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Chucair-Elliott AJ, Ocañas SR, Pham K, Machalinski A, Plafker S, Stout MB, Elliott MH, Freeman WM. Age- and sex- divergent translatomic responses of the mouse retinal pigmented epithelium. Neurobiol Aging 2024; 140:41-59. [PMID: 38723422 PMCID: PMC11173338 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2024.04.012] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Aging is the main risk factor for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a retinal neurodegenerative disease that leads to irreversible blindness, particularly in people over 60 years old. Retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) atrophy is an AMD hallmark. Genome-wide chromatin accessibility, DNA methylation, and gene expression studies of AMD and control RPE demonstrate epigenomic/transcriptomic changes occur during AMD onset and progression. However, mechanisms by which molecular alterations of normal aging impair RPE function and contribute to AMD pathogenesis are unclear. Here, we specifically interrogate the RPE translatome with advanced age and across sexes in a novel RPE reporter mouse model. We find differential age- and sex- associated transcript expression with overrepresentation of pathways related to inflammation in the RPE. Concordant with impaired RPE function, the phenotypic changes in the aged translatome suggest that aged RPE becomes immunologically active, in both males and females, with some sex-specific signatures, which supports the need for sex representation for in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana J Chucair-Elliott
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
| | - Sarah R Ocañas
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Kevin Pham
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Adeline Machalinski
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Scott Plafker
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Michael B Stout
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Michael H Elliott
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Willard M Freeman
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
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2
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Zhang C, Jiao Q, Wang M, Zhu Z, Zhao J, Zheng Y. High correlated color temperature artificial lighting impairs retinal pigment epithelium integrity and chloride ion transport: A potential mechanism for choroidal thinning. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 718:150078. [PMID: 38735140 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150078] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Among the environmental factors contributing to myopia, the role of correlated color temperature (CCT) of ambient light emerges as a key element warranting in-depth investigation. The choroid, a highly vascularized and dynamic structure, often undergoes thinning during the progression of myopia, though the precise mechanism remains elusive. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), the outermost layer of the retina, plays a pivotal role in regulating the transport of ion and fluid between the subretinal space and the choroid. A hypothesis suggests that variations in choroidal thickness (ChT) may be modulated by transepithelial fluid movement across the RPE. Our experimental results demonstrate that high CCT illumination significantly compromised the integrity of tight junctions in the RPE and disrupted chloride ion transport. This functional impairment of the RPE may lead to a reduction in fluid transfer across the RPE, consequently resulting in choroidal thinning and potentially accelerating axial elongation. Our findings provide support for the crucial role of the RPE in regulating ChT. Furthermore, we emphasize the potential hazards posed by high CCT artificial illumination on the RPE, the choroid, and refractive development, underscoring the importance of developing eye-friendly artificial light sources to aid in the prevention and control of myopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, PR China
| | - Qing Jiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, PR China
| | - Mingxuan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, PR China
| | - Zhe Zhu
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, 266000, PR China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, PR China
| | - Yajuan Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, PR China.
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3
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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] [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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Arif W, Narendran S, Kannan NB, Ramasamy K, Veerappan M, Chidambaranathan GP. Age-related reduction in the functional properties of adult stem cells located in the peripheral region of human retinal pigment epithelium. Indian J Ophthalmol 2024; 72:S688-S695. [PMID: 38623706 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_2491_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Adult stem cells (SCs) with self-renewal and multilineage potential have been reported upon culturing human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. The current study aimed to identify the location of SCs in human RPE and to elucidate the age-related changes. METHODS Peripheral, equatorial, and central RPE cells from donors of three age groups were analyzed for their sphere-forming, clonal, and label-retaining cell properties. Furthermore, native human RPE flatmounts were immunostained for SC and proliferating cell markers. RESULTS Cells with higher sphere-forming and clonal ability were identified only in young donors (<30 years) and were restricted to the periphery. Upon culturing, cells from peripheral and equatorial regions had the label-retaining cell (LRC) property. With aging, the LRCs were restricted to the periphery and were reduced. In young donors, Ki67 + proliferating cells were not observed in native RPE. However, such cells were observed in the peripheral RPE of older donors correlating with the need for regeneration. The native RPE cells were negative for SC marker expression. CONCLUSION The above findings highlighted the presence of SCs with the ability to proliferate in the peripheral RPE and a reduction in these functional properties of SCs with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseema Arif
- Department of Immunology and Stem Cell Biology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation -Affiliated to Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
- Unit of One Health, ICMR- Vector Control Research Centre, Puducherry, India
| | | | - Naresh Babu Kannan
- Retina and Vitreous Services, Aravind Eye Hospital and Post Graduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kim Ramasamy
- Retina and Vitreous Services, Aravind Eye Hospital and Post Graduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Muthukkaruppan Veerappan
- Department of Immunology and Stem Cell Biology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Gowri Priya Chidambaranathan
- Department of Immunology and Stem Cell Biology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation -Affiliated to Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
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Borrelli E, Bandello F, Boon CJF, Carelli V, Lenaers G, Reibaldi M, Sadda SR, Sadun AA, Sarraf D, Yu-Wai-Man P, Barboni P. Mitochondrial retinopathies and optic neuropathies: The impact of retinal imaging on modern understanding of pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 101:101264. [PMID: 38703886 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101264] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Advancements in ocular imaging have significantly broadened our comprehension of mitochondrial retinopathies and optic neuropathies by examining the structural and pathological aspects of the retina and optic nerve in these conditions. This article aims to review the prominent imaging characteristics associated with mitochondrial retinopathies and optic neuropathies, aiming to deepen our insight into their pathogenesis and clinical features. Preceding this exploration, the article provides a detailed overview of the crucial genetic and clinical features, which is essential for the proper interpretation of in vivo imaging. More importantly, we will provide a critical analysis on how these imaging modalities could serve as biomarkers for characterization and monitoring, as well as in guiding treatment decisions. However, these imaging methods have limitations, which will be discussed along with potential strategies to mitigate them. Lastly, the article will emphasize the potential advantages and future integration of imaging techniques in evaluating patients with mitochondrial eye disorders, considering the prospects of emerging gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Borrelli
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; Department of Ophthalmology, "City of Health and Science" Hospital, Turin, Italy.
| | - Francesco Bandello
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Camiel J F Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Valerio Carelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Guy Lenaers
- Equipe MitoLab, Unité MitoVasc, INSERM U1083, Université d'Angers, 49933, Angers, France; Service de Neurologie, CHU d'Angers, 49100, Angers, France
| | - Michele Reibaldi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; Department of Ophthalmology, "City of Health and Science" Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Srinivas R Sadda
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alfredo A Sadun
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David Sarraf
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Retinal Disorders and Ophthalmic Genetics Division, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Patrick Yu-Wai-Man
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair and MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Cambridge Eye Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Piero Barboni
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Studio Oculistico d'Azeglio, Bologna, Italy.
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Zhou Y, Xu M, Shen W, Xu Y, Shao A, Xu P, Yao K, Han H, Ye J. Recent Advances in Nanomedicine for Ocular Fundus Neovascularization Disease Management. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2304626. [PMID: 38406994 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202304626] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
As an indispensable part of the human sensory system, visual acuity may be impaired and even develop into irreversible blindness due to various ocular pathologies. Among ocular diseases, fundus neovascularization diseases (FNDs) are prominent etiologies of visual impairment worldwide. Intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs remains the primary therapy but is hurdled by common complications and incomplete potency. To renovate the current therapeutic modalities, nanomedicine emerged as the times required, which is endowed with advanced capabilities, able to fulfill the effective ocular fundus drug delivery and achieve precise drug release control, thus further improving the therapeutic effect. This review provides a comprehensive summary of advances in nanomedicine for FND management from state-of-the-art studies. First, the current therapeutic modalities for FNDs are thoroughly introduced, focusing on the key challenges of ocular fundus drug delivery. Second, nanocarriers are comprehensively reviewed for ocular posterior drug delivery based on the nanostructures: polymer-based nanocarriers, lipid-based nanocarriers, and inorganic nanoparticles. Thirdly, the characteristics of the fundus microenvironment, their pathological changes during FNDs, and corresponding strategies for constructing smart nanocarriers are elaborated. Furthermore, the challenges and prospects of nanomedicine for FND management are thoroughly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhou
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Mingyu Xu
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Wenyue Shen
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Yufeng Xu
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - An Shao
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Peifang Xu
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Ke Yao
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Haijie Han
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Juan Ye
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
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7
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Zhang S, Chen S, Sun D, Li S, Sun J, Gu Q, Liu P, Wang X, Zhu H, Xu X, Li H, Wei F. TIN2-mediated reduction of mitophagy induces RPE senescence under high glucose. Cell Signal 2024; 119:111188. [PMID: 38657846 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111188] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The telomere-associated protein TIN2 localizes to both telomeres and mitochondria. Nevertheless, the impact of TIN2 on retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains unclear. This research aims to examine the role of TIN2 in the senescence of RPE and its potential as a therapeutic target. Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were utilized to identify TIN2 expression and mitophagy. RT-qPCR was employed to identify senescent associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in ARPE-19 cells infected with TIN2 overexpression. To examine mitochondria and the cellular senescence of RPE, TEM, SA-β-gal staining, and cell cycle analysis were used. The impact of TIN2 was examined using OCT and immunohistochemistry in mice. DHE staining and ZO-1 immunofluorescence were applied to detect RPE oxidative stress and tight junctions. Our research revealed that increased mitochondria-localized TIN2 aggravated the cellular senescence of RPE cells both in vivo and in vitro under hyperglycemia. TIN2 overexpression stimulated the mTOR signaling pathway in ARPE-19 cells and exacerbated the inhibition of mitophagy levels under high glucose, which can be remedied through the mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin. Knockdown of TIN2 significantly reduced senescence and mitochondrial oxidative stress in ARPE-19 cells under high glucose and restored retinal thickness and RPE cell tight junctions in DR mice. Our study indicates that increased mitochondria-localized TIN2 induced cellular senescence in RPE via compromised mitophagy and activated mTOR signaling. These results propose that targeting TIN2 could potentially serve as a therapeutic strategy in the treatment of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuchang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Shimei Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Dandan Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Shenping Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Peiyu Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqian Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xun Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiming Li
- Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Fang Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.
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8
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Neto MV, De Rossi G, Berkowitz BA, Seabra MC, Luthert PJ, Futter CE, Burgoyne T. Daily Light Onset and Plasma Membrane Tethers Regulate Mitochondria Redistribution within the Retinal Pigment Epithelium. Cells 2024; 13:1100. [PMID: 38994953 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131100] [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: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is an essential component of the retina that plays multiple roles required to support visual function. These include light onset- and circadian rhythm-dependent tasks, such as daily phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segments. Mitochondria provide energy to the highly specialized and energy-dependent RPE. In this study, we examined the positioning of mitochondria and how this is influenced by the onset of light. We identified a population of mitochondria that are tethered to the basal plasma membrane pre- and post-light onset. Following light onset, mitochondria redistributed apically and interacted with melanosomes and phagosomes. In a choroideremia mouse model that has regions of the RPE with disrupted or lost infolding of the plasma membrane, the positionings of only the non-tethered mitochondria were affected. This provides evidence that the tethering of mitochondria to the plasma membrane plays an important role that is maintained under these disease conditions. Our work shows that there are subpopulations of RPE mitochondria based on their positioning after light onset. It is likely they play distinct roles in the RPE that are needed to fulfil the changing cellular demands throughout the day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilde V Neto
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Giulia De Rossi
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Bruce A Berkowitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Miguel C Seabra
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Philip J Luthert
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Clare E Futter
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Thomas Burgoyne
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
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9
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Salzman MM, Takimoto T, Foster ML, Mowat FM. Differential gene expression between central and peripheral retinal regions in dogs and comparison with humans. Exp Eye Res 2024; 245:109980. [PMID: 38914302 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109980] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
The dog retina contains a central macula-like region, and there are reports of central retinal disorders in dogs with shared genetic etiologies with humans. Defining central/peripheral gene expression profiles may provide insight into the suitability of dogs as models for human disorders. We determined central/peripheral posterior eye gene expression profiles in dogs and interrogated inherited retinal and macular disease-associated genes for differential expression between central and peripheral regions. Bulk tissue RNA sequencing was performed on 8 mm samples of the dog central and superior peripheral regions, sampling retina and retinal pigmented epithelium/choroid separately. Reads were mapped to CanFam3.1, read counts were analyzed to determine significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs). A similar analytic pipeline was used with a published bulk-tissue RNA sequencing human dataset. Pathways and processes involved in significantly DEGs were identified (Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery). Dogs and humans shared the extent and direction of central retinal differential gene expression, with multiple shared biological pathways implicated in differential expression. Many genes implicated in heritable retinal disorders in dogs and humans were differentially expressed between central and periphery. Approximately half of genes associated with human age-related macular degeneration were differentially expressed in human and dog tissues. We have identified similarities and differences in central/peripheral gene expression profiles between dogs and humans which can be applied to further define the relevance of dogs as models for human retinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele M Salzman
- Dept. Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
| | - Tetsuya Takimoto
- Medical Genetics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA; Division of Gene Regulation, Division of Data Science, Research Promotion Headquarters, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Melanie L Foster
- Dept. Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Freya M Mowat
- Dept. Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA; Dept. Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; Dept. Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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10
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Pattanaik DK, Lakshminarayanan V, Sharma NK, Sahu AP. Leading edge of the a-wave of the electroretinogram and sodium iodate-induced age-related macular degeneration: A model. J Theor Biol 2024; 592:111879. [PMID: 38909882 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2024.111879] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Iron-induced oxidative stress was thought to be the reason why the a-wave amplitude of the electroretinogram (ERG) dropped when iron ions were present. It is assumed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated in the presence of iron ions, and this leads to a decrease in hyperpolarization of the photoreceptor. It is known that in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), sodium iodate can induce oxidative stress, apoptosis, and retinal damage, which mimic the effects of clinical AMD. Here, the reduction of the a-wave amplitude in mice with sodium iodate-induced age-related macular degeneration is explained. METHODS The leading edge of the a-wave is divided into voltages developed by cones and rods. The same oxidative stress model is applied here since sodium iodate causes the creation of ROS in a manner similar to that caused by iron ions, with the exception that the retina is treated as a circuit of various resistances when computing the photoresponse. Moreover, sodium iodate also leads to apoptosis and, hence, may cause misalignment in cones (not in rods) during the initial stage of apoptosis in AMD. To include the effects of apoptosis and shortening in cones and rods, we have used a factor representing the fraction of total cones and rods that are alive. To include the effect of misalignment of cones on the reduction of the a-wave amplitude, we have used the Stiles-Crawford function to calculate the number of photoisomerizations occurring in a photoreceptor misaligned at an angle θ. The results are compared with experimental data. RESULTS In sodium iodate-treated eyes, the ROS produced can attract calcium ions in the photoreceptor, which increases the calcium influx. In the case of the cones, the inclusion of the misalignment angle in the phototransduction process helps in determining the voltage and slope of the voltage vs. time graph.The smaller the fraction of active photoreceptors, the smaller the amplitude of the a-wave. The calcium influx, misaligned photoreceptors, and total photoreceptor loss all cause the amplitude of the a-wave to decrease, and at any time from the beginning of phototransduction cascade, the calcium influx causes the slope of the a-wave to increase. CONCLUSION The reduction in the a-wave amplitude in the eyes of sodium iodate-treated mice is attributed to oxidative stress in both cones and rods and cone misalignment, which ultimately lead to apoptosis and vision loss in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vasudevan Lakshminarayanan
- School of Optometry and Vision Science and Departments of Physics, Electrical and Computer Engineering and System Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada.
| | | | - Amir Prasad Sahu
- Centurion University of Technology and Management, Bhubaneswar, OR, India.
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Tan B, Li H, Zhuo Y, Han L, Mupparapu R, Nanni D, Barathi VA, Palanker D, Schmetterer L, Ling T. Light-evoked deformations in rod photoreceptors, pigment epithelium and subretinal space revealed by prolonged and multilayered optoretinography. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5156. [PMID: 38898002 PMCID: PMC11186825 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49014-5] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Phototransduction involves changes in concentration of ions and other solutes within photoreceptors and in subretinal space, which affect osmotic pressure and the associated water flow. Corresponding expansion and contraction of cellular layers can be imaged using optoretinography (ORG), based on phase-resolved optical coherence tomography (OCT). Until now, ORG could reliably detect only photoisomerization and phototransduction in photoreceptors, primarily in cones under bright stimuli. Here, by employing a phase-restoring subpixel motion correction algorithm, which enables imaging of the nanometer-scale tissue dynamics during minute-long recordings, and unsupervised learning of spatiotemporal patterns, we discover optical signatures of the other retinal structures' response to visual stimuli. These include inner and outer segments of rod photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium, and subretinal space in general. The high sensitivity of our technique enables detection of the retinal responses to dim stimuli: down to 0.01% bleach level, corresponding to natural levels of scotopic illumination. We also demonstrate that with a single flash, the optoretinogram can map retinal responses across a 12° field of view, potentially replacing multifocal electroretinography. This technique expands the diagnostic capabilities and practical applicability of optoretinography, providing an alternative to electroretinography, while combining structural and functional retinal imaging in the same OCT machine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingyao Tan
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- SERI-NTU Advanced Ocular Engineering (STANCE) Program, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Huakun Li
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yueming Zhuo
- Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Le Han
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- SERI-NTU Advanced Ocular Engineering (STANCE) Program, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rajeshkumar Mupparapu
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- SERI-NTU Advanced Ocular Engineering (STANCE) Program, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Davide Nanni
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Veluchamy Amutha Barathi
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program (Eye ACP), Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Daniel Palanker
- Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Leopold Schmetterer
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore.
- SERI-NTU Advanced Ocular Engineering (STANCE) Program, Singapore, Singapore.
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program (Eye ACP), Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Tong Ling
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore.
- SERI-NTU Advanced Ocular Engineering (STANCE) Program, Singapore, Singapore.
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
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12
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Liberski S, Confalonieri F, Cofta S, Petrovski G, Kocięcki J. Ocular Changes in Cystic Fibrosis: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6692. [PMID: 38928397 PMCID: PMC11203677 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126692] [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: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF), also known as mucoviscidosis, is the most common autosomal recessive genetic disease in the Caucasian population, with an estimated frequency of 1:2000-3000 live births. CF results from the mutation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene localized in the long arm of chromosome 7. The product of CFTR gene expression is CFTR protein, an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette (ABC) transporter that regulates the transport of chloride ions (Cl-) across the apical cell membrane. Primary manifestations of CF include chronic lung and pancreas function impairment secondary to the production of thick, sticky mucus resulting from dehydrated secretions. It is well known that CF can cause both anterior and posterior ocular abnormalities. Conjunctival and corneal xerosis and dry eye disease symptoms are the most characteristic manifestations in the anterior segment. In contrast, the most typical anatomical and functional changes relating to the posterior segment of the eye include defects in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), vascular abnormalities, and visual disturbances, such as reduced contrast sensitivity and abnormal dark adaptation. However, the complete background of ophthalmic manifestations in the course of CF has yet to be discovered. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding ocular changes in cystic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slawomir Liberski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, A. Szamarzewskiego 84, 61-848 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Filippo Confalonieri
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20090 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- Center for Eye Research and Innovative Diagnostics, Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Kirkeveien 166, 0450 Oslo, Norway;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital, Kirkeveien 166, 0450 Oslo, Norway
| | - Szczepan Cofta
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Allergology and Pulmonary Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, A. Szamarzewskiego 84, 61-848 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Goran Petrovski
- Center for Eye Research and Innovative Diagnostics, Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Kirkeveien 166, 0450 Oslo, Norway;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital, Kirkeveien 166, 0450 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jarosław Kocięcki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, A. Szamarzewskiego 84, 61-848 Poznan, Poland;
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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 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, California, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jane Hu
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Zhichun Jiang
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Roxana A Radu
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Carr BJ, Skitsko D, Song J, Li Z, Ju MJ, Moritz OL. Prominin-1 null Xenopus laevis develop subretinal drusenoid-like deposits, cone-rod dystrophy, and RPE atrophy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.03.597229. [PMID: 38895468 PMCID: PMC11185615 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.03.597229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Mutations in the PROMININ-1 (PROM1) gene are associated with inherited, non-syndromic vision loss. Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to induce truncating prom1-null mutations in Xenopus laevis to create a disease model. We then tracked progression of retinal degeneration in these animals from the ages of 6 weeks to 3 years old. We found that retinal degeneration caused by prom1-null is age-dependent and likely involves death or damage to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) that precedes photoreceptor degeneration. As prom1-null frogs age, they develop large cellular debris deposits in the subretinal space and outer segment layer which resemble subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDD) in their location, histology, and representation in color fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT). In older frogs, these SDD-like deposits accumulate in size and number, and they are present before retinal degeneration occurs. Evidence for an RPE origin of these deposits includes infiltration of pigment granules into the deposits, thinning of RPE as measured by OCT, and RPE disorganization as measured by histology and OCT. The appearance and accumulation of SDD-like deposits and RPE thinning and disorganization in our animal model suggests an underlying disease mechanism for prom1-null mediated blindness of death and dysfunction of the RPE preceding photoreceptor degeneration, instead of direct effects upon photoreceptor outer segment morphogenesis, as was previously hypothesized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany J Carr
- The University of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
| | - Dominic Skitsko
- The University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
| | - Jun Song
- The University of British Columbia, Faculty of Applied Science, Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering
| | - Zixuan Li
- The University of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
| | - Myeong Jin Ju
- The University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
- The University of British Columbia, Faculty of Applied Science, Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering
| | - Orson L Moritz
- The University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
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15
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Jeong H, Shaia JK, Markle JC, Talcott KE, Singh RP. Melatonin and Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. JAMA Ophthalmol 2024:2819801. [PMID: 38842832 PMCID: PMC11157446 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.1822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Importance Melatonin has been shown to oppose several processes that are known to mediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD), but whether melatonin can confer benefits against AMD remains unclear. Objective To examine the association between melatonin supplementation and the risk of the development or progression of AMD. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study accessed data from TriNetX, a national database of deidentified electronic medical records from both inpatient and outpatient health care organizations across the US, between December 4, 2023, and March 19, 2024. Patients aged 50 years or older, 60 years or older, and 70 years or older with no history of AMD (AMD-naive group) and with a history of nonexudative AMD (nonexudative AMD group) were queried for instances of melatonin medication codes between November 14, 2008, and November 14, 2023. Patients were then classified into either a melatonin group or a control group based on the presence of medication codes for melatonin. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to match the cohorts based on demographic variables, comorbidities, and nonmelatonin hypnotic medication use. Exposure The presence of at least 4 instances of melatonin records that each occurred at least 3 months apart. Main Outcomes and Measures After PSM, the melatonin and the control cohorts were compared to evaluate the risk ratios (RRs) and the 95% CIs of having an outcome. For the AMD-naive group, the outcome was defined as a new diagnosis of any AMD, whereas for the nonexudative AMD group, the outcome was progression to exudative AMD. Results Among 121 523 patients in the melatonin-naive group aged 50 years or older (4848 in the melatonin cohort [4580 after PSM; mean (SD) age, 68.24 (11.47) years; 2588 female (56.5%)] and 116 675 in the control cohort [4580 after PSM; mean (SD) age, 68.17 (10.63) years; 2681 female (58.5%)]), melatonin use was associated with a reduced risk of developing AMD (RR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.28-0.62). Among 66 253 patients aged 50 years or older in the nonexudative AMD group (4350 in the melatonin cohort [4064 after PSM; mean (SD) age, 80.21 (8.78) years; 2482 female (61.1%)] and 61 903 in the control cohort [4064 patients after PSM; mean (SD) age, 80.31 (8.03) years; 2531 female (62.3%)]), melatonin was associated with a reduced risk of AMD progression to exudative AMD (RR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.34-0.56). The results were consistent among subsets of individuals aged 60 years or older (AMD-naive cohort: RR, 0.36 [95% CI, 0.25-0.54]; nonexudative AMD cohort: RR, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.30-0.49]) and 70 years or older (AMD-naive cohort: RR, 0.35 [95% CI, 0.23-0.53]; nonexudative AMD cohort: RR, 0.40 [95% CI, 0.31-0.51]). Conclusions and Relevance Melatonin use was associated with a decreased risk of development and progression of AMD. Although lifestyle factors may have influenced this association, these findings provide a rationale for further research on the efficacy of using melatonin as a preventive therapy against AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hejin Jeong
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Jacqueline K. Shaia
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
- Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Jonathan C. Markle
- Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Katherine E. Talcott
- Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Rishi P. Singh
- Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
- Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Stuart
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Wu S, Li F, Mo K, Huang H, Yu Y, Huang Y, Liu J, Li M, Tan J, Lin Z, Han Z, Wang L, Ouyang H. IGF2BP2 Maintains Retinal Pigment Epithelium Homeostasis by Stabilizing PAX6 and OTX2. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:17. [PMID: 38861275 PMCID: PMC11174093 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.6.17] [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: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is a chemical modification that occurs on RNA molecules, where the hydrogen atom of adenine (A) nucleotides is replaced by a methyl group, forming N6-methyladenosine. This modification is a dynamic and reversible process that plays a crucial role in regulating various biological processes, including RNA stability, transport, translation, and degradation. Currently, there is a lack of research on the role of m6A modifications in maintaining the characteristics of RPE cells. m6A readers play a crucial role in executing the functions of m6A modifications, which prompted our investigation into their regulatory roles in the RPE. Methods Phagocytosis assays, immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry experiments, β-galactosidase staining, and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) were conducted to assess the functional and cellular characteristics changes in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells following short-hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2). RNA-seq and ultraviolet crosslinking immunoprecipitation with high-throughput sequencing (HITS-CLIP) were employed to identify the target genes regulated by IGF2BP2. adeno-associated virus (AAV) subretinal injection was performed in 6- to 8-week-old C57 mice to reduce IGF2BP2 expression in the RPE, and the impact of IGF2BP2 knockdown on mouse visual function was assessed using immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time PCR, optical coherence tomography, and electroretinography. Results IGF2BP2 was found to have a pronounced effect on RPE phagocytosis. Subsequent in-depth exploration revealed that IGF2BP2 modulates the mRNA stability of PAX6 and OTX2, and the loss of IGF2BP2 induces inflammatory and aging phenotypes in RPE cells. IGF2BP2 knockdown impaired RPE function, leading to retinal dysfunction in vivo. Conclusions Our data suggest a crucial role of IGF2BP2 as an m6A reader in maintaining RPE homeostasis by regulating the stability of PAX6 and OTX2, making it a potential target for preventing the occurrence of retinal diseases related to RPE malfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fuxi Li
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kunlun Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huaxing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yankun Yu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Ying Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiafeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingsen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jieying Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zesong Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuo Han
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Kaufmann M, Han Z. RPE melanin and its influence on the progression of AMD. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 99:102358. [PMID: 38830546 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102358] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this review article is to summarize the latest findings and current understanding of the origin of melanin in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), its function within the RPE, its role in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), its effect on retinal development, and its potential therapeutic benefit in the treatment of AMD. METHODS A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed journals was conducted using various combinations of key terms such as "melanin," "retinal pigment epithelium" or "RPE," "age-related macular degeneration" or AMD," "lipofuscin," "oxidative stress," and "albinism." Databases searched include PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. 147 papers published between the years of 1957 and 2023 were considered with an emphasis on recent findings. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AMD is thought to result from chronic oxidative stress within the RPE that results in cellular dysfunction, metabolic dysregulation, inflammation, and lipofuscin accumulation. Melanin functions as a photoscreener, free radical scavenger, and metal cation binding reservoir within the RPE. RPE melanin does not regenerate, and it undergoes degradation over time in response to chronic light exposure and oxidative stress. RPE melanin is important for retinal development and RPE function, and in the aging eye, melanin loss is associated with increased lipid peroxidation, inflammation, and the accumulation of toxic oxidized cellular products. Therefore, melanin-based treatments may serve to preserve RPE and retinal function in AMD. CONCLUSIONS The pathogenesis of AMD is not fully understood, but RPE dysfunction and melanin loss in response to chronic oxidative stress and inflammation are thought to be primary drivers of the disease. Due to melanin's antioxidative effects, melanin-based nanotechnology represents a promising avenue for the treatment of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Kaufmann
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Zongchao Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Division of Pharmacoengineering & Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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18
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Hu W, Kim JE. Differential Performance of Xanthophylls in Combination with Phenol Classes against H 2O 2-Induced Oxidative Stress: An In Vitro Analysis Using Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. Mol Nutr Food Res 2024; 68:e2400038. [PMID: 38824669 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202400038] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
SCOPE Xanthophylls, vital for ocular defense against blue light and reactive oxygen species, are prone to oxidative degradation; however, they may be regenerated antioxidant-rich plant phenols. Despite certain in vitro evidence, clinical studies show inconsistent findings and this may be due to varying phenolic reduction potentials. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the ocular protective effect of various plant phenols combined with xanthophyll. METHODS AND RESULTS Human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) are subjected to oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) after xanthophyll and phenol pretreatment. Assessments include xanthophyll uptake, total antioxidant capacity, cell viability, intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, apoptosis, phagocytosis, and vascular endothelial growth factor formation. The study finds that while the combination of lutein with phenols does not show significant protective effects compared to lutein-only, zeaxanthin combined with phenols exhibits enhanced protection compared to both the zeaxanthin-only and control groups. CONCLUSION The research reveals the complex relationship between xanthophylls and phenols, suggesting that the advantageous effects of their combination might vary among different xanthophylls. Caution is necessary when applying molecular theories to ocular health, and this necessitates further research, serving as a basis for proposing clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of specific xanthophyll and phenol combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weili Hu
- Department of Food Science and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Jung Eun Kim
- Department of Food Science and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
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19
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Kawai K, Ho MT, Ueno Y, Abdo D, Xue C, Nonaka H, Nishida H, Honma Y, Wallace VA, Shoichet MS. Hyaluronan improves photoreceptor differentiation and maturation in human retinal organoids. Acta Biomater 2024; 181:117-132. [PMID: 38705224 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.05.001] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Human stem cell-derived organoids enable both disease modeling and serve as a source of cells for transplantation. Human retinal organoids are particularly important as a source of human photoreceptors; however, the long differentiation period required and lack of vascularization in the organoid often results in a necrotic core and death of inner retinal cells before photoreceptors are fully mature. Manipulating the in vitro environment of differentiating retinal organoids through the incorporation of extracellular matrix components could influence retinal development. We investigated the addition of hyaluronan (HA), a component of the interphotoreceptor matrix, as an additive to promote long-term organoid survival and enhance retinal maturation. HA treatment had a significant reduction in the proportion of proliferating (Ki67+) cells and increase in the proportion of photoreceptors (CRX+), suggesting that HA accelerated photoreceptor commitment in vitro. HA significantly upregulated genes specific to photoreceptor maturation and outer segment development. Interestingly, prolonged HA-treatment significantly decreased the length of the brush border layer compared to those in control retinal organoids, where the photoreceptor outer segments reside; however, HA-treated organoids also had more mature outer segments with organized discs structures, as revealed by transmission electron microscopy. The brush border layer length was inversely proportional to the molar mass and viscosity of the hyaluronan added. This is the first study to investigate the role of exogenous HA, viscosity, and polymer molar mass on photoreceptor maturation, emphasizing the importance of material properties on organoid culture. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Retinal organoids are a powerful tool to study retinal development in vitro, though like many other organoid systems, can be highly variable. In this work, Shoichet and colleagues investigated the use of hyaluronan (HA), a native component of the interphotoreceptor matrix, to improve photoreceptor maturation in developing human retinal organoids. HA promoted human photoreceptor differentiation leading to mature outer segments with disc formation and more uniform and healthy retinal organoids. These findings highlight the importance of adding components native to the developing retina to generate more physiologically relevant photoreceptors for cell therapy and in vitro models to drive drug discovery and uncover novel disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotoe Kawai
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Canada; Regenerative Medicine Research and Planning Division, Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 6-5-4 Kunimidai, Kizugawa, Kyoto 619-0216, Japan
| | - Margaret T Ho
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Yui Ueno
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Canada; Regenerative Medicine Research and Planning Division, Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 6-5-4 Kunimidai, Kizugawa, Kyoto 619-0216, Japan; Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Dhana Abdo
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Chang Xue
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Hidenori Nonaka
- Regenerative Medicine Research and Planning Division, Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 6-5-4 Kunimidai, Kizugawa, Kyoto 619-0216, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nishida
- Regenerative Medicine Research and Planning Division, Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 6-5-4 Kunimidai, Kizugawa, Kyoto 619-0216, Japan
| | - Yoichi Honma
- Regenerative Medicine Research and Planning Division, Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 6-5-4 Kunimidai, Kizugawa, Kyoto 619-0216, Japan
| | - Valerie A Wallace
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Molly S Shoichet
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Canada.
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20
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Szabó K, Dékány B, Énzsöly A, Hajdú RI, Laurik-Feuerstein LK, Szabó A, Radovits T, Mátyás C, Oláh A, Kovács KA, Szél Á, Somfai GM, Lukáts Á. Possible retinotoxicity of long-term vardenafil treatment. Exp Eye Res 2024; 243:109890. [PMID: 38615833 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109890] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors - such as vardenafil - are used primarily for treating erectile dysfunction via increasing cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels. Recent studies have also demonstrated their significant cardioprotective effects in several diseases, including diabetes, upon long-term, continuous application. However, PDE inhibitors are not specific for PDE5 and also inhibit the retinal isoform. A sustained rise in cGMP in photoreceptors is known to be toxic; therefore, we hypothesized that long-term vardenafil treatment might result in retinotoxicity. The hypothesis was tested in a clinically relevant animal model of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Histological experiments were performed on lean and diabetic Zucker Diabetic Fatty rats. Half of the animals were treated with vardenafil for six months, and the retinal effects were evaluated. Vardenafil treatment alleviated rod outer segment degeneration but decreased rod numbers in some positions and induced changes in the interphotoreceptor matrix, even in control animals. Vardenafil treatment decreased total retinal thickness in the control and diabetic groups and reduced the number of nuclei in the outer nuclear layer. Müller cell activation was detectable even in the vardenafil-treated control animals, and vardenafil did not improve gliosis in the diabetic group. Vardenafil-treated animals showed complex retinal alterations with improvements in some parameters while deterioration in others. Our results point towards the retinotoxicity of vardenafil, even without diabetes, which raises doubts about the retinal safety of long-term continuous vardenafil administration. This effect needs to be considered when approving PDE inhibitors for alternative indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Szabó
- Institute of Education and Psychology at Szombathely, Faculty of Education and Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Szombathely, Hungary; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bulcsú Dékány
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna Énzsöly
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Rozina Ida Hajdú
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Arnold Szabó
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Radovits
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Mátyás
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Oláh
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztián András Kovács
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Translational Retina Research Group, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágoston Szél
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Márk Somfai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Spross Research Institute, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, Stadtspital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ákos Lukáts
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Institute of Translational Medicine, Translational Retina Research Group, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
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21
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Muramatsu A, Nakamura S, Hirayama T, Nagasawa H, Ohira A, Kitaoka T, Hara H, Shimazawa M. Both hemoglobin and hemin cause damage to retinal pigment epithelium through the iron ion accumulation. J Pharmacol Sci 2024; 155:44-51. [PMID: 38677785 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2024.04.001] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Subretinal hemorrhages result in poor vision and visual field defects. During hemorrhage, several potentially toxic substances are released from iron-based hemoglobin and hemin, inducing cellular damage, the detailed mechanisms of which remain unknown. We examined the effects of excess intracellular iron on retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. A Fe2+ probe, SiRhoNox-1 was used to investigate Fe2+ accumulation after treatment with hemoglobin or hemin in the human RPE cell line ARPE-19. We also evaluated the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, the protective effect of-an iron chelator, 2,2'-bipyridyl (BP), and ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) on the cell damage, was evaluated. Fe2+ accumulation increased in the hemoglobin- or hemin-treated groups, as well as intracellular ROS production and lipid peroxidation. In contrast, BP treatment suppressed RPE cell death, ROS production, and lipid peroxidation. Pretreatment with Fer-1 ameliorated cell death in a concentration-dependent manner and suppressed ROS production and lipid peroxidation. Taken together, these findings indicate that hemoglobin and hemin, as well as subretinal hemorrhage, may induce RPE cell damage and visual dysfunction via intracellular iron accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aomi Muramatsu
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Nakamura
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Tasuku Hirayama
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical and Medical Chemistry, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hideko Nagasawa
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical and Medical Chemistry, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Akihiro Ohira
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takashi Kitaoka
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hideaki Hara
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Shimazawa
- Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan.
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22
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Vessey KA, Jobling AI, Greferath U, Fletcher EL. Pharmaceutical therapies targeting autophagy for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2024; 76:102463. [PMID: 38788268 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2024.102463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of irreversible vision loss in the elderly. Although new therapies have recently emerged, there are currently no ways of preventing the development of the disease. Changes in intracellular recycling processes. Changes in intracellular recycling processes, called autophagy, lead to debris accumulation and cellular dysfunction in AMD models and AMD patients. Drugs that enhance autophagy hold promise as therapies for slowing AMD progression in preclinical models; however, more studies in humans are required. While a definitive cure for AMD will likely hinge on a personalized medicine approach, treatments that enhance autophagy hold promise for slowing vision loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstan A Vessey
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; School of Science and Technology, The University of New England, NSW 2350, Australia
| | - Andrew I Jobling
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Ursula Greferath
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Erica L Fletcher
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
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23
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Ortiz C, Tahiri H, Yang C, Gilbert C, Fortin C, Hardy P. The microRNA Let-7f Induces Senescence and Exacerbates Oxidative Stress in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:646. [PMID: 38929085 PMCID: PMC11200580 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060646] [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: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the role of microRNA let-7f in the dysfunction and degeneration of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells through the induction of senescence and oxidative stress. Furthermore, we explore whether let-7f inhibition can protect these cells against sodium iodate (SI)-induced oxidative stress. Oxidative stress and let-7f expression are reciprocally regulated in retinal pigment epithelial cells. Overexpression of let-7f in ARPE-19 cells induced oxidative stress as demonstrated by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production as well as senescence. Inhibition of let-7f successfully protected RPE cells from the detrimental effects induced by SI. In addition, let-7f overexpression induced RPE cellular dysfunction by diminishing their migratory capabilities and reducing the phagocytosis of porcine photoreceptor outer segments (POS). Results were further confirmed in vivo by intravitreal injections of SI and let-7f antagomir in C57BL/6 mice. Our results provide strong evidence that let-7f is implicated in the dysfunction of RPE cells through the induction of senescence and oxidative injury. These findings may help to uncover novel and relevant processes in the pathogenesis of dry AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Ortiz
- Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada;
| | - Houda Tahiri
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada; (H.T.); (C.Y.); (C.G.); (C.F.)
| | - Chun Yang
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada; (H.T.); (C.Y.); (C.G.); (C.F.)
| | - Claudia Gilbert
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada; (H.T.); (C.Y.); (C.G.); (C.F.)
| | - Carl Fortin
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada; (H.T.); (C.Y.); (C.G.); (C.F.)
| | - Pierre Hardy
- Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada;
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada; (H.T.); (C.Y.); (C.G.); (C.F.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
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24
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Xu H, Zhang LB, Luo YY, Wang L, Zhang YP, Chen PQ, Ba XY, Han J, Luo H. Synaptotagmins family affect glucose transport in retinal pigment epithelial cells through their ubiquitination-mediated degradation and glucose transporter-1 regulation. World J Diabetes 2024; 15:958-976. [PMID: 38766439 PMCID: PMC11099358 DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v15.i5.958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synaptotagmins (SYTs) are a family of 17 membrane transporters that function as calcium ion sensors during the release of Ca2+-dependent neurotransmitters and hormones. However, few studies have reported whether members of the SYT family play a role in glucose uptake in diabetic retinopathy (DR) through Ca2+/glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1) and the possible regulatory mechanism of SYTs. AIM To elucidate the role of the SYT family in the regulation of glucose transport in retinal pigment epithelial cells and explore its potential as a therapeutic target for the clinical management of DR. METHODS DR was induced by streptozotocin in C57BL/6J mice and by high glucose medium in human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19). Bioinformatics analysis, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, flow cytometry, ELISA, HE staining, and TUNEL staining were used for analysis. RESULTS Six differentially expressed proteins (SYT2, SYT3, SYT4, SYT7, SYT11, and SYT13) were found between the DR and control groups, and SYT4 was highly expressed. Hyperglycemia induces SYT4 overexpression, manipulates Ca2+ influx to induce GLUT1 fusion with the plasma membrane, promotes abnormal expression of the glucose transporter GLUT1 and excessive glucose uptake, induces ARPE-19 cell apoptosis, and promotes DR progression. Parkin deficiency inhibits the proteasomal degradation of SYT4 in DR, resulting in SYT4 accumulation and enhanced GLUT1 fusion with the plasma membrane, and these effects were blocked by oe-Parkin treatment. Moreover, dysregulation of the myelin transcription factor 1 (Myt1)-induced transcription of SYT4 in DR further activated the SYT4-mediated stimulus-secretion coupling process, and this process was inhibited in the oe-MYT1-treated group. CONCLUSION Our study reveals the key role of SYT4 in regulating glucose transport in retinal pigment epithelial cells during the pathogenesis of DR and the underlying mechanism and suggests potential therapeutic targets for clinical DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The People’s Hospital of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture & The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Dali University, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture 675000, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Li-Bo Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The People’s Hospital of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture & The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Dali University, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture 675000, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Yi-Yi Luo
- Precision Medicine Center of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, The People’s Hospital of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture & The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Dali University, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture 675000, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, The People’s Hospital of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture & The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Dali University, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture 675000, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Ye-Pin Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The People’s Hospital of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture & The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Dali University, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture 675000, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Pei-Qi Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, The People’s Hospital of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture & The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Dali University, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture 675000, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Xue-Ying Ba
- Precision Medicine Center of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, The People’s Hospital of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture & The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Dali University, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture 675000, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Jian Han
- Precision Medicine Center of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, The People’s Hospital of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture & The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Dali University, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture 675000, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Heng Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, The People’s Hospital of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture & The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Dali University, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture 675000, Yunnan Province, China
- Precision Medicine Center of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, The People’s Hospital of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture & The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Dali University, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture 675000, Yunnan Province, China
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25
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Chen Y, Zizmare L, Calbiague V, Wang L, Yu S, Herberg FW, Schmachtenberg O, Paquet-Durand F, Trautwein C. Retinal metabolism displays evidence for uncoupling of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation via Cori-, Cahill-, and mini-Krebs-cycle. eLife 2024; 12:RP91141. [PMID: 38739438 PMCID: PMC11090511 DOI: 10.7554/elife.91141] [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] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The retina consumes massive amounts of energy, yet its metabolism and substrate exploitation remain poorly understood. Here, we used a murine explant model to manipulate retinal energy metabolism under entirely controlled conditions and utilised 1H-NMR spectroscopy-based metabolomics, in situ enzyme detection, and cell viability readouts to uncover the pathways of retinal energy production. Our experimental manipulations resulted in varying degrees of photoreceptor degeneration, while the inner retina and retinal pigment epithelium were essentially unaffected. This selective vulnerability of photoreceptors suggested very specific adaptations in their energy metabolism. Rod photoreceptors were found to rely strongly on oxidative phosphorylation, but only mildly on glycolysis. Conversely, cone photoreceptors were dependent on glycolysis but insensitive to electron transport chain decoupling. Importantly, photoreceptors appeared to uncouple glycolytic and Krebs-cycle metabolism via three different pathways: (1) the mini-Krebs-cycle, fuelled by glutamine and branched chain amino acids, generating N-acetylaspartate; (2) the alanine-generating Cahill-cycle; (3) the lactate-releasing Cori-cycle. Moreover, the metabolomics data indicated a shuttling of taurine and hypotaurine between the retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptors, likely resulting in an additional net transfer of reducing power to photoreceptors. These findings expand our understanding of retinal physiology and pathology and shed new light on neuronal energy homeostasis and the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyi Chen
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of TübingenTuebingenGermany
| | - Laimdota Zizmare
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, University of TübingenTuebingenGermany
- Core Facility Metabolomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of TübingenTuebingenGermany
| | - Victor Calbiague
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de ValparaísoValparaísoChile
| | - Lan Wang
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of TübingenTuebingenGermany
| | - Shirley Yu
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of TübingenTuebingenGermany
| | - Fritz W Herberg
- Biochemistry Department, University of KasselTuebingenGermany
| | - Oliver Schmachtenberg
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de ValparaísoValparaísoChile
| | | | - Christoph Trautwein
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, University of TübingenTuebingenGermany
- Core Facility Metabolomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of TübingenTuebingenGermany
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26
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Winiarczyk M, Thiede B, Utheim TP, Kaarniranta K, Winiarczyk D, Michalak K, Mackiewicz J. Oxidative Stress, Persistent Inflammation and Blood Coagulation Alterations in Serum Proteome of Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:624. [PMID: 38792644 PMCID: PMC11122107 DOI: 10.3390/life14050624] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of irreversible blindness in elderly populations in developed countries. AMD's etiopathology is multifactorial, with strong environmental and genetic components, but the exact molecular pathomechanisms underlying the disease are still unknown. In this study, we analyzed blood serum collected from 74 neovascular AMD patients and 58 healthy controls to identify proteins that may serve as potential biomarkers and expand our knowledge about the etiopathogenesis of the disease. The study revealed 17 differentially expressed proteins-11 up-regulated and 6 down-regulated-in neovascular AMD, which are involved in the biological processes previously linked with the disease-oxidative stress and persistent inflammation, impaired cellular transport, lipid metabolism and blood coagulation. In conclusion, the differences in the expressions of the proteins identified in this study may contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying AMD and possibly serve in future as promising biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Winiarczyk
- Department of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-079 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Bernd Thiede
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Tor Paaske Utheim
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital, 0450 Oslo, Norway
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, 70200 Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Lodz, 90-136 Lodz, Poland
| | - Dagmara Winiarczyk
- Department and Clinic of Animal Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, 20-612 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Michalak
- Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University of Life Sciences, 20-612 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Jerzy Mackiewicz
- Department of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-079 Lublin, Poland;
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27
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Alahmari H, Liu CC, Rubin E, Lin VY, Rodriguez P, Chang KC. Vitamin C alleviates hyperglycemic stress in retinal pigment epithelial cells. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:637. [PMID: 38727927 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09595-2] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPECs) are a type of retinal cells that structurally and physiologically support photoreceptors. However, hyperglycemia has been shown to play a critical role in the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR), which is one of the leading causes of vision impairment. In the diabetic eye, the high glucose environment damages RPECs via the induction of oxidative stress, leading to the release of excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) and triggering apoptosis. In this study, we aim to investigate the antioxidant mechanism of Vitamin C in reducing hyperglycemia-induced stress and whether this mechanism can preserve the function of RPECs. METHODS AND RESULTS ARPE-19 cells were treated with high glucose in the presence or absence of Vitamin C. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Cleaved poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) was used to identify apoptosis in the cells. ROS were detected by the DCFH-DA reaction. The accumulation of sorbitol in the aldose reductase (AR) polyol pathway was determined using the sorbitol detection assay. Primary mouse RPECs were isolated from adult mice and identified by Rpe65 expression. The mitochondrial damage was measured by mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Our results showed that high glucose conditions reduce cell viability in RPECs while Vitamin C can restore cell viability, compared to the vehicle treatment. We also demonstrated that Vitamin C reduces hyperglycemia-induced ROS production and prevents cell apoptosis in RPECs in an AR-independent pathway. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that Vitamin C is not only a nutritional necessity but also an adjuvant that can be combined with AR inhibitors for alleviating hyperglycemic stress in RPECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Alahmari
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - Chia-Chun Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - Elizabeth Rubin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - Venice Y Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
- North Allegheny Senior High School, Wexford, PA, 15090, USA
| | - Paul Rodriguez
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - Kun-Che Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, Center of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan.
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Motipally SI, Kolson DR, Guan T, Kolandaivelu S. Aberrant lipid accumulation and retinal pigmental epithelium dysfunction in PRCD-deficient mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.08.584131. [PMID: 38558979 PMCID: PMC10979840 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.08.584131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRCD) is an integral membrane protein found in photoreceptor outer segment (OS) disc membranes and its function remains unknown. Mutations in Prcd are implicated in Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in humans and multiple dog breeds. PRCD-deficient models exhibit decreased levels of cholesterol in the plasma. However, potential changes in the retinal cholesterol remain unexplored. In addition, impaired phagocytosis observed in these animal models points to potential deficits in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Here, using a Prcd -/- murine model we investigated the alterations in the retinal cholesterol levels and impairments in the structural and functional integrity of the RPE. Lipidomic and immunohistochemical analyses show a 5-fold increase in the levels of cholesteryl esters (C.Es) and accumulation of neutral lipids in the PRCD-deficient retina, respectively, indicating alterations in total retinal cholesterol. Longitudinal fundus and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) examinations showed focal lesions and RPE hyperreflectivity. Strikingly, the RPE of Prcd -/- mice exhibited age-related pathological features such as neutral lipid deposits, lipofuscin accumulation, Bruch's membrane (BrM) thickening and drusenoid focal deposits, mirroring an Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)-like phenotype. We propose that the extensive lipofuscin accumulation likely impairs lysosomal function, leading to the defective phagocytosis observed in Prcd -/- mice. Our findings support the dysregulation of retinal cholesterol homeostasis in the absence of PRCD. Further, we demonstrate that progressive photoreceptor degeneration in Prcd -/- mice is accompanied by progressive structural and functional deficits in the RPE, which likely exacerbates vision loss over time.
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Yanardag S, Rhodes S, Saravanan T, Guan T, Ramamurthy V. Prominin 1 is crucial for the early development of photoreceptor outer segments. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10498. [PMID: 38714794 PMCID: PMC11076519 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60989-5] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Prominin 1 (PROM1) is a pentaspan transmembrane glycoprotein localized on the nascent photoreceptor discs. Mutations in PROM1 are linked to various retinal diseases. In this study, we assessed the role of PROM1 in photoreceptor biology and physiology using the PROM1 knockout murine model (rd19). Our study found that PROM1 is essential for vision and photoreceptor development. We found an early reduction in photoreceptor response beginning at post-natal day 12 (P12) before eye opening in the absence of PROM1 with no apparent loss in photoreceptor cells. However, at this stage, we observed an increased glial cell activation, indicative of cell damage. Contrary to our expectations, dark rearing did not mitigate photoreceptor degeneration or vision loss in PROM1 knockout mice. In addition to physiological defects seen in PROM1 knockout mice, ultrastructural analysis revealed malformed outer segments characterized by whorl-like continuous membranes instead of stacked disks. In parallel to the reduced rod response at P12, proteomics revealed a significant reduction in the levels of protocadherin, a known interactor of PROM1, and rod photoreceptor outer segment proteins, including rhodopsin. Overall, our results underscore the indispensable role of PROM1 in photoreceptor development and maintenance of healthy vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sila Yanardag
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Scott Rhodes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Thamaraiselvi Saravanan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Tongju Guan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Visvanathan Ramamurthy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
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Gölz L, Pannetier P, Fagundes T, Knörr S, Behnstedt L, Coordes S, Matthiessen P, Morthorst J, Vergauwen L, Knapen D, Holbech H, Braunbeck T, Baumann L. Development of the integrated fish endocrine disruptor test-Part B: Implementation of thyroid-related endpoints. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2024; 20:830-845. [PMID: 37578010 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Given the vital role of thyroid hormones (THs) in vertebrate development, it is essential to identify chemicals that interfere with the TH system. Whereas, among nonmammalian laboratory animals, fish are the most frequently utilized test species in endocrine disruptor research, for example, in guidelines for the detection of effects on the sex hormone system, there is no test guideline (TG) using fish as models for thyroid-related effects; rather, amphibians are used. Therefore, the objective of the present project was to integrate thyroid-related endpoints for fish into a test protocol combining OECD TGs 229 (Fish Short-Term Reproduction Assay) and 234 (Fish Sexual Development Test). The resulting integrated Fish Endocrine Disruption Test (iFEDT) was designed as a comprehensive approach to covering sexual differentiation, early development, and reproduction and to identifying disruption not only of the sexual and/or reproductive system but also the TH system. Two 85-day exposure tests were performed using different well-studied endocrine disruptors: 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2). Whereas the companion Part A of this study presents the findings on effects by PTU and EE2 on endpoints established in existing TGs, the present Part B discusses effects on novel thyroid-related endpoints such as TH levels, thyroid follicle histopathology, and eye development. 6-Propyl-2-thiouracil induced a massive proliferation of thyroid follicles in any life stage, and histopathological changes in the eyes proved to be highly sensitive for TH system disruption especially in younger life stages. For measurement of THs, further methodological development is required. 17-α-Ethinylestradiol demonstrated not only the well-known disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, but also induced effects on thyroid follicles in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to higher EE2 concentrations, suggesting crosstalk between endocrine axes. The novel iFEDT has thus proven capable of simultaneously capturing endocrine disruption of both the steroid and thyroid endocrine systems. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:830-845. © 2023 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Gölz
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pauline Pannetier
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Laboratoire de Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort, Site de Plouzané, Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l'alimentation, de l'environnement et du travail, Plouzané, France
| | - Teresa Fagundes
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Knörr
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Laura Behnstedt
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sara Coordes
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Jane Morthorst
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lucia Vergauwen
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Zebrafishlab, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Dries Knapen
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Zebrafishlab, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Henrik Holbech
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Thomas Braunbeck
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lisa Baumann
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Section Environmental Health & Toxicology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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31
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Nguyen TD, Chen YI, Nguyen AT, Yonas S, Sripati MP, Kuo YA, Hong S, Litvinov M, He Y, Yeh HC, Grady Rylander H. Two-photon autofluorescence lifetime assay of rabbit photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium during light-dark visual cycles in rabbit retina. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2024; 15:3094-3111. [PMID: 38855698 PMCID: PMC11161359 DOI: 10.1364/boe.511806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) is a powerful technique that enables the examination of intrinsic retinal fluorophores involved in cellular metabolism and the visual cycle. Although previous intensity-based TPEF studies in non-human primates have successfully imaged several classes of retinal cells and elucidated aspects of both rod and cone photoreceptor function, fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) of the retinal cells under light-dark visual cycle has yet to be fully exploited. Here we demonstrate a FLIM assay of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) that reveals key insights into retinal physiology and adaptation. We found that photoreceptor fluorescence lifetimes increase and decrease in sync with light and dark exposure, respectively. This is likely due to changes in all-trans-retinol and all-trans-retinal levels in the outer segments, mediated by phototransduction and visual cycle activity. During light exposure, RPE fluorescence lifetime was observed to increase steadily over time, as a result of all-trans-retinol accumulation during the visual cycle and decreasing metabolism caused by the lack of normal perfusion of the sample. Our system can measure the fluorescence lifetime of intrinsic retinal fluorophores on a cellular scale, revealing differences in lifetime between retinal cell classes under different conditions of light and dark exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trung Duc Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Yuan-I Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Anh-Thu Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Siem Yonas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Manasa P Sripati
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Yu-An Kuo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Soonwoo Hong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Mitchell Litvinov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Yujie He
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Hsin-Chih Yeh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Texas Materials Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - H Grady Rylander
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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Álvarez-Barrios A, Álvarez L, Pereiro R, González-Iglesias H. Elemental mass spectrometry to study metallo-transcriptomic changes during the in vitro degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024; 416:2699-2710. [PMID: 37507467 PMCID: PMC11009741 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04880-8] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Trace elements play crucial roles in cellular biology. Their improper homeostasis may contribute to the progress of eye diseases, exacerbated during ageing. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is progressively deteriorated during age-related neurodegeneration and metal homeostasis may be compromised. In this study, elemental mass spectrometry (MS) was combined with cellular and molecular biology techniques to identify changes in trace elements during the in vitro degeneration of human RPE cells. Cells were collected at 21, 91, and 133 days and processed for RNA sequencing; Ca, Na, P, Mg, and Cu quantification by flow injection analysis and inductively coupled plasma-MS; and protein analysis by immunocytochemistry. Four-month-old RPE cultures showed depigmentation, impaired barrier function, and antioxidant protection, manifesting signs of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Na and P significantly increased in the cytosol of degenerated RPE cells (from 15 ± 20 to 13495 ± 638 ng·µg-1 and from 30.6 ± 9.5 to 116.8 ± 16.8 ng·µg-1, respectively). Mg decreased in both the cytosol and insoluble fraction of cells (from 2.83 ± 0.40 to 1.58 ± 0.56 ng·µg-1 and from 247.57 ± 11.06 to 30 ± 8 ng·g-1, respectively), while P and Cu decreased in the insoluble fraction after 133 days in culture (from 9471 ± 1249 to 4555 ± 985 ng·µg-1 and from 2251 ± 79 to 1054 ± 235 ng·g-1, respectively), along with changes in metal-dependent antioxidant enzymes and Cu transporters. This RPE model reflected metal homeostatic changes, providing additional perspectives on effects of metal regulation during ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Álvarez-Barrios
- Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Avda. Dres. Fernández-Vega. 34, 33012, Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University of Oviedo, Julián Clavería, 8, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Lydia Álvarez
- Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Avda. Dres. Fernández-Vega. 34, 33012, Oviedo, Spain.
- Instituto Oftalmológico Fernández-Vega, Avda. Dres. Fernández-Vega, 34, 33012, Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Rosario Pereiro
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University of Oviedo, Julián Clavería, 8, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Héctor González-Iglesias
- Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPLA-CSIC), Villaviciosa, Spain.
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Wilke GA, Apte RS. Complement regulation in the eye: implications for age-related macular degeneration. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e178296. [PMID: 38690727 PMCID: PMC11060743 DOI: 10.1172/jci178296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Careful regulation of the complement system is critical for enabling complement proteins to titrate immune defense while also preventing collateral tissue damage from poorly controlled inflammation. In the eye, this balance between complement activity and inhibition is crucial, as a low level of basal complement activity is necessary to support ocular immune privilege, a prerequisite for maintaining vision. Dysregulated complement activation contributes to parainflammation, a low level of inflammation triggered by cellular damage that functions to reestablish homeostasis, or outright inflammation that disrupts the visual axis. Complement dysregulation has been implicated in many ocular diseases, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In the last two decades, complement activity has been the focus of intense investigation in AMD pathogenesis, leading to the development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of atrophic AMD. This Review outlines recent advances and challenges, highlighting therapeutic approaches that have advanced to clinical trials, as well as providing a general overview of the complement system in the posterior segment of the eye and selected ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia A. Wilke
- John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
| | - Rajendra S. Apte
- John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
- Department of Medicine, and
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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34
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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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35
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Kunala K, Tang JAH, Bowles Johnson KE, Huynh KT, Parkins K, Kim HJ, Yang Q, Sparrow JR, Hunter JJ. Near Infrared Autofluorescence Lifetime Imaging of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium Using Adaptive Optics Scanning Light Ophthalmoscopy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:27. [PMID: 38758638 PMCID: PMC11107951 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.5.27] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To demonstrate the first near-infrared adaptive optics fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (NIR-AOFLIO) measurements in vivo of the human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cellular mosaic and to visualize lifetime changes at different retinal eccentricities. Methods NIR reflectance and autofluorescence were captured using a custom adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope in 10 healthy subjects (23-64 years old) at seven eccentricities and in two eyes with retinal abnormalities. Repeatability was assessed across two visits up to 8 weeks apart. Endogenous retinal fluorophores and hydrophobic whole retinal extracts of Abca4-/- pigmented and albino mice were imaged to probe the fluorescence origin of NIR-AOFLIO. Results The RPE mosaic was resolved at all locations in five of seven younger subjects (<35 years old). The mean lifetime across near-peripheral regions (8° and 12°) was longer compared to near-foveal regions (0° and 2°). Repeatability across two visits showed moderate to excellent correlation (intraclass correlation: 0.88 [τm], 0.75 [τ1], 0.65 [τ2], 0.98 [a1]). The mean lifetime across drusen-containing eyes was longer than in age-matched healthy eyes. Fluorescence was observed in only the extracts from pigmented Abca4-/- mouse. Conclusions NIR-AOFLIO was repeatable and allowed visualization of the RPE cellular mosaic. An observed signal in only the pigmented mouse extract infers the fluorescence signal originates predominantly from melanin. Variations observed across the retina with intermediate age-related macular degeneration suggest NIR-AOFLIO may act as a functional measure of a biomarker for in vivo monitoring of early alterations in retinal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karteek Kunala
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States
| | - Janet A. H. Tang
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Kristen E. Bowles Johnson
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- School of Optometry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Khang T. Huynh
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - Keith Parkins
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Hye-Jin Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Dalseo-gu, Daegu, South Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States
| | - Qiang Yang
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Janet R. Sparrow
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States
| | - Jennifer J. Hunter
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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Carozza G, Zerti D, Tisi A, Ciancaglini M, Maccarrone M, Maccarone R. An overview of retinal light damage models for preclinical studies on age-related macular degeneration: identifying molecular hallmarks and therapeutic targets. Rev Neurosci 2024; 35:303-330. [PMID: 38153807 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2023-0130] [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: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex, multifactorial disease leading to progressive and irreversible retinal degeneration, whose pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated yet. Due to the complexity and to the multiple features of the disease, many efforts have been made to develop animal models which faithfully reproduce the overall AMD hallmarks or that are able to mimic the different AMD stages. In this context, light damage (LD) rodent models of AMD represent a suitable and reliable approach to mimic the different AMD forms (dry, wet and geographic atrophy) while maintaining the time-dependent progression of the disease. In this review, we comprehensively reported how the LD paradigms reproduce the main features of human AMD. We discuss the capability of these models to broaden the knowledge in AMD research, with a focus on the mechanisms and the molecular hallmarks underlying the pathogenesis of the disease. We also critically revise the remaining challenges and future directions for the use of LD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Carozza
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Darin Zerti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Annamaria Tisi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Marco Ciancaglini
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research (CERC)/Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Maccarone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
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37
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Hansman D, Ma Y, Thomas D, Smith J, Casson R, Peet D. Metabolic reprogramming of the retinal pigment epithelium by cytokines associated with age-related macular degeneration. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231904. [PMID: 38567515 PMCID: PMC11043024 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231904] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The complex metabolic relationship between the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors is essential for maintaining retinal health. Recent evidence indicates the RPE acts as an adjacent lactate sink, suppressing glycolysis in the epithelium in order to maximize glycolysis in the photoreceptors. Dysregulated metabolism within the RPE has been implicated in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss. In the present study, we investigate the effects of four cytokines associated with AMD, TNFα, TGF-β2, IL-6, and IL-1β, as well as a cocktail containing all four cytokines, on RPE metabolism using ARPE-19 cells, primary human RPE cells, and ex vivo rat eyecups. Strikingly, we found cytokine-specific changes in numerous metabolic markers including lactate production, glucose consumption, extracellular acidification rate, and oxygen consumption rate accompanied by increases in total mitochondrial volume and ATP production. Together, all four cytokines could potently override the constitutive suppression of glycolysis in the RPE, through a mechanism independent of PI3K/AKT, MEK/ERK, or NF-κB. Finally, we observed changes in glycolytic gene expression with cytokine treatment, including in lactate dehydrogenase subunit and glucose transporter expression. Our findings provide new insights into the metabolic changes in the RPE under inflammatory conditions and highlight potential therapeutic targets for AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S. Hansman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Yuefang Ma
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Daniel Thomas
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Justine R. Smith
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Robert J. Casson
- Discipline of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Daniel J. Peet
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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38
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Pollalis D, Georgescu C, Wren JD, Tombulyan G, Leung JM, Lo PA, Bloemhof CM, Lee RH, Bae E, Bailey JK, Pennington BO, Khan AI, Kelly KR, Yeh AK, Sundaram KS, Humayun M, Louie S, Clegg DO, Lee SY. Rescuing Photoreceptors in RPE Dysfunction-Driven Retinal Degeneration: The Role of Small Extracellular Vesicles Secreted from Retinal Pigment Epithelium. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.09.588773. [PMID: 38645051 PMCID: PMC11030310 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.09.588773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a common shared pathology in major degenerative retinal diseases despite variations in the primary etiologies of each disease. Due to their demanding and indispensable functional roles throughout the lifetime, RPE cells are vulnerable to genetic predisposition, external stress, and aging processes. Building upon recent advancements in stem cell technology for differentiating healthy RPE cells and recognizing the significant roles of small extracellular vesicles (sEV) in cellular paracrine and autocrine actions, we investigated the hypothesis that the RPE-secreted sEV alone can restore essential RPE functions and rescue photoreceptors in RPE dysfunction-driven retinal degeneration. Our findings support the rationale for developing intravitreal treatment of sEV. We demonstrate that intravitreally delivered sEV effectively penetrate the full thickness of the retina. Xenogenic intraocular administration of human-derived EVs did not induce acute immune reactions in rodents. sEV derived from human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived fully differentiated RPE cells, but not sEV-depleted conditioned cell culture media (CCM minus sEV), rescued photoreceptors and their function in a Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat model. This model is characterized by photoreceptor death and retinal degeneration resulting from a mutation in the MerTK gene in RPE cells. From the bulk RNA sequencing study, we identified 447 differently expressed genes in the retina after hESC-RPE-sEV treatment compared with the untreated control. Furthermore, 394 out of 447 genes (88%) showed a reversal in expression toward the healthy state in Long-Evans (LE) rats after treatment compared to the diseased state. Particularly, detrimental alterations in gene expression in RCS rats, including essential RPE functions such as phototransduction, vitamin A metabolism, and lipid metabolism were partially reversed. Defective photoreceptor outer segment engulfment due to intrinsic MerTK mutation was partially ameliorated. These findings suggest that RPE-secreted sEV may play a functional role similar to that of RPE cells. Our study justifies further exploration to fully unlock future therapeutic interventions with sEV in a broad array of degenerative retinal diseases.
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Enderlin J, Rieu Q, Réty S, Vanoni EM, Roux S, Dégardin J, César Q, Augustin S, Nous C, Cai B, Fontaine V, Sennlaub F, Nandrot EF. Retinal atrophy, inflammation, phagocytic and metabolic disruptions develop in the MerTK-cleavage-resistant mouse model. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1256522. [PMID: 38680449 PMCID: PMC11047123 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1256522] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
In the eye, cells from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) facing the neurosensory retina exert several functions that are all crucial for long-term survival of photoreceptors (PRs) and vision. Among those, RPE cells phagocytose under a circadian rhythm photoreceptor outer segment (POS) tips that are constantly subjected to light rays and oxidative attacks. The MerTK tyrosine kinase receptor is a key element of this phagocytic machinery required for POS internalization. Recently, we showed that MerTK is subjected to the cleavage of its extracellular domain to finely control its function. In addition, monocytes in retinal blood vessels can migrate inside the inner retina and differentiate into macrophages expressing MerTK, but their role in this context has not been studied yet. We thus investigated the ocular phenotype of MerTK cleavage-resistant (MerTKCR) mice to understand the relevance of this characteristic on retinal homeostasis at the RPE and macrophage levels. MerTKCR retinae appear to develop and function normally, as observed in retinal sections, by electroretinogram recordings and optokinetic behavioral tests. Monitoring of MerTKCR and control mice between the ages of 3 and 18 months showed the development of large degenerative areas in the central retina as early as 4 months when followed monthly by optical coherence tomography (OCT) plus fundus photography (FP)/autofluorescence (AF) detection but not by OCT alone. The degenerative areas were associated with AF, which seems to be due to infiltrated macrophages, as observed by OCT and histology. MerTKCR RPE primary cultures phagocytosed less POS in vitro, while in vivo, the circadian rhythm of POS phagocytosis was deregulated. Mitochondrial function and energy production were reduced in freshly dissected RPE/choroid tissues at all ages, thus showing a metabolic impairment not present in macrophages. RPE anomalies were detected by electron microscopy, including phagosomes retained in the apical area and vacuoles. Altogether, this new mouse model displays a novel phenotype that could prove useful to understanding the interplay between RPE and PRs in inflammatory retinal degenerations and highlights new roles for MerTK in the regulation of the energetic metabolism and the maintenance of the immune privilege in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Enderlin
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Therapeutics Department, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Quentin Rieu
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Therapeutics Department, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Salomé Réty
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Therapeutics Department, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Elora M. Vanoni
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Therapeutics Department, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Solène Roux
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Therapeutics Department, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Julie Dégardin
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Therapeutics Department, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Quénol César
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Therapeutics Department, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Augustin
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Therapeutics Department, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Nous
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Therapeutics Department, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Bishuang Cai
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Valérie Fontaine
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Therapeutics Department, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Florian Sennlaub
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Therapeutics Department, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Emeline F. Nandrot
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Therapeutics Department, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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Leung M, Steinman J, Li D, Lor A, Gruesen A, Sadah A, van Kuijk FJ, Montezuma SR, Kondkar AA, Radhakrishnan R, Lobo GP. The Logistical Backbone of Photoreceptor Cell Function: Complementary Mechanisms of Dietary Vitamin A Receptors and Rhodopsin Transporters. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4278. [PMID: 38673863 PMCID: PMC11050646 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084278] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In this review, we outline our current understanding of the mechanisms involved in the absorption, storage, and transport of dietary vitamin A to the eye, and the trafficking of rhodopsin protein to the photoreceptor outer segments, which encompasses the logistical backbone required for photoreceptor cell function. Two key mechanisms of this process are emphasized in this manuscript: ocular and systemic vitamin A membrane transporters, and rhodopsin transporters. Understanding the complementary mechanisms responsible for the generation and proper transport of the retinylidene protein to the photoreceptor outer segment will eventually shed light on the importance of genes encoded by these proteins, and their relationship on normal visual function and in the pathophysiology of retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Leung
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (M.L.); (J.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.); (A.S.); (F.J.v.K.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Jeremy Steinman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (M.L.); (J.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.); (A.S.); (F.J.v.K.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Dorothy Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (M.L.); (J.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.); (A.S.); (F.J.v.K.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Anjelynt Lor
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (M.L.); (J.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.); (A.S.); (F.J.v.K.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Andrew Gruesen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (M.L.); (J.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.); (A.S.); (F.J.v.K.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Ahmed Sadah
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (M.L.); (J.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.); (A.S.); (F.J.v.K.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Frederik J. van Kuijk
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (M.L.); (J.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.); (A.S.); (F.J.v.K.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Sandra R. Montezuma
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (M.L.); (J.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.); (A.S.); (F.J.v.K.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Altaf A. Kondkar
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 12271, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Rakesh Radhakrishnan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (M.L.); (J.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.); (A.S.); (F.J.v.K.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Glenn P. Lobo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (M.L.); (J.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.); (A.S.); (F.J.v.K.); (S.R.M.)
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Das V, Zhang F, Bower AJ, Li J, Liu T, Aguilera N, Alvisio B, Liu Z, Hammer DX, Tam J. Revealing speckle obscured living human retinal cells with artificial intelligence assisted adaptive optics optical coherence tomography. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2024; 4:68. [PMID: 38600290 PMCID: PMC11006674 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-024-00483-1] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In vivo imaging of the human retina using adaptive optics optical coherence tomography (AO-OCT) has transformed medical imaging by enabling visualization of 3D retinal structures at cellular-scale resolution, including the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, which are essential for maintaining visual function. However, because noise inherent to the imaging process (e.g., speckle) makes it difficult to visualize RPE cells from a single volume acquisition, a large number of 3D volumes are typically averaged to improve contrast, substantially increasing the acquisition duration and reducing the overall imaging throughput. METHODS Here, we introduce parallel discriminator generative adversarial network (P-GAN), an artificial intelligence (AI) method designed to recover speckle-obscured cellular features from a single AO-OCT volume, circumventing the need for acquiring a large number of volumes for averaging. The combination of two parallel discriminators in P-GAN provides additional feedback to the generator to more faithfully recover both local and global cellular structures. Imaging data from 8 eyes of 7 participants were used in this study. RESULTS We show that P-GAN not only improves RPE cell contrast by 3.5-fold, but also improves the end-to-end time required to visualize RPE cells by 99-fold, thereby enabling large-scale imaging of cells in the living human eye. RPE cell spacing measured across a large set of AI recovered images from 3 participants were in agreement with expected normative ranges. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate the potential of AI assisted imaging in overcoming a key limitation of RPE imaging and making it more accessible in a routine clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vineeta Das
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Furu Zhang
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Andrew J Bower
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Joanne Li
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Tao Liu
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Nancy Aguilera
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Bruno Alvisio
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Zhuolin Liu
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Daniel X Hammer
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Johnny Tam
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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Huang H, Zeng J, Kuang X, He F, Yan J, Li B, Liu W, Shen H. Transcriptional patterns of human retinal pigment epithelial cells under protracted high glucose. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:477. [PMID: 38573426 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09479-5] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is essential for retinal homeostasis. Comprehensively exploring the transcriptional patterns of diabetic human RPE promotes the understanding of diabetic retinopathy (DR). METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 4125 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened out from the human primary RPE cells subjected to prolonged high glucose (HG). The subsequent bioinformatics analysis is divided into 3 steps. In Step 1, 21 genes were revealed by intersecting the enriched genes from the KEGG, WIKI, and Reactome databases. In Step 2, WGCNA was applied and intersected with the DEGs. Further intersection based on the enrichments with the GO biological processes, GO cellular components, and GO molecular functions databases screened out 12 candidate genes. In Step 3, 13 genes were found to be simultaneously up-regulated in the DEGs and a GEO dataset involving human diabetic retinal tissues. VEGFA and ERN1 were the 2 starred genes finally screened out by overlapping the 3 Steps. CONCLUSION In this study, multiple genes were identified as crucial in the pathological process of RPE under protracted HG, providing potential candidates for future researches on DR. The current study highlights the importance of RPE in DR pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 116 South Changjiang Road, Zhuzhou, 412000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Jingshu Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Xielan Kuang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510000, China
- Biobank of Eye, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, 54 Xianlie Road, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Fan He
- Amass Ophthalmology, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Jianjun Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 116 South Changjiang Road, Zhuzhou, 412000, China
| | - Bowen Li
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 116 South Changjiang Road, Zhuzhou, 412000, China.
| | - Huangxuan Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510000, China.
- Biobank of Eye, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, 54 Xianlie Road, Guangzhou, 510000, China.
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Park SJ, Kim YY, Han JY, Kim SW, Kim H, Ku SY. Advancements in Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research: Clinical Applications and Ethical Issues. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2024; 21:379-394. [PMID: 38502279 PMCID: PMC10987435 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-024-00627-3] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development and use of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in regenerative medicine have been revolutionary, offering significant advancements in treating various diseases. These pluripotent cells, derived from early human embryos, are central to modern biomedical research. However, their application is mired in ethical and regulatory complexities related to the use of human embryos. METHOD This review utilized key databases such as ClinicalTrials.gov, EU Clinical Trials Register, PubMed, and Google Scholar to gather recent clinical trials and studies involving hESCs. The focus was on their clinical application in regenerative medicine, emphasizing clinical trials and research directly involving hESCs. RESULTS Preclinical studies and clinical trials in various areas like ophthalmology, neurology, endocrinology, and reproductive medicine have demonstrated the versatility of hESCs in regenerative medicine. These studies underscore the potential of hESCs in treating a wide array of conditions. However, the field faces ethical and regulatory challenges, with significant variations in policies and perspectives across different countries. CONCLUSION The potential of hESCs in regenerative medicine is immense, offering new avenues for treating previously incurable diseases. However, navigating the ethical, legal, and regulatory landscapes is crucial for the continued advancement and responsible application of hESC research in the medical field. Considering both scientific potential and ethical implications, a balanced approach is essential for successfully integrating hESCs into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Jin Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Young Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Yeon Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Woo Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-Ro Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Yup Ku
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-Ro Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Ashimori A, Higashijima F, Ogata T, Sakuma A, Hamada W, Sunada J, Aoki R, Mikuni M, Hayashi K, Wakuta M, Yoshimoto T, Minamoto A, Ko JA, Kimura K. HIF-1α-dependent upregulation of angiogenic factors by mechanical stimulation in retinal pigment epithelial cells. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050640. [PMID: 38691000 PMCID: PMC11095633 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050640] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanical stimulation as a mimic of drusen formation in the eye increases the expression of angiogenic factors in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated and characterized the effects of mechanical stimulation on the expression of angiogenic factors in RPE cells both in vitro and in a mouse model. Mechanical stimulation increased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF, encoded by VEGFA) and other angiogenesis-related genes in cultured RPE1 cells. The presence of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α, encoded by HIF1A) was also increased, and both knockdown of HIF-1α and treatment with the HIF-1α inhibitor CAY10585 attenuated the effect of mechanical stimulation on angiogenesis factor gene expression. Signaling by the tyrosine kinase SRC and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase was involved in HIF-1α activation and consequent angiogenesis-related gene expression induced by mechanical stimulation. Our results suggest that SRC-p38 and HIF-1α signaling are involved in the upregulation of angiogenic factors in RPE cells by mechanical stimulation. Such in vivo suppression of upregulated expression of angiogenesis-related genes by pharmacological inhibitors of HIF-1α suggests a new potential approach to the treatment of age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushige Ashimori
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube City, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Higashijima
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube City, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Tadahiko Ogata
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube City, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Ayano Sakuma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube City, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Waka Hamada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube City, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Junki Sunada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube City, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Ren Aoki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube City, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Masanori Mikuni
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube City, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Ken'ichiro Hayashi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube City, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Makiko Wakuta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube City, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Takuya Yoshimoto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube City, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Akira Minamoto
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Ji-Ae Ko
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kimura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube City, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
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Baqué-Vidal L, Main H, Petrus-Reurer S, Lederer AR, Beri NE, Bär F, Metzger H, Zhao C, Efstathopoulos P, Saietz S, Wrona A, Jaberi E, Willenbrock H, Reilly H, Hedenskog M, Moussaud-Lamodière E, Kvanta A, Villaescusa JC, La Manno G, Lanner F. Clinically compliant cryopreservation of differentiated retinal pigment epithelial cells. Cytotherapy 2024; 26:340-350. [PMID: 38349309 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.01.014] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness in elderly patients within developed countries, affecting more than 190 million worldwide. In AMD, the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell layer progressively degenerates, resulting in subsequent loss of photoreceptors and ultimately vision. There is currently no cure for AMD, but therapeutic strategies targeting the complement system are being developed to slow the progression of the disease. METHODS Replacement therapy with pluripotent stem cell-derived (hPSC) RPEs is an alternative treatment strategy. A cell therapy product must be produced in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices at a sufficient scale to facilitate extensive pre-clinical and clinical testing. Cryopreservation of the final cell product is therefore highly beneficial, as the manufacturing, pre-clinical and clinical testing can be separated in time and location. RESULTS We found that mature hPSC-RPE cells do not survive conventional cryopreservation techniques. However, replating the cells 2-5 days before cryopreservation facilitates freezing. The replated and cryopreserved hPSC-RPE cells maintained their identity, purity and functionality as characteristic RPEs, shown by cobblestone morphology, pigmentation, transcriptional profile, RPE markers, transepithelial resistance and pigment epithelium-derived factor secretion. Finally, we showed that the optimal replating time window can be tracked noninvasively by following the change in cobblestone morphology. CONCLUSIONS The possibility of cryopreserving the hPSC-RPE product has been instrumental in our efforts in manufacturing and performing pre-clinical testing with the aim for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Baqué-Vidal
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Heather Main
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sandra Petrus-Reurer
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alex R Lederer
- Laboratory of Neurodevelopmental Systems Biology, Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nefeli-Eirini Beri
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Frederik Bär
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hugo Metzger
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cheng Zhao
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Sarah Saietz
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Elham Jaberi
- Cell Therapy R&D, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
| | | | - Hazel Reilly
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mona Hedenskog
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elisabeth Moussaud-Lamodière
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Kvanta
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Gioele La Manno
- Laboratory of Neurodevelopmental Systems Biology, Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Fredrik Lanner
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden; Ming Wai Lau Center for Reparative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Bovi Dos Santos G, de Lima-Vasconcellos TH, Móvio MI, Birbrair A, Del Debbio CB, Kihara AH. New Perspectives in Stem Cell Transplantation and Associated Therapies to Treat Retinal Diseases: From Gene Editing to 3D Bioprinting. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:722-737. [PMID: 38319527 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10689-4] [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] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Inherited and non-inherited retinopathies can affect distinct cell types, leading to progressive cell death and visual loss. In the last years, new approaches have indicated exciting opportunities to treat retinopathies. Cell therapy in retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular disease, and glaucoma have yielded encouraging results in rodents and humans. The first two diseases mainly impact the photoreceptors and the retinal pigmented epithelium, while glaucoma primarily affects the ganglion cell layer. Induced pluripotent stem cells and multipotent stem cells can be differentiated in vitro to obtain specific cell types for use in transplant as well as to assess the impact of candidate molecules aimed at treating retinal degeneration. Moreover, stem cell therapy is presented in combination with newly developed methods, such as gene editing, Müller cells dedifferentiation, sheet & drug delivery, virus-like particles, optogenetics, and 3D bioprinting. This review describes the recent advances in this field, by presenting an updated panel based on cell transplants and related therapies to treat retinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrieli Bovi Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Neurogenética, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Marília Inês Móvio
- Laboratório de Neurogenética, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexander Birbrair
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Sciences Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Rm 4385, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Carolina Beltrame Del Debbio
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Hiroaki Kihara
- Laboratório de Neurogenética, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Santo André, SP, Brazil.
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Vera E, Cornejo I, Henao JC, Tribiños F, Burgos J, Sepúlveda FV, Cid LP. Normal vision and development in mice with low functional expression of Kir7.1 in heterozygosis for a blindness-producing mutation inactivating the channel. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 326:C1178-C1192. [PMID: 38406825 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00597.2023] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
K+ channel Kir7.1 expressed at the apical membrane of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays an essential role in retinal function. An isoleucine-to-threonine mutation at position 120 of the protein is responsible for blindness-causing vitreo-retinal dystrophy. We have studied the molecular mechanism of action of Kir7.1-I120T in vitro by heterologous expression and in vivo in CRISPR-generated knockin mice. Full-size Kir7.1-I120T reaches the plasma membrane but lacks any activity. Analysis of Kir7.1 and the I120T mutant in mixed transfection experiments, and that of tandem tetrameric constructs made by combining wild type (WT) and mutant protomers, leads us to conclude that they do not form heterotetramers in vitro. Homozygous I120T/I120T mice show cleft palate and tracheomalacia and do not survive beyond P0, whereas heterozygous WT/I120T develop normally. Membrane conductance of RPE cells isolated from WT/WT and heterozygous WT/I120T mice is dominated by Kir7.1 current. Using Rb+ as a charge carrier, we demonstrate that the Kir7.1 current of WT/I120T RPE cells corresponds to approximately 50% of that in cells from WT/WT animals, in direct proportion to WT gene dosage. This suggests a lack of compensatory effects or interference from the mutated allele product, an interpretation consistent with results obtained using WT/- hemizygous mouse. Electroretinography and behavioral tests also show normal vision in WT/I120T animals. The hypomorphic ion channel phenotype of heterozygous Kir7.1-I120T mutants is therefore compatible with normal development and retinal function. The lack of detrimental effect of this degree of functional deficit might explain the recessive nature of Kir7.1 mutations causing human eye disease.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Human retinal pigment epithelium K+ channel Kir7.1 is affected by generally recessive mutations leading to blindness. We investigate one such mutation, isoleucine-to-threonine at position 120, both in vitro and in vivo in knockin mice. The mutated channel is inactive and in heterozygosis gives a hypomorphic phenotype with normal retinal function. Mutant channels do not interfere with wild-type Kir7.1 channels which are expressed concomitantly without hindrance, providing an explanation for the recessive nature of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin Vera
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Valdivia, Chile
- Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Isabel Cornejo
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Valdivia, Chile
- Facultad de Ciencias para el Cuidado de la Salud, Universidad San Sebastián, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Juan Carlos Henao
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Valdivia, Chile
- Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | | | | | - Francisco V Sepúlveda
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Valdivia, Chile
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Valdivia, Chile
| | - L Pablo Cid
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Valdivia, Chile
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Valdivia, Chile
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Liu D, Du J, Xie H, Tian H, Lu L, Zhang C, Xu GT, Zhang J. Wnt5a/β-catenin-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition: a key driver of subretinal fibrosis in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:75. [PMID: 38532410 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03068-w] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), accounts for up to 90% of AMD-associated vision loss, ultimately resulting in the formation of fibrotic scar in the macular region. The pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis in nAMD involves the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurring in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Here, we aim to investigate the underlying mechanisms involved in the Wnt signaling during the EMT of RPE cells and in the pathological process of subretinal fibrosis secondary to nAMD. METHODS In vivo, the induction of subretinal fibrosis was performed in male C57BL/6J mice through laser photocoagulation. Either FH535 (a β-catenin inhibitor) or Box5 (a Wnt5a inhibitor) was intravitreally administered on the same day or 14 days following laser induction. The RPE-Bruch's membrane-choriocapillaris complex (RBCC) tissues were collected and subjected to Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence to examine fibrovascular and Wnt-related markers. In vitro, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1)-treated ARPE-19 cells were co-incubated with or without FH535, Foxy-5 (a Wnt5a-mimicking peptide), Box5, or Wnt5a shRNA, respectively. The changes in EMT- and Wnt-related signaling molecules, as well as cell functions were assessed using qRT-PCR, nuclear-cytoplasmic fractionation assay, Western blot, immunofluorescence, scratch assay or transwell migration assay. The cell viability of ARPE-19 cells was determined using Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8. RESULTS The in vivo analysis demonstrated Wnt5a/ROR1, but not Wnt3a, was upregulated in the RBCCs of the laser-induced CNV mice compared to the normal control group. Intravitreal injection of FH535 effectively reduced Wnt5a protein expression. Both FH535 and Box5 effectively attenuated subretinal fibrosis and EMT, as well as the activation of β-catenin in laser-induced CNV mice, as evidenced by the significant reduction in areas positive for fibronectin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, and active β-catenin labeling. In vitro, Wnt5a/ROR1, active β-catenin, and some other Wnt signaling molecules were upregulated in the TGFβ1-induced EMT cell model using ARPE-19 cells. Co-treatment with FH535, Box5, or Wnt5a shRNA markedly suppressed the activation of Wnt5a, nuclear translocation of active β-catenin, as well as the EMT in TGFβ1-treated ARPE-19 cells. Conversely, treatment with Foxy-5 independently resulted in the activation of abovementioned molecules and subsequent induction of EMT in ARPE-19 cells. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals a reciprocal activation between Wnt5a and β-catenin to mediate EMT as a pivotal driver of subretinal fibrosis in nAMD. This positive feedback loop provides valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies to treat subretinal fibrosis in nAMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingxiao Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai Eye Research Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai Eye Research Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibin Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixia Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaoyang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai Eye Research Institute, Shanghai, China.
| | - Guo-Tong Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Tongji Hospital and Laboratory of Clinical and Visual Sciences of Tongji Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jingfa Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai Eye Research Institute, Shanghai, China.
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Shastak Y, Pelletier W. Pet Wellness and Vitamin A: A Narrative Overview. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1000. [PMID: 38612239 PMCID: PMC11010875 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071000] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The health of companion animals, particularly dogs and cats, is significantly influenced by nutrition, with vitamins playing a crucial role. Vitamin A, in particular, is indispensable, with diverse roles ranging from vision to immune modulation and reproduction. Despite its importance, the metabolism and dietary requirements of vitamin A in companion animals remain complex and not fully understood. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the historical perspective, the digestion, the metabolism, the physiological roles, the deficiency, the excess, and the interactions with other micronutrients of vitamin A in companion animals. Additionally, it highlights future research directions and gaps in our understanding. Insights into the metabolism of vitamin A in companion animals, personalized nutrition strategies based on genetic variability, longitudinal studies tracking the status of vitamin A, and investigations into its immunomodulatory effects are crucial for optimizing pet health and wellness. Furthermore, understanding the stability and bioavailability of vitamin A in pet food formulations is essential for ensuring the provision of adequate micronutrients. Overall, this review underscores the importance of vitamin A in companion animal nutrition and the need for further research to enhance our understanding and to optimize dietary recommendations for pet health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yauheni Shastak
- Nutrition & Health Division, BASF SE, 67063 Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany
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Dontsov A, Ostrovsky M. Retinal Pigment Epithelium Pigment Granules: Norms, Age Relations and Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3609. [PMID: 38612421 PMCID: PMC11011557 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073609] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which ensures the normal functioning of the neural retina, is a pigmented single-cell layer that separates the retina from the Bruch's membrane and the choroid. There are three main types of pigment granules in the RPE cells of the human eye: lipofuscin granules (LG) containing the fluorescent "age pigment" lipofuscin, melanoprotein granules (melanosomes, melanolysosomes) containing the screening pigment melanin and complex melanolipofuscin granules (MLG) containing both types of pigments simultaneously-melanin and lipofuscin. This review examines the functional role of pigment granules in the aging process and in the development of oxidative stress and associated pathologies in RPE cells. The focus is on the process of light-induced oxidative degradation of pigment granules caused by reactive oxygen species. The reasons leading to increased oxidative stress in RPE cells as a result of the oxidative degradation of pigment granules are considered. A mechanism is proposed to explain the phenomenon of age-related decline in melanin content in RPE cells. The essence of the mechanism is that when the lipofuscin part of the melanolipofuscin granule is exposed to light, reactive oxygen species are formed, which destroy the melanin part. As more melanolipofuscin granules are formed with age and the development of degenerative diseases, the melanin in pigmented epithelial cells ultimately disappears.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mikhail Ostrovsky
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia;
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