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Zloh M, Kutilek P, Hejda J, Fiserova I, Kubovciak J, Murakami M, Stofkova A. Visual stimulation and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have protective effects in experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis. Life Sci 2024; 355:122996. [PMID: 39173995 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122996] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the therapeutic potential of visual stimulation (VS) and BDNF in murine experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU). MAIN METHODS Mice were immunized by subcutaneous injection of interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein in Freund's complete adjuvant and intravenous injection of pertussis toxin, and were then exposed to high-contrast VS 12 h/day (days 1-14 post-immunization). EAU severity was assessed by examining clinical score, visual acuity, inflammatory markers, and immune cells in the retina. The transcriptome of activated retinal cells was determined by RNA-seq using RNA immunoprecipitated in complex with phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6. The retinal levels of protein products of relevant upregulated genes were quantified. The effect of BDNF on EAU was tested in unstimulated mice by its daily topical ocular administration (days 8-14 post-immunization). KEY FINDINGS VS attenuated EAU development and decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines and numbers of immune cells in the retina (n = 10-20 eyes/group for each analysis). In activated retinal cells of control mice (n = 30 eyes/group), VS upregulated genes encoding immunomodulatory neuropeptides, of which BDNF and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) also showed increased mRNA and protein levels in the retina of VS-treated EAU mice (n = 6-10 eyes/group for each analysis). In unstimulated EAU mice, BDNF treatment mimicked the protective effects of VS by modulating the inflammatory and stem cell properties of Müller cells (n = 5 eyes/group for each analysis). SIGNIFICANCE VS effectively suppresses EAU, at least through enhancing retinal levels of anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective factors, VIP and BDNF. Our findings also suggest BDNF as a promising therapeutic agent for uveitis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miloslav Zloh
- Department of Physiology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Patrik Kutilek
- Department of Health Care and Population Protection, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Kladno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Hejda
- Department of Health Care and Population Protection, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Kladno, Czech Republic
| | - Ivana Fiserova
- Department of Physiology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Kubovciak
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Masaaki Murakami
- Division of Molecular Psychoimmunology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan; Group of Quantum Immunology, Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institute for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), Chiba, Japan; Division of Molecular Neuroimmunology, Department of Homeostatic Regulation, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Aichi, Japan; Institute for Vaccine Research and Development (HU-IVReD), Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Andrea Stofkova
- Department of Physiology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Zhou L, Xu Z, Lu H, Cho H, Xie Y, Lee G, Ri K, Duh EJ. Suppression of inner blood-retinal barrier breakdown and pathogenic Müller glia activation in ischemia retinopathy by myeloid cell depletion. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:210. [PMID: 39182142 PMCID: PMC11344463 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03190-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Ischemic retinopathies including diabetic retinopathy are major causes of vision loss. Inner blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown with retinal vascular hyperpermeability results in macular edema. Although dysfunction of the neurovascular unit including neurons, glia, and vascular cells is now understood to underlie this process, there is a need for fuller elucidation of the underlying events in BRB dysfunction in ischemic disease, including a systematic analysis of myeloid cells and exploration of cellular cross-talk. We used an approach for microglia depletion with the CSF-1R inhibitor PLX5622 (PLX) in the retinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) model. Under non-IR conditions, PLX treatment successfully depleted microglia in the retina. PLX suppressed the microglial activation response following IR as well as infiltration of monocyte-derived macrophages. This occurred in association with reduction of retinal expression of chemokines including CCL2 and the inflammatory adhesion molecule ICAM-1. In addition, there was a marked suppression of retinal neuroinflammation with reduction in expression of IL-1b, IL-6, Ptgs2, TNF-a, and Angpt2, a protein that regulates BRB permeability. PLX treatment significantly suppressed inner BRB breakdown following IR, without an appreciable effect on neuronal dysfunction. A translatomic analysis of Müller glial-specific gene expression in vivo using the Ribotag approach demonstrated a strong suppression of Müller cell expression of multiple pro-inflammatory genes following PLX treatment. Co-culture studies of Müller cells and microglia demonstrated that activated microglia directly upregulates Müller cell-expression of these inflammatory genes, indicating Müller cells as a downstream effector of myeloid cells in retinal IR. Co-culture studies of these two cell types with endothelial cells demonstrated the ability of both activated microglia and Müller cells to compromise EC barrier function. Interestingly, quiescent Müller cells enhanced EC barrier function in this co-culture system. Together this demonstrates a pivotal role for myeloid cells in inner BRB breakdown in the setting of ischemia-associated disease and indicates that myeloid cells play a major role in iBRB dysregulation, through direct and indirect effects, while Müller glia participate in amplifying the neuroinflammatory effect of myeloid cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingli Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zhenhua Xu
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Haining Lu
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hongkwan Cho
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yangyiran Xie
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Grace Lee
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kaoru Ri
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elia J Duh
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Pickel L, Kim SJ, Hacibekiroglu S, Nagy A, Lee J, Sung HK. The Circadian Clock of Müller Glia Is Necessary for Retinal Homeostasis and Neuronal Survival. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024:S0002-9440(24)00290-6. [PMID: 39147235 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2024.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Biological processes throughout the body are orchestrated in time through the regulation of local circadian clocks. The retina is among the most metabolically active tissues, with demands depending greatly on the light/dark cycle. Most cell types within the retina are known to express the circadian clock in rodents; however, retinal clock expression in the human has not previously been localized. Moreover, the effect of local circadian clock dysfunction on retinal homeostasis is incompletely understood. We demonstrate an age-dependent decline in circadian clock gene and protein expression in the human retina. Using an animal model of targeted Bmal1 deficiency, we identify the circadian clock of the retinal Müller glia as essential for neuronal survival, vascular integrity, and retinal function. These results suggest a potential role for the local retinal circadian clock within the Müller glia in age-related retinal disease and retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Pickel
- Translational Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Soo Jin Kim
- Department of Medical Science, AMIST, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Translational Biomedical Research Group, Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sabiha Hacibekiroglu
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andras Nagy
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Junyeop Lee
- Department of Medical Science, AMIST, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Translational Biomedical Research Group, Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hoon-Ki Sung
- Translational Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Luo H, Jin M, Hu H, Ying Q, Hu P, Sheng W, Huang Y, Xu K, Lu C, Zhang X. SIRT4 Protects Müller Glial Cells Against Apoptosis by Mediating Mitochondrial Dynamics and Oxidative Stress. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04349-4. [PMID: 39023793 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04349-4] [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: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
SIRT4 is a member of the sirtuin family, which is related to mitochondrial function and possesses antioxidant and regulatory redox effects. Currently, the roles of SIRT4 in retinal Müller glial cells, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial function are still unclear. We confirmed, by immunofluorescence staining, that SIRT4 is located mainly in the mitochondria of retinal Müller glial cells. Using flow cytometry and Western blotting, we analyzed cell apoptosis, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, apoptotic and proapoptotic proteins, mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins, and mitochondrial morphology and number after the overexpression and downregulation of SIRT4 in rMC-1 cells. Neither the upregulation nor the downregulation of SIRT4 alone affected apoptosis. SIRT4 overexpression reduced intracellular ROS, reduced the BAX/BCL2 protein ratio, and increased the L-OPA/S-OPA1 ratio and the levels of the mitochondrial fusion protein MFN2 and the mitochondrial cleavage protein FIS1, increasing mitochondrial fusion. SIRT4 downregulation had the opposite effect. Mitochondria tend to divide after serum starvation for 24 h, and SIRT4 downregulation increases mitochondrial fragmentation and oxidative stress, leading to aggravated cell damage. The mitochondrial division inhibitor Mdivi-1 reduced oxidative stress levels and thus reduced cell damage caused by serum starvation. The overexpression of SIRT4 in rMC-1 cells reduced mitochondrial fragmentation caused by serum starvation, leading to mitochondrial fusion and reduced expression of cleaved caspase-3, thus alleviating the cellular damage caused by oxidative stress. Thus, we speculate that SIRT4 may protect retinal Müller glial cells against apoptosis by mediating mitochondrial dynamics and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongdou Luo
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, 463 Bayi Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Ming Jin
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, 463 Bayi Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Haijian Hu
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, 463 Bayi Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Qian Ying
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, 463 Bayi Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Piaopiao Hu
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, 463 Bayi Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Weiwei Sheng
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, 463 Bayi Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, 463 Bayi Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, 463 Bayi Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Chuming Lu
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, 463 Bayi Road, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, 463 Bayi Road, Nanchang, 330006, China.
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Le N, Vu TD, Palazzo I, Pulya R, Kim Y, Blackshaw S, Hoang T. Robust reprogramming of glia into neurons by inhibition of Notch signaling and nuclear factor I (NFI) factors in adult mammalian retina. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn2091. [PMID: 38996013 PMCID: PMC11244444 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn2091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Generation of neurons through direct reprogramming has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for treating neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we present an efficient method for reprogramming retinal glial cells into neurons. By suppressing Notch signaling by disrupting either Rbpj or Notch1/2, we induced mature Müller glial cells to reprogram into bipolar- and amacrine-like neurons. We demonstrate that Rbpj directly activates both Notch effector genes and genes specific to mature Müller glia while indirectly repressing expression of neurogenic basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) factors. Combined loss of function of Rbpj and Nfia/b/x resulted in conversion of nearly all Müller glia to neurons. Last, inducing Müller glial proliferation by overexpression of dominant-active Yap promotes neurogenesis in both Rbpj- and Nfia/b/x/Rbpj-deficient Müller glia. These findings demonstrate that Notch signaling and NFI factors act in parallel to inhibit neurogenic competence in mammalian Müller glia and help clarify potential strategies for regenerative therapies aimed at treating retinal dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyet Le
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Trieu-Duc Vu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Isabella Palazzo
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ritvik Pulya
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yehna Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Thanh Hoang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
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Chen Y, Tong J, Liu C, He C, Xiang J, Yao G, Zhang H, Xie Z. MSC-derived small extracellular vesicles mitigate diabetic retinopathy by stabilizing Nrf2 through miR-143-3p-mediated inhibition of neddylation. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 219:76-87. [PMID: 38604315 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.04.216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a highly hazardous and widespread complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). The accumulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a central role in DR development. The aim of this research was to examine the impact and mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEV) on regulating ROS and retinal damage in DR. Intravitreal injection of sEV inhibited Cullin3 neddylation, stabilized Nrf2, decreased ROS, reduced retinal inflammation, suppressed Müller gliosis, and mitigated DR. Based on MSC-sEV miRNA sequencing, bioinformatics software, and dual-luciferase reporter assay, miR-143-3p was identified to be the key effector for MSC-sEV's role in regulating neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated 8 (NEDD8)-mediated neddylation. sEV were able to be internalized by Müller cells. Compared to advanced glycation end-products (AGEs)-induced Müller cells, sEV coculture decreased Cullin3 neddylation, activated Nrf2 signal pathway to combat ROS-induced inflammation. The barrier function of endothelial cells was impaired when endothelial cells were treated with the supernatant of AGEs-induced Müller cells, but was restored when treated with supernatant of AGEs-induced Müller cells cocultured with sEV. The protective effect of sEV was, however, compromised when miR-143-3p was inhibited in sEV. Moreover, the protective efficacy of sEV was diminished when NEDD8 was overexpressed in Müller cells. These findings showed MSC-sEV delivered miR-143-3p to inhibit Cullin3 neddylation, stabilizing Nrf2 to counteract ROS-induced inflammation and reducing vascular leakage. Our findings suggest that MSC-sEV may be a potential nanotherapeutic agent for DR, and that Cullin3 neddylation could be a new target for DR therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueqin Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
| | - Jun Tong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
| | - Chang He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
| | - Jinjin Xiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006, China
| | - Genhong Yao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China.
| | - Huayong Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China.
| | - Zhenggao Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China.
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Gad MS, Elsherbiny NM, El-Bassouny DR, Omar NM, Mahmoud SM, Al-Shabrawey M, Tawfik A. Exploring the role of Müller cells-derived exosomes in diabetic retinopathy. Microvasc Res 2024; 154:104695. [PMID: 38723843 PMCID: PMC11180575 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2024.104695] [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: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/17/2024]
Abstract
Exosomes are nanosized vesicles that have been reported as cargo-delivering vehicles between cells. Müller cells play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Activated Müller cells in the diabetic retina mediate disruption of barrier integrity and neovascularization. Endothelial cells constitute the inner blood-retinal barrier (BRB). Herein, we aim to evaluate the effect of Müller cell-derived exosomes on endothelial cell viability and barrier function under normal and hyperglycemic conditions. Müller cell-derived exosomes were isolated and characterized using Western blotting, nanoparticle tracking, and electron microscopy. The uptake of Müller cells-derived exosomes by the human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) was monitored by labeling exosomes with PKH67. Endothelial cell vitality after treatment by exosomes under normo- and hypoglycemic conditions was checked by MTT assay and Western blot for apoptotic proteins. The barrier function of HRECs was evaluated by analysis of ZO-1 and transcellular electrical resistance (TER) using ECIS. Additionally, intracellular Ca+2 in HRECs was assessed by spectrofluorimetry. Analysis of the isolated exosomes showed a non-significant change in the number of exosomes isolated from both normal and hyperglycemic condition media, however, the average size of exosomes isolated from the hyperglycemic group showed a significant rise when compared to that of the normoglycemic group. Müller cells derived exosomes from hyperglycemic condition media markedly reduced HRECs cell count, increased caspase-3 and Annexin V, decreased ZO-1 levels and TER, and increased intracellular Ca+ when compared to other groups. However, treatment of HRECs under hyperglycemia with normo-glycemic Müller cells-derived exosomes significantly decreased cell death, preserved cellular integrity and barrier function, and reduced intracellular Ca+2. Collectively, Müller cell-derived exosomes play a remarkable role in the pathological changes associated with hyperglycemia-induced inner barrier dysfunction in DR. Further in vivo research will help in understanding the role of exosomes as therapeutic targets and/or delivery systems for DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed S Gad
- Eye Research Institute, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309-4479, USA; Eye Research Center (OUWB)/ERC, William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, MI 48309-4479, USA; Medical Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt.
| | - Nehal M Elsherbiny
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Dalia R El-Bassouny
- Medical Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt.
| | - Nesreen M Omar
- Medical Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt.
| | - Safinaz M Mahmoud
- Medical Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed Al-Shabrawey
- Eye Research Institute, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309-4479, USA; Eye Research Center (OUWB)/ERC, William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, MI 48309-4479, USA.
| | - Amany Tawfik
- Eye Research Institute, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309-4479, USA; Eye Research Center (OUWB)/ERC, William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, MI 48309-4479, USA.
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Krivosic V, Zureik A, Tadayoni R, Gaudric A. FROM OUTER RETINAL NEOVACULARIZATION TO EXUDATIVE SUBRETINAL NEOVASCULARIZATION IN MACULAR TELANGIECTASIA TYPE 2. Retina 2024; 44:1217-1223. [PMID: 38900579 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000004079] [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: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the progression from outer retinal neovascularization (ORNV) to exudative subretinal new vessels (SRNVs) in idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2. METHODS A total of 135 patients (270 eyes) imaged with optical coherence tomography angiography were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Ellipsoid zone loss, outer retinal hyperreflectivity, ORNV, and SRNVs. Outer retinal neovascularization was defined as a flow signal passing through the outer plexiform layer, with or without vertical linear outer retinal hyperreflectivity on the optical coherence tomography B-scan. Subretinal new vessels were defined as an abnormal capillary network with a peripheral anastomotic arcade seen on en face optical coherence tomography angiography and a convex hyperreflectivity at the retinal pigment epithelium. RESULTS Subretinal new vessels were observed in 38/270 eyes (14%). Subretinal new vessels were at a fibrotic stage in 24/38 eyes and at an exudative stage in 6/38 eyes, and a progression from ORNV to SRNVs was documented in 8/38 eyes. All cases showed an ellipsoid zone loss. In seven eyes (2.5%), SRNVs were also associated with subepithelial neovascularization. No retinochoroidal anastomosis was detected. The visual acuity dropped when SRNVs were present. CONCLUSION In this case series, SRNVs were found in 14% of eyes. In all cases, they were associated with an ellipsoid zone loss and with outer retinal hyperreflectivity. A progression from ORNV to SRNVs was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Krivosic
- Ophthalmology Department, AP-HP, Hôpital Lariboisière, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; and
- Centre de Référence des maladies Vasculaires rares du Cerveau et de l'Œil (CERVCO), Hôpital Lariboisière, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Abir Zureik
- Ophthalmology Department, AP-HP, Hôpital Lariboisière, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; and
- Centre de Référence des maladies Vasculaires rares du Cerveau et de l'Œil (CERVCO), Hôpital Lariboisière, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Ramin Tadayoni
- Ophthalmology Department, AP-HP, Hôpital Lariboisière, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; and
- Centre de Référence des maladies Vasculaires rares du Cerveau et de l'Œil (CERVCO), Hôpital Lariboisière, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Alain Gaudric
- Ophthalmology Department, AP-HP, Hôpital Lariboisière, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; and
- Centre de Référence des maladies Vasculaires rares du Cerveau et de l'Œil (CERVCO), Hôpital Lariboisière, APHP, Paris, France
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Gao S, Li N, Lin Z, Zhong Y, Wang Y, Shen X. Inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome by MCC950 under hypoxia alleviates photoreceptor apoptosis via inducing autophagy in Müller glia. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23671. [PMID: 38752538 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301922rr] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
NLRP3 inflammasome activation has emerged as a critical initiator of inflammatory response in ischemic retinopathy. Here, we identified the effect of a potent, selective NLRP3 inhibitor, MCC950, on autophagy and apoptosis under hypoxia. Neonatal mice were exposed to hyperoxia for 5 days to establish oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model. Intravitreal injection of MCC950 was given, and then autophagy and apoptosis markers were assessed. Retinal autophagy, apoptosis, and related pathways were evaluated by western blot, immunofluorescent labeling, transmission electron microscopy, and TUNEL assay. Autophagic activity in Müller glia after NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition, together with its influence on photoreceptor death, was studied using western blot, immunofluorescence staining, mRFP-GFP-LC3 adenovirus transfection, cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis assays. Results showed that activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in Müller glia was detected in OIR model. MCC950 could improve impaired retinal autophagic flux and attenuate retinal apoptosis while it regulated the retinal AMPK/mTOR/ULK-1 pathway. Suppressed autophagy and depressed proliferation capacity resulting from hypoxia was promoted after MCC950 treatment in Müller glia. Inhibition of AMPK and ULK-1 pathway significantly interfered with the MCC950-induced autophagy activity, indicating MCC950 positively modulated autophagy through AMPK/mTOR/ULK-1 pathway in Müller cells. Furthermore, blockage of autophagy in Müller glia significantly induced apoptosis in the cocultured 661W photoreceptor cells, whereas MCC950 markedly preserved the density of photoreceptor cells. These findings substantiated the therapeutic potential of MCC950 against impaired autophagy and subsequent apoptosis under hypoxia. Such protective effect might involve the modulation of AMPK/mTOR/ULK-1 pathway. Targeting NLRP3 inflammasome in Müller glia could be beneficial for photoreceptor survival under hypoxic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital, Affiliated Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital, Affiliated Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongjing Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renji Hospital, Affiliated Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yisheng Zhong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital, Affiliated Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanuo Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital, Affiliated Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital, Affiliated Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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10
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Zhao N, Hao XN, Huang JM, Song ZM, Tao Y. Crosstalk Between Microglia and Müller Glia in the Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Role and Therapeutic Value of Neuroinflammation. Aging Dis 2024; 15:1132-1154. [PMID: 37728589 PMCID: PMC11081163 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0823-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive neurodegeneration disease that causes photoreceptor demise and vision impairments. In AMD pathogenesis, the primary death of retinal neurons always leads to the activation of resident microglia. The migration of activated microglia to the ongoing retinal lesion and their morphological transformation from branching to ameboid-like are recognized as hallmarks of AMD pathogenesis. Activated microglia send signals to Müller cells and promote them to react correspondingly to damaging stimulus. Müller cells are a type of neuroglia cells that maintain the normal function of retinal neurons, modulating innate inflammatory responses, and stabilize retinal structure. Activated Müller cells can accelerate the progression of AMD by damaging neurons and blood vessels. Therefore, the crosstalk between microglia and Müller cells plays a homeostatic role in maintaining the retinal environment, and this interaction is complicatedly modulated. In particular, the mechanism of mutual regulation between the two glia populations is complex under pathological conditions. This paper reviews recent findings on the crosstalk between microglia and Müller glia during AMD pathology process, with special emphasis on its therapeutic potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhao
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Xiao-Na Hao
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Jie-Min Huang
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Zong-Ming Song
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Ye Tao
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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11
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Hein M, Qambari H, An D, Balaratnasingam C. Current understanding of subclinical diabetic retinopathy informed by histology and high-resolution in vivo imaging. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024; 52:464-484. [PMID: 38363022 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14363] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The escalating incidence of diabetes mellitus has amplified the global impact of diabetic retinopathy. There are known structural and functional changes in the diabetic retina that precede the fundus photography abnormalities which currently are used to diagnose clinical diabetic retinopathy. Understanding these subclinical alterations is important for effective disease management. Histology and high-resolution clinical imaging reveal that the entire neurovascular unit, comprised of retinal vasculature, neurons and glial cells, is affected in subclinical disease. Early functional manifestations are seen in the form of blood flow and electroretinography disturbances. Structurally, there are alterations in the cellular components of vasculature, glia and the neuronal network. On clinical imaging, changes to vessel density and thickness of neuronal layers are observed. How these subclinical disturbances interact and ultimately manifest as clinical disease remains elusive. However, this knowledge reveals potential early therapeutic targets and the need for imaging modalities that can detect subclinical changes in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Hein
- Physiology and Pharmacology Group, Lions Eye Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Hassanain Qambari
- Physiology and Pharmacology Group, Lions Eye Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Dong An
- Physiology and Pharmacology Group, Lions Eye Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Chandrakumar Balaratnasingam
- Physiology and Pharmacology Group, Lions Eye Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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12
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Navneet S, Wilson K, Rohrer B. Müller Glial Cells in the Macula: Their Activation and Cell-Cell Interactions in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:42. [PMID: 38416457 PMCID: PMC10910558 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.2.42] [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: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Müller glia, the main glial cell of the retina, are critical for neuronal and vascular homeostasis in the retina. During age-related macular degeneration (AMD) pathogenesis, Müller glial activation, remodeling, and migrations are reported in the areas of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) degeneration, photoreceptor loss, and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) lesions. Despite this evidence indicating glial activation localized to the regions of AMD pathogenesis, it is unclear whether these glial responses contribute to AMD pathology or occur merely as a bystander effect. In this review, we summarize how Müller glia are affected in AMD retinas and share a prospect on how Müller glial stress might directly contribute to the pathogenesis of AMD. The goal of this review is to highlight the need for future studies investigating the Müller cell's role in AMD. This may lead to a better understanding of AMD pathology, including the conversion from dry to wet AMD, which has no effective therapy currently and may shed light on drug intolerance and resistance to current treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya Navneet
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
| | - Kyrie Wilson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
| | - Bärbel Rohrer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Division of Research, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
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13
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Pfaller AM, Kaplan L, Carido M, Grassmann F, Díaz-Lezama N, Ghaseminejad F, Wunderlich KA, Glänzer S, Bludau O, Pannicke T, Weber BHF, Koch SF, Bonev B, Hauck SM, Grosche A. The glucocorticoid receptor as a master regulator of the Müller cell response to diabetic conditions in mice. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:33. [PMID: 38273366 PMCID: PMC10809506 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03021-x] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is considered a primarily microvascular complication of diabetes. Müller glia cells are at the centre of the retinal neurovascular unit and play a critical role in DR. We therefore investigated Müller cell-specific signalling pathways that are altered in DR to identify novel targets for gene therapy. Using a multi-omics approach on purified Müller cells from diabetic db/db mice, we found the mRNA and protein expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) to be significantly decreased, while its target gene cluster was down-regulated. Further, oPOSSUM TF analysis and ATAC- sequencing identified the GR as a master regulator of Müller cell response to diabetic conditions. Cortisol not only increased GR phosphorylation. It also induced changes in the expression of known GR target genes in retinal explants. Finally, retinal functionality was improved by AAV-mediated overexpression of GR in Müller cells. Our study demonstrates an important role of the glial GR in DR and implies that therapeutic approaches targeting this signalling pathway should be aimed at increasing GR expression rather than the addition of more ligand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Pfaller
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center-BMC, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Lew Kaplan
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center-BMC, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Madalena Carido
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Felix Grassmann
- Institute of Clinical Human Genetics, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Research and Systems Medicine, Health and Medical University, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Nundehui Díaz-Lezama
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center-BMC, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Farhad Ghaseminejad
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center-BMC, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Kirsten A Wunderlich
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center-BMC, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Health and Medical University, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Sarah Glänzer
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center-BMC, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Oliver Bludau
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center-BMC, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Thomas Pannicke
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Bernhard H F Weber
- Institute of Clinical Human Genetics, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Susanne F Koch
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center-BMC, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Boyan Bonev
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center-BMC, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Stefanie M Hauck
- Metabolomics and Proteomics Core, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Antje Grosche
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center-BMC, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
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14
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Chandran K, Giridhar A, Desai S, Gopalakrishnan M, Indu VP, Sivaprasad S. Relevance of multicolor imaging, its component channels, and fundus autofluorescence in describing macular telangiectasia type-2 (MacTel) lesion characteristics. Indian J Ophthalmol 2024; 72:S125-S134. [PMID: 38131554 PMCID: PMC10833168 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_78_23] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the study was to describe imaging characteristics and detection rates of phenotypic features in macular telangiectasia type-2 (MacTel) on multicolor (MC), blue reflectance (BR), green reflectance (GR), infrared reflectance (IR), and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and to evaluate sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values across modalities. METHODS In this monocentric observational study, 282 eyes of 148 patients with MacTel underwent color fundus photograph, MC, BR, GR, IR, FAF, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), OCT-angiography (OCT-A), and fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA). Grading was done by two graders qualitatively and quantitatively for the presence of the following prespecified MacTel findings [crystals, right-angle vessels (RAVs), plaques, subretinal neovascularization (SRNV), and MacTel area]. Across each imaging modality, the detection rate of RAVs and SRNV was compared with reference standard OCT-A (RAVs and SRNV) and FFA (SRNV), whereas that of plaques was compared with reference standard SD-OCT. RESULTS MC identified overall MacTel characteristics in 92.7% of eyes. Regarding the presence, number, and quadrants of RAVs and the presence and number of crystals, MC and GR had superior detection rates as well as the highest sensitivity and negative predictive value. Retinal plaques were better detected using FAF (97%), followed by MC (88%). In proliferative MacTel, SRNV was identified in 86% and 79% of eyes on MC and IR, respectively. While BR clearly delineated MacTel area in 100% eyes, FAF was able to ascertain a larger area of involvement in proliferative MacTel. CONCLUSION The findings demonstrate the ability of MC, its component channels, and FAF to describe MacTel characteristics qualitatively and quantitatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Chandran
- Department of Vitreoretinal Services, Giridhar Eye Institute, Cochin, Kerala, India
- SSM Eye Research Foundation, Giridhar Eye Institute, Cochin, Kerala, India
| | - Anantharaman Giridhar
- Department of Vitreoretinal Services, Giridhar Eye Institute, Cochin, Kerala, India
- SSM Eye Research Foundation, Giridhar Eye Institute, Cochin, Kerala, India
| | - Sachin Desai
- Department of Vitreoretinal Services, Giridhar Eye Institute, Cochin, Kerala, India
| | | | - V P Indu
- Department of Vitreoretinal Services, Giridhar Eye Institute, Cochin, Kerala, India
| | - Sobha Sivaprasad
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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15
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Le N, Vu TD, Palazzo I, Pulya R, Kim Y, Blackshaw S, Hoang T. Robust reprogramming of glia into neurons by inhibition of Notch signaling and NFI factors in adult mammalian retina. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.29.560483. [PMID: 37961663 PMCID: PMC10634926 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.29.560483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Generation of neurons through direct reprogramming has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases. Despite successful applications in vitro , in vivo implementation has been hampered by low efficiency. In this study, we present a highly efficient strategy for reprogramming retinal glial cells into neurons by simultaneously inhibiting key negative regulators. By suppressing Notch signaling through the removal of its central mediator Rbpj, we induced mature Müller glial cells to reprogram into bipolar and amacrine neurons in uninjured adult mouse retinas, and observed that this effect was further enhanced by retinal injury. We found that specific loss of function of Notch1 and Notch2 receptors in Müller glia mimicked the effect of Rbpj deletion on Müller glia-derived neurogenesis. Integrated analysis of multiome (scRNA- and scATAC-seq) and CUT&Tag data revealed that Rbpj directly activates Notch effector genes and genes specific to mature Müller glia while also indirectly represses the expression of neurogenic bHLH factors. Furthermore, we found that combined loss of function of Rbpj and Nfia/b/x resulted in a robust conversion of nearly all Müller glia to neurons. Finally, we demonstrated that inducing Müller glial proliferation by AAV (adeno-associated virus)-mediated overexpression of dominant- active Yap supports efficient levels of Müller glia-derived neurogenesis in both Rbpj - and Nfia/b/x/Rbpj - deficient Müller glia. These findings demonstrate that, much like in zebrafish, Notch signaling actively represses neurogenic competence in mammalian Müller glia, and suggest that inhibition of Notch signaling and Nfia/b/x in combination with overexpression of activated Yap could serve as an effective component of regenerative therapies for degenerative retinal diseases.
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16
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Wurl JA, Mac Nair CE, Dietz JA, Shestopalov VI, Nickells RW. Contralateral Astrocyte Response to Acute Optic Nerve Damage Is Mitigated by PANX1 Channel Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15641. [PMID: 37958624 PMCID: PMC10647301 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115641] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glial reactivity is considered a hallmark of damage-induced innate immune responses in the central nervous system. In the visual system, unilateral optic nerve damage elicits dramatic glial reactivity in the retina directly affected by the lesion and a similar, albeit more modest, effect in the contralateral eye. Evaluation of astrocyte changes in a mouse model of optic nerve crush indicates that astrocyte reactivity, as a function of retinal coverage and cellular hypertrophy, occurs within both the experimental and contralateral retinas, although the hypertrophic response of the astrocytes in the contralateral eyes is delayed for at least 24 h. Evaluation of astrocytic reactivity as a function of Gfap expression indicates a similar, muted but significant, response in contralateral eyes. This constrained glial response is completely negated by conditional knock out of Panx1 in both astrocytes and Müller cells. Further studies are required to identify if this is an autocrine or a paracrine suppression of astroglial reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine A. Wurl
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (J.A.W.); (C.E.M.N.); (J.A.D.)
| | - Caitlin E. Mac Nair
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (J.A.W.); (C.E.M.N.); (J.A.D.)
| | - Joel A. Dietz
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (J.A.W.); (C.E.M.N.); (J.A.D.)
| | - Valery I. Shestopalov
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Robert W. Nickells
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (J.A.W.); (C.E.M.N.); (J.A.D.)
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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17
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Lyssenko V, Vaag A. Genetics of diabetes-associated microvascular complications. Diabetologia 2023; 66:1601-1613. [PMID: 37452207 PMCID: PMC10390394 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-023-05964-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes is associated with excess morbidity and mortality due to both micro- and macrovascular complications, as well as a range of non-classical comorbidities. Diabetes-associated microvascular complications are those considered most closely related to hyperglycaemia in a causal manner. However, some individuals with hyperglycaemia (even those with severe hyperglycaemia) do not develop microvascular diseases, which, together with evidence of co-occurrence of microvascular diseases in families, suggests a role for genetics. While genome-wide association studies (GWASs) produced firm evidence of multiple genetic variants underlying differential susceptibility to type 1 and type 2 diabetes, genetic determinants of microvascular complications are mostly suggestive. Identified susceptibility variants of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in type 2 diabetes mirror variants underlying chronic kidney disease (CKD) in individuals without diabetes. As for retinopathy and neuropathy, reported risk variants currently lack large-scale replication. The reported associations between type 2 diabetes risk variants and microvascular complications may be explained by hyperglycaemia. More extensive phenotyping, along with adjustments for unmeasured confounding, including both early (fetal) and late-life (hyperglycaemia, hypertension, etc.) environmental factors, are urgently needed to understand the genetics of microvascular complications. Finally, genetic variants associated with reduced glycolysis, mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage and sustained cell regeneration may protect against microvascular complications, illustrating the utility of studies in individuals who have escaped these complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeriya Lyssenko
- Department of Clinical Science, Mohn Research Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Diabetes Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Allan Vaag
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Diabetes Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
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18
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Molcak H, Jiang K, Campbell CJ, Matsubara JA. Purinergic signaling via P2X receptors and mechanisms of unregulated ATP release in the outer retina and age-related macular degeneration. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1216489. [PMID: 37496736 PMCID: PMC10366617 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1216489] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease of the retina characterized by photoceptor loss and significant central visual impairment due to either choroidal neovascularization or geographic atrophy. The pathophysiology of AMD is complex and multifactorial, driven by a combination of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, molecular mechanisms, and cellular processes that contribute to overall disease onset, severity, and progression. Unfortunately, due to the structural, cellular, and pathophysiologic complexity, therapeutic discovery is challenging. While purinergic signaling has been investigated for its role in the development and treatment of ocular pathologies including AMD, the potential crosstalk between known contributors to AMD, such as the complement cascade and inflammasome activation, and other biological systems, such as purinergic signaling, have not been fully characterized. In this review, we explore the interactions between purinergic signaling, ATP release, and known contributors to AMD pathogenesis including complement dysregulation and inflammasome activation. We begin by identifying what is known about purinergic receptors in cell populations of the outer retina and potential sources of extracellular ATP required to trigger purinergic receptor activation. Next, we examine evidence in the literature that the purinergic system accelerates AMD pathogenesis leading to apoptotic and pyroptotic cell death in retinal cells. To fully understand the potential role that purinergic signaling plays in AMD, more research is needed surrounding the expression, distribution, functions, and interactions of purinergic receptors within cells of the outer retina as well as potential crosstalk with other systems. By determining how these processes are affected in the context of purinergic signaling, it will improve our understanding of the mechanisms that drive AMD pathogenesis which is critical in developing treatment strategies that prevent or slow progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haydn Molcak
- Matsubara Lab, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Eye Care Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kailun Jiang
- Matsubara Lab, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Eye Care Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Joanne A. Matsubara
- Matsubara Lab, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Eye Care Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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19
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Cabral D, Ramtohul P, Kaden TR, Tenreiro S, Seabra MC, Freund KB. Hyperpigmented epiretinal membrane in macular telangiectasia type 2: imaging characteristics and correlation with transretinal pigment migration. Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:1856-1860. [PMID: 36138103 PMCID: PMC10275885 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-022-02260-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the features of black hyperpigmentation in macular telangiectasia (MacTel) type 2 and correlate these findings with the characteristics of hyperpigmented epiretinal membranes (ERMs) using multimodal imaging. METHODS A case series of three patients with MacTel type 2 and hyperpigmented ERMs imaged with colour fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FA), spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and swept-source OCT angiography. Registration of different types of imaging was done using ImageJ v1.53f51 (National Institutes of Health, USA). RESULTS Three female patients with late-stage MacTel type 2 presented with unilateral hyperpigmented ERMs in the absence of peripheral retinal breaks. In one patient, an extensive ERM occurred along with a full-thickness macular hole (FTMH); in 2 patients, smaller ERMs were seen adjacent to superficial retinal veins. Serial imaging demonstrated that transretinal pigment migration preceded epiretinal proliferation of the hyperpigmented ERM towards superficial retinal veins. CONCLUSION Hyperpigmented ERMs may occur in the late phases of MacTel type 2 following a FTMH or transretinal migration of pigmented cells to the retinal surface. Once on the retinal surface, black pigment cells seem to proliferate centripetally toward superficial retinal veins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Cabral
- Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York, New York, NY, USA
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Prithvi Ramtohul
- Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Talia R Kaden
- Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sandra Tenreiro
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel C Seabra
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - K Bailey Freund
- Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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20
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Zhou J, Chen B. Retinal Cell Damage in Diabetic Retinopathy. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091342. [PMID: 37174742 PMCID: PMC10177610 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), the most common microvascular complication that occurs in diabetes mellitus (DM), is the leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy is approximately 30% of the diabetic population and untreated DR can eventually cause blindness. For decades, diabetic retinopathy was considered a microvascular complication and clinically staged by its vascular manifestations. In recent years, emerging evidence has shown that diabetic retinopathy causes early neuronal dysfunction and neurodegeneration that may precede vascular pathology and affect retinal neurons as well as glial cells. This knowledge leads to new therapeutic strategies aiming to prevent dysfunction of retinal neurons at the early stage of DR. Early detection and timely treatment to protect retinal neurons are critical to preventing visual loss in DR. This review provides an overview of DR and the structural and functional changes associated with DR, and discusses neuronal degeneration during diabetic retinopathy, the mechanisms underlying retinal neurodegeneration and microvascular complications, and perspectives on current and future clinic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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21
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Han G, Wei P, Han Q. Application of IPSC and Müller glia derivatives in retinal degenerative diseases. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 199:351-362. [PMID: 37678979 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases cause blindness characterized by a progressive decline in the number and function of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), photoreceptor cells, and ganglion cells. Such diseases include retinitis pigmentosa (RP), glaucomatous optic neuropathy, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic optic neuropathy. Recent studies have demonstrated that Müller glial cells (MGCs), an endogenous alternative source of retinal neurons, are important glial cells involved in retinal development, damage, and regeneration, making it an excellent target for retinal nerve regeneration. Although hardly differentiate into neuron cells, transplanted MGCs have been shown to induce partial recovery of visual function in experimental retinal degenerative models. This improvement is possibly attributed to the release of neuroprotective factors that derived from the MGCs. With the development of the therapeutic usage of pluripotent stem cell, application of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) or embryonic stem cells (ESCs) originated derivation of MGCs have been widely used in retinal degenerative disease model such as glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa model. This chapter summarized the relevant research and mechanisms and provided a broader application and research prospects for effective treatments in retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoge Han
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, P.R. China; Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, P.R. China; Nankai University Eye Institute, Nankai University Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, P.R. China.
| | - Pinghui Wei
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, P.R. China; Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, P.R. China; Nankai University Eye Institute, Nankai University Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Quanhong Han
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, P.R. China; Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, P.R. China; Nankai University Eye Institute, Nankai University Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, P.R. China
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22
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Astolfi G, Ciavarella C, Valente S, Coslovi C, Iannetta D, Fontana L, Pasquinelli G, Versura P. Human glial müller and umbilical vein endothelial cell coculture as an in vitro model to investigate retinal oxidative damage. A morphological and molecular assessment. Microsc Res Tech 2023; 86:439-451. [PMID: 36579625 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24284] [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: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to optimize a coculture in vitro model established between the human Müller glial cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, mimicking the inner blood-retinal barrier, and to explore its resistance to damage induced by oxidative stress. A spontaneously immortalized human Müller cell line MIO-M1 and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were plated together at a density ratio 1:1 and maintained up to the 8th passage (p8). The MIO-M1/HUVECs p1 through p8 were treated with increasing concentrations (range 200-800 μM) of H2 O2 to evaluate oxidative stress induced damage and comparing data with single cell cultures. The following features were assayed p1 through p8: doubling time maintenance, cell viability using MTS assay, ultrastructure of cell-cell contacts, immunofluorescence for Vimentin and GFAP, molecular biology (q-PCR) for GFAP and CD31 mRNA. MIO-M1/HUVECs cocultures maintained distinct cell cytotype up to p8 as shown by flow cytometry analysis, without evidence of cross activation, displaying cell-cell tight junctions mimicking those found in human retina, only acquiring a slight resistance to oxidative stress induction over the passages. This MIO-M1/HUVECs coculture represents a simple, reproducible and affordable model for in vitro studies on oxidative stress-induced retinal damages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Astolfi
- Ophthalmology Unit, DIMES, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Italy
| | - Carmen Ciavarella
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Sabrina Valente
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Coslovi
- Ophthalmology Unit, DIMES, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Danilo Iannetta
- Ophthalmology Unit, DIMES, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Luigi Fontana
- Ophthalmology Unit, DIMES, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianandrea Pasquinelli
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Piera Versura
- Ophthalmology Unit, DIMES, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
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23
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Hess K, Park YJ, Kim HA, Holz FG, Charbel Issa P, Yoon YH, Tzaridis S. Tamoxifen Retinopathy and Macular Telangiectasia Type 2: Similarities and Differences on Multimodal Retinal Imaging. Ophthalmol Retina 2023; 7:101-110. [PMID: 35948211 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tamoxifen-induced retinopathy (TR) and macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel) share a highly similar retinal phenotype. In this study, we aimed to evaluate differences and similarities that may point toward underlying mechanisms linking both disease entities. DESIGN Retrospective, cross sectional study. SUBJECTS Patients diagnosed with MacTel or TR. METHODS Patients underwent multimodal retinal imaging, including color fundus photography, spectral-domain OCT, fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography, and OCT angiography (if available). Age, age of onset, best-corrected visual acuity, and bilaterality of changes were evaluated. Patients' eyes were graded for different morphologic characteristics by 4 experienced graders. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Phenotypical characterization and comparison of frequencies of retinal characteristics of TR and MacTel on multimodal imaging. RESULTS Twenty-eight eyes of 14 patients with TR and 118 eyes of 59 patients with MacTel were included. Age, age of onset, and best-corrected visual acuity were similar in both cohorts. All but 1 patient showed bilateral changes. In patients with MacTel, neurodegenerative changes and vascular alterations were equally present, whereas in patients with TR, neurodegenerative changes usually prevailed. Predilection sites within the central retina differed between the 2 diseases: most findings in patients with TR were limited to the foveal center, whereas changes in patients with MacTel were present throughout a slightly larger region ("MacTel area"), with an epicenter temporal to the foveal center. Distinct morphologic features included the distribution of retinal crystals, the size and position of ellipsoid zone breaks, and the presence of hyperreflective changes on OCT images. Focal hyperpigmentation and neovascular membranes were only present in eyes with MacTel. CONCLUSIONS Macular telangiectasia and TR share a highly similar retinal phenotype, especially in early disease stages. Subtle differences on multimodal retinal images may help distinguish between these 2 disease entities. Our findings indicate the involvement of Müller cells in both diseases, which may explain the observed phenotypic characteristics and similarities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Hess
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Yu Jeong Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Ah Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Frank G Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Charbel Issa
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Young Hee Yoon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Simone Tzaridis
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; The Lowy Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California; The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Molecular Medicine, La Jolla, California.
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24
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Križaj D, Cordeiro S, Strauß O. Retinal TRP channels: Cell-type-specific regulators of retinal homeostasis and multimodal integration. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 92:101114. [PMID: 36163161 PMCID: PMC9897210 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are a widely expressed family of 28 evolutionarily conserved cationic ion channels that operate as primary detectors of chemical and physical stimuli and secondary effectors of metabotropic and ionotropic receptors. In vertebrates, the channels are grouped into six related families: TRPC, TRPV, TRPM, TRPA, TRPML, and TRPP. As sensory transducers, TRP channels are ubiquitously expressed across the body and the CNS, mediating critical functions in mechanosensation, nociception, chemosensing, thermosensing, and phototransduction. This article surveys current knowledge about the expression and function of the TRP family in vertebrate retinas, which, while dedicated to transduction and transmission of visual information, are highly susceptible to non-visual stimuli. Every retinal cell expresses multiple TRP subunits, with recent evidence establishing their critical roles in paradigmatic aspects of vertebrate vision that include TRPM1-dependent transduction of ON bipolar signaling, TRPC6/7-mediated ganglion cell phototransduction, TRP/TRPL phototransduction in Drosophila and TRPV4-dependent osmoregulation, mechanotransduction, and regulation of inner and outer blood-retina barriers. TRP channels tune light-dependent and independent functions of retinal circuits by modulating the intracellular concentration of the 2nd messenger calcium, with emerging evidence implicating specific subunits in the pathogenesis of debilitating diseases such as glaucoma, ocular trauma, diabetic retinopathy, and ischemia. Elucidation of TRP channel involvement in retinal biology will yield rewards in terms of fundamental understanding of vertebrate vision and therapeutic targeting to treat diseases caused by channel dysfunction or over-activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Križaj
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Neurobiology, and Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Soenke Cordeiro
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Germany
| | - Olaf Strauß
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, a Corporate Member of Freie Universität, Humboldt-University, The Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.
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25
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Xu H, Chen M. Immune response in retinal degenerative diseases - Time to rethink? Prog Neurobiol 2022; 219:102350. [PMID: 36075351 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Retinal degeneration comprises a group of diseases whereby either the retinal neurons or the neurovascular unit degenerates leading to the loss of visual function. Although the initial cause varies in different conditions, inflammation is known to play an important role in disease pathogenesis. Recent advances in molecular and cell biology and systems biology have yielded unexpected findings, including the heterogeneity of immune cells in the degenerative retina, bidirectional neuron-microglia cross talk, and links to the gut microbiome. Here we discuss the immune response in retinal degenerative conditions, taking into account both regional (retinal) and systemic factors. We propose to classify retinal degeneration into dry and wet forms based on whether the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) is breached and fluid is accumulated in retinal parenchyma. The dry form has a relatively intact BRB and is characterised by progressive retinal thinning. Immune response to degenerative insults is dominated by the retinal defence system, which remains to be regulated by neurons. In contrast, the wet form has retinal oedema due to BRB damaged. Inflammation is executed by infiltrating immune cells as well as the retinal defence system. The gut microbiome will have easy access to the retina in wet retinal degeneration and may affect significantly retinal immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heping Xu
- Aier Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, Changsha 410000, China; The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK.
| | - Mei Chen
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK.
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26
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Optogenetic restoration of high sensitivity vision with bReaChES, a red-shifted channelrhodopsin. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19312. [PMID: 36369267 PMCID: PMC9652428 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23572-4] [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: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The common final pathway to blindness in many forms of retinal degeneration is the death of the light-sensitive primary retinal neurons. However, the normally light-insensitive second- and third-order neurons persist optogenetic gene therapy aims to restore sight by rendering such neurons light-sensitive. Here, we investigate whether bReaChES, a newly described high sensitivity Type I opsin with peak sensitivity to long-wavelength visible light, can restore vision in a murine model of severe early-onset retinal degeneration. Intravitreal injection of an adeno-associated viral vector carrying the sequence for bReaChES downstream of the calcium calmodulin kinase IIα promoter resulted in sustained retinal expression of bReaChES. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) expressing bReaChES generated action potentials at light levels consistent with bright indoor lighting (from 13.6 log photons cm-2 s-1). They could also detect flicker at up to 50 Hz, which approaches the upper temporal limit of human photopic vision. Topological response maps of bReaChES-expressing RGCs suggest that optogenetically activated RGCs may demonstrate similar topographical responses to RGCs stimulated by photoreceptor activation. Furthermore, treated dystrophic mice displayed restored cortical neuronal activity in response to light and rescued behavioral responses to a looming stimulus that simulated an aerial predator. Finally, human surgical retinal explants exposed to the bReaChES treatment vector demonstrated transduction. Together, these findings suggest that intravitreal gene therapy to deliver bReaChES to the retina may restore vision in human retinal degeneration in vivo at ecologically relevant light levels with spectral and temporal response characteristics approaching those of normal human photopic vision.
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27
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Robinson R, Glass J, Sharma A, Sharma S. Generation and characterization of a Müller-glial-cell-specific Il6ra knockout mouse to delineate the effects of IL-6 trans-signaling in the retina. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17626. [PMID: 36271280 PMCID: PMC9587029 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22329-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is implicated in various retinal and vascular complications associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR). This cytokine functions through two main modalities: classical signaling, in cells expressing the membrane-bound receptor (IL-6Rα); and trans-signaling, possible in most cells through a soluble form of the receptor (sIL-6R). These pathways are considered to be anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory, respectively. Our recent studies in retinal endothelial cells and diabetic mice have shown that inhibiting only IL-6 trans-signaling is sufficient to prevent increased vascular leakage, oxidative stress, and inflammation characteristic of DR. Isolating the specific effects of each signaling pathway, however, remains difficult in cells expressing IL-6Rα that are thus capable of both classical and trans-signaling. Müller glial cells (MGCs), the most abundant retinal macroglial cells, span the entire retinal thickness with vital roles in maintaining retinal homeostasis and regulating the blood-retinal barrier through secreted factors. The specific effects of IL-6 trans-signaling in MGCs remain poorly understood given their responsiveness to both IL-6 signaling modalities. In this study, we addressed these concerns by generating an MGC-specific knockout mouse using Cre-loxP deletion of the Il6ra cytokine-binding region. We assessed transcriptional and translational Il6ra expression to confirm the knockout and characterized the effects of knockout on visual functioning in these mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah Robinson
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, CAII 4139, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Joshua Glass
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, CAII 4139, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Ashok Sharma
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, CAII 4139, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Shruti Sharma
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, CAII 4139, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
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28
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Kedarisetti KC, Narayanan R, Stewart MW, Reddy Gurram N, Khanani AM. Macular Telangiectasia Type 2: A Comprehensive Review. Clin Ophthalmol 2022; 16:3297-3309. [PMID: 36237488 PMCID: PMC9553319 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s373538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Macular telangiectasia Type 2 (MacTel) is a gradually progressive disease that affects the quality of life by impairing both distant and near vision. It had previously been considered a vascular condition, but recent evidence suggests a neurodegenerative etiology, with primary involvement of Muller cells. Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) hyperplasia and subretinal neovascularization (SNV) are responsible for most of the vision loss in advanced cases. Neurotrophic factors in the non-proliferative phase and intravitreal anti-Vascular Endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the proliferative phase have shown to retard the progression of the disease. This review will discuss the pathophysiology, clinical features, important diagnostic imaging studies and available treatment options for MacTel.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raja Narayanan
- Anant Bajaj Retina Institute, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India,Indian Health Outcomes, Public Health and Economics Research Centre (IHOPE), Hyderabad, Telangana, India,Correspondence: Raja Narayanan, Anant Bajaj Retina Institute, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, Tel +91-9177111975, Email
| | | | - Nikitha Reddy Gurram
- Anant Bajaj Retina Institute, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Arshad M Khanani
- Department of Clinical research, Sierra Eye Associates, Reno, NV, USA,Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
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29
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Markan A, Singla P, Singh R. Development of retinal vasculitis following an uneventful pars plana vitrectomy. BMJ Case Rep 2022; 15:e251917. [PMID: 35922087 PMCID: PMC9352993 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-251917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Markan
- Ophthalmology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Parshant Singla
- Ophthalmology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ramandeep Singh
- Ophthalmology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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30
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Indrischek H, Hammer J, Machate A, Hecker N, Kirilenko B, Roscito J, Hans S, Norden C, Brand M, Hiller M. Vision-related convergent gene losses reveal SERPINE3's unknown role in the eye. eLife 2022; 11:77999. [PMID: 35727138 PMCID: PMC9355568 DOI: 10.7554/elife.77999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of research, knowledge about the genes that are important for development and function of the mammalian eye and are involved in human eye disorders remains incomplete. During mammalian evolution, mammals that naturally exhibit poor vision or regressive eye phenotypes have independently lost many eye-related genes. This provides an opportunity to predict novel eye-related genes based on specific evolutionary gene loss signatures. Building on these observations, we performed a genome-wide screen across 49 mammals for functionally uncharacterized genes that are preferentially lost in species exhibiting lower visual acuity values. The screen uncovered several genes, including SERPINE3, a putative serine proteinase inhibitor. A detailed investigation of 381 additional mammals revealed that SERPINE3 is independently lost in 18 lineages that typically do not primarily rely on vision, predicting a vision-related function for this gene. To test this, we show that SERPINE3 has the highest expression in eyes of zebrafish and mouse. In the zebrafish retina, serpine3 is expressed in Müller glia cells, a cell type essential for survival and maintenance of the retina. A CRISPR-mediated knockout of serpine3 in zebrafish resulted in alterations in eye shape and defects in retinal layering. Furthermore, two human polymorphisms that are in linkage with SERPINE3 are associated with eye-related traits. Together, these results suggest that SERPINE3 has a role in vertebrate eyes. More generally, by integrating comparative genomics with experiments in model organisms, we show that screens for specific phenotype-associated gene signatures can predict functions of uncharacterized genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrike Indrischek
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Juliane Hammer
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anja Machate
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nikolai Hecker
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Juliana Roscito
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan Hans
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Caren Norden
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Brand
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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31
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Heng JS, Arevalo JF, Handa JT. Visual acuity after cataract surgery in Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 Stage 3 to 5. Int J Retina Vitreous 2022; 8:38. [PMID: 35690847 PMCID: PMC9188048 DOI: 10.1186/s40942-022-00386-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to evaluate visual acuity after cataract surgery in eyes with Macular Telangiectasia (MacTel) Type 2. METHODS Single-center retrospective cohort study of patients with MacTel Type 2 who underwent cataract surgery and were managed at the same institution. Patients underwent pre-operative assessment by a retinal specialist with examination and optical coherence tomography (OCT) at the same institution. The main outcome measure was the post-operative change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Secondary study outcomes were achieving post-operative BCVA better than Snellen acuity of 20/40 and time to BCVA loss by two lines or more (10 or more ETDRS letters). RESULTS A total of 20 eyes (11 patients) underwent cataract surgery and were followed for a median of 25.5 months (IQR 17.5-44.2 months). The median post-operative BCVA improvement was 10.5 letters (IQR 3.50-20.25). Nuclear sclerosis severity [β = 8.99 (95% CI 3.35, 14.6), p = 0.00177] was associated with post-operative change in BCVA and central foveal ellipsoid zone (EZ) breaks [OR 1.33 × 10-9 (95% CI 5.12 × 10-10-3.43 × 10-9), p < 0.001] on OCT was inversely correlated with post-operative BCVA > 20/40 using a multivariate generalized linear model. Central foveal EZ breaks [HR 1.77 × 109 (95% CI 3.86 × 108, 8.11 × 109), p < 0.001] and MacTel Type 2 disease stage [HR 2.83, (95% CI 1.12, 7.12), p = 0.027] were independently associated with shorter time to vision loss of two lines or more in a multivariate Cox regression model. CONCLUSIONS Visual acuity significant improved after cataract surgery in eyes with MacTel Type 2 regardless of disease severity. The presence of central foveal EZ breaks may predict poorer post-operative visual acuity and subsequent vision loss from disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob S Heng
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.,Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, 400 N. Broadway, Smith 3015, Baltimore, USA
| | - J Fernando Arevalo
- Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, 400 N. Broadway, Smith 3015, Baltimore, USA
| | - James T Handa
- Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, 400 N. Broadway, Smith 3015, Baltimore, USA.
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Weatherly SM, Collin GB, Charette JR, Stone L, Damkham N, Hyde LF, Peterson JG, Hicks W, Carter GW, Naggert JK, Krebs MP, Nishina PM. Identification of Arhgef12 and Prkci as genetic modifiers of retinal dysplasia in the Crb1rd8 mouse model. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1009798. [PMID: 35675330 PMCID: PMC9212170 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the apicobasal polarity gene CRB1 lead to diverse retinal diseases, such as Leber congenital amaurosis, cone-rod dystrophy, retinitis pigmentosa (with and without Coats-like vasculopathy), foveal retinoschisis, macular dystrophy, and pigmented paravenous chorioretinal atrophy. Limited correlation between disease phenotypes and CRB1 alleles, and evidence that patients sharing the same alleles often present with different disease features, suggest that genetic modifiers contribute to clinical variation. Similarly, the retinal phenotype of mice bearing the Crb1 retinal degeneration 8 (rd8) allele varies with genetic background. Here, we initiated a sensitized chemical mutagenesis screen in B6.Cg-Crb1rd8/Pjn, a strain with a mild clinical presentation, to identify genetic modifiers that cause a more severe disease phenotype. Two models from this screen, Tvrm266 and Tvrm323, exhibited increased retinal dysplasia. Genetic mapping with high-throughput exome and candidate-gene sequencing identified causative mutations in Arhgef12 and Prkci, respectively. Epistasis analysis of both strains indicated that the increased dysplastic phenotype required homozygosity of the Crb1rd8 allele. Retinal dysplastic lesions in Tvrm266 mice were smaller and caused less photoreceptor degeneration than those in Tvrm323 mice, which developed an early, large diffuse lesion phenotype. At one month of age, Müller glia and microglia mislocalization at dysplastic lesions in both modifier strains was similar to that in B6.Cg-Crb1rd8/Pjn mice but photoreceptor cell mislocalization was more extensive. External limiting membrane disruption was comparable in Tvrm266 and B6.Cg-Crb1rd8/Pjn mice but milder in Tvrm323 mice. Immunohistological analysis of mice at postnatal day 0 indicated a normal distribution of mitotic cells in Tvrm266 and Tvrm323 mice, suggesting normal early development. Aberrant electroretinography responses were observed in both models but functional decline was significant only in Tvrm323 mice. These results identify Arhgef12 and Prkci as modifier genes that differentially shape Crb1-associated retinal disease, which may be relevant to understanding clinical variability and underlying disease mechanisms in humans. Inherited eye diseases affect roughly 1:1,000 individuals worldwide. Although these diseases are often linked to variants of a single gene, it is increasingly recognized that a second variant in other genes may modify disease characteristics, including age of onset, severity, and lesion appearance. Identifying such modifier genes in humans is difficult. In this study, two modifiers of a gene associated with retinal damage leading to childhood blindness in humans (CRB1) were identified in mice. Retinal damage caused by Crb1 mutation alone was less severe than in the presence of Arhgef12 or Prkci mutations. Furthermore, the modifier gene mutations caused retinal damage only in the presence of the Crb1 mutation. Our results point to a role of mouse Crb1 and the modifying effects of Arhgef12 and Prkci in a biological network that controls adhesive interactions between cells. The variation in disease severity, lesion appearance, and visual responses in these mice provide a dramatic example of modifier gene influence. This work may lead to an improved understanding of the molecular basis of CRB1-associated retinal disease, with possible relevance to diagnostic and therapeutic intervention in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gayle B. Collin
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, United States of America
| | | | - Lisa Stone
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, United States of America
| | - Nattaya Damkham
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, United States of America
- Graduate Program in Immunology, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Siriraj Center of Excellence for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Lillian F. Hyde
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, United States of America
| | | | - Wanda Hicks
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, United States of America
| | | | | | - Mark P. Krebs
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MPK); (PMN)
| | - Patsy M. Nishina
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MPK); (PMN)
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Wang Y, Liu X, Quan X, Qin X, Zhou Y, Liu Z, Chao Z, Jia C, Qin H, Zhang H. Pigment epithelium-derived factor and its role in microvascular-related diseases. Biochimie 2022; 200:153-171. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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One-year follow-up of optical coherence tomography angiography microvascular findings: macular telangiectasia type 2 versus tamoxifen retinopathy. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022; 260:3479-3488. [PMID: 35536356 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-022-05695-6] [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: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare microstructural and microvascular changes in eyes with macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel2) and in those with tamoxifen retinopathy (TR) at baseline and at the 1-year follow-up using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA). METHODS We followed up patients diagnosed with MacTel2 or TR for at least 1 year. We included 17 patients with MacTel2 (31 eyes) and 15 with TR (25 eyes) who discontinued tamoxifen use after a TR diagnosis. We performed OCT and OCTA at baseline and after 1 year. RESULTS Patients with MacTel2 and TR showed intraretinal cavitation, ellipsoid zone (EZ) loss, and capillary telangiectasia in the superficial and deep plexuses. EZ disruption predominantly affected the temporal region in MacTel2 (32%) and was limited to the foveal center in TR (24%). Vascular density (VD) was significantly reduced within the deep temporal parafovea and superficial fovea in MacTel2 and TR eyes, respectively. After 1 year, the MacTel2 eyes showed enlarged EZ loss, proliferative vascular invasion, and increased VD (p = 0.021) in the temporal deep plexus compared with TR eyes. CONCLUSIONS After 1-year follow-up, the MacTel2 eyes showed proliferative vascular remodeling, particularly in the temporal parafovea of the deep plexus with EZ loss progression, whereas the TR eyes maintained their baseline capillary rarefaction.
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Chen Y, Xia Q, Zeng Y, Zhang Y, Zhang M. Regulations of Retinal Inflammation: Focusing on Müller Glia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:898652. [PMID: 35573676 PMCID: PMC9091449 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.898652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal inflammation underlies multiple prevalent retinal diseases. While microglia are one of the most studied cell types regarding retinal inflammation, growing evidence shows that Müller glia play critical roles in the regulation of retinal inflammation. Müller glia express various receptors for cytokines and release cytokines to regulate inflammation. Müller glia are part of the blood-retinal barrier and interact with microglia in the inflammatory responses. The unique metabolic features of Müller glia in the retina makes them vital for retinal homeostasis maintenance, regulating retinal inflammation by lipid metabolism, purine metabolism, iron metabolism, trophic factors, and antioxidants. miRNAs in Müller glia regulate inflammatory responses via different mechanisms and potentially regulate retinal regeneration. Novel therapies are explored targeting Müller glia for inflammatory retinal diseases treatment. Here we review new findings regarding the roles of Müller glia in retinal inflammation and discuss the related novel therapies for retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Research Laboratory of Macular Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qinghong Xia
- Operating Room of Anesthesia Surgery Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Zeng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Research Laboratory of Macular Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Research Laboratory of Macular Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Meixia Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Research Laboratory of Macular Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Meixia Zhang,
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Zhu BT. Biochemical mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy and other diabetic complications in humans: the methanol-formaldehyde-formic acid hypothesis. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2022; 54:415-451. [PMID: 35607958 PMCID: PMC9828688 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2022012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperglycemia in diabetic patients is associated with abnormally-elevated cellular glucose levels. It is hypothesized that increased cellular glucose will lead to increased formation of endogenous methanol and/or formaldehyde, both of which are then metabolically converted to formic acid. These one-carbon metabolites are known to be present naturally in humans, and their levels are increased under diabetic conditions. Mechanistically, while formaldehyde is a cross-linking agent capable of causing extensive cytotoxicity, formic acid is an inhibitor of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase, capable of inducing histotoxic hypoxia, ATP deficiency and cytotoxicity. Chronic increase in the production and accumulation of these toxic one-carbon metabolites in diabetic patients can drive the pathogenesis of ocular as well as other diabetic complications. This hypothesis is supported by a large body of experimental and clinical observations scattered in the literature. For instance, methanol is known to have organ- and species-selective toxicities, including the characteristic ocular lesions commonly seen in humans and non-human primates, but not in rodents. Similarly, some of the diabetic complications (such as ocular lesions) also have a characteristic species-selective pattern, closely resembling methanol intoxication. Moreover, while alcohol consumption or combined use of folic acid plus vitamin B is beneficial for mitigating acute methanol toxicity in humans, their use also improves the outcomes of diabetic complications. In addition, there is also a large body of evidence from biochemical and cellular studies. Together, there is considerable experimental support for the proposed hypothesis that increased metabolic formation of toxic one-carbon metabolites in diabetic patients contributes importantly to the development of various clinical complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao Ting Zhu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and DevelopmentSchool of MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongShenzhen518172China
- Department of PharmacologyToxicology and TherapeuticsSchool of MedicineUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKS66160USA
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Boccuni I, Fairless R. Retinal Glutamate Neurotransmission: From Physiology to Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Retinal Ganglion Cell Degeneration. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:638. [PMID: 35629305 PMCID: PMC9147752 DOI: 10.3390/life12050638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate neurotransmission and metabolism are finely modulated by the retinal network, where the efficient processing of visual information is shaped by the differential distribution and composition of glutamate receptors and transporters. However, disturbances in glutamate homeostasis can result in glutamate excitotoxicity, a major initiating factor of common neurodegenerative diseases. Within the retina, glutamate excitotoxicity can impair visual transmission by initiating degeneration of neuronal populations, including retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The vulnerability of RGCs is observed not just as a result of retinal diseases but has also been ascribed to other common neurodegenerative and peripheral diseases. In this review, we describe the vulnerability of RGCs to glutamate excitotoxicity and the contribution of different glutamate receptors and transporters to this. In particular, we focus on the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor as the major effector of glutamate-induced mechanisms of neurodegeneration, including impairment of calcium homeostasis, changes in gene expression and signalling, and mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as the role of endoplasmic reticular stress. Due to recent developments in the search for modulators of NMDA receptor signalling, novel neuroprotective strategies may be on the horizon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Boccuni
- Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Richard Fairless
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Carpi-Santos R, de Melo Reis RA, Gomes FCA, Calaza KC. Contribution of Müller Cells in the Diabetic Retinopathy Development: Focus on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:617. [PMID: 35453302 PMCID: PMC9027671 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11040617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy is a neurovascular complication of diabetes and the main cause of vision loss in adults. Glial cells have a key role in maintenance of central nervous system homeostasis. In the retina, the predominant element is the Müller cell, a specialized cell with radial morphology that spans all retinal layers and influences the function of the entire retinal circuitry. Müller cells provide metabolic support, regulation of extracellular composition, synaptic activity control, structural organization of the blood-retina barrier, antioxidant activity, and trophic support, among other roles. Therefore, impairments of Müller actions lead to retinal malfunctions. Accordingly, increasing evidence indicates that Müller cells are affected in diabetic retinopathy and may contribute to the severity of the disease. Here, we will survey recently described alterations in Müller cell functions and cellular events that contribute to diabetic retinopathy, especially related to oxidative stress and inflammation. This review sheds light on Müller cells as potential therapeutic targets of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Carpi-Santos
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; (R.C.-S.); (F.C.A.G.)
| | - Ricardo A. de Melo Reis
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Flávia Carvalho Alcantara Gomes
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; (R.C.-S.); (F.C.A.G.)
| | - Karin C. Calaza
- Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Neurobiologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi 24210-201, RJ, Brazil
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Xin Y, He Q, Liang H, Zhang K, Guo J, Zhong Q, Chen D, Li J, Liu Y, Chen S. m 6A epitranscriptomic modification regulates neural progenitor-to-glial cell transition in the retina. eLife 2022; 11:79994. [PMID: 36459087 PMCID: PMC9718531 DOI: 10.7554/elife.79994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent mRNA internal modification and has been shown to regulate the development, physiology, and pathology of various tissues. However, the functions of the m6A epitranscriptome in the visual system remain unclear. In this study, using a retina-specific conditional knockout mouse model, we show that retinas deficient in Mettl3, the core component of the m6A methyltransferase complex, exhibit structural and functional abnormalities beginning at the end of retinogenesis. Immunohistological and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analyses of retinogenesis processes reveal that retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) and Müller glial cells are the two cell types primarily affected by Mettl3 deficiency. Integrative analyses of scRNA-seq and MeRIP-seq data suggest that m6A fine-tunes the transcriptomic transition from RPCs to Müller cells by promoting the degradation of RPC transcripts, the disruption of which leads to abnormalities in late retinogenesis and likely compromises the glial functions of Müller cells. Overexpression of m6A-regulated RPC transcripts in late RPCs partially recapitulates the Mettl3-deficient retinal phenotype. Collectively, our study reveals an epitranscriptomic mechanism governing progenitor-to-glial cell transition during late retinogenesis, which is essential for the homeostasis of the mature retina. The mechanism revealed in this study might also apply to other nervous systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanling Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceGuangzhouChina
| | - Qinghai He
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceGuangzhouChina
| | - Huilin Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceGuangzhouChina
| | - Ke Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceGuangzhouChina
| | - Jingyi Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceGuangzhouChina
| | - Qi Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceGuangzhouChina
| | - Dan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceGuangzhouChina
| | - Jinyan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceGuangzhouChina
| | - Yizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceGuangzhouChina
| | - Shuyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceGuangzhouChina
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Ly6c as a New Marker of Mouse Blood Vessels: Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses on Intact and Ischemic Retinas. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010019. [PMID: 35008441 PMCID: PMC8744623 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Ly6c is an antigen commonly used to differentiate between classical and non-classical monocytes/macrophages. Here we show its potential as a marker of the mouse vasculature, particularly of the retinal vascular plexuses. Ly6c was immunodetected in several tissues of C57BL/6 mice using isolectin IB4 as the control of vasculature staining. In the retina, Ly6c expression was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively in intact, ischemic, and contralateral retinas from 0 to 30 days after the insult. Ly6c expression was observed in all organs and tissues tested, with a brighter signal and more homogeneous staining than the IB4. In the retinas, Ly6c was well expressed, allowing a detailed study of their anatomy. The three retinal plexuses were morphologically different, and from the superficial to the deep one occupied 15 ± 2, 24 ± 7, and 38 ± 1.4 percent of the retinal surface, respectively. In the injured retinas, there was extravasation of the classically activated monocyte/macrophages (Ly6chigh) and the formation of new vessels in the superficial plexus, increasing the area occupied by it to 25 ± 1%. In the contralateral retinas, the superficial plexus area decreased gradually, reaching significance at 30 days, and Ly6c expression progressively disappeared in the intermediate and deep plexuses. Although the role of Ly6c in vascular endothelial cell function is still not completely understood, we demonstrate here that Ly6c can be used as a new specific marker of the mouse vasculature and to assess, qualitatively and quantitatively, vascular changes in health and disease.
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Ong JX, Zandi R, Fawzi AA. Early-stage macular telangiectasia type 2 vascular abnormalities are associated with interdigitation zone disruption. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259811. [PMID: 34767582 PMCID: PMC8589180 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the relationship between disruption in different photoreceptor layers and deep capillary plexus (DCP) telangiectasias in eyes with macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel). METHODS 35 eyes (21 patients) with MacTel imaged with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) were included. Circumscribed areas of DCP telangiectasia were traced from OCTA slabs and the corresponding spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) slabs were used to visualize the photoreceptor layer interdigitation zone (IZ) and ellipsoid zone (EZ). IZ attenuation, IZ loss, and EZ loss were graded by reviewing en face SD-OCT slabs for hypo-reflective areas and confirming their status on cross-sectional views. Total area of photoreceptor disruption and overlap with DCP telangiectasia were evaluated with respect to OCT-based MacTel stage. Longitudinal changes were evaluated in a subset of patients with follow-up imaging. RESULTS Overlap of DCP telangiectasia with IZ attenuation significantly decreased with MacTel severity, while overlap with IZ and EZ loss significantly increased. Overlap with IZ loss peaked in moderate MacTel (Stages 3-5). Longitudinal imaging showed that new EZ loss at 6 months was largely predicted by baseline IZ loss. CONCLUSIONS Worsening MacTel severity is characterized by greater overlap between DCP telangiectasia and zones of increasing severity of photoreceptor disruption, with EZ loss enlarging over time within areas of preexisting IZ disruption. We suggest that IZ disruption may indicate early photoreceptor dysfunction that eventually progresses to EZ loss, with IZ loss being a more reliable metric than IZ attenuation. Additional studies will be necessary to further explore long-term photoreceptor changes and evaluate their relationship with visual function in MacTel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice X. Ong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Roya Zandi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Amani A. Fawzi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
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Sun X, Chen C, Liu H, Tang S. High glucose induces HSP47 expression and promotes the secretion of inflammatory factors through the IRE1α/XBP1/HIF-1α pathway in retinal Müller cells. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1411. [PMID: 34676004 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10847] [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: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy, a common complication of diabetes, is the leading cause of blindness globally. Müller cells are key players in diabetes-associated retinal inflammation and dysfunction. However, the pathological changes of Müller cells in response to high glucose (HG) and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the key role of heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) in HG-induced unfolded protein and inflammatory responses. Primary mouse Müller cells were starved in serum-free DMEM overnight and then treated with HG (30 mM) for 0, 6, 12 or 24 h. It was observed that HG (30 mM) significantly induced the protein expression of HSP47, inositol-requiring transmembrane kinase and endonuclease-1α (IRE1α) and spliced X-box-binding protein 1 (XBP1s) in primary mouse Müller cells compared with the untreated group. In addition, the immunoprecipitation results revealed that HSP47 directly interacted with IRE1α, and this interaction was significantly enhanced by HG exposure for 12 or 24 h compared with the untreated group. Furthermore, small interfering RNA-mediated silencing of HSP47 significantly suppressed HG-induced activation of the IRE1α/XBP1s/hypoxia inducible factor-1 subunit α (HIF-1α) pathway and upregulation of the mRNA expression levels of the inflammatory cytokines vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor subunit B, inducible nitric oxide synthase and angiopoietin-2 in Müller cells. Furthermore, overexpression of IRE1α or HIF-1α partially attenuated HSP47-siRNA-mediated inhibition of inflammatory cytokine expression in Müller cells. Collectively, these results indicated that HG may induce HSP47 expression and promote the inflammatory response through enhancing the interaction between HSP47 and IRE1α, and activating the IRE1α/XBP1s/HIF-1α pathway in retinal Müller cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xincheng Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China.,Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, P.R. China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, P.R. China
| | - Hu Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Shaowen Tang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, P.R. China
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Tomita Y, Usui-Ouchi A, Nilsson AK, Yang J, Ko M, Hellström A, Fu Z. Metabolism in Retinopathy of Prematurity. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:1119. [PMID: 34832995 PMCID: PMC8620873 DOI: 10.3390/life11111119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity is defined as retinal abnormalities that occur during development as a consequence of disturbed oxygen conditions and nutrient supply after preterm birth. Both neuronal maturation and retinal vascularization are impaired, leading to the compensatory but uncontrolled retinal neovessel growth. Current therapeutic interventions target the hypoxia-induced neovessels but negatively impact retinal neurons and normal vessels. Emerging evidence suggests that metabolic disturbance is a significant and underexplored risk factor in the disease pathogenesis. Hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia correlate with the retinal neurovascular dysfunction in infants born prematurely. Nutritional and hormonal supplementation relieve metabolic stress and improve retinal maturation. Here we focus on the mechanisms through which metabolism is involved in preterm-birth-related retinal disorder from clinical and experimental investigations. We will review and discuss potential therapeutic targets through the restoration of metabolic responses to prevent disease development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Tomita
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Y.T.); (J.Y.); (M.K.)
| | - Ayumi Usui-Ouchi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital, Chiba 279-0021, Japan;
| | - Anders K. Nilsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 19 Gothenburg, Sweden; (A.K.N.); (A.H.)
| | - Jay Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Y.T.); (J.Y.); (M.K.)
| | - Minji Ko
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Y.T.); (J.Y.); (M.K.)
| | - Ann Hellström
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 19 Gothenburg, Sweden; (A.K.N.); (A.H.)
| | - Zhongjie Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Y.T.); (J.Y.); (M.K.)
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Meng C, Gu C, He S, Su T, Lhamo T, Draga D, Qiu Q. Pyroptosis in the Retinal Neurovascular Unit: New Insights Into Diabetic Retinopathy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:763092. [PMID: 34737754 PMCID: PMC8560732 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.763092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is prevalent among people with long-term diabetes mellitus (DM) and remains the leading cause of visual impairment in working-aged people. DR is related to chronic low-level inflammatory reactions. Pyroptosis is an emerging type of inflammatory cell death mediated by gasdermin D (GSDMD), NOD-like receptors and inflammatory caspases that promote interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 release. In addition, the retinal neurovascular unit (NVU) is the functional basis of the retina. Recent studies have shown that pyroptosis may participate in the destruction of retinal NVU cells in simulated hyperglycemic DR environments. In this review, we will clarify the importance of pyroptosis in the retinal NVU during the development of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunren Meng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Chufeng Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuai He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Tong Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Thashi Lhamo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shigatse People’s Hospital, Shigatse, China
| | - Deji Draga
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shigatse People’s Hospital, Shigatse, China
| | - Qinghua Qiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shigatse People’s Hospital, Shigatse, China
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Datlinger F, Wassermann L, Reumueller A, Hajdu D, Steiner I, Salas M, Drexler W, Pircher M, Schmidt-Erfurth U, Pollreisz A. Assessment of Detailed Photoreceptor Structure and Retinal Sensitivity in Diabetic Macular Ischemia Using Adaptive Optics-OCT and Microperimetry. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:1. [PMID: 34605880 PMCID: PMC8496411 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.13.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess density and morphology of cone photoreceptors (PRs) and corresponding retinal sensitivity in ischemic compared to nonischemic retinal capillary areas of diabetic eyes using adaptive optics optical coherence tomography (AO-OCT) and microperimetry (MP). Methods In this cross-sectional, observational study five eyes of four patients (2 eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR) and 3 eyes moderate nonproliferative DR) were included. PR morphology and density was manually assessed in AO-OCT en face images both at the axial position of the inner-segment outer segment (IS/OS) and cone outer segment tips (COSTs). Retinal sensitivity was determined by fundus-controlled microperimetry in corresponding areas (MP-3, Nidek). Results In AO-OCT, areas affected by capillary nonperfusion showed severe alterations of cone PR morphology at IS/OS and COST compared to areas with intact capillary perfusion (84% and 87% vs. 9% and 8% of area affected for IS/OS and COST, respectively). Mean reduction of PR signal density in affected areas compared to those with intact superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) perfusion of similar eccentricity was -38% at the level of IS/OS (P = 0.01) and -39% at the level of COST (P = 0.01). Mean retinal sensitivity was 10.8 ± 5.4 in areas affected by DCP nonperfusion and 28.2 ± 1.5 outside these areas (P < 0.001). Conclusions Cone PR morphology and signal density are severely altered in areas of capillary nonperfusion. These structural changes are accompanied by a severe reduction of retinal sensitivity, indicating the importance of preventing impaired capillary circulation in patients with DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Datlinger
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lorenz Wassermann
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adrian Reumueller
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dorottya Hajdu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Irene Steiner
- Center of Medical Statistics, Informatics and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Salas
- Center of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Drexler
- Center of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Pircher
- Center of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ursula Schmidt-Erfurth
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Pollreisz
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Choroidal vascularity index: an enhanced depth optical coherence tomography-based parameter to determine vascular status in patients with proliferative and non-proliferative macular telangiectasia. Int Ophthalmol 2021; 41:3505-3513. [PMID: 34181193 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-021-01917-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGES The pathogenesis of subretinal neovascularization (SRNV) due to macular telengiectasia (MacTel 2) has not fully elucidated. This optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based method can provide better understanding of the pathogenesis of SRNV due to MacTel 2. PURPOSE To evaluate the choroidal vascular index (CVI) through optical coherence tomography (OCT) on eyes with proliferative macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel 2) or non-proliferative MacTel 2, and in healthy individuals. METHODS Macular enhanced depth imaging OCT scans on 42 eyes of 21 patients with non-proliferative MacTel 2, on 32 eyes of 20 patients with proliferative MacTel 2, and on 38 eyes of 32 control patients were analyzed by adjusting for age-gender-axial length. Proliferative MacTel 2 was diagnosed when subretinal neovascularization (SRNV) was simultaneously observed in the non-proliferative phase. Binarization methods of ImageJ software were used to analyze images, and total choroid area (TCA), luminal area (LA) and stromal area (SA) were obtained. CVI was characterized as the ratio of LA to TCA. RESULTS The mean TCA and SA were significantly higher in group 1 and group 2 when compared with group 3 (3.36 ± 0.29 mm2 vs. 3.27 ± 0.76 mm2 vs. 2.49 ± 0.24 mm2, p < 0.001; 1.15 ± 0.31 mm2 vs. 1.10 ± 0.69 mm2 vs. 0.35 ± 0.23 mm2, respectively; p < 0.001). Although LA was relatively higher in group 1 and group 2 than group 3, no statistically significant difference was observed (2.22 ± 0.14 mm2 vs. 2.17 ± 0.15 mm2 vs. 2.13 ± 0.21 mm2) (p = 0.088). CVI was significantly lower in group 1 than other groups (0.65 ± 0.01 vs 0.67 ± 0.02 vs 0.68 ± 0.02) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION As an OCT screening method, CVI may be used to assess the vascular status of the choroid on the eyes which are naive for or were exposed to SRNV secondary to MacTel 2, and to elucidate the pathogenesis of this disease.
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GSH-Independent Induction of ER Stress during Hypoglycaemia in the Retinal Cells of Mice. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10112529. [PMID: 34200353 PMCID: PMC8201117 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10112529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucose is one of the most important metabolic substrates of the retina, and glycaemic imbalances can lead to serious side effects, including retinopathy. We previously showed that hypoglycaemia induces retinal cell death in mice, as well as the implication of glutathione (GSH) in this process. This study aimed to analyse the role of low glucose-induced decrease in GSH levels in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We cultured 661W photoreceptor-like cells under various glucose conditions and analysed ER stress markers at the mRNA and protein levels. We used the ERAI (“ER stress-activated indicator”) mouse model to test ER stress in both ex vivo, on retinal explants, or in vivo, in mice subjected to hypoglycaemia. Moreover, we used buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) and glutamate cysteine ligase (Gclm)-KO mice as models of low GSH to test its effects on ER stress. We show that the unfolded protein response (UPR) is triggered in 661W cells and in ERAI mice under hypoglycaemic conditions. Low GSH levels promote cell death, but have no impact on ER stress. We concluded that low glucose levels induce ER stress independently of GSH levels. Inhibition of ER stress could prevent neurodegeneration, which seems to be an early event in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.
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48
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Yu J, Huang Y, Zhou L, ZhangBao J, Zong Y, Quan C, Wang M. Comparison of the retinal vascular network and structure in patients with optic neuritis associated with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein or aquaporin-4 antibodies: an optical coherence tomography angiography study. J Neurol 2021; 268:4874-4881. [PMID: 34086096 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10609-3] [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: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the retinal vascular network and structure of optic neuritis associated with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies (MOG-ON) or aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4-ON). METHODS Nineteen patients with MOG-ON (29 eyes), 24 patients with AQP4-ON (43 eyes), and 25 healthy participants (50 eyes) were enrolled. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), mean deviation (MD), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, parafoveal ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness, and vessel densities in the peripapillary and parafoveal areas were measured. RESULTS The BCVA, RNFL thickness, GCIPL thickness, and vessel densities in the peripapillary and parafoveal areas were significantly decreased in the AQP4-ON and MOG-ON eyes compared with healthy controls (all P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the MD, RNFL thickness, GCIPL thickness, or vessel densities between the AQP4-ON and MOG-ON eyes (all P > 0.05). However, the BCVA was significantly worse in AQP4-ON eyes than in MOG-ON eyes (P = 0.001). The peripapillary vessel density was significantly correlated with the BCVA and MD in AQP4-ON eyes and with MD in MOG-ON eyes (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS MOG-ON and AQP4-ON are associated with severe visual dysfunction, as well as retinal structural and vascular damage. The extent of visual dysfunction was strongly correlated with the peripapillary vessel density. Although we found no significant difference in the MD between MOG-ON and AQP4-ON, which are characterized by comparable vascular and structural damage within the peripapillary and parafoveal areas, the BCVA was worse in AQP4-ON eyes than in MOG-ON eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yu
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yongheng Huang
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai, 200031, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Kiang Wu Hospital, Macau Special Administration Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Jingzi ZhangBao
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Yuan Zong
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Chao Quan
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
| | - Min Wang
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. .,Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai, 200031, China.
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49
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Krivosic V, Lavia C, Aubineau A, Tadayoni R, Gaudric A. OCT of Outer Retinal Hyperreflectivity, Neovascularization, and Pigment in Macular Telangiectasia Type 2. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 5:562-570. [DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2020.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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50
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Shen W, Lee SR, Mathai AE, Zhang R, Du J, Yam MX, Pye V, Barnett NL, Rayner CL, Zhu L, Hurley JB, Seth P, Hirabayashi Y, Furuya S, Gillies MC. Effect of selectively knocking down key metabolic genes in Müller glia on photoreceptor health. Glia 2021; 69:1966-1986. [PMID: 33835598 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The importance of Müller glia for retinal homeostasis suggests that they may have vulnerabilities that lead to retinal disease. Here, we studied the effect of selectively knocking down key metabolic genes in Müller glia on photoreceptor health. Immunostaining indicated that murine Müller glia expressed insulin receptor (IR), hexokinase 2 (HK2) and phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) but very little pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 alpha 1 (PDH-E1α) and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDH-A). We crossed Müller glial cell-CreER (MC-CreER) mice with transgenic mice carrying a floxed IR, HK2, PDH-E1α, LDH-A, or PHGDH gene to study the effect of selectively knocking down key metabolic genes in Müller glia cells on retinal health. Selectively knocking down IR, HK2, or PHGDH led to photoreceptor degeneration and reduced electroretinographic responses. Supplementing exogenous l-serine prevented photoreceptor degeneration and improved retinal function in MC-PHGDH knockdown mice. We unexpectedly found that the levels of retinal serine and glycine were not reduced but, on the contrary, highly increased in MC-PHGDH knockdown mice. Moreover, dietary serine supplementation, while rescuing the retinal phenotypes caused by genetic deletion of PHGDH in Müller glial cells, restored retinal serine and glycine homeostasis probably through regulation of serine transport. No retinal abnormalities were observed in MC-CreER mice crossed with PDH-E1α- or LDH-A-floxed mice despite Cre expression. Our findings suggest that Müller glia do not complete glycolysis but use glucose to produce serine to support photoreceptors. Supplementation with exogenous serine is effective in preventing photoreceptor degeneration caused by PHGDH deficiency in Müller glia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyong Shen
- Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Save Sight Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - So-Ra Lee
- Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Save Sight Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ashish Easow Mathai
- Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Save Sight Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rui Zhang
- Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Save Sight Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jianhai Du
- Department of Ophthalmology and Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Michelle X Yam
- Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Save Sight Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Victoria Pye
- Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Save Sight Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nigel L Barnett
- Clem Jones Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Health Science & Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Cassie L Rayner
- Clem Jones Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Health Science & Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ling Zhu
- Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Save Sight Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - James B Hurley
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Pankaj Seth
- Division of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yoshio Hirabayashi
- Sako Cellular Informatics Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Japan
| | - Shigeki Furuya
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Mark C Gillies
- Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Save Sight Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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