229. [PMID: 37834872 PMCID: PMC10573680 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Autosomal recessive Stargardt disease (STGD1) is an inherited retinal degenerative disease associated with a mutated ATP-binding cassette, subfamily A, member 4 (ABCA4) gene. STGD1 is the most common form of juvenile macular degeneration with onset in late childhood to early or middle adulthood and causes progressive, irreversible visual impairment and blindness. No effective treatment is currently available. In the present article, we review the most recent updates in clinical trials targeting the management of STGD1, including gene therapy, small molecule therapy, and stem cell therapy. In gene therapy, dual adeno-associated virus and non-viral vectors have been successful in delivering the human ABCA4 gene in preclinical studies. For pharmaceutical therapies ALK-001, deuterated vitamin A shows promise with preliminary data for phase 2 trial, demonstrating a decreased atrophy growth rate after two years. Stem cell therapy using human pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium cells demonstrated long-term safety three years after implantation and visual acuity improvements in the first two years after initiation of therapy. Many other treatment options have ongoing investigations and clinical trials. While multiple potential interventions have shown promise in attenuating disease progression, further exploration is necessary to demonstrate treatment safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Wang
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (L.W.); (S.M.S.)
| | - Serena M. Shah
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (L.W.); (S.M.S.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Simran Mangwani-Mordani
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Ninel Z. Gregori
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
- Miami Veterans Administration Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA
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27
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Sajovic J, Meglič A, Corradi Z, Khan M, Maver A, Vidmar MJ, Hawlina M, Cremers FPM, Fakin A. ABCA4 Variant c.5714+5G>A in Trans With Null Alleles Results in Primary RPE Damage. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:33. [PMID: 37728905 PMCID: PMC10516765 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.12.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine the disease pathogenesis associated with the frequent ABCA4 variant c.5714+5G>A (p.[=,Glu1863Leufs*33]). Methods Patient-derived photoreceptor precursor cells were generated to analyze the effect of c.5714+5G>A on splicing and perform a quantitative analysis of c.5714+5G>A products. Patients with c.5714+5G>A in trans with a null allele (i.e., c.5714+5G>A patients; n = 7) were compared with patients with two null alleles (i.e., double null patients; n = 11); with a special attention to the degree of RPE atrophy (area of definitely decreased autofluorescence and the degree of photoreceptor impairment (outer nuclear layer thickness and pattern electroretinography amplitude). Results RT-PCR of mRNA from patient-derived photoreceptor precursor cells showed exon 40 and exon 39/40 deletion products, as well as the normal transcript. Quantification of products showed 52.4% normal and 47.6% mutant ABCA4 mRNA. Clinically, c.5714+5G>A patients displayed significantly better structural and functional preservation of photoreceptors (thicker outer nuclear layer, presence of tubulations, higher pattern electroretinography amplitude) than double null patients with similar degrees of RPE loss, whereas double null patients exhibited signs of extensive photoreceptor ,damage even in the areas with preserved RPE. Conclusions The prototypical STGD1 sequence of events of primary RPE and secondary photoreceptor damage is congruous with c.5714+5G>A, but not the double null genotype, which implies different and genotype-dependent disease mechanisms. We hypothesize that the relative photoreceptor sparing in c.5714+5G>A patients results from the remaining function of the ABCA4 transporter originating from the normally spliced product, possibly by decreasing the direct bisretinoid toxicity on photoreceptor membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Sajovic
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andrej Meglič
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Zelia Corradi
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Mubeen Khan
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Aleš Maver
- Clinical Institute of Genomic Medicine, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Martina Jarc Vidmar
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Hawlina
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Frans P. M. Cremers
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ana Fakin
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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28
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Farnoodian M, Bose D, Barone F, Nelson LM, Boyle M, Jun B, Do K, Gordon W, Guerin MAK, Perera R, Ji JX, Cogliati T, Sharma R, Brooks BP, Bazan NG, Bharti K. Retina and RPE lipid profile changes linked with ABCA4 associated Stargardt's maculopathy. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 249:108482. [PMID: 37385300 PMCID: PMC10530239 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Stargardt maculopathy, caused predominantly by mutations in the ABCA4 gene, is characterized by an accumulation of non-degradable visual pigment derivative, lipofuscin, in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) - resulting in RPE atrophy. RPE is a monolayer tissue located adjacent to retinal photoreceptors and regulates their health and functioning; RPE atrophy triggers photoreceptor cell death and vision loss in Stargardt patients. Previously, ABCA4 mutations in photoreceptors were thought to be the major contributor to lipid homeostasis defects in the eye. Recently, we demonstrated that ABCA4 loss of function in the RPE leads to cell-autonomous lipid homeostasis defects. Our work underscores that an incomplete understanding of lipid metabolism and lipid-mediated signaling in the retina and RPE are potential causes for lacking treatments for this disease. Here we report altered lipidomic in mouse and human Stargardt models. This work provides the basis for therapeutics that aim to restore lipid homeostasis in the retina and the RPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Farnoodian
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Section, National Eye Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Devika Bose
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Section, National Eye Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Francesca Barone
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Section, National Eye Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Luke Mathew Nelson
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Section, National Eye Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marisa Boyle
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Section, National Eye Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bokkyoo Jun
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, USA
| | - Khanh Do
- Faculty of Medicine, Phenikaa University, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - William Gordon
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, USA
| | - Marie-Audrey Kautzmann Guerin
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, USA
| | - Rasangi Perera
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, USA
| | - Jeff X Ji
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, USA
| | - Tiziana Cogliati
- Division of Aging Biology, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ruchi Sharma
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Section, National Eye Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Brian P Brooks
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nicolas G Bazan
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, New Orleans, USA
| | - Kapil Bharti
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Section, National Eye Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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29
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Watson A, Lako M. Retinal organoids provide unique insights into molecular signatures of inherited retinal disease throughout retinogenesis. J Anat 2023; 243:186-203. [PMID: 36177499 PMCID: PMC10335378 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The demand for induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived retinal organoid and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) models for the modelling of inherited retinopathies has increased significantly in the last decade. These models are comparable with foetal retinas up until the later stages of retinogenesis, expressing all of the key neuronal markers necessary for retinal function. These models have proven to be invaluable in the understanding of retinogenesis, particular in the context of patient-specific diseases. Inherited retinopathies are infamously described as clinically and phenotypically heterogeneous, such that developing gene/mutation-specific animal models in each instance of retinal disease is not financially or ethically feasible. Further to this, many animal models are insufficient in the study of disease pathogenesis due to anatomical differences and failure to recapitulate human disease phenotypes. In contrast, iPSC-derived retinal models provide a high throughput platform which is physiologically relevant for studying human health and disease. They also serve as a platform for drug screening, gene therapy approaches and in vitro toxicology of novel therapeutics in pre-clinical studies. One unique characteristic of stem cell-derived retinal models is the ability to mimic in vivo retinogenesis, providing unparalleled insights into the effects of pathogenic mutations in cells of the developing retina, in a highly accessible way. This review aims to give the reader an overview of iPSC-derived retinal organoids and/or RPE in the context of disease modelling of several inherited retinopathies including Retinitis Pigmentosa, Stargardt disease and Retinoblastoma. We describe the ability of each model to recapitulate in vivo disease phenotypes, validate previous findings from animal models and identify novel pathomechanisms that underpin individual IRDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avril Watson
- Biosciences InstituteNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Biosciences InstituteNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
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30
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Whelan L, Dockery A, Stephenson KAJ, Zhu J, Kopčić E, Post IJM, Khan M, Corradi Z, Wynne N, O' Byrne JJ, Duignan E, Silvestri G, Roosing S, Cremers FPM, Keegan DJ, Kenna PF, Farrar GJ. Detailed analysis of an enriched deep intronic ABCA4 variant in Irish Stargardt disease patients. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9380. [PMID: 37296172 PMCID: PMC10256698 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35889-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 15% of probands in a large cohort of more than 1500 inherited retinal degeneration patients present with a clinical diagnosis of Stargardt disease (STGD1), a recessive form of macular dystrophy caused by biallelic variants in the ABCA4 gene. Participants were clinically examined and underwent either target capture sequencing of the exons and some pathogenic intronic regions of ABCA4, sequencing of the entire ABCA4 gene or whole genome sequencing. ABCA4 c.4539 + 2028C > T, p.[= ,Arg1514Leufs*36] is a pathogenic deep intronic variant that results in a retina-specific 345-nucleotide pseudoexon inclusion. Through analysis of the Irish STGD1 cohort, 25 individuals across 18 pedigrees harbour ABCA4 c.4539 + 2028C > T and another pathogenic variant. This includes, to the best of our knowledge, the only two homozygous patients identified to date. This provides important evidence of variant pathogenicity for this deep intronic variant, highlighting the value of homozygotes for variant interpretation. 15 other heterozygous incidents of this variant in patients have been reported globally, indicating significant enrichment in the Irish population. We provide detailed genetic and clinical characterization of these patients, illustrating that ABCA4 c.4539 + 2028C > T is a variant of mild to intermediate severity. These results have important implications for unresolved STGD1 patients globally with approximately 10% of the population in some western countries claiming Irish heritage. This study exemplifies that detection and characterization of founder variants is a diagnostic imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Whelan
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Adrian Dockery
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Next Generation Sequencing Laboratory, Pathology Department, The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin 7, Ireland
| | - Kirk A J Stephenson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Mater Clinical Ophthalmic Genetics Unit, The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin 7, Ireland
| | - Julia Zhu
- Mater Clinical Ophthalmic Genetics Unit, The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin 7, Ireland
| | - Ella Kopčić
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Iris J M Post
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Mubeen Khan
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- International Max Planck Research School for Language Sciences, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Zelia Corradi
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Academic Alliance Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, and Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Niamh Wynne
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - James J O' Byrne
- Mater Clinical Ophthalmic Genetics Unit, The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin 7, Ireland
- International Max Planck Research School for Language Sciences, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- National Centre for Inherited Metabolic Disorders, The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin 7, Ireland
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Emma Duignan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Giuliana Silvestri
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Susanne Roosing
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Academic Alliance Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, and Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Frans P M Cremers
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Academic Alliance Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, and Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - David J Keegan
- Mater Clinical Ophthalmic Genetics Unit, The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin 7, Ireland
| | - Paul F Kenna
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - G Jane Farrar
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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31
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Ścieżyńska A, Łuszczyński K, Radziszewski M, Komorowski M, Soszyńska M, Krześniak N, Shevchenko K, Lutyńska A, Malejczyk J. Role of the ABCA4 Gene Expression in the Clearance of Toxic Vitamin A Derivatives in Human Hair Follicle Stem Cells and Keratinocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098275. [PMID: 37175983 PMCID: PMC10179012 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The ABCA4 gene encodes an ATP-binding cassette transporter that is expressed specifically in the disc of photoreceptor outer segments. Mutations in the ABCA4 gene are the main cause of retinal degenerations known as "ABCA4-retinopathies." Recent research has revealed that ABCA4 is expressed in other cells as well, such as hair follicles and keratinocytes, although no information on its significance has been evidenced so far. In this study, we investigated the role of the ABCA4 gene in human keratinocytes and hair follicle stem cells for the first time. We have shown that silencing the ABCA4 gene increases the deleterious effect of all-trans-retinal on human hair follicle stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Ścieżyńska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Medical Biology, National Institute of Cardiology, Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński State Research Institute, 04-628 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Łuszczyński
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Radziszewski
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Komorowski
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Soszyńska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Krześniak
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Medical Centre of Postgraduate Education, Prof. W. Orlowski Memorial Hospital, 00-416 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kateryna Shevchenko
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Lutyńska
- Department of Medical Biology, National Institute of Cardiology, Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński State Research Institute, 04-628 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Malejczyk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
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32
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Polyunsaturated Lipids in the Light-Exposed and Prooxidant Retinal Environment. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030617. [PMID: 36978865 PMCID: PMC10044808 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The retina is an oxidative stress-prone tissue due to high content of polyunsaturated lipids, exposure to visible light stimuli in the 400–480 nm range, and high oxygen availability provided by choroidal capillaries to support oxidative metabolism. Indeed, lipids’ peroxidation and their conversion into reactive species promoting inflammation have been reported and connected to retinal degenerations. Here, we review recent evidence showing how retinal polyunsaturated lipids, in addition to oxidative stress and damage, may counteract the inflammatory response triggered by blue light-activated carotenoid derivatives, enabling long-term retina operation despite its prooxidant environment. These two aspects of retinal polyunsaturated lipids require tight control over their synthesis to avoid overcoming their protective actions by an increase in lipid peroxidation due to oxidative stress. We review emerging evidence on different transcriptional control mechanisms operating in retinal cells to modulate polyunsaturated lipid synthesis over the life span, from the immature to the ageing retina. Finally, we discuss the antioxidant role of food nutrients such as xanthophylls and carotenoids that have been shown to empower retinal cells’ antioxidant responses and counteract the adverse impact of prooxidant stimuli on sight.
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33
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Martins-da-Silva A, Baroni M, Salomão KB, das Chagas PF, Bonfim-Silva R, Geron L, Cruzeiro GAV, da Silva WA, Corrêa CAP, Carlotti CG, de Paula Queiroz RG, Marie SKN, Brandalise SR, Yunes JA, Scrideli CA, Valera ET, Tone LG. Clinical Prognostic Implications of Wnt Hub Genes Expression in Medulloblastoma. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:813-826. [PMID: 35366170 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01217-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common type of pediatric malignant primary brain tumor, and about one-third of patients die due to disease recurrence and most survivors suffer from long-term side effects. MB is clinically, genetically, and epigenetically heterogeneous and subdivided into at least four molecular subgroups: WNT, SHH, Group 3, and Group 4. We evaluated common differentially expressed genes between a Brazilian RNA-seq GSE181293 dataset and microarray GSE85217 dataset cohort of pediatric MB samples using bioinformatics methodology in order to identify hub genes of the molecular subgroups based on PPI network construction, survival and functional analysis. The main finding was the identification of five hub genes from the WNT subgroup that are tumor suppressors, and whose lower expression is related to a worse prognosis for MB patients. Furthermore, the common genes correlated with the five tumor suppressors participate in important pathways and processes for tumor initiation and progression, as well as development and differentiation, and some of them control cell stemness and pluripotency. These genes have not yet been studied within the context of MB, representing new important elements for investigation in the search for therapeutic targets, prognostic markers or for understanding of MB biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Martins-da-Silva
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital - Ribeirão Preto Medical School - University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
| | - Mirella Baroni
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital - Ribeirão Preto Medical School - University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Karina Bezerra Salomão
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital - Ribeirão Preto Medical School - University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Pablo Ferreira das Chagas
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School - University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Bonfim-Silva
- Department of Surgery and Anatomy, University Hospital - Ribeirão Preto Medical School - University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Lenisa Geron
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School - University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Alencastro Veiga Cruzeiro
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital - Ribeirão Preto Medical School - University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Harvard Medical School - Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wilson Araújo da Silva
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School - University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Carolina Alves Pereira Corrêa
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital - Ribeirão Preto Medical School - University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Carlos Gilberto Carlotti
- Department of Surgery and Anatomy, University Hospital - Ribeirão Preto Medical School - University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Rosane Gomes de Paula Queiroz
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital - Ribeirão Preto Medical School - University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Carlos Alberto Scrideli
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital - Ribeirão Preto Medical School - University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School - University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Elvis Terci Valera
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital - Ribeirão Preto Medical School - University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Luiz Gonzaga Tone
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital - Ribeirão Preto Medical School - University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School - University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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34
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Millington-Ward S, Chadderton N, Finnegan LK, Post IJM, Carrigan M, Nixon R, Humphries MM, Humphries P, Kenna PF, Palfi A, Farrar GJ. RPE-Directed Gene Therapy Improves Mitochondrial Function in Murine Dry AMD Models. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043847. [PMID: 36835257 PMCID: PMC9968062 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness in the aged population. However, to date there is no effective treatment for the dry form of the disease, representing 85-90% of cases. AMD is an immensely complex disease which affects, amongst others, both retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor cells and leads to the progressive loss of central vision. Mitochondrial dysfunction in both RPE and photoreceptor cells is emerging as a key player in the disease. There are indications that during disease progression, the RPE is first impaired and RPE dysfunction in turn leads to subsequent photoreceptor cell degeneration; however, the exact sequence of events has not as yet been fully determined. We recently showed that AAV delivery of an optimised NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (NDI1) gene, a nuclear-encoded complex 1 equivalent from S. cerevisiae, expressed from a general promoter, provided robust benefit in a variety of murine and cellular models of dry AMD; this was the first study employing a gene therapy to directly boost mitochondrial function, providing functional benefit in vivo. However, use of a restricted RPE-specific promoter to drive expression of the gene therapy enables exploration of the optimal target retinal cell type for dry AMD therapies. Furthermore, such restricted transgene expression could reduce potential off-target effects, possibly improving the safety profile of the therapy. Therefore, in the current study, we interrogate whether expression of the gene therapy from the RPE-specific promoter, Vitelliform macular dystrophy 2 (VMD2), might be sufficient to rescue dry AMD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Millington-Ward
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
- Correspondence:
| | - Naomi Chadderton
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laura K. Finnegan
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Iris J. M. Post
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Matthew Carrigan
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rachel Nixon
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Marian M. Humphries
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Pete Humphries
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul F. Kenna
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
- The Research Foundation, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, D02 XK51 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Arpad Palfi
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
| | - G. Jane Farrar
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
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Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenesis Underlying Inherited Retinal Dystrophies. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020271. [PMID: 36830640 PMCID: PMC9953031 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are congenital retinal degenerative diseases that have various inheritance patterns, including dominant, recessive, X-linked, and mitochondrial. These diseases are most often the result of defects in rod and/or cone photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium function, development, or both. The genes associated with these diseases, when mutated, produce altered protein products that have downstream effects in pathways critical to vision, including phototransduction, the visual cycle, photoreceptor development, cellular respiration, and retinal homeostasis. The aim of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive review of the underlying molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis of IRDs by delving into many of the genes associated with IRD development, their protein products, and the pathways interrupted by genetic mutation.
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Kaplan L, Drexler C, Pfaller AM, Brenna S, Wunderlich KA, Dimitracopoulos A, Merl-Pham J, Perez MT, Schlötzer-Schrehardt U, Enzmann V, Samardzija M, Puig B, Fuchs P, Franze K, Hauck SM, Grosche A. Retinal regions shape human and murine Müller cell proteome profile and functionality. Glia 2023; 71:391-414. [PMID: 36334068 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The human macula is a highly specialized retinal region with pit-like morphology and rich in cones. How Müller cells, the principal glial cell type in the retina, are adapted to this environment is still poorly understood. We compared proteomic data from cone- and rod-rich retinae from human and mice and identified different expression profiles of cone- and rod-associated Müller cells that converged on pathways representing extracellular matrix and cell adhesion. In particular, epiplakin (EPPK1), which is thought to play a role in intermediate filament organization, was highly expressed in macular Müller cells. Furthermore, EPPK1 knockout in a human Müller cell-derived cell line led to a decrease in traction forces as well as to changes in cell size, shape, and filopodia characteristics. We here identified EPPK1 as a central molecular player in the region-specific architecture of the human retina, which likely enables specific functions under the immense mechanical loads in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lew Kaplan
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Corinne Drexler
- Max Perutz Labs, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter Campus (VBC), Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Biocenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna M Pfaller
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Santra Brenna
- Neurology Department, Experimental Research in Stroke and Inflammation (ERSI), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kirsten A Wunderlich
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea Dimitracopoulos
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Juliane Merl-Pham
- Research Unit Protein Science and Metabolomics and Proteomics Core, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Maria-Theresa Perez
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Ophthalmology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,NanoLund, Nanometer Structure Consortium, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Volker Enzmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marijana Samardzija
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Berta Puig
- Neurology Department, Experimental Research in Stroke and Inflammation (ERSI), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peter Fuchs
- Max Perutz Labs, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter Campus (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Kristian Franze
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Institute of Medical Physics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefanie M Hauck
- Research Unit Protein Science and Metabolomics and Proteomics Core, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Antje Grosche
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Dhooge PPA, Möller PT, Meland N, Stingl K, Boon CJF, Lotery AJ, Parodi MB, Herrmann P, Klein W, Fsadni MG, Wheeler-Schilling TH, Holz FG, Hoyng CB, Schmitz-Valckenberg S. Repeatability of Quantitative Autofluorescence Imaging in a Multicenter Study Involving Patients With Recessive Stargardt Disease 1. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:1. [PMID: 36723966 PMCID: PMC9904328 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.2.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study assesses the repeatability of quantitative autofluorescence (qAF) in a multicenter setting and evaluates qAF as the end point for clinical trials in recessive Stargardt disease 1 (STGD1). Methods A total of 102 patients with STGD1 underwent qAF imaging as part of the Stargardt Remofuscin Treatment Trial (STARTT; EudraCT No. 2018-001496-20). For 166 eyes, we obtained qAF imaging at 2 visits, with 2 recordings per visit. The qAF8 values were independently determined by the study site and a central reading center. Intra- and inter-visit reproducibility, as well as interobserver (study site versus reading center) reproducibility were obtained using intraclass correlation (ICC), one-sample t-test, and Bland-Altman coefficient of repeatability. Results The qAF repeatability was ± 26.1% for intra-visit, ± 40.5% for inter-visit, and ± 20.2% for the interobserver reproducibility measures. Intra-visit repeatability was good to excellent for all sites (ICC of 0.88-0.96). Variability between visits was higher with an overall ICC of 0.76 (0.69-0.81). We observed no significant difference in qAF values across sites between visits (7.06 ± 93.33, P = 0.238). Conclusions Real-life test-retest variability of qAF is higher in this set of data than previously reported in single center settings. With improved operator training and by selecting the better of two recordings for evaluation, qAF serves as a useful method for assessing changes in autofluorescence signal. Translational Relevance The qAF can be adopted as a clinical trial end point, but steps to counterbalance variability should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patty P. A. Dhooge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Philipp T. Möller
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- GRADE Reading Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Nils Meland
- SMERUD Medical Research International AS, Thunes vei 2, Oslo, Norway
| | - Katarina Stingl
- Univeristy Eye Hospital, Center for Ophthalmology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Camiel J. F. Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Philipp Herrmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases Bonn (ZSEB), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Mario G. Fsadni
- Katairo GmbH, Kusterdingen, Germany
- International Pharm-Med Ltd., Bramhall, UK
| | | | - Frank G. Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- GRADE Reading Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Carel B. Hoyng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Steffen Schmitz-Valckenberg
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- GRADE Reading Center, Bonn, Germany
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - for the Soraprazan Consortium
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- GRADE Reading Center, Bonn, Germany
- Univeristy Eye Hospital, Center for Ophthalmology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- SMERUD Medical Research International AS, Thunes vei 2, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
- Center for Rare Diseases Bonn (ZSEB), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Katairo GmbH, Kusterdingen, Germany
- International Pharm-Med Ltd., Bramhall, UK
- Center for Ophthalmology and Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Sajovic J, Meglič A, Volk M, Maver A, Jarc-Vidmar M, Hawlina M, Fakin A. Stargardt-like Clinical Characteristics and Disease Course Associated with Variants in the WDR19 Gene. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14020291. [PMID: 36833218 PMCID: PMC9957452 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Variants in WDR19 (IFT144) have been implicated as another possible cause of Stargardt disease. The purpose of this study was to compare longitudinal multimodal imaging of a WDR19-Stargardt patient, harboring p.(Ser485Ile) and a novel c.(3183+1_3184-1)_(3261+1_3262-1)del variant, with 43 ABCA4-Stargardt patients. Age at onset, visual acuity, Ishihara color vision, color fundus, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, microperimetry and electroretinography (ERG) were evaluated. First symptom of WDR19 patient was nyctalopia at the age of 5 years. After the age of 18 years, OCT showed hyper-reflectivity at the level of the external limiting membrane/outer nuclear layer. There was abnormal cone and rod photoreceptor function on ERG. Widespread fundus flecks appeared, followed by perifoveal photoreceptor atrophy. Fovea and peripapillary retina remained preserved until the latest exam at 25 years of age. ABCA4 patients had median age of onset at 16 (range 5-60) years and mostly displayed typical Stargardt triad. A total of 19% had foveal sparing. In comparison to ABCA4 patients, the WDR19 patient had a relatively large foveal preservation and severe rod photoreceptor impairment; however, it was still within the ABCA4 disease spectrum. Addition of WDR19 in the group of genes producing phenocopies of Stargardt disease underlines the importance of genetic testing and may help to understand its pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Sajovic
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Grablovičeva 46, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andrej Meglič
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Grablovičeva 46, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marija Volk
- Clinical Institute of Genomic Medicine, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Šlajmerjeva 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Aleš Maver
- Clinical Institute of Genomic Medicine, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Šlajmerjeva 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Martina Jarc-Vidmar
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Grablovičeva 46, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Hawlina
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Grablovičeva 46, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ana Fakin
- Eye Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Grablovičeva 46, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence:
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Electroretinography as a Biomarker to Monitor the Progression of Stargardt Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416161. [PMID: 36555803 PMCID: PMC9783580 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to determine how electroretinographic (ERG) responses reflect age-related disease progression in the Stargardt disease (STGD1). The prospective comparative cohort study included 8 patients harboring two null ABCA4 variants (Group 1) and 34 patients with other ABCA4 genotypes (Group 2). Age at exam, age at onset, visual acuity (VA) and ERG responses were evaluated. The correlation between ERG responses and age in each patient group was determined using linear regression. A Mann-Whitney U Test was used to compare the median values between the groups. Age of onset was significantly earlier in Group 1 than in Group 2 (8 vs. 18), while disease duration was similar (13 vs. 12 years, i.e., advanced stage). Group 1 had significantly worse VA and lower ERG responses. ERG responses that significantly correlated with age in Group 1 were DA 0.01 and 3.0 ERG, which represented a retinal rod system response. The only ERG response that significantly correlated with age in Group 2 was the S-cone ERG. The observed difference was likely due to early cone loss occurring in double-null patients and slower photoreceptor loss in patients with other genotypes. The results suggest that specific ERG responses may be used to detect double-null patients at an early stage and monitor STGD1 disease progression in patients with specific genotypes.
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40
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Russell MW, Muste JC, Seth K, Kumar M, Rich CA, Singh RP, Traboulsi EI. Functional imaging of mitochondria in genetically confirmed retinal dystrophies using flavoprotein fluorescence. Ophthalmic Genet 2022; 43:834-840. [PMID: 36384402 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2022.2144903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether by indirect oxidative stress or direct genetic defect, various genetic retinal dystrophies involve mitochondrial stress. Mitochondrial flavoprotein fluorescence (FPF), reported as either average signal intensity or variability (heterogeneity), may serve as a direct, quantifiable marker of oxidative stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS This observational study enrolled patients with genetically confirmed retinal dystrophies between January and December 2021. Patients with concomitant maculopathy and ocular hypertension were excluded. Patients were FPF imaged with OcuMet Beacon® third generation device during routine outpatient visit. RESULTS The final analysis cohort included 242 images from 157 patients. Mean FPF intensity was significantly increased between age matched controls and patients with confirmed rod-cone dystrophy, Stargardt disease, Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS), and Mitochondrial ATP synthase mutation (P ≤ 0.007). Mean FPF heterogeneity was significantly increased between age matched controls and patients with confirmed rod-cone dystrophy, Stargardt disease, and BBS (P ≤ 0.011). FPF lesions were noted to correlate with Fundus Autofluorescence (FAF) lesions in diseases examined. CONCLUSIONS FPF intensity and heterogeneity significantly increased in patients with retinal dystrophies. The correlation of FPF lesions with FAF lesions implies FPF may be a clinically useful biomarker in patients with IRDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Russell
- Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Education, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Justin C Muste
- Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Cleveland Clinic, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Kanika Seth
- Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Madhukar Kumar
- Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Education, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Rishi P Singh
- Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Ng ESY, Kady N, Hu J, Dave A, Jiang Z, Pei J, Gorin MB, Matynia A, Radu RA. Membrane Attack Complex Mediates Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cell Death in Stargardt Macular Degeneration. Cells 2022; 11:3462. [PMID: 36359858 PMCID: PMC9655712 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Recessive Stargardt disease (STGD1) is an inherited retinopathy caused by mutations in the ABCA4 gene. The ABCA4 protein is a phospholipid-retinoid flippase in the outer segments of photoreceptors and the internal membranes of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Here, we show that RPE cells derived via induced pluripotent stem-cell from a molecularly and clinically diagnosed STGD1 patient exhibited reduced ABCA4 protein and diminished activity compared to a normal subject. Consequently, STGD1 RPE cells accumulated intracellular autofluorescence-lipofuscin and displayed increased complement C3 activity. The level of C3 inversely correlated with the level of CD46, an early negative regulator of the complement cascade. Persistent complement dysregulation led to deposition of the membrane attack complex on the surface of RPE cells, decrease in transepithelial resistance, and subsequent cell death. These findings are strong evidence of complement-mediated RPE cell damage in STGD1, in the absence of photoreceptors, caused by reduced CD46 regulatory protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunice Sze Yin Ng
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Cellular and Integrative Physiology Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Nermin Kady
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Jane Hu
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Arpita Dave
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Zhichun Jiang
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jacqueline Pei
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Michael B. Gorin
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Anna Matynia
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Roxana A. Radu
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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42
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Yefimova MG. Myelinosome organelles in pathological retinas: ubiquitous presence and dual role in ocular proteostasis maintenance. Neural Regen Res 2022; 18:1009-1016. [PMID: 36254982 PMCID: PMC9827766 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.355753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The timely and efficient elimination of aberrant proteins and damaged organelles, formed in response to various genetic and environmental stressors, is a vital need for all cells of the body. Recent lines of evidence point out several non-classical strategies employed by ocular tissues to cope with aberrant constituents generated in the retina and in the retinal pigmented epithelium cells exposed to various stressors. Along with conventional strategies relying upon the intracellular degradation of aberrant constituents through ubiquitin-proteasome and/or lysosome-dependent autophagy proteolysis, two non-conventional mechanisms also contribute to proteostasis maintenance in ocular tissues. An exosome-mediated clearing and a myelinosome-driven secretion mechanism do not require intracellular degradation but provide the export of aberrant constituents and "waste proteins" outside of the cells. The current review is centered on the non-degradative myelinosome-driven secretion mechanism, which operates in the retina of transgenic Huntington's disease R6/1 model mice. Myelinosome-driven secretion is supported by rare organelles myelinosomes that are detected not only in degenerative Huntington's disease R6/1 retina but also in various pathological states of the retina and of the retinal pigmented epithelium. The intra-retinal traffic and inter-cellular exchange of myelinosomes was discussed in the context of a dual role of the myelinosome-driven secretion mechanism for proteostasis maintenance in different ocular compartments. Special focus was made on the interplay between degradative and non-degradative strategies in ocular pathophysiology, to delineate potential therapeutic approaches to counteract several vision diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina G. Yefimova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St-Petersburg, Russia,Laboratoire STIM CNRS ERL 7003, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France,Correspondence to: Marina G. Yefimova, .
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43
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Farnoodian M, Bose D, Khristov V, Susaimanickam PJ, Maddileti S, Mariappan I, Abu-Asab M, Campos M, Villasmil R, Wan Q, Maminishkis A, McGaughey D, Barone F, Gundry RL, Riordon DR, Boheler KR, Sharma R, Bharti K. Cell-autonomous lipid-handling defects in Stargardt iPSC-derived retinal pigment epithelium cells. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:2438-2450. [DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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44
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Dhooge PP, Möller PT, Boon CJ, Lotery AJ, Herrmann P, Battaglia Parodi M, Klein W, Fsadni MG, Wheeler-Schilling TH, Jungmann O, Müller H, Holz FG, Schmitz-Valckenberg S, Peters TM, Stingl K, Hoyng CB. The STArgardt Remofuscin Treatment Trial (STARTT): design and baseline characteristics of enrolled Stargardt patients. OPEN RESEARCH EUROPE 2022; 1:96. [PMID: 37645124 PMCID: PMC10445898 DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.13872.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Background: This report describes the study design and baseline characteristics of patients with Stargardt disease (STGD1) enrolled in the STArgardt Remofuscin Treatment Trial (STARTT). Methods: In total, 87 patients with genetically confirmed STGD1 were randomized in a double-masked, placebo-controlled proof of concept trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 20 milligram oral remofuscin for 24 months. The primary outcome measure is change in mean quantitative autofluorescence value of an 8-segment ring centred on the fovea (qAF 8). Secondary efficacy variables are best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), low-luminance visual acuity (LLVA), mesopic microperimetry (mMP), spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), reading speed on Radner reading charts, and patient-reported visual function as assessed by the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire 25 (NEI VFQ-25) and Functional Reading Independence (FRI) Index. Results: Mean age of participants was 35±11 years with 49 (56%) female. Median qAF 8 value was 438 Units (range 210-729). Median BCVA and LLVA in decimal units were 0.50 (range 0.13-0.80) and 0.20 (range 0.06-0.63), respectively. The median of the mean retinal sensitivity with mMP was 20.4 dB (range 0.0-28.8). SD-OCT showed median central subfield retinal thickness of 142 µm (range 72-265) and median macular volume of 1.65 mm 3 (range 1.13-2.19). Compared to persons without vision impairment, both reading performance and patient-reported visual function were significantly lower (p<0.001, one sample t-test). Mean reading speed was 108±39 words/minute with logRAD-score of 0.45±0.28. Mean VFQ-25 composite score was 72±13. Mean FRI Index score 2.8±0.6. Conclusions: This trial design may serve as reference for future clinical trials as it explores the utility of qAF 8 as primary outcome measure. The baseline data represent the largest, multi-national, STGD1 cohort to date that underwent standardized qAF imaging, reading speed assessment and vision-related quality of life measures which all contribute to the characterization of STGD1. EudraCT registration: 2018-001496-20 (09/05/2019).
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Affiliation(s)
- Patty P.A. Dhooge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, 6500HB, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, 6525EN, The Netherlands
| | - Philipp T. Möller
- GRADE reading center, Bonn, 53127, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, 53127, Germany
| | - Camiel J.F. Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, 1081HV, The Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Andrew J. Lotery
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Philipp Herrmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, 53127, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases Bonn (ZSEB), University of Bonn, Bonn, 53113, Germany
| | | | | | - Mario G. Fsadni
- Katairo GmbH, Kusterdingen, 72127, Germany
- International Pharm-Med Ltd, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1LD, UK
| | - Thomas H. Wheeler-Schilling
- University Eye Hospital, Center for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Oliver Jungmann
- Smerud Medical Research Germany GmbH, Mannheim, D-68161, Germany
| | - Hans Müller
- Smerud Medical Research Germany GmbH, Mannheim, D-68161, Germany
| | - Frank G. Holz
- GRADE reading center, Bonn, 53127, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, 53127, Germany
| | - Steffen Schmitz-Valckenberg
- GRADE reading center, Bonn, 53127, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, 53127, Germany
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84132, USA
| | - Tobias M. Peters
- University Eye Hospital, Center for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Katarina Stingl
- University Eye Hospital, Center for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
- Center for Rare Eye Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Carel B. Hoyng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, 6500HB, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, 6525EN, The Netherlands
| | - Soraprazan Consortium
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, 6500HB, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, 6525EN, The Netherlands
- GRADE reading center, Bonn, 53127, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, 53127, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, 1081HV, The Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333ZA, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
- Center for Rare Diseases Bonn (ZSEB), University of Bonn, Bonn, 53113, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, 20132, Italy
- Katairo GmbH, Kusterdingen, 72127, Germany
- International Pharm-Med Ltd, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1LD, UK
- University Eye Hospital, Center for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
- Smerud Medical Research Germany GmbH, Mannheim, D-68161, Germany
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84132, USA
- Center for Rare Eye Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
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45
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Nebbioso M, Franzone F, Lambiase A, Bonfiglio V, Limoli PG, Artico M, Taurone S, Vingolo EM, Greco A, Polimeni A. Oxidative Stress Implication in Retinal Diseases-A Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11091790. [PMID: 36139862 PMCID: PMC9495599 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11091790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) refers to an imbalance between free radicals (FRs), namely highly reactive molecules normally generated in our body by several pathways, and intrinsic antioxidant capacity. When FR levels overwhelm intrinsic antioxidant defenses, OS occurs, inducing a series of downstream chemical reactions. Both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are produced by numerous chemical reactions that take place in tissues and organs and are then eliminated by antioxidant molecules. In particular, the scientific literature focuses more on ROS participation in the pathogenesis of diseases than on the role played by RNS. By its very nature, the eye is highly exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), which is directly responsible for increased OS. In this review, we aimed to focus on the retinal damage caused by ROS/RNS and the related retinal pathologies. A deeper understanding of the role of oxidative and nitrosative stress in retinal damage is needed in order to develop targeted therapeutic interventions to slow these pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Nebbioso
- Department of Sense Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, Sapienza University of Rome, p.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Alessandro Lambiase
- Department of Sense Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, Sapienza University of Rome, p.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenza Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Ophthalmology Section, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Marco Artico
- Department of Sense Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, Sapienza University of Rome, p.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Enzo Maria Vingolo
- Department of Sense Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, Sapienza University of Rome, p.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, Sapienza University of Rome, p.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Polimeni
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome 5, p.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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46
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Das A, Imanishi Y. Drug Discovery Strategies for Inherited Retinal Degenerations. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:1338. [PMID: 36138817 PMCID: PMC9495580 DOI: 10.3390/biology11091338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Inherited retinal degeneration is a group of blinding disorders afflicting more than 1 in 4000 worldwide. These disorders frequently cause the death of photoreceptor cells or retinal ganglion cells. In a subset of these disorders, photoreceptor cell death is a secondary consequence of retinal pigment epithelial cell dysfunction or degeneration. This manuscript reviews current efforts in identifying targets and developing small molecule-based therapies for these devastating neuronal degenerations, for which no cures exist. Photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells are metabolically demanding owing to their unique structures and functional properties. Modulations of metabolic pathways, which are disrupted in most inherited retinal degenerations, serve as promising therapeutic strategies. In monogenic disorders, great insights were previously obtained regarding targets associated with the defective pathways, including phototransduction, visual cycle, and mitophagy. In addition to these target-based drug discoveries, we will discuss how phenotypic screening can be harnessed to discover beneficial molecules without prior knowledge of their mechanisms of action. Because of major anatomical and biological differences, it has frequently been challenging to model human inherited retinal degeneration conditions using small animals such as rodents. Recent advances in stem cell-based techniques are opening new avenues to obtain pure populations of human retinal ganglion cells and retinal organoids with photoreceptor cells. We will discuss concurrent ideas of utilizing stem-cell-based disease models for drug discovery and preclinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arupratan Das
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Yoshikazu Imanishi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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47
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Pandey RS, Krebs MP, Bolisetty MT, Charette JR, Naggert JK, Robson P, Nishina PM, Carter GW. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals Molecular Features of Heterogeneity in the Murine Retinal Pigment Epithelium. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:10419. [PMID: 36142331 PMCID: PMC9499471 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptomic analysis of the mammalian retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) aims to identify cellular networks that influence ocular development, maintenance, function, and disease. However, available evidence points to RPE cell heterogeneity within native tissue, which adds complexity to global transcriptomic analysis. Here, to assess cell heterogeneity, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of RPE cells from two young adult male C57BL/6J mice. Following quality control to ensure robust transcript identification limited to cell singlets, we detected 13,858 transcripts among 2667 and 2846 RPE cells. Dimensional reduction by principal component analysis and uniform manifold approximation and projection revealed six distinct cell populations. All clusters expressed transcripts typical of RPE cells; the smallest (C1, containing 1-2% of total cells) exhibited the hallmarks of stem and/or progenitor (SP) cells. Placing C1-6 along a pseudotime axis suggested a relative decrease in melanogenesis and SP gene expression and a corresponding increase in visual cycle gene expression upon RPE maturation. K-means clustering of all detected transcripts identified additional expression patterns that may advance the understanding of RPE SP cell maintenance and the evolution of cellular metabolic networks during development. This work provides new insights into the transcriptome of the mouse RPE and a baseline for identifying experimentally induced transcriptional changes in future studies of this tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi S. Pandey
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, 10 Discovery Dr., Farmington, CT 06032, USA
| | - Mark P. Krebs
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Mohan T. Bolisetty
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, 10 Discovery Dr., Farmington, CT 06032, USA
| | | | | | - Paul Robson
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, 10 Discovery Dr., Farmington, CT 06032, USA
| | - Patsy M. Nishina
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
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48
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Kazmierczak de Camargo JP, Prezia GNDB, Shiokawa N, Sato MT, Rosati R, Beate Winter Boldt A. New Insights on the Regulatory Gene Network Disturbed in Central Areolar Choroidal Dystrophy-Beyond Classical Gene Candidates. Front Genet 2022; 13:886461. [PMID: 35656327 PMCID: PMC9152281 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.886461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Central areolar choroidal dystrophy (CACD) is a rare hereditary disease that mainly affects the macula, resulting in progressive and usually profound visual loss. Being part of congenital retinal dystrophies, it may have an autosomal dominant or recessive inheritance and, until now, has no effective treatment. Given the shortage of genotypic information about the disease, this work systematically reviews the literature for CACD-causing genes. Three independent researchers selected 33 articles after carefully searching and filtering the Scielo, Pubmed, Lilacs, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases. Mutations of six genes (PRPH2, GUCA1A, GUCY2D, CDHR1, ABCA4, and TTLL5) are implicated in the monogenic dominant inheritance of CACD. They are functionally related to photoreceptors (either in the phototransduction process, as in the case of GUCY2D, or the recovery of retinal photodegradation in photoreceptors for GUCA1A, or the formation and maintenance of specific structures within photoreceptors for PRPH2). The identified genetic variants do not explain all observed clinical features, calling for further whole-genome and functional studies for this disease. A network analysis with the CACD-related genes identified in the systematic review resulted in the identification of another 20 genes that may influence CACD onset and symptoms. Furthermore, an enrichment analysis allowed the identification of 13 transcription factors and 4 long noncoding RNAs interacting with the products of the previously mentioned genes. If mutated or dysregulated, they may be directly involved in CACD development and related disorders. More than half of the genes identified by bioinformatic tools do not appear in commercial gene panels, calling for more studies about their role in the maintenance of the retina and phototransduction process, as well as for a timely update of these gene panels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giovanna Nazaré de Barros Prezia
- Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology Applied to Child and Adolescent Health, Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe and Pelé Pequeno Príncipe Research Institute, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Naoye Shiokawa
- Retina and Vitreo Consulting Eye Clinic, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Mario Teruo Sato
- Retina and Vitreo Consulting Eye Clinic, Curitiba, Brazil.,Department of Ophthalmol/Otorhinolaryngology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Roberto Rosati
- Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology Applied to Child and Adolescent Health, Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe and Pelé Pequeno Príncipe Research Institute, Curitiba, Brazil
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49
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Pinilla I, Maneu V, Campello L, Fernández-Sánchez L, Martínez-Gil N, Kutsyr O, Sánchez-Sáez X, Sánchez-Castillo C, Lax P, Cuenca N. Inherited Retinal Dystrophies: Role of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Their Physiopathology and Therapeutic Implications. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11061086. [PMID: 35739983 PMCID: PMC9219848 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11061086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a large group of genetically and clinically heterogeneous diseases characterized by the progressive degeneration of the retina, ultimately leading to loss of visual function. Oxidative stress and inflammation play fundamental roles in the physiopathology of these diseases. Photoreceptor cell death induces an inflammatory state in the retina. The activation of several molecular pathways triggers different cellular responses to injury, including the activation of microglia to eliminate debris and recruit inflammatory cells from circulation. Therapeutical options for IRDs are currently limited, although a small number of patients have been successfully treated by gene therapy. Many other therapeutic strategies are being pursued to mitigate the deleterious effects of IRDs associated with oxidative metabolism and/or inflammation, including inhibiting reactive oxygen species’ accumulation and inflammatory responses, and blocking autophagy. Several compounds are being tested in clinical trials, generating great expectations for their implementation. The present review discusses the main death mechanisms that occur in IRDs and the latest therapies that are under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Pinilla
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lozano Blesa, University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Surgery, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Victoria Maneu
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain;
- Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (P.L.); (N.C.)
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Laura Campello
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Laura Fernández-Sánchez
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain;
| | - Natalia Martínez-Gil
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Oksana Kutsyr
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Xavier Sánchez-Sáez
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Carla Sánchez-Castillo
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Pedro Lax
- Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (P.L.); (N.C.)
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Nicolás Cuenca
- Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (P.L.); (N.C.)
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
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50
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Vincent M, Simon L, Brabet P, Legrand P, Dorandeu C, Him JLK, Durand T, Crauste C, Begu S. Formulation and Evaluation of SNEDDS Loaded with Original Lipophenol for the Oral Route to Prevent Dry AMD and Stragardt’s Disease. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14051029. [PMID: 35631617 PMCID: PMC9147958 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14051029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dry age-related macular degeneration (Dry AMD) and Stargardt’s disease (STGD1) are common eye diseases, characterized by oxidative and carbonyl stress (COS)-inducing photoreceptor degeneration and vision loss. Previous studies have demonstrated the protective effect of photoreceptors after the intravenous administration of a new lipophenol drug, phloroglucinol-isopropyl-DHA (IP-DHA). In this study, we developed an oral formulation of IP-DHA (BCS Class IV) relying on a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS). SNEDDS, composed of Phosal® 53 MCT, Labrasol®, and Transcutol HP® at a ratio of 25/60/15 (w/w/w), led to a homogeneous nanoemulsion (NE) with a mean size of 53.5 ± 4.5 nm. The loading of IP-DHA in SNEDDS (SNEDDS-IP-DHA) was successful, with a percentage of IP-DHA of 99.7% in nanoemulsions. The in vivo study of the therapeutic potency of SNEDDS-IP-DHA after oral administration on mice demonstrated photoreceptor protection after the induction of retinal degeneration with acute light stress (73–80%) or chronic light stress (52–69%). Thus, SNEDDS formulation proved to increase the solubility of IP-DHA, improving its stability in intestinal media and allowing its passage through the intestinal barrier after oral force-fed administration, while maintaining its biological activity. Therefore, SNEDDS-IP-DHA is a promising future preventive treatment for dry AMD and STGD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Vincent
- ICGM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34000 Montpellier, France; (M.V.); (L.S.); (P.L.); (C.D.)
| | - Laurianne Simon
- ICGM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34000 Montpellier, France; (M.V.); (L.S.); (P.L.); (C.D.)
| | - Philippe Brabet
- Institut des Neurosciences de Montpellier, INSERM U1051, 34000 Montpellier, France
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (C.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Philippe Legrand
- ICGM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34000 Montpellier, France; (M.V.); (L.S.); (P.L.); (C.D.)
| | - Christophe Dorandeu
- ICGM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34000 Montpellier, France; (M.V.); (L.S.); (P.L.); (C.D.)
| | - Josephine Lai Kee Him
- Centre de Biochimie Structurale, CNRS UMR 5048, INSERM U1054, 34000 Montpellier, France;
| | - Thierry Durand
- IBMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34000 Montpellier, France;
| | - Céline Crauste
- IBMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34000 Montpellier, France;
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (C.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Sylvie Begu
- ICGM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34000 Montpellier, France; (M.V.); (L.S.); (P.L.); (C.D.)
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (C.C.); (S.B.)
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