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Winkler PA, Occelli LM, Petersen-Jones SM. Large Animal Models of Inherited Retinal Degenerations: A Review. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040882. [PMID: 32260251 PMCID: PMC7226744 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies utilizing large animal models of inherited retinal degeneration (IRD) have proven important in not only the development of translational therapeutic approaches, but also in improving our understanding of disease mechanisms. The dog is the predominant species utilized because spontaneous IRD is common in the canine pet population. Cats are also a source of spontaneous IRDs. Other large animal models with spontaneous IRDs include sheep, horses and non-human primates (NHP). The pig has also proven valuable due to the ease in which transgenic animals can be generated and work is ongoing to produce engineered models of other large animal species including NHP. These large animal models offer important advantages over the widely used laboratory rodent models. The globe size and dimensions more closely parallel those of humans and, most importantly, they have a retinal region of high cone density and denser photoreceptor packing for high acuity vision. Laboratory rodents lack such a retinal region and, as macular disease is a critical cause for vision loss in humans, having a comparable retinal region in model species is particularly important. This review will discuss several large animal models which have been used to study disease mechanisms relevant for the equivalent human IRD.
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Singh MS, Park SS, Albini TA, Canto-Soler MV, Klassen H, MacLaren RE, Takahashi M, Nagiel A, Schwartz SD, Bharti K. Retinal stem cell transplantation: Balancing safety and potential. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 75:100779. [PMID: 31494256 PMCID: PMC7056514 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.100779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell transplantation holds great promise as a potential treatment for currently incurable retinal degenerative diseases that cause poor vision and blindness. Recently, safety data have emerged from several Phase I/II clinical trials of retinal stem cell transplantation. These clinical trials, usually run in partnership with academic institutions, are based on sound preclinical studies and are focused on patient safety. However, reports of serious adverse events arising from cell therapy in other poorly regulated centers have now emerged in the lay and scientific press. While progress in stem cell research for blindness has been greeted with great enthusiasm by patients, scientists, doctors and industry alike, these adverse events have raised concerns about the safety of retinal stem cell transplantation and whether patients are truly protected from undue harm. The aim of this review is to summarize and appraise the safety of human retinal stem cell transplantation in the context of its potential to be developed into an effective treatment for retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandeep S Singh
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
| | - Susanna S Park
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California-Davis Eye Center, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Thomas A Albini
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - M Valeria Canto-Soler
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Research Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Henry Klassen
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute and Stem Cell Research Center, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford and Oxford University Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Aaron Nagiel
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA; USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90007, USA
| | - Steven D Schwartz
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; Edythe and Eli Broad Stem Cell Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Kapil Bharti
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 90892, USA
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Özmert E, Arslan U. Management of retinitis pigmentosa by Wharton's jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells: preliminary clinical results. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:25. [PMID: 31931872 PMCID: PMC6958670 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-1549-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study is to determine if umbilical cord Wharton's jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells implanted in sub-tenon space have beneficial effects on visual functions in retinitis pigmentosa patients by reactivating the degenerated photoreceptors in dormant phase. MATERIAL AND METHODS This prospective, open-label, phase-3 clinical trial was conducted between April of 2019 and October of 2019 at Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology. 32 RP patients (34 eyes) were included in the study. The patients were followed for 6 months after the Wharton's jelly derived mesenchymal stem cell administration, and evaluated with consecutive examinations. All patients underwent a complete routine ophthalmic examination, and best corrected visual acuity, optical coherens tomography angiography, visual field, multifocal and full-field electroretinography were performed. The quantitative results were obtained from a comparison of the pre-injection and final examination (6th month) values. RESULTS The mean best corrected visual acuity was 70.5 letters prior to Wharton's jelly derived mesenchymal stem cell application and 80.6 letters at the 6th month (p = 0.01). The mean visual field median deviation value was 27.3 dB before the treatment and 24.7 dB at the 6th month (p = 0.01). The mean outer retinal thickness was 100.3 μm before the treatment and 119.1 μm at 6th month (p = 0.01). In the multifocal electroretinography results, P1 amplitudes improved in ring1 from 24.8 to 39.8 nv/deg2 (p = 0.01), in ring2 from 6.8 to 13.6 nv/deg2 (p = 0.01), and in ring3 from 3.1 to 5.7 nv/deg2 (p = 0.02). P1 implicit times improved in ring1 from 44.2 to 32.4 ms (p = 0.01), in ring2 from 45.2 to 33.2 ms (p = 0.02), and in ring3 from 41.9 to 32.4 ms (p = 0.01). The mean amplitude improved in 16 Tds from 2.4 to 5.0 nv/deg2 (p = 0.01) and in 32 Tds from 2.4 to 4.8 nv/deg2 (p = 0.01) in the full-field flicker electroretinography results. Full field flicker electroretinography mean implicit time also improved in 16 Tds from 43.3 to 37.9 ms (p = 0.01). No ocular or systemic adverse events related to the two types of surgical methods and/or Wharton's jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells itself were observed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION RP is a genetic disorder that can result in blindness with outer retinal degeneration. Regardless of the type of genetic mutation, sub-tenon Wharton's jelly derived mesenchymal stem cell administration appears to be an effective and safe option. There are no serious adverse events or ophthalmic / systemic side effects for 6 months follow-up. Although the long-term adverse effects are still unknown, as an extraocular approach, subtenon implantation of the stem cells seems to be a reasonable way to avoid the devastating side effects of intravitreal/submacular injection. Further studies that include long-term follow-up are needed to determine the duration of efficacy and the frequency of application. TRIAL REGISTRATION SHGM56733164. Redistered 28 January 2019 https://shgm.saglik.gov.tr/organ-ve-doku-nakli-koordinatorlugu/56733164/203 E.507.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emin Özmert
- Faculty of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Umut Arslan
- Ankara University Technopolis, Neorama Ofis 55-56 Yaşam Cad, No 13/A Beştepe /Yenimahalle, Ankara, Turkey.
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Narayan DS, Chidlow G, Wood JPM, Casson RJ. Investigations Into Bioenergetic Neuroprotection of Cone Photoreceptors: Relevance to Retinitis Pigmentosa. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1234. [PMID: 31803010 PMCID: PMC6872495 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies suggest cone degeneration in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) may result from intracellular energy depletion. We tested the hypothesis that cones die when depleted of energy by examining the effect of two bioenergetic, nutraceutical agents on cone survival. The study had three specific aims: firstly, we, studied the neuroprotective efficacies of glucose and creatine in an in vitro model of RP. Next, we utilized a well-characterized mouse model of RP to examine whether surviving cones, devoid of their inner segments, continue to express genes vital for glucose, and creatine utilization. Finally, we analyzed the neuroprotective properties of glucose and creatine on cone photoreceptors in a mouse model of RP. Two different bioenergy-based therapies were tested in rd1 mice: repeated local delivery of glucose and systemic creatine. Optomotor responses were tested and cone density was quantified on retinal wholemounts. The results showed that glucose supplementation increased survival of cones in culture subjected to mitochondrial stress or oxidative insult. Despite losing their inner segments, surviving cones in the rd1 retina continued to express the various glycolytic enzymes. Following a single subconjunctival injection, the mean vitreous glucose concentration was significantly elevated at 1 and 8 h, but not at 16 h after injection; however, daily subconjunctival injection of glucose neither enhanced spatial visual performance nor slowed cone cell degeneration in rd1 mice relative to isotonic saline. Creatine dose-dependently increased survival of cones in culture subjected to mitochondrial dysfunction, but not to oxidative stress. Despite the loss of their mitochondrial-rich inner segments, cone somas and axonal terminals in the rd1 retina were strongly positive for both the mitochondrial and cytosolic forms of creatine kinase at each time point examined. Creatine-fed rd1 mice displayed enhanced optomotor responses compared to mice fed normal chow. Moreover, cone density was significantly greater in creatine-treated mice compared to controls. The overall results of this study provide tentative support for the hypothesis that creatine supplementation may delay secondary degeneration of cones in individuals with RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Narayan
- Ophthalmic Research Laboratories, Discipline of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Glyn Chidlow
- Ophthalmic Research Laboratories, Discipline of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - John P M Wood
- Ophthalmic Research Laboratories, Discipline of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Robert J Casson
- Ophthalmic Research Laboratories, Discipline of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Petit L, Ma S, Cipi J, Cheng SY, Zieger M, Hay N, Punzo C. Aerobic Glycolysis Is Essential for Normal Rod Function and Controls Secondary Cone Death in Retinitis Pigmentosa. Cell Rep 2019; 23:2629-2642. [PMID: 29847794 PMCID: PMC5997286 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.04.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aerobic glycolysis accounts for ~80%–90% of glucose used by adult photoreceptors (PRs); yet, the importance of aerobic glycolysis for PR function or survival remains unclear. Here, we further established the role of aerobic glycolysis in murine rod and cone PRs. We show that loss of hexokinase-2 (HK2), a key aerobic glycolysis enzyme, does not affect PR survival or structure but is required for normal rod function. Rods with HK2 loss increase their mitochondrial number, suggesting an adaptation to the inhibition of aerobic glycolysis. In contrast, cones adapt without increased mitochondrial number but require HK2 to adapt to metabolic stress conditions such as those encountered in retinitis pigmentosa, where the loss of rods causes a nutrient shortage in cones. The data support a model where aerobic glycolysis in PRs is not a necessity but rather a metabolic choice that maximizes PR function and adaptability to nutrient stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lolita Petit
- Department of Ophthalmology and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Shan Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Joris Cipi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Shun-Yun Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Marina Zieger
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Nissim Hay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Claudio Punzo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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Huckenpahler AL, Carroll J, Salmon AE, Sajdak BS, Mastey RR, Allen KP, Kaplan HJ, McCall MA. Noninvasive Imaging and Correlative Histology of Cone Photoreceptor Structure in the Pig Retina. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2019; 8:38. [PMID: 31867139 PMCID: PMC6922271 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.8.6.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate different methods of studying cone photoreceptor structure in wild-type (WT) and transgenic pigs carrying the human rhodopsin P23H mutant gene (TgP23H). METHODS For in vivo imaging, pigs were anesthetized with tiletamine-zolazepam and isoflurane and given lidocaine-bupivacaine retrobulbar injections. Stay sutures and a custom head mount were used to hold and steer the head for adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO). Six WT and TgP23H littermates were imaged at postnatal day 30 (P30), P90, and P180 with AOSLO and optical coherence tomography (OCT), and two additional sets of littermates were imaged at P3 and P15 with OCT only. AOSLO imaging and correlative differential interference contrast microscopy were performed on a P240 WT pig and on WT and TgP23H littermates at P30 and P180. RESULTS AOSLO cone density generally underestimates histology density (mean difference ± SD = 24.8% ± 21.4%). The intensity of the outer retinal hyperreflective OCT band attributed to photoreceptors is attenuated in TgP23H pigs at all ages. In contrast, AOSLO images show cones that retain inner and outer segments through P180. At retinal locations outside the visual streak, TgP23H pigs show a heterogeneous degenerating cone mosaic by using two criteria: variable contrast on a split detector AOSLO and high reflectivity on a confocal AOSLO. CONCLUSIONS AOSLO reveals that the cone mosaic is similar to ex vivo histology. Its use as a noninvasive tool will enable observation of morphologic changes that arise in the cone mosaic of TgP23H pigs over time. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE Pigs are widely used for translational studies, and the ability to noninvasively assess cellular changes in the cone mosaic will facilitate more detailed investigations of new retinal disease models as well as outcomes of potential therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison L Huckenpahler
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Joseph Carroll
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Alexander E Salmon
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Benjamin S Sajdak
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Rebecca R Mastey
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Kenneth P Allen
- Biomedical Resource Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Henry J Kaplan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Maureen A McCall
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
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Blond F, Léveillard T. Functional Genomics of the Retina to Elucidate its Construction and Deconstruction. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4922. [PMID: 31590277 PMCID: PMC6801968 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The retina is the light sensitive part of the eye and nervous tissue that have been used extensively to characterize the function of the central nervous system. The retina has a central position both in fundamental biology and in the physiopathology of neurodegenerative diseases. We address the contribution of functional genomics to the understanding of retinal biology by reviewing key events in their historical perspective as an introduction to major findings that were obtained through the study of the retina using genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics. We illustrate our purpose by showing that most of the genes of interest for retinal development and those involved in inherited retinal degenerations have a restricted expression to the retina and most particularly to photoreceptors cells. We show that the exponential growth of data generated by functional genomics is a future challenge not only in terms of storage but also in terms of accessibility to the scientific community of retinal biologists in the future. Finally, we emphasize on novel perspectives that emerge from the development of redox-proteomics, the new frontier in retinal biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Blond
- Department of Genetics, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France.
| | - Thierry Léveillard
- Department of Genetics, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France.
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Özmert E, Arslan U. Management of Deep Retinal Capillary Ischemia by Electromagnetic Stimulation and Platelet-Rich Plasma: Preliminary Clinical Results. Adv Ther 2019; 36:2273-2286. [PMID: 31385285 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-019-01040-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To investigate the efficacy of retinal electromagnetic stimulation and sub-tenon autologous platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of deep retinal capillary ischemia. METHODS The study included 28 eyes of 17 patients aged 15-76 years (mean 37.9 years) who had deep retinal capillary ischemia. Patients who had acute-onset paracentral scotoma in the last 1 month were included in the study between January 2018 and January 2019. The diagnosis of deep retinal capillary ischemia was based on clinical history and typical findings of optical coherence tomography angiography. The eyes were divided into three groups: group 1 (n = 7 eyes) received electromagnetic stimulation alone; group 2 (n = 7 eyes) received electromagnetic stimulation and sub-tenon autologous platelet-rich plasma injection; group 3 had no intervention and served as a control group (n = 14 eyes). The patients underwent ten sessions of electromagnetic stimulation in groups 1 and 2. Sub-tenon autologous platelet-rich plasma injection was performed immediately after the first, fifth, and tenth sessions of electromagnetic stimulation in group 2. The deep retinal capillary density and best corrected visual acuity changes were investigated before and after treatment at the first month. RESULTS The mean deep retinal capillary density was 52.0% before electromagnetic stimulation and 56.1% after ten sessions of application in group 1; this improvement was statistically significant (p = 0.01). In the combined treatment group (group 2), the mean deep retinal capillary density was 46.9% before the treatment and 56.5% after the treatment; this increase was also statistically significant (p = 0.01). Statistically significant best corrected visual acuity improvement (p = 0.01) could be achieved only in group 2. The combined treatment was significantly superior (p < 0.01) to treatment with only electromagnetic stimulation regarding best corrected visual acuity and deep retinal capillary density. In the control group (group 3), there was no statistically significant change (p = 0.09) in the mean deep retinal capillary density and best corrected visual acuity. CONCLUSION Treatment of the underlying cause is a priority in the treatment of deep retinal capillary ischemia. However, in the acute period, local ischemia treatment is necessary to prevent permanent retinal damage and scotomas. In mild cases, only electromagnetic stimulation, which is non-invasive and easy to use, might have a beneficial effect on deep retinal capillary density. In more severe cases, sub-tenon fresh autologous platelet-rich plasma injection together with electromagnetic stimulation may be more effective in the treatment of local ischemia of the retina in order to augment the response. FUNDING The Rapid Service Fees were funded by the Ankara University Tecnopolis Institute. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION titck.gov.tr identifier, 2018-136.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emin Özmert
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Umut Arslan
- Ankara University Technopolis, Ankara, Turkey.
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Vingolo EM, Limoli PG, Steigerwalt RDJ, Carlesimo SC, Salvatore S. Abnormal stereopsis and reduced retinal sensitivity in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Int Ophthalmol 2019; 40:179-184. [PMID: 31463623 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-019-01166-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the study was to evaluate retinal sensitivity and stereoacuity (SA) in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients. METHODS Twenty-six patients with RP were examined, mean age 36.4 ± 7.21 (SD) years old and best corrected visual acuity better than 0.15 logMAR. The control group (CG) included 25 healthy subjects matching the RP group by age and sex. Every patient and healthy control underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination: Titmus, Lang, TNO stereotests and microperimetry (MP-1) (Nidek Technologies). Results were subjected to factor analysis using Varimax rotation, and p values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS With the Titmus stereotest, the mean SA was 136.52 ± 26.5 (SD) arcsec in the RP group and 67.2 ± 11.5 (SD) in CG; Lang SA was 391.39 ± 53.72 (SD) in RP group and 1150 ± 33.4 (SD) in CG; and TNO SA was 69.3 ± 14.39 (SD) in the RP group and 15.97 ± 3.7 (SD) in CG. Factor analysis showed significant correlation between visual acuity and SA (p = 0.0001) in RP group. MP-1 demonstrated that in RP patients, inter-ocular difference in retinal sensitivity and fixation stability was related to anomalous stereopsis (p values < 0.05). CONCLUSION Progressive RP degeneration in the cone system could determine a significant impairment in the binocular vision due to anomalous inter-ocular retinal sensitivity and incomplete Panum's area utilization, causing an incongruent retinal localization. These findings suggest a possible reason why RP patients with a central retinal involvement, even if minimal, perceive a damaged stereoscopic perception that produces a severe disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enzo Maria Vingolo
- Department of Sense Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, Sapienza University of Rome, p. le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Sandra Cinzia Carlesimo
- Department of Sense Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, Sapienza University of Rome, p. le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Salvatore
- Department of Sense Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, Sapienza University of Rome, p. le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
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Soluble CX3CL1 gene therapy improves cone survival and function in mouse models of retinitis pigmentosa. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:10140-10149. [PMID: 31036641 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1901787116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a disease that initially presents as night blindness due to genetic deficits in the rod photoreceptors of the retina. Rods then die, causing dysfunction and death of cone photoreceptors, the cell type that mediates high acuity and color vision, ultimately leading to blindness. We investigated immune responses in mouse models of RP and found evidence of microglia activation throughout the period of cone degeneration. Using adeno-associated vectors (AAVs), delivery of genes encoding microglial regulatory signals led to the identification of AAV serotype 8 (AAV8) soluble CX3CL1 (sCX3CL1) as a promising therapy for degenerating cones. Subretinal injection of AAV8-sCX3CL1 significantly prolonged cone survival in three strains of RP mice. Rescue of cones was accompanied by improvements in visual function. AAV8-sCX3CL1 did not affect rod survival, microglia localization, or inflammatory cytokine levels in the retina. Furthermore, although RNA sequencing of microglia demonstrated marked transcriptional changes with AAV8-sCX3CL1, pharmacological depletion of up to ∼99% of microglia failed to abrogate the effect of AAV8-sCX3CL1 on cone survival. These findings indicate that AAV8-sCX3CL1 can rescue cones in multiple mouse models of RP via a pathway that does not require normal numbers of microglia. Gene therapy with sCX3CL1 is a promising mutation-independent approach to preserve vision in RP and potentially other forms of retinal degeneration.
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Léveillard T, Philp NJ, Sennlaub F. Is Retinal Metabolic Dysfunction at the Center of the Pathogenesis of Age-related Macular Degeneration? Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20030762. [PMID: 30754662 PMCID: PMC6387069 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) forms the outer blood⁻retina barrier and facilitates the transepithelial transport of glucose into the outer retina via GLUT1. Glucose is metabolized in photoreceptors via the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) but also by aerobic glycolysis to generate glycerol for the synthesis of phospholipids for the renewal of their outer segments. Aerobic glycolysis in the photoreceptors also leads to a high rate of production of lactate which is transported out of the subretinal space to the choroidal circulation by the RPE. Lactate taken up by the RPE is converted to pyruvate and metabolized via OXPHOS. Excess lactate in the RPE is transported across the basolateral membrane to the choroid. The uptake of glucose by cone photoreceptor cells is enhanced by rod-derived cone viability factor (RdCVF) secreted by rods and by insulin signaling. Together, the three cells act as symbiotes: the RPE supplies the glucose from the choroidal circulation to the photoreceptors, the rods help the cones, and both produce lactate to feed the RPE. In age-related macular degeneration this delicate ménage à trois is disturbed by the chronic infiltration of inflammatory macrophages. These immune cells also rely on aerobic glycolysis and compete for glucose and produce lactate. We here review the glucose metabolism in the homeostasis of the outer retina and in macrophages and hypothesize what happens when the metabolism of photoreceptors and the RPE is disturbed by chronic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Léveillard
- . Department of Genetics, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France.
| | - Nancy J Philp
- . Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
| | - Florian Sennlaub
- . Department of Therapeutics, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France.
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Léveillard T, Klipfel L. Mechanisms Underlying the Visual Benefit of Cell Transplantation for the Treatment of Retinal Degenerations. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20030557. [PMID: 30696106 PMCID: PMC6387096 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The transplantation of retinal cells has been studied in animals to establish proof of its potential benefit for the treatment of blinding diseases. Photoreceptor precursors have been grafted in animal models of Mendelian-inherited retinal degenerations, and retinal pigmented epithelial cells have been used to restore visual function in animal models of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and recently in patients. Cell therapy over corrective gene therapy in inherited retinal degeneration can overcome the genetic heterogeneity by providing one treatment for all genetic forms of the diseases. In AMD, the existence of multiple risk alleles precludes a priori the use of corrective gene therapy. Mechanistically, the experiments of photoreceptor precursor transplantation reveal the importance of cytoplasmic material exchange between the grafted cells and the host cells for functional rescue, an unsuspected mechanism and novel concept. For transplantation of retinal pigmented epithelial cells, the mechanisms behind the therapeutic benefit are only partially understood, and clinical trials are ongoing. The fascinating studies that describe the development of methodologies to produce cells to be grafted and demonstrate the functional benefit for vision are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Léveillard
- Department of Genetics, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France.
| | - Laurence Klipfel
- Department of Genetics, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France.
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63
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Lee DJ, Woertz EN, Visotcky A, Wilk MA, Heitkotter H, Linderman RE, Tarima S, Summers CG, Brooks BP, Brilliant MH, Antony BJ, Lujan BJ, Carroll J. The Henle Fiber Layer in Albinism: Comparison to Normal and Relationship to Outer Nuclear Layer Thickness and Foveal Cone Density. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2018; 59:5336-5348. [PMID: 30398625 PMCID: PMC6219160 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Directional optical coherence tomography (D-OCT) allows the visualization of the Henle fiber layer (HFL) in vivo. Here, we used D-OCT to characterize the HFL and outer nuclear layer (ONL) in albinism and examine the relationship between true foveal ONL and peak cone density. Methods Horizontal D-OCT B-scans were acquired, registered, and averaged for 12 subjects with oculocutaneous albinism and 26 control subjects. Averaged images were manually segmented to extract HFL and ONL thickness. Adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy was used to acquire images of the foveal cone mosaic in 10 subjects with albinism, from which peak cone density was assessed. Results Across the foveal region, the HFL topography was different between subjects with albinism and normal controls. In particular, foveal HFL thickness was thicker in albinism than in normal controls (P < 0.0001), whereas foveal ONL thickness was thinner in albinism than in normal controls (P < 0.0001). The total HFL and ONL thickness was not significantly different between albinism and controls (P = 0.3169). Foveal ONL thickness was positively correlated with peak cone density in subjects with albinism (r = 0.8061, P = 0.0072). Conclusions Foveal HFL and ONL topography are significantly altered in albinism relative to normal controls. Our data suggest that increased foveal cone packing drives the formation of Henle fibers, more so than the lateral displacement of inner retinal neurons (which is reduced in albinism). The ability to quantify foveal ONL and HFL may help further stratify grading schemes used to assess foveal hypoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Lee
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Erica N. Woertz
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Alexis Visotcky
- Division of Biostatistics, Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Melissa A. Wilk
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, Alabama, United States
| | - Heather Heitkotter
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Rachel E. Linderman
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Sergey Tarima
- Division of Biostatistics, Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - C. Gail Summers
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
| | | | - Murray H. Brilliant
- Center for Human Genetics, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, Wisconsin, United States
| | | | - Brandon J. Lujan
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Joseph Carroll
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
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64
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Abhari S, Eisenback M, Kaplan HJ, Walters E, Prather RS, Scott PA. Anatomic Studies of the Miniature Swine Cornea. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2018; 301:1955-1967. [PMID: 30288945 DOI: 10.1002/ar.23890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The domestic swine eye resembles the human eye both anatomically and physiologically. Xenotransplantation of the swine cornea to humans in need of full keratoplasty shows promise as a potential therapeutic strategy to restore vision in individuals with advanced corneal disease, especially those residing in developing nations. That said, we characterized the morphology of corneas from miniature swine, which are smaller in size, easier to handle, and more cost-effective compared to domestic swine. Eyes (N = 15) were harvested from miniature swine from different age groups: 1 month (N = 3), 2 month (N = 3), 4 month (N = 3), 8 month (N = 3), as well as 24 month old adult domestic swine (N = 3). They were immediately submerged in fixative and processed for histological examination at the light and transmission electron microscopic level. Gross anatomic measurements of the cornea were significantly less (P value ≤ 0.05) in miniature swine versus domestic swine. Corneal strata exhibited morphological characteristics similar to the domestic swine cornea. Adult miniature swine corneas show similar overall corneal thickness at 8 months of age versus domestic swine. Miniature swine exhibit similar corneal morphology with the domestic pig and humans, with the exception of Bowman's layer, which is absent in pigs. Therefore, miniature pigs may be a useful resource of corneal tissue for humans in need of full keratoplasty, as well as serve as a large eye model for ophthalmology residents to develop surgical skills and for development and testing of ocular therapeutic strategies that translate to humans. Anat Rec, 301:1955-1967, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarag Abhari
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Michael Eisenback
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Henry J Kaplan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky.,Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Eric Walters
- Division of Animal Science, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri.,National Swine Resource and Research Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Randall S Prather
- Division of Animal Science, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri.,National Swine Resource and Research Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Patrick A Scott
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky.,Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
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Arslan U, Özmert E, Demirel S, Örnek F, Şermet F. Effects of subtenon-injected autologous platelet-rich plasma on visual functions in eyes with retinitis pigmentosa: preliminary clinical results. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2018; 256:893-908. [PMID: 29546474 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-018-3953-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE One of the main reasons for apoptosis and dormant cell phases in degenerative retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is growth factor withdrawal in the cellular microenvironment. Growth factors and neurotrophins can significantly slow down retinal degeneration and cell death in animal models. One possible source of autologous growth factors is platelet-rich plasma. The purpose of this study was to determine if subtenon injections of autologous platelet-rich plasma (aPRP) can have beneficial effects on visual function in RP patients by reactivating dormant photoreceptors. MATERIAL AND METHODS This prospective open-label clinical trial, conducted between September 2016 and February 2017, involved 71 eyes belonging to 48 RP patients with various degrees of narrowed visual field. Forty-nine eyes belonging to 37 patients were injected with aPRP. A comparison group was made up of 11 patients who had symmetrical bilateral narrowed visual field (VF) of both eyes. Among these 11 patients, one eye was injected with aPRP, while the other eye was injected with autologous platelet-poor plasma (aPPP) to serve as a control. The total duration of the study was 9 weeks: the aPRP or aPPP subtenon injections were applied three times, with 3-week intervals between injections, and the patients were followed for three more weeks after the third injection. Visual acuity (VA) tests were conducted on all patients, and VF, microperimetry (MP), and multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) tests were conducted on suitable patients to evaluate the visual function changes before and after the aPRP or aPPP injections. RESULTS The best-corrected visual acuity values in the ETDRS chart improved by 11.6 letters (from 70 to 81.6 letters) in 19 of 48 eyes following aPRP application; this result, however, was not statistically significant (p = 0.056). Following aPRP injections in 48 eyes, the mean deviation of the VF values improved from - 25.3 to - 23.1 dB (p = 0.0001). Results regarding the mfERG P1 amplitudes improved in ring 1 from 24.4 to 38.5 nv/deg2 (p = 0.0001), in ring 2 from 6.7 to 9.3 nv/deg2 (p = 0.0301), and in ring 3 from 3.5 to 4.5 nv/deg2 (p = 0.0329). The mfERG P1 implicit times improved in ring 1 from 40.0 to 34.4 ms (p = 0.01), in ring 2 from 42.5 to 33.2 ms (p = 0.01), and in ring 3 from 42.1 to 37.9 ms (p = 0.04). The mfERG N1 amplitudes improved in ring 1 from 0.18 to 0.25 nv/deg2 (p = 0.011) and in ring 2 from 0.05 to 0.08 nv/deg2 (p = 0.014). The mfERG N1 implicit time also improved in ring 1 from 18.9 to 16.2 ms (p = 0.040) and in ring 2 from 20.9 to 15.5 ms (p = 0.002). No improvement was seen in the 11 control eyes into which aPPP was injected. In the 23 RP patients with macular involvement, the MP average threshold values improved with aPRP injections from 15.0 to 16.4 dB (p = 0.0001). No ocular or systemic adverse events related to the injections or aPRP were observed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION Preliminary clinical results are encouraging in terms of statistically significant improvements in VF, mfERG values, and MP. The subtenon injection of aPRP seems to be a therapeutic option for treatment and might lead to positive results in the vision of RP patients. Long-term results regarding adverse events are unknown. There have not been any serious adverse events and any ophthalmic or systemic side effects for 1 year follow-up. Further studies with long-term follow-up are needed to determine the duration of efficacy and the frequency of application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umut Arslan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Emin Özmert
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sibel Demirel
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey. .,Cebeci Tıp Fakültesi, Vehbi Koç Göz hastanesi, Göz Hastalıkları Ana Bilimdalı, Mamak caddesi, Dikimevi/Ankara, Dikimevi/Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Firdevs Örnek
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Figen Şermet
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
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66
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Nickerson PEB, Ortin-Martinez A, Wallace VA. Material Exchange in Photoreceptor Transplantation: Updating Our Understanding of Donor/Host Communication and the Future of Cell Engraftment Science. Front Neural Circuits 2018; 12:17. [PMID: 29559897 PMCID: PMC5845679 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2018.00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Considerable research effort has been invested into the transplantation of mammalian photoreceptors into healthy and degenerating mouse eyes. Several platforms of rod and cone fluorescent reporting have been central to refining the isolation, purification and transplantation of photoreceptors. The tracking of engrafted cells, including identifying the position, morphology and degree of donor cell integration post-transplant is highly dependent on the use of fluorescent protein reporters. Improvements in imaging and analysis of transplant recipients have revealed that donor cell fluorescent reporters can transfer into host tissue though a process termed material exchange (ME). This recent discovery has chaperoned a new era of interpretation when reviewing the field’s use of dissociated donor cell preparations, and has prompted scientists to re-examine how we use and interpret the information derived from fluorescence-based tracking tools. In this review, we describe the status of our understanding of ME in photoreceptor transplantation. In addition, we discuss the impact of this discovery on several aspects of historical rod and cone transplantation data, and provide insight into future standards and approaches to advance the field of cell engraftment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip E B Nickerson
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Arturo Ortin-Martinez
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Valerie A Wallace
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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67
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Donato L, Bramanti P, Scimone C, Rinaldi C, Giorgianni F, Beranova-Giorgianni S, Koirala D, D'Angelo R, Sidoti A. miRNAexpression profile of retinal pigment epithelial cells under oxidative stress conditions. FEBS Open Bio 2018; 8:219-233. [PMID: 29435412 PMCID: PMC5794457 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Deep analysis of regulative mechanisms of transcription and translation in eukaryotes could improve knowledge of many genetic pathologies such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). New layers of complexity have recently emerged with the discovery that ‘junk’ DNA is transcribed and, among these, miRNAs have assumed a preponderant role. We compared changes in the expression of miRNAs obtained from whole transcriptome analyses, between two groups of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, one untreated and the other exposed to the oxidant agent oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL), examining four time points (1, 2, 4 and 6 h). We found that 23 miRNAs exhibited altered expression in the treated samples, targeting genes involved in several biochemical pathways, many of them associated to RP for the first time, such as those mediated by insulin receptor signaling and son of sevenless. Moreover, five RP causative genes (KLHL7, RDH11,CERKL, AIPL1 and USH1G) emerged as already validated targets of five altered miRNAs (hsa‐miR‐1307, hsa‐miR‐3064, hsa‐miR‐4709, hsa‐miR‐3615 and hsa‐miR‐637), suggesting a tight connection between induced oxidative stress and RP development and progression. This miRNA expression analysis of oxidative stress‐induced RPE cells has discovered new regulative functions of miRNAs in RP that should lead to the discovery of new ways to regulate the etiopathogenesis of RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Donato
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine University of Messina Italy.,Department of Cutting-Edge Medicine and Therapies Biomolecular Strategies and Neuroscience Section of Neuroscience-applied, Molecular Genetics and Predictive MedicineI.E.M E.S.T. Palermo Italy
| | | | - Concetta Scimone
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine University of Messina Italy.,Department of Cutting-Edge Medicine and Therapies Biomolecular Strategies and Neuroscience Section of Neuroscience-applied, Molecular Genetics and Predictive MedicineI.E.M E.S.T. Palermo Italy
| | - Carmela Rinaldi
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine University of Messina Italy
| | | | | | | | - Rosalia D'Angelo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine University of Messina Italy
| | - Antonina Sidoti
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging Division of Medical Biotechnologies and Preventive Medicine University of Messina Italy.,Department of Cutting-Edge Medicine and Therapies Biomolecular Strategies and Neuroscience Section of Neuroscience-applied, Molecular Genetics and Predictive MedicineI.E.M E.S.T. Palermo Italy
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68
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Barbato S, Marrocco E, Intartaglia D, Pizzo M, Asteriti S, Naso F, Falanga D, Bhat RS, Meola N, Carissimo A, Karali M, Prosser HM, Cangiano L, Surace EM, Banfi S, Conte I. MiR-211 is essential for adult cone photoreceptor maintenance and visual function. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17004. [PMID: 29209045 PMCID: PMC5717140 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17331-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression that play an important role in the control of fundamental biological processes in both physiological and pathological conditions. Their function in retinal cells is just beginning to be elucidated, and a few have been found to play a role in photoreceptor maintenance and function. MiR-211 is one of the most abundant miRNAs in the developing and adult eye. However, its role in controlling vertebrate visual system development, maintenance and function so far remain incompletely unexplored. Here, by targeted inactivation in a mouse model, we identify a critical role of miR-211 in cone photoreceptor function and survival. MiR-211 knockout (-/-) mice exhibited a progressive cone dystrophy accompanied by significant alterations in visual function. Transcriptome analysis of the retina from miR-211-/- mice during cone degeneration revealed significant alteration of pathways related to cell metabolism. Collectively, this study highlights for the first time the impact of miR-211 function in the retina and significantly contributes to unravelling the role of specific miRNAs in cone photoreceptor function and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Barbato
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli (Naples), 80078, Italy
| | - Elena Marrocco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli (Naples), 80078, Italy
| | - Daniela Intartaglia
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli (Naples), 80078, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Pizzo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli (Naples), 80078, Italy
| | - Sabrina Asteriti
- Department of Translational Research, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56123, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Federica Naso
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli (Naples), 80078, Italy
| | - Danila Falanga
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli (Naples), 80078, Italy
| | - Rajeshwari S Bhat
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli (Naples), 80078, Italy
| | - Nicola Meola
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli (Naples), 80078, Italy
- Aarhus University, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, C.F. Møllers Allé 3 building 1130, 422-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Annamaria Carissimo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli (Naples), 80078, Italy
| | - Marianthi Karali
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli (Naples), 80078, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, University "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Luigi De Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Haydn M Prosser
- The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Cangiano
- Department of Translational Research, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56123, Pisa, Italy
| | - Enrico Maria Surace
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli (Naples), 80078, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Sandro Banfi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli (Naples), 80078, Italy.
- Medical Genetics, Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, University "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Luigi De Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy.
| | - Ivan Conte
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli (Naples), 80078, Italy.
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69
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Joyal JS, Gantner ML, Smith LEH. Retinal energy demands control vascular supply of the retina in development and disease: The role of neuronal lipid and glucose metabolism. Prog Retin Eye Res 2017; 64:131-156. [PMID: 29175509 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 11/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Sébastien Joyal
- Department of Pediatrics, Pharmacology and Ophthalmology, CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Qc, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Qc, Canada.
| | - Marin L Gantner
- The Lowy Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, United States
| | - Lois E H Smith
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston MA 02115, United States.
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70
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Kanow MA, Giarmarco MM, Jankowski CS, Tsantilas K, Engel AL, Du J, Linton JD, Farnsworth CC, Sloat SR, Rountree A, Sweet IR, Lindsay KJ, Parker ED, Brockerhoff SE, Sadilek M, Chao JR, Hurley JB. Biochemical adaptations of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium support a metabolic ecosystem in the vertebrate eye. eLife 2017; 6:28899. [PMID: 28901286 PMCID: PMC5617631 DOI: 10.7554/elife.28899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we report multiple lines of evidence for a comprehensive model of energy metabolism in the vertebrate eye. Metabolic flux, locations of key enzymes, and our finding that glucose enters mouse and zebrafish retinas mostly through photoreceptors support a conceptually new model for retinal metabolism. In this model, glucose from the choroidal blood passes through the retinal pigment epithelium to the retina where photoreceptors convert it to lactate. Photoreceptors then export the lactate as fuel for the retinal pigment epithelium and for neighboring Müller glial cells. We used human retinal epithelial cells to show that lactate can suppress consumption of glucose by the retinal pigment epithelium. Suppression of glucose consumption in the retinal pigment epithelium can increase the amount of glucose that reaches the retina. This framework for understanding metabolic relationships in the vertebrate retina provides new insights into the underlying causes of retinal disease and age-related vision loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Kanow
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | | | - Connor Sr Jankowski
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - Kristine Tsantilas
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - Abbi L Engel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - Jianhai Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, United States
| | - Jonathan D Linton
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | | | - Stephanie R Sloat
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - Austin Rountree
- Department of Medicine, UW Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - Ian R Sweet
- Department of Medicine, UW Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - Ken J Lindsay
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, United States.,Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Edward D Parker
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - Susan E Brockerhoff
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - Martin Sadilek
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - Jennifer R Chao
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - James B Hurley
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
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71
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Kaplan HJ, Wang W, Dean DC. Restoration of Cone Photoreceptor Function in Retinitis Pigmentosa. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2017; 6:5. [PMID: 28900578 PMCID: PMC5588910 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.6.5.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Henry J Kaplan
- University of Louisville, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- University of Louisville, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Douglas C Dean
- University of Louisville, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Louisville, KY, USA.,University of Louisville, Molecular Targets Program, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, Louisville, KY, USA
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72
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Roberts RM, Yuan Y, Ezashi T. Exploring early differentiation and pluripotency in domestic animals. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 29:101-107. [PMID: 28278797 DOI: 10.1071/rd16292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This short review describes some general features of the origins of the pluripotent inner cell mass and epiblast during the early development of eutherian mammals and the two kinds of embryonic stem cell (ESC), naïve and primed type, that have been produced from these structures. We point out that the derivation of pluripotent stem cells from domesticated species continues to be fraught with difficulties, most likely because the culture requirements of these cells are distinct from those of mouse and human ESCs. Generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from the domesticated species has been more straightforward, although the majority of the iPSC lines remain dependent on the continued expression of one or more integrated reprogramming genes. Although hope for the potential usefulness of these cells in genetic modification of livestock and other domestic species has dimmed, ESCs and iPSCs remain our best source of self-renewing populations of pluripotent cells, with potential usefulness in preserving and propagating valuable animal breeds and making contributions to fields such as regenerative medicine, toxicology and even laboratory meat production.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Michael Roberts
- Division of Animal Sciences and Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, 245 Bond Life Sciences Center, 1201 East Rollins Street, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Ye Yuan
- Division of Animal Sciences and Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, 245 Bond Life Sciences Center, 1201 East Rollins Street, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Toshihiko Ezashi
- Division of Animal Sciences and Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, 245 Bond Life Sciences Center, 1201 East Rollins Street, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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73
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Swine models, genomic tools and services to enhance our understanding of human health and diseases. Lab Anim (NY) 2017; 46:167-172. [PMID: 28328880 PMCID: PMC7091812 DOI: 10.1038/laban.1215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The pig is becoming increasingly important as a biomedical model. Given the similarities between pigs and humans, a greater understanding of the underlying biology of human health and diseases may come from the pig rather than from classical rodent models. With an increasing need for swine models, it is essential that the genomic tools, models and services be readily available to the scientific community. Many of these are available through the National Swine Resource and Research Center (NSRRC), a facility funded by the US National Institutes of Health at the University of Missouri. The goal of the NSRRC is to provide high-quality biomedical swine models to the scientific community.
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74
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Genetic rescue models refute nonautonomous rod cell death in retinitis pigmentosa. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:5259-5264. [PMID: 28468800 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1615394114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited neurodegenerative disease, in which the death of mutant rod photoreceptors leads secondarily to the non-cell autonomous death of cone photoreceptors. Gene therapy is a promising treatment strategy. Unfortunately, current methods of gene delivery treat only a fraction of diseased cells, yielding retinas that are a mosaic of treated and untreated rods, as well as cones. In this study, we created two RP mouse models to test whether dying, untreated rods negatively impact treated, rescued rods. In one model, treated and untreated rods were segregated. In the second model, treated and untreated rods were diffusely intermixed, and their ratio was controlled to achieve low-, medium-, or high-efficiency rescue. Analysis of these mosaic retinas demonstrated that rescued rods (and cones) survive, even when they are greatly outnumbered by dying photoreceptors. On the other hand, the rescued photoreceptors did exhibit long-term defects in their outer segments (OSs), which were less severe when more photoreceptors were treated. In summary, our study suggests that even low-efficiency gene therapy may achieve stable survival of rescued photoreceptors in RP patients, albeit with OS dysgenesis.
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75
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Reyes-Reveles J, Dhingra A, Alexander D, Bragin A, Philp NJ, Boesze-Battaglia K. Phagocytosis-dependent ketogenesis in retinal pigment epithelium. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:8038-8047. [PMID: 28302729 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.770784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Daily, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) ingests a bolus of lipid and protein in the form of phagocytized photoreceptor outer segments (OS). The RPE, like the liver, expresses enzymes required for fatty acid oxidation and ketogenesis. This suggests that these pathways play a role in the disposal of lipids from ingested OS, as well as providing a mechanism for recycling metabolic intermediates back to the outer retina. In this study, we examined whether OS phagocytosis was linked to ketogenesis. We found increased levels of β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) in the apical medium following ingestion of OS by human fetal RPE and ARPE19 cells cultured on Transwell inserts. No increase in ketogenesis was observed following ingestion of oxidized OS or latex beads. Our studies further defined the connection between OS phagocytosis and ketogenesis in wild-type mice and mice with defects in phagosome maturation using a mouse RPE explant model. In explant studies, the levels of β-HB released were temporally correlated with OS phagocytic burst after light onset. In the Mreg-/- mouse where phagosome maturation is delayed, there was a temporal shift in the release of β-HB. An even more pronounced shift in maximal β-HB production was observed in the Abca4-/- RPE, in which loss of the ATP-binding cassette A4 transporter results in defective phagosome processing and accumulation of lipid debris. These studies suggest that FAO and ketogenesis are key to supporting the metabolism of the RPE and preventing the accumulation of lipids that lead to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Reyes-Reveles
- From the Department of Biochemistry, School of Dental Medicine (SDM), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 and
| | - Anuradha Dhingra
- From the Department of Biochemistry, School of Dental Medicine (SDM), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 and
| | - Desiree Alexander
- From the Department of Biochemistry, School of Dental Medicine (SDM), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 and
| | - Alvina Bragin
- From the Department of Biochemistry, School of Dental Medicine (SDM), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 and
| | - Nancy J Philp
- the Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19146
| | - Kathleen Boesze-Battaglia
- From the Department of Biochemistry, School of Dental Medicine (SDM), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 and
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76
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Metabolic and redox signaling in the retina. Cell Mol Life Sci 2016; 74:3649-3665. [PMID: 27543457 PMCID: PMC5597695 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2318-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Visual perception by photoreceptors relies on the interaction of incident photons from light with a derivative of vitamin A that is covalently linked to an opsin molecule located in a special subcellular structure, the photoreceptor outer segment. The photochemical reaction produced by the photon is optimal when the opsin molecule, a seven-transmembrane protein, is embedded in a lipid bilayer of optimal fluidity. This is achieved in vertebrate photoreceptors by a high proportion of lipids made with polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have the detrimental property of being oxidized and damaged by light. Photoreceptors cannot divide, but regenerate their outer segments. This is an enormous energetic challenge that explains why photoreceptors metabolize glucose through aerobic glycolysis, as cancer cells do. Uptaken glucose produces metabolites to renew that outer segment as well as reducing power through the pentose phosphate pathway to protect photoreceptors against oxidative damage.
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