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Jinda W, Tuekprakhon A, Thongnoppakhun W, Limwongse C, Trinavarat A, Atchaneeyasakul LO. Molecular and clinical characterization of Thai patients with achromatopsia: identification of three novel disease-associated variants in the CNGA3 and CNGB3 genes. Int Ophthalmol 2020; 41:121-134. [PMID: 32869108 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-020-01559-2] [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: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Achromatopsia (ACHM) is an autosomal recessive cone disorder characterized by pendular nystagmus, photophobia, reduced visual acuity, and partial or total absence of color vision. Mutations in six genes (CNGA3, CNGB3, GNAT2, PDE6C, PDE6H, and ATF6) have been reported in ACHM. There is no information on these disease-associated genes in Thai population. This study aimed to investigate the molecular and clinical characteristics in Thai patients with ACHM. METHODS Seven unrelated Thai patients with ACHM were recruited. Detailed ophthalmologic examination was performed. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-coupled single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) screening followed by Sanger sequencing was used to identify sequence variants in all exons and splice junctions of three genes (CNGA3, CNGB3, and GNAT2). The pathogenicity of the detected variants was interpreted. Segregation analysis was performed to determine variant sharing in available family members. RESULTS Four patients displayed different SSCP migration patterns. Sequence analysis revealed a reported pathogenic and a novel disease-associated variant in the CNGA3 gene. For the CNGB3 gene, we found two novel disease-associated variants and a reported variant of uncertain significance (VUS). Segregation analysis confirmed that the variants identified in each patient were present in the heterozygous state in their corresponding family members, which was consistent with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated the first molecular and clinical characterization of ACHM in Thai patients. The identification of disease-associated genes in a specific population leads to a personalized gene therapy benefiting those affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Worapoj Jinda
- Division of Medical Genetics Research and Laboratory, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Aekkachai Tuekprakhon
- Clinical Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wanna Thongnoppakhun
- Division of Medical Genetics Research and Laboratory, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chanin Limwongse
- Division of Medical Genetics Research and Laboratory, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Adisak Trinavarat
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - La-Ongsri Atchaneeyasakul
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
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De Silva SR, Arno G, Robson AG, Fakin A, Pontikos N, Mohamed MD, Bird AC, Moore AT, Michaelides M, Webster AR, Mahroo OA. The X-linked retinopathies: Physiological insights, pathogenic mechanisms, phenotypic features and novel therapies. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 82:100898. [PMID: 32860923 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
X-linked retinopathies represent a significant proportion of monogenic retinal disease. They include progressive and stationary conditions, with and without syndromic features. Many are X-linked recessive, but several exhibit a phenotype in female carriers, which can help establish diagnosis and yield insights into disease mechanisms. The presence of affected carriers can misleadingly suggest autosomal dominant inheritance. Some disorders (such as RPGR-associated retinopathy) show diverse phenotypes from variants in the same gene and also highlight limitations of current genetic sequencing methods. X-linked disease frequently arises from loss of function, implying potential for benefit from gene replacement strategies. We review X-inactivation and X-linked inheritance, and explore burden of disease attributable to X-linked genes in our clinically and genetically characterised retinal disease cohort, finding correlation between gene transcript length and numbers of families. We list relevant genes and discuss key clinical features, disease mechanisms, carrier phenotypes and novel experimental therapies. We consider in detail the following: RPGR (associated with retinitis pigmentosa, cone and cone-rod dystrophy), RP2 (retinitis pigmentosa), CHM (choroideremia), RS1 (X-linked retinoschisis), NYX (complete congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB)), CACNA1F (incomplete CSNB), OPN1LW/OPN1MW (blue cone monochromacy, Bornholm eye disease, cone dystrophy), GPR143 (ocular albinism), COL4A5 (Alport syndrome), and NDP (Norrie disease and X-linked familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR)). We use a recently published transcriptome analysis to explore expression by cell-type and discuss insights from electrophysiology. In the final section, we present an algorithm for genes to consider in diagnosing males with non-syndromic X-linked retinopathy, summarise current experimental therapeutic approaches, and consider questions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha R De Silva
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Gavin Arno
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Anthony G Robson
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ana Fakin
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Ljubljana University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nikolas Pontikos
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Moin D Mohamed
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Alan C Bird
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Anthony T Moore
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Department of Ophthalmology, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Andrew R Webster
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Omar A Mahroo
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Department of Ophthalmology, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Section of Ophthalmology, King's College London, UK; Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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53
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Sun W, Li S, Xiao X, Wang P, Zhang Q. Genotypes and phenotypes of genes associated with achromatopsia: A reference for clinical genetic testing. Mol Vis 2020; 26:588-602. [PMID: 32913385 PMCID: PMC7479066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Achromatopsia is a congenital autosomal recessive cone disorder, and it has been found to be associated with six genes. However, pathogenic variants in these six genes have been identified in patients with various retinal dystrophies with the exception of achromatopsia. Thus, this study aims to investigate the contribution of these genes in hereditary retinal diseases and the potential genotype-phenotype correlations. METHODS Biallelic variants in six achromatopsia-related genes, namely, CNGA3, CNGB3, GNAT2, ATF6, PDE6C, and PDE6H, were analyzed based on data obtained from 7,195 probands with different eye conditions. A systematic genotype-phenotype analysis of these genes was performed based on these data, along with the data reported in the literature. RESULTS Biallelic potential pathogenic variants (PPVs) in five of the six genes were identified in 119 probands with genetic eye diseases. The variants in CNGA3 were the most common and accounted for 81.5% (97/119). Of the 119 probands, 62.2% (74/119) have cone-rod dystrophy, whereas only 25.2% (30/119) have achromatopsia. No biallelic pathogenic variants in these genes were identified in patients with rod-dominant degeneration. A systematic review of genotypes and phenotypes revealed certain characteristics of each of the six genes, providing clues for the pathogenicity evaluation of the variants of the genes. CONCLUSIONS PPVs in the six genes were identified in various inherited retinal degeneration diseases, most of which are cone-dominant diseases but no rod-dominant diseases based on the data from a cohort of 7,195 probands with different eye conditions. The systematic genotype-phenotype analysis of these genes will be useful in drafting guidelines for the clinical genetic diagnostic application for the investigated genes.
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54
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Yuan S, Qi R, Fang X, Wang X, Zhou L, Sheng X. Two novel PDE6C gene mutations in Chinese family with achromatopsia. Ophthalmic Genet 2020; 41:591-598. [PMID: 32787476 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2020.1802762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: Achromatopsia (ACHM) is an inherited retinal disease affecting the cone cell function. To date, six pathogenic genes of ACHM have been identified. However, the diagnostic and therapeutic methods of this disorder remain limited. Herein, to characterize the clinical features and genetic causes of three affected siblings in a Chinese family with ACHM, we used target next-generation sequencing (NGS) and found new pathogenic factors associated with ACHM in this family. Materials and methods: Three patients with ACHM and three healthy family members were included in this study. All participants received comprehensive ophthalmic tests. NGS approach was performed on the patients to determine the causative mutation for this family. The silico analysis was also applied to predict the pathogenesis of identified mutations. Results: Genetic assessments revealed compound heterozygous mutations of the PDE6C gene (c.1413 + 1 G > C, c.305 G > A), carried by all three patients. Both mutations were novel and predicted to be deleterious by six types of online predictive software. The heterozygous PDE6C missense mutation (c.305 G > A) was found from the mother and the heterozygous PDE6C splice site mutation (c.1413 + 1 G > C) was found in the father and all the children. All patients in the family showed typical signs and symptoms of ACHM. Conclusions: We report novel compound heterozygous PDE6C mutations in causing ACHM and further confirm the clinical diagnosis. Our study extends the genotypic spectrums for PDE6C-ACHM and better illustrates its genotype-phenotype correlations, which would help the ACHM patients with better genetic diagnosis, prognosis, and gene treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqin Yuan
- Ningxia Clinical Research Center of Blinding Eye Disease, Ningxia Eye Hospital, People Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University for Nationalities) , Yinchuan, China
| | - Rui Qi
- Ningxia Clinical Research Center of Blinding Eye Disease, Ningxia Eye Hospital, People Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University for Nationalities) , Yinchuan, China.,Aier Eye Hospital Group, Hubin Aier Eye Hospital , Binzhou, Shangdong, China
| | - Xinhe Fang
- Ningxia Clinical Research Center of Blinding Eye Disease, Ningxia Eye Hospital, People Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University for Nationalities) , Yinchuan, China
| | - Xiaoguang Wang
- Ningxia Clinical Research Center of Blinding Eye Disease, Ningxia Eye Hospital, People Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University for Nationalities) , Yinchuan, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- Ningxia Clinical Research Center of Blinding Eye Disease, Ningxia Eye Hospital, People Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University for Nationalities) , Yinchuan, China
| | - Xunlun Sheng
- Ningxia Clinical Research Center of Blinding Eye Disease, Ningxia Eye Hospital, People Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University for Nationalities) , Yinchuan, China
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55
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Georgiou M, Litts KM, Singh N, Kane T, Patterson EJ, Hirji N, Kalitzeos A, Dubra A, Michaelides M, Carroll J. Intraobserver Repeatability and Interobserver Reproducibility of Foveal Cone Density Measurements in CNGA3- and CNGB3-Associated Achromatopsia. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:37. [PMID: 32832242 PMCID: PMC7414701 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.7.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To examine repeatability and reproducibility of foveal cone density measurements in patients with CNGA3 - and CNGB3-associated achromatopsia (ACHM) using split-detection adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO). Methods Thirty foveae from molecularly confirmed subjects with ACHM, half of whom harbored disease-causing variants in CNGA3 and half in CNGB3, underwent nonconfocal split-detection AOSLO imaging. Cone photoreceptors within the manually delineated rod-free zone were manually identified twice by two independent observers. The coordinates of the marked cones were used for quantifying foveal cone density. Cone density and difference maps were generated to compare cone topography between trials. Results We observed excellent intraobserver repeatability in foveal cone density estimates, with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) ranging from 0.963 to 0.991 for CNGA3 and CNGB3 subjects. Interobserver reproducibility was also excellent for both CNGA3 (ICC = 0.952; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.903-1.0) and CNGB3 (ICC = 0.968; 95% CI, 0.935-1.0). However, Bland-Altman analysis revealed bias between observers. Conclusions Foveal cone density can be measured using the described method with good repeatability and reproducibility both for CNGA3- and CNGB3-associated ACHM. Any degree of bias observed among the observers is of uncertain clinical significance but should be evaluated on a study-specific basis. Translational Relevance This approach could be used to explore disease natural history, as well as to facilitate stratification of patients and monitor efficacy of interventions for ongoing and upcoming ACHM gene therapy trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michalis Georgiou
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Katie M Litts
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Navjit Singh
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Thomas Kane
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Emily J Patterson
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Nashila Hirji
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Angelos Kalitzeos
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Alfredo Dubra
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Joseph Carroll
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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56
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Fujinami-Yokokawa Y, Fujinami K, Kuniyoshi K, Hayashi T, Ueno S, Mizota A, Shinoda K, Arno G, Pontikos N, Yang L, Liu X, Sakuramoto H, Katagiri S, Mizobuchi K, Kominami T, Terasaki H, Nakamura N, Kameya S, Yoshitake K, Miyake Y, Kurihara T, Tsubota K, Miyata H, Iwata T, Tsunoda K. Clinical and Genetic Characteristics of 18 Patients from 13 Japanese Families with CRX-associated retinal disorder: Identification of Genotype-phenotype Association. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9531. [PMID: 32533067 PMCID: PMC7293272 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65737-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal disorder (IRD) is a leading cause of blindness, and CRX is one of a number of genes reported to harbour autosomal dominant (AD) and recessive (AR) causative variants. Eighteen patients from 13 families with CRX-associated retinal disorder (CRX-RD) were identified from 730 Japanese families with IRD. Ophthalmological examinations and phenotype subgroup classification were performed. The median age of onset/latest examination was 45.0/62.5 years (range, 15-77/25-94). The median visual acuity in the right/left eye was 0.52/0.40 (range, -0.08-2.00/-0.18-1.70) logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR) units. There was one family with macular dystrophy, nine with cone-rod dystrophy (CORD), and three with retinitis pigmentosa. In silico analysis of CRX variants was conducted for genotype subgroup classification based on inheritance and the presence of truncating variants. Eight pathogenic CRX variants were identified, including three novel heterozygous variants (p.R43H, p.P145Lfs*42, and p.P197Afs*22). A trend of a genotype-phenotype association was revealed between the phenotype and genotype subgroups. A considerably high proportion of CRX-RD in ADCORD was determined in the Japanese cohort (39.1%), often showing the mild phenotype (CORD) with late-onset disease (sixth decade). Frequently found heterozygous missense variants located within the homeodomain underlie this mild phenotype. This large cohort study delineates the disease spectrum of CRX-RD in the Japanese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fujinami-Yokokawa
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, 152-8902, Japan.,Department of Health Policy and Management, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Public Health, Yokokawa Clinic, Suita, 564-0083, Japan
| | - Kaoru Fujinami
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, 152-8902, Japan. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan. .,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, EC1V 9EL, UK. .,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, EC1V 2PD, UK.
| | - Kazuki Kuniyoshi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, 589-8511, Japan
| | - Takaaki Hayashi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
| | - Shinji Ueno
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Atsushi Mizota
- Department of Ophthalmology, Teikyo University, Tokyo, 173-8605, Japan
| | - Kei Shinoda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Teikyo University, Tokyo, 173-8605, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, 350-0495, Japan
| | - Gavin Arno
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, 152-8902, Japan.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, EC1V 2PD, UK.,North East Thames Regional Genetics Service, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 1EH, London, UK
| | - Nikolas Pontikos
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, 152-8902, Japan.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Lizhu Yang
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, 152-8902, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Xiao Liu
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, 152-8902, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.,Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Hiroyuki Sakuramoto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, 589-8511, Japan
| | - Satoshi Katagiri
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
| | - Kei Mizobuchi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
| | - Taro Kominami
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Hiroko Terasaki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Natsuko Nakamura
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, 152-8902, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8654, Japan
| | - Shuhei Kameya
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Inzai, 270-1694, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Yoshitake
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, 152-8902, Japan
| | - Yozo Miyake
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, 152-8902, Japan.,Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, 480-1195, Japan.,Kobe Eye Center, Next Vision, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Toshihide Kurihara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kazuo Tsubota
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Miyata
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Healthcare Quality Assessment, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takeshi Iwata
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, 152-8902, Japan
| | - Kazushige Tsunoda
- Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, 152-8902, Japan
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Lee EJ, Chiang WCJ, Kroeger H, Bi CX, Chao DL, Skowronska-Krawczyk D, Mastey RR, Tsang SH, Chea L, Kim K, Lambert SR, Grandjean JM, Baumann B, Audo I, Kohl S, Moore AT, Wiseman RL, Carroll J, Lin JH. Multiexon deletion alleles of ATF6 linked to achromatopsia. JCI Insight 2020; 5:136041. [PMID: 32271167 PMCID: PMC7205249 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.136041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Achromatopsia (ACHM) is an autosomal recessive disease that results in severe visual loss. Symptoms of ACHM include impaired visual acuity, nystagmus, and photoaversion starting from infancy; furthermore, ACHM is associated with bilateral foveal hypoplasia and absent or severely reduced cone photoreceptor function on electroretinography. Here, we performed genetic sequencing in 3 patients from 2 families with ACHM, identifying and functionally characterizing 2 mutations in the activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) gene. We identified a homozygous deletion covering exons 8-14 of the ATF6 gene from 2 siblings from the same family. In another patient from a different family, we identified a heterozygous deletion covering exons 2 and 3 of the ATF6 gene found in trans with a previously identified ATF6 c.970C>T (p.Arg324Cys) ACHM disease allele. Recombinant ATF6 proteins bearing these exon deletions showed markedly impaired transcriptional activity by qPCR and RNA-Seq analysis compared with WT-ATF6. Finally, RNAscope revealed that ATF6 and the related ATF6B transcripts were expressed in cones as well as in all retinal layers in normal human retina. Overall, our data identify loss-of-function ATF6 disease alleles that cause human foveal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Jin Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shiley Eye Institute, and
- Department of Pathology, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Wei-Chieh Jerry Chiang
- Department of Pathology, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
- Developmental Neurobiology Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Heike Kroeger
- Department of Pathology, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | | | - Rebecca R. Mastey
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Stephen H. Tsang
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Leon Chea
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Kyle Kim
- Department of Pathology, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Scott R. Lambert
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Julia M.D. Grandjean
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Britta Baumann
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Isabelle Audo
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
- CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DGOS CIC1423, Paris, France
| | - Susanne Kohl
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anthony T. Moore
- Department of Ophthalmology, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - R. Luke Wiseman
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Joseph Carroll
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jonathan H. Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, California, USA
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58
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Hirji N, Theodorou M, Bainbridge JW, Venturi N, Michaelides M. Nystagmus and optical coherence tomography findings in CNGB3-associated achromatopsia. J AAPOS 2020; 24:82.e1-82.e7. [PMID: 32151571 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaapos.2019.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the nystagmus characteristics of subjects with molecularly confirmed CNGB3-associated achromatopsia and report the spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) findings in these individuals. METHODS Adults and children with CNGB3-achromatopsia underwent visual acuity testing, ocular motility assessments, video nystagmography, and SD-OCT imaging. Qualitative assessment of foveal structure was performed by grading SD-OCT images into one of five categories. RESULTS A total of 18 subjects (11 adults) were included. The majority demonstrated a phoria, with manifest strabismus present in only 3 subjects. The predominant nystagmus waveform within the cohort was pure pendular. Nine individuals demonstrated a mixture of waveforms. Nystagmus frequencies were 4-8 cycles/second, with no notable differences in eye movements between adults and children. SD-OCT imaging revealed a continuous ellipsoid zone (EZ) at the fovea in 2 subjects (grade 1) and EZ disruption (grade 2) in the remaining 16. Retinal structure characteristics were symmetrical in both eyes in each subject. CONCLUSIONS In our study cohort, nystagmus in CNGB3-associated achromatopsia had distinctive features, and the majority of subjects had retinal abnormalities at the fovea on SD-OCT. Early use of SD-OCT in the clinical work-up may eliminate the need for more invasive investigations, such as neuro-imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nashila Hirji
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Theodorou
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
| | - James W Bainbridge
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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59
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Barabino A, Flamier A, Hanna R, Héon E, Freedman BS, Bernier G. Deregulation of Neuro-Developmental Genes and Primary Cilium Cytoskeleton Anomalies in iPSC Retinal Sheets from Human Syndromic Ciliopathies. Stem Cell Reports 2020; 14:357-373. [PMID: 32160518 PMCID: PMC7066374 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Ciliopathies are heterogeneous genetic diseases affecting primary cilium structure and function. Meckel-Gruber (MKS) and Bardet-Biedl (BBS) syndromes are severe ciliopathies characterized by skeletal and neurodevelopment anomalies, including polydactyly, cognitive impairment, and retinal degeneration. We describe the generation and molecular characterization of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived retinal sheets (RSs) from controls, and MKS (TMEM67) and BBS (BBS10) cases. MKS and BBS RSs displayed significant common alterations in the expression of hundreds of developmental genes and members of the WNT and BMP pathways. Induction of crystallin molecular chaperones was prominent in MKS and BBS RSs suggesting a stress response to misfolded proteins. Unique to MKS photoreceptors was the presence of supernumerary centrioles and cilia, and aggregation of ciliary proteins. Unique to BBS photoreceptors was the accumulation of DNA damage and activation of the mitotic spindle checkpoint. This study reveals how combining cell reprogramming, organogenesis, and next-generation sequencing enables the elucidation of mechanisms involved in human ciliopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Barabino
- Stem Cell and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, 5415 Boul. Assomption, Montreal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Anthony Flamier
- Stem Cell and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, 5415 Boul. Assomption, Montreal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Roy Hanna
- Stem Cell and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, 5415 Boul. Assomption, Montreal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Elise Héon
- Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Program of Genetics and Genome Biology, 555 University av., Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Benjamin S Freedman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Kidney Research Institute, and Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Department of Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | - Gilbert Bernier
- Stem Cell and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, 5415 Boul. Assomption, Montreal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada; Department of Neurosciences, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada.
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60
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Ritter M, Arno G, Ba-Abbad R, Holder GE, Webster AR. Macular maldevelopment in ATF6-mediated retinal dysfunction. Ophthalmic Genet 2020; 40:564-569. [PMID: 31900015 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2019.1706749] [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] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background: Achromatopsia has been previously associated with mutations in the ATF6 gene. Rod-monochromatism, foveal hypoplasia, and disruption of the subfoveal photoreceptor layer are described as phenotypical features. We report detailed structural and electrophysiological assessment of two patients from two families, one manifesting severe macular maldevelopment and one with foveal hypoplasia.Materials and methods: The patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination including electroretinography (ERG), spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), fundus autofluorescence, and fundus photography. Genetic testing was performed by next-generation sequencing.Results: In one patient, fundoscopy and SD-OCT revealed well-demarcated coloboma-like excavated lesions at the central macula of both eyes. Genetic analysis identified a novel homozygous p.Asp140Ter mutation in the ATF6 gene. The second patient had foveal hypoplasia in association with a homozygous ATF6 mutation affecting a splice donor site (c.1187 + 5G>C). In both patients, electrophysiological assessment showed normal rod-specific (DA 0.01) and dark-adapted bright white-flash ERGs (DA 10.0). 30 Hz flicker ERGs were undetectable. There were low-amplitude single-flash photopic ERGs (LA 3.0) with timing and shape suggesting S-cone origin.Conclusions: The findings, particularly a case with severe macular maldevelopment, may expand on the phenotype previously associated with ATF6-mediated achromatopsia. In addition, the comprehensive electrophysiological assessment suggests that preserved S-cone activity can be detected in this particular molecular sub-type of cone dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Ritter
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK.,Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gavin Arno
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rola Ba-Abbad
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Graham E Holder
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,National University of Singapore, Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Andrew R Webster
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
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61
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Suppiej A, Marino S, Reffo ME, Maritan V, Vitaliti G, Mailo J, Falsaperla R. Early onset retinal dystrophies: clinical clues to diagnosis for pediatricians. Ital J Pediatr 2019; 45:168. [PMID: 31864384 PMCID: PMC6925422 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-019-0760-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Inherited retinal dystrophies are major cause of severe progressive vision loss in children. Early recognition and diagnosis are essential for timely visual rehabilitation during the appropriate stages of the visual development, as well as for genetic diagnosis and possible gene therapy. The aim of this study is to characterize a pattern of the initial visual symptoms, which could help the pediatricians and the primary care providers to suspect an inherited retinal disorder in its early stage. Methods We analyzed the initial clinical symptoms, based on parental report during the first visit to specialist, in 50 children diagnosed with retinal dystrophy confirmed by full-field electroretinography. The analysis included the age of symptoms onset and the type of visual symptoms, both in the total population and in the following diagnostic subgroups: rod-cone dystrophy (n.17), cone-rod dystrophy (n.12), achromatopsia (n.13), congenital stationary night blindness (n.6) and Leber’s congenital amaurosis (n.2). Results The majority of children (80%) had the onset of clinical symptoms before one year of age. The most frequent visual complaints reported by parents were nystagmus (76%), visual loss (28%) and photophobia (8%). Nystagmus was the first symptom reported by parents if the disease onset was before the age of six months, while the onset after the six months of age was more likely associated with the complain of vision loss. Conclusions Low vision and nystagmus observed by parents, particularly in the first year of life, may represent a red flag, prompting an appropriate ophthalmological workup for inherited retinal dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnese Suppiej
- Department of Medical Sciences - Pediatric Section, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy. .,Robert Hollman Foundation, Padua, Italy.
| | - Silvia Marino
- Paediatric Operative Unit and Acute and Emergency, Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele University Hospital of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Giovanna Vitaliti
- Paediatric Operative Unit and Acute and Emergency, Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele University Hospital of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Janette Mailo
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Stoller Children's Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Raffaele Falsaperla
- Paediatric Operative Unit and Acute and Emergency, Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele University Hospital of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Mastey RR, Georgiou M, Langlo CS, Kalitzeos A, Patterson EJ, Kane T, Singh N, Vincent A, Moore AT, Tsang SH, Lin JH, Young MP, Hartnett ME, Héon E, Kohl S, Michaelides M, Carroll J. Characterization of Retinal Structure in ATF6-Associated Achromatopsia. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:2631-2640. [PMID: 31237654 PMCID: PMC6594318 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.19-27047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Mutations in six genes have been associated with achromatopsia (ACHM): CNGA3, CNGB3, PDE6H, PDE6C, GNAT2, and ATF6. ATF6 is the most recent gene to be identified, though thorough phenotyping of this genetic subtype is lacking. Here, we sought to test the hypothesis that ATF6-associated ACHM is a structurally distinct form of congenital ACHM. Methods Seven genetically confirmed subjects from five nonconsanguineous families were recruited. Foveal hypoplasia and the integrity of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) band (a.k.a., IS/OS) were graded from optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. Images of the photoreceptor mosaic were acquired using confocal and nonconfocal split-detection adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO). Parafoveal cone and rod density values were calculated and compared to published normative data as well as data from two subjects harboring CNGA3 or CNGB3 mutations who were recruited for comparative purposes. Additionally, nonconfocal dark-field AOSLO images of the retinal pigment epithelium were obtained, with quantitative analysis performed in one subject with ATF6-ACHM. Results Foveal hypoplasia was observed in all subjects with ATF6 mutations. Absence of the EZ band within the foveal region (grade 3) or appearance of a hyporeflective zone (grade 4) was seen in all subjects with ATF6 using OCT. There was no evidence of remnant foveal cone structure using confocal AOSLO, although sporadic cone-like structures were seen in nonconfocal split-detection AOSLO. There was a lack of cone structure in the parafovea, in direct contrast to previous reports. Conclusions Our data demonstrate a near absence of cone structure in subjects harboring ATF6 mutations. This implicates ATF6 as having a major role in cone development and suggests that at least a subset of subjects with ATF6-ACHM have markedly fewer cellular targets for cone-directed gene therapies than do subjects with CNGA3- or CNGB3-ACHM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca R Mastey
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Michalis Georgiou
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher S Langlo
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Angelos Kalitzeos
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emily J Patterson
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Thomas Kane
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Navjit Singh
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ajoy Vincent
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Anthony T Moore
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California-San Francisco Medical School, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- Jonas Children's Vision Care, Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, New York, New York, United States
| | - Jonathan H Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States.,Department of Pathology, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Marielle P Young
- Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | | | - Elise Héon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Susanne Kohl
- Centre for Ophthalmology Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Carroll
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States.,Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
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63
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Georgiou M, Robson AG, Singh N, Pontikos N, Kane T, Hirji N, Ripamonti C, Rotsos T, Dubra A, Kalitzeos A, Webster AR, Carroll J, Michaelides M. Deep Phenotyping of PDE6C-Associated Achromatopsia. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:5112-5123. [PMID: 31826238 PMCID: PMC6905659 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.19-27761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To perform deep phenotyping of subjects with PDE6C achromatopsia and examine disease natural history. Methods Eight subjects with disease-causing variants in PDE6C were assessed in detail, including clinical phenotype, best-corrected visual acuity, fundus autofluorescence, and optical coherence tomography. Six subjects also had confocal and nonconfocal adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy, axial length, international standard pattern and full-field electroretinography (ERG), short-wavelength flash (S-cone) ERGs, and color vision testing. Results All subjects presented with early-onset nystagmus, decreased best-corrected visual acuity, light sensitivity, and severe color vision loss, and five of them had high myopia. We identified three novel disease-causing variants and provide phenotype data associated with nine variants for the first time. No subjects had foveal hypoplasia or residual ellipsoid zone (EZ) at the foveal center; one had an absent EZ, three had a hyporeflective zone, and four had outer retinal atrophy. The mean width of the central EZ lesion on optical coherence tomography at baseline was 1923 μm. The mean annual increase in EZ lesion size was 48.3 μm. Fundus autofluorescence revealed a central hypoautofluorescence with a surrounding ring of increased signal (n = 5). The mean hypoautofluorescent area at baseline was 3.33 mm2 and increased in size by a mean of 0.13 mm2/year. Nonconfocal adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy revealed residual foveal cones in only one of two cases. Full-field ERGs were consistent with severe generalized cone system dysfunction but with relative preservation of S-cone sensitivity. Conclusions PDE6C retinopathy is a severe cone dysfunction syndrome often presenting as typical achromatopsia but without foveal hypoplasia. Myopia and slowly progressive maculopathy are common features. There are few (if any) residual foveal cones for intervention in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michalis Georgiou
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, City Road, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony G. Robson
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, City Road, London, United Kingdom
| | - Navjit Singh
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, City Road, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nikolas Pontikos
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, City Road, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Kane
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, City Road, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nashila Hirji
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, City Road, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Tryfon Rotsos
- First Division of Ophthalmology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Alfredo Dubra
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States
| | - Angelos Kalitzeos
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, City Road, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew R. Webster
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, City Road, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Carroll
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, City Road, London, United Kingdom
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64
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Mastey RR, Gaffney M, Litts KM, Langlo CS, Patterson EJ, Strampe MR, Kalitzeos A, Michaelides M, Carroll J. Assessing the Interocular Symmetry of Foveal Outer Nuclear Layer Thickness in Achromatopsia. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2019; 8:21. [PMID: 31602346 PMCID: PMC6779097 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.8.5.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose We examine the interocular symmetry of foveal outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness measurements in subjects with achromatopsia (ACHM). Methods Images from 76 subjects with CNGA3- or CNGB3-associated ACHM and 42 control subjects were included in the study. Line or volume scans through the fovea of each eye were acquired using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Image quality was assessed for each image included in the analysis using a previously-described maximum tissue contrast index (mTCI) metric. Three foveal ONL thickness measurements were made by a single observer and interocular symmetry was assessed using the average of the three measurements for each eye. Results Mean (± standard deviation) foveal ONL thickness for subjects with ACHM was 79.7 ± 18.3 μm (right eye) and 79.2 ± 18.7 μm (left eye) compared to 112.9 ± 15.2 (right eye) and 112.1 ± 13.9 μm (left eye) for controls. Foveal ONL thickness did not differ between eyes for ACHM (P = 0.636) or control subjects (P = 0.434). No significant relationship between mTCI and observer repeatability was observed for either control (P = 0.140) or ACHM (P = 0.351) images. Conclusions While foveal ONL thickness is reduced in ACHM compared to controls, the high interocular symmetry indicates that contralateral ONL measurements could be used as a negative control in early-phase monocular treatment trials. Translational Relevance Foveal ONL thickness can be measured using OCT images over a wide range of image quality. The interocular symmetry of foveal ONL thickness in ACHM and control populations supports the use of the non-study eye as a control for clinical trial purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca R Mastey
- Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Mina Gaffney
- Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Katie M Litts
- Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Christopher S Langlo
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology, & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Emily J Patterson
- Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Margaret R Strampe
- Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Angelos Kalitzeos
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Michel Michaelides
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Joseph Carroll
- Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Cell Biology, Neurobiology, & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Hirji N, Georgiou M, Kalitzeos A, Bainbridge JW, Kumaran N, Aboshiha J, Carroll J, Michaelides M. Longitudinal Assessment of Retinal Structure in Achromatopsia Patients With Long-Term Follow-up. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:5735-5744. [PMID: 30513534 PMCID: PMC6280917 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-25452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To longitudinally characterize structural retinal changes in achromatopsia (ACHM) over extended follow-up. Methods Fifty molecularly confirmed ACHM subjects underwent serial spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging. Foveal structure on SD-OCT was graded and compared for evidence of progression, and foveal total retinal thickness (FTRT) and outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness were serially measured. FAF patterns were characterized and compared over time. Results Mean SD-OCT follow-up was 61.6 months (age range at baseline, 6-52 years). Forty-five of the subjects had serial FAF (mean follow-up: 48.5 months). Only 6 (12%) of the subjects demonstrated qualitative change on serial foveal SD-OCT scans. Among the entire cohort, there was no statistically significant change over time in FTRT (P = 0.2459) or hyporeflective zone (HRZ) diameter (P = 0.3737). There was a small-but statistically significant-increase in ONL thickness (P = 0.0084). Three different FAF patterns were observed: centrally increased FAF (13/45), normal FAF (14/45), and well-demarcated reduced FAF (18/45), with the latter group displaying a small gradual increase in the area of reduced FAF of 0.055 mm2 over 43.4 months (P = 0.0011). Conclusions This longitudinal study of retinal structure in ACHM represents the largest cohort and longest follow-up period to date. Our findings support the presiding notion that ACHM is essentially a stationary condition regarding retinal structure, and any change over time is likely to be small, slow, and variable across patients. This may potentially afford a wider window for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nashila Hirji
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michalis Georgiou
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Angelos Kalitzeos
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - James W Bainbridge
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neruban Kumaran
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Aboshiha
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Carroll
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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66
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Sumaroka A, Garafalo AV, Cideciyan AV, Charng J, Roman AJ, Choi W, Saxena S, Aksianiuk V, Kohl S, Wissinger B, Jacobson SG. Blue Cone Monochromacy Caused by the C203R Missense Mutation or Large Deletion Mutations. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:5762-5772. [PMID: 30516820 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-25280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To compare the phenotype of blue cone monochromacy (BCM) caused by large deletion mutations with those having the C203R missense mutation. Methods BCM patients with large deletion mutations (n = 21; age range, 5-60 years), and with the C203R missense mutation (n = 13; age range, 5-70 years), were studied with optical coherence tomography, visual acuity, and perimetric sensitivity in a retrospective observational case series. Perceptual estimates of spatial resolution driven by rods, S-cones, and L/M-cones were obtained by the choice of chromatic gratings presented on varied adapting conditions with a modified microperimeter. Results Both genotypes had abnormal foveal photoreceptor structure early in life. Patients with the C203R mutation, however, had decades-longer persistence of foveal photoreceptor outer nuclear layer thickness and a slower rate of development of inner segment/outer segment defects than did patients with large deletion mutations. At late ages, both genotypes had comparably severe losses of central structure. At the rod-rich hot spot, there was no difference in structure between cohorts with age. Grating acuities in all BCM patients were driven by S-cones and rods; the foveal structural differences were not reflected in a difference between cohorts in visual sensitivity and spatial resolution. Conclusions A difference in structural phenotype due to the C203R mutation versus large deletion mutations in BCM was detected as a more prolonged persistence of foveal photoreceptor structure in patients with the missense mutation. This should be taken into account in planning natural history studies, selecting outcomes for clinical trials, and defining the time window for possible therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Alexandra V Garafalo
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Jason Charng
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Alejandro J Roman
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Windy Choi
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Supna Saxena
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Valeryia Aksianiuk
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Susanne Kohl
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Bernd Wissinger
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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Patterson EJ, Kalitzeos A, Kasilian M, Gardner JC, Neitz J, Hardcastle AJ, Neitz M, Carroll J, Michaelides M. Residual Cone Structure in Patients With X-Linked Cone Opsin Mutations. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:4238-4248. [PMID: 30128495 PMCID: PMC6103386 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To assess residual cone structure in subjects with mutations in exon 2, 3, and 4 of the OPN1LW or OPN1MW opsin. Methods Thirteen males had their OPN1LW/OPN1MW opsin genes characterized. The cone mosaic was imaged using both confocal and nonconfocal split-detection adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO), and retinal thickness was evaluated using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Six subjects completed serial imaging over a maximum period of 18 months and cone density was measured across imaging sessions. Results Ten subjects had an OPN1LW/OPN1MW "interchange" opsin mutation designated as LIAVA or LVAVA, which both introduce exon 3 splicing defects leading to a lack of functional photopigment in cones expressing LIAVA and greatly reduced functional photopigment in cones expressing LVAVA. Despite disrupted cone reflectivity and reduced numerosity, residual inner segments could be visualized. Similar patterns were observed in individuals with an exon 2 insertion, or an exon 4 splice defect, both of which are also expected to produce cones that are devoid of functional opsin protein. OCT revealed variably reduced retinal thickness. A significant inverse relationship was found between the proportion of waveguiding cones and axial length. Conclusions Split-detection imaging revealed that the altered appearance of the cone mosaic in confocal images for subjects with exon 2, 3, and 4 mutations was generally due to disrupted waveguiding, rather than structural loss, making them possible candidates for gene therapy to restore cone function. The relative fraction of waveguiding cones was highly variable across subjects, which appears to influence emmetropization in these subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Patterson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Angelos Kalitzeos
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Melissa Kasilian
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica C Gardner
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jay Neitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Alison J Hardcastle
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maureen Neitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Joseph Carroll
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States.,Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States.,Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Michel Michaelides
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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68
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Gill JS, Georgiou M, Kalitzeos A, Moore AT, Michaelides M. Progressive cone and cone-rod dystrophies: clinical features, molecular genetics and prospects for therapy. Br J Ophthalmol 2019; 103:bjophthalmol-2018-313278. [PMID: 30679166 PMCID: PMC6709772 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2018-313278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Progressive cone and cone-rod dystrophies are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of inherited retinal diseases characterised by cone photoreceptor degeneration, which may be followed by subsequent rod photoreceptor loss. These disorders typically present with progressive loss of central vision, colour vision disturbance and photophobia. Considerable progress has been made in elucidating the molecular genetics and genotype-phenotype correlations associated with these dystrophies, with mutations in at least 30 genes implicated in this group of disorders. We discuss the genetics, and clinical, psychophysical, electrophysiological and retinal imaging characteristics of cone and cone-rod dystrophies, focusing particularly on four of the most common disease-associated genes: GUCA1A, PRPH2, ABCA4 and RPGR Additionally, we briefly review the current management of these disorders and the prospects for novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasdeep S Gill
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michalis Georgiou
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Angelos Kalitzeos
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Anthony T Moore
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Ophthalmology Department, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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69
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Pangrsic T, Singer JH, Koschak A. Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels: Key Players in Sensory Coding in the Retina and the Inner Ear. Physiol Rev 2019; 98:2063-2096. [PMID: 30067155 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00030.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium influx through voltage-gated Ca (CaV) channels is the first step in synaptic transmission. This review concerns CaV channels at ribbon synapses in primary sense organs and their specialization for efficient coding of stimuli in the physical environment. Specifically, we describe molecular, biochemical, and biophysical properties of the CaV channels in sensory receptor cells of the retina, cochlea, and vestibular apparatus, and we consider how such properties might change over the course of development and contribute to synaptic plasticity. We pay particular attention to factors affecting the spatial arrangement of CaV channels at presynaptic, ribbon-type active zones, because the spatial relationship between CaV channels and release sites has been shown to affect synapse function critically in a number of systems. Finally, we review identified synaptopathies affecting sensory systems and arising from dysfunction of L-type, CaV1.3, and CaV1.4 channels or their protein modulatory elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Pangrsic
- Synaptic Physiology of Mammalian Vestibular Hair Cells Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen and Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine , Göttingen, Germany ; Department of Biology, University of Maryland , College Park, Maryland ; and Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Joshua H Singer
- Synaptic Physiology of Mammalian Vestibular Hair Cells Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen and Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine , Göttingen, Germany ; Department of Biology, University of Maryland , College Park, Maryland ; and Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Alexandra Koschak
- Synaptic Physiology of Mammalian Vestibular Hair Cells Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen and Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine , Göttingen, Germany ; Department of Biology, University of Maryland , College Park, Maryland ; and Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck , Austria
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Ramlogan-Steel CA, Murali A, Andrzejewski S, Dhungel B, Steel JC, Layton CJ. Gene therapy and the adeno-associated virus in the treatment of genetic and acquired ophthalmic diseases in humans: Trials, future directions and safety considerations. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2019; 47:521-536. [PMID: 30345694 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.13416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Voretigene neparvovec-rzyl was recently approved for the treatment of Leber congenital amaurosis, and the use of gene therapy for eye disease is attracting even greater interest. The eye has immune privileged status, is easily accessible, requires a reduced dosage of therapy due to its size and is highly compartmentalized, significantly reducing systemic spread. Adeno-associated virus (AAV), with its low pathogenicity, prolonged expression profile and ability to transduce multiple cell types, has become the leading gene therapy vector. Target diseases have moved beyond currently untreatable inherited dystrophies to common, partially treatable acquired conditions such as exudative age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, but use of the technology in these conditions imposes added obligations for caution in vector design. This review discusses the current status of AAV gene therapy trials in genetic and acquired ocular diseases, and explores new scientific developments, which could help ensure effective and safe use of the therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charmaine A Ramlogan-Steel
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.,Greenslopes Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Greenslopes Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.,Medical and Applied Science, Central Queensland University, School of Health, Rockhampton, Australia
| | - Aparna Murali
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.,Greenslopes Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Greenslopes Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Slawomir Andrzejewski
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.,Greenslopes Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Greenslopes Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Bijay Dhungel
- Greenslopes Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Greenslopes Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jason C Steel
- Medical and Applied Science, Central Queensland University, School of Health, Rockhampton, Australia
| | - Christopher J Layton
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.,Greenslopes Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Greenslopes Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
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71
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Georgiou M, Litts KM, Kalitzeos A, Langlo CS, Kane T, Singh N, Kassilian M, Hirji N, Kumaran N, Dubra A, Carroll J, Michaelides M. Adaptive Optics Retinal Imaging in CNGA3-Associated Achromatopsia: Retinal Characterization, Interocular Symmetry, and Intrafamilial Variability. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:383-396. [PMID: 30682209 PMCID: PMC6354941 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-25880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate retinal structure in subjects with CNGA3-associated achromatopsia and evaluate disease symmetry and intrafamilial variability. Methods Thirty-eight molecularly confirmed subjects underwent ocular examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and nonconfocal split-detection adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO). OCT scans were used for evaluating foveal hypoplasia, grading foveal ellipsoid zone (EZ) disruption, and measuring outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness. AOSLO images were used to quantify peak foveal cone density, intercell distance (ICD), and the coefficient of variation (CV) of ICD. Results Mean (±SD) age was 25.9 (±13.1) years. Mean (± SD) best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.87 (±0.14) logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution. Examination with OCT showed variable disruption or loss of the EZ. Seven subjects were evaluated for disease symmetry, with peak foveal cone density, ICD, CV, ONL thickness, and BCVA not differing significantly between eyes. A cross-sectional evaluation of AOSLO imaging showed a mean (±SD) peak foveal cone density of 19,844 (±13,046) cones/mm2. There was a weak negative association between age and peak foveal cone density (r = -0.397, P = 0.102), as well as between EZ grade and age (P = 0.086). Conclusions The remnant cone mosaics were irregular and variably disrupted, with significantly lower peak foveal cone density than unaffected individuals. Variability was also seen among subjects with identical mutations. Therefore, subjects should be considered on an individual basis for stratification in clinical trials. Interocular symmetry suggests that both eyes have comparable therapeutic potential and the fellow eye can serve as a valid control. Longitudinal studies are needed, to further examine the weak negative association between age and foveal cone structure observed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michalis Georgiou
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, City Road, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katie M. Litts
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Angelos Kalitzeos
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, City Road, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher S. Langlo
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Thomas Kane
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, City Road, London, United Kingdom
| | - Navjit Singh
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, City Road, London, United Kingdom
| | - Melissa Kassilian
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, City Road, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nashila Hirji
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, City Road, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neruban Kumaran
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, City Road, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alfredo Dubra
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States
| | - Joseph Carroll
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, City Road, London, United Kingdom
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Sburlan EA, Voinea LM, Alexandrescu C, Istrate S, Iancu R, Pirvulescu R, Geamanu A, Ghita M, Ungureanu E, Radu C. Rare ophthalmology diseases. Rom J Ophthalmol 2019; 63:10-14. [PMID: 31198892 PMCID: PMC6531767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare ocular pathology has an important impact on the quality of life of patients because often the damage is bilateral and, although asymmetric, causes a significant decrease in visual acuity. Because it may be asymptomatic until a relatively late stage, diagnosis is frequently delayed. A general understanding of the disease pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment may assist primary care physicians in referring high-risk patients for comprehensive ophthalmological examination and for a more active involvement in their care. Moreover, a significant percentage of these orphan diseases do not have treatment approved by the FDA. The examination and monitoring of patients with rare ophthalmological disorders represents a key component of an ongoing project at the University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania - Ophthalmology Clinic. Rare disease registries are leading tools for the development of clinical research for rare diseases, improvement of patient access to new diagnostic methods, follow-up and new emerging therapies. As of this moment, the European list of rare diseases includes 53 ophthalmological diseases, which are classified as rare diseases and another 103 systemic diseases with ophthalmological involvement, out of a total of 7000 rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Liliana-Mary Voinea
- Ophthalmology Department, Bucharest University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Alexandrescu
- Ophthalmology Department, Bucharest University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sanziana Istrate
- Ophthalmology Department, Bucharest University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Raluca Iancu
- Ophthalmology Department, Bucharest University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ruxandra Pirvulescu
- Ophthalmology Department, Bucharest University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aida Geamanu
- Ophthalmology Department, Bucharest University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai Ghita
- Ophthalmology Department, Bucharest University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Emil Ungureanu
- Ophthalmology Department, Bucharest University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ciuluvica Radu
- Anatomy Department, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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Tsokolas G, Almuhtaseb H, Griffiths H, Shawkat F, Pengelly RJ, Sarah E, Lotery A. Long term follow-up of a family with GUCY2D dominant cone dystrophy. Int J Ophthalmol 2018; 11:1945-1950. [PMID: 30588428 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2018.12.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To describe long term follow-up in a family with GUCY2D dominant cone dystrophy. METHODS Optical coherence tomography scans and fundus autofluorescence images were obtained. Flash and pattern electroretinograms (ERGs) and occipital pattern reversal visual evoked potentials were recorded. RESULTS Two members of the same family (father and son) were identified to have the heterozygous R838C mutation in the GUCY2D gene. The father presented at the age of 45 with bilateral bull's eye maculopathy and temporal disc pallor. Over 13y of serial follow up visits, the bull's eye maculopathy progressed gradually into macular atrophy. Electrophysiological tests were significantly degraded suggesting poor macular function. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans showed progressive loss and disruption of the ellipsoid layer at the foveal level. His son presented at the age of 16 with bilateral granular retinal pigment epithelial changes in both maculae. Electrophysiological testing was initially borderline normal but has gradually deteriorated to show reduced cone ERGs and macula function. SD-OCT demonstrated gradual macular thinning and atrophy bilaterally. Unlike his father, there was no disruption of the ellipsoid layer. CONCLUSION Both family members exhibited gradual changes in their fundi, electrophysiological testing and multimodal imaging. Changes were milder than those observed in other mutations of the same gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Tsokolas
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire SO16 6YD, UK.,Eye Unit, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Hussein Almuhtaseb
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire SO16 6YD, UK.,Eye Unit, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Helen Griffiths
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Fatima Shawkat
- Eye Unit, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Reuben J Pengelly
- Human Genetics & Genomic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hamphsire, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Ennis Sarah
- Human Genetics & Genomic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hamphsire, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Andrew Lotery
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire SO16 6YD, UK.,Eye Unit, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire SO16 6YD, UK
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74
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Ofri R, Averbukh E, Ezra-Elia R, Ross M, Honig H, Obolensky A, Rosov A, Hauswirth WW, Gootwine E, Banin E. Six Years and Counting: Restoration of Photopic Retinal Function and Visual Behavior Following Gene Augmentation Therapy in a Sheep Model of CNGA3 Achromatopsia. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 29:1376-1386. [PMID: 29926749 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2018.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Achromatopsia causes severely reduced visual acuity, photoaversion, and inability to discern colors due to cone photoreceptor dysfunction. In 2010, we reported on day-blindness in sheep caused by a stop-codon mutation of the ovine CNGA3 gene and began gene augmentation therapy trials in this naturally occurring large animal model of CNGA3 achromatopsia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term efficacy and safety results of treatment, findings that hold great relevance for clinical trials that started recently in CNGA3 achromatopsia patients. Nine day-blind sheep were available for long-term follow up. The right eye of each sheep was treated with a single subretinal injection of an Adeno-Associated Virus Type 5 (AAV5) vector carrying either a mouse (n = 4) or a human (n = 5) CNGA3 transgene under control of the 2.1-Kb red/green opsin promoter. The efficacy of treatment was assessed periodically with photopic maze tests and electroretinographic (ERG) recordings for as long as 74 months postoperatively. Safety was assessed by repeated ophthalmic examinations and scotopic ERG recordings. The retinas of three animals that died of unrelated causes >5 years post-treatment were studied histologically and immunohistochemically using anti-hCNGA3 and anti-red/green cone opsin antibodies. Passage time and number of collisions of treated sheep in the photopic maze test were significantly lower at all follow-up examinations as compared with pretreatment values (p = 0.0025 and p < 0.001, respectively). ERG Critical Flicker Fusion Frequency and flicker amplitudes at 30 and 40 Hz showed significant improvement following treatment (p < 0.0001) throughout the study. Ophthalmic examinations and rod ERG recordings showed no abnormalities in the treated eyes. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of CNGA3 protein in red/green opsin-positive cells (cones) of the treated eyes. Our results show significant, long-term improvement in cone function, demonstrating a robust rescue effect up to six years following a single treatment with a viral vector that provides episomal delivery of the transgene. This unique follow-up duration confirms the safe and stable nature of AAV5 gene therapy in the ovine achromatopsia model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ron Ofri
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Edward Averbukh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Raaya Ezra-Elia
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Maya Ross
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Hen Honig
- Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Beit Dagan, Israel
| | - Alexey Obolensky
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Alexander Rosov
- Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Beit Dagan, Israel
| | | | - Elisha Gootwine
- Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Beit Dagan, Israel
| | - Eyal Banin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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Aguilar MC, Gonzalez A, Rowaan C, de Freitas C, Alawa KA, Durkee H, Feuer WJ, Manns F, Asfour SS, Lam BL, Parel JMA. Automated instrument designed to determine visual photosensitivity thresholds. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2018; 9:5583-5596. [PMID: 30460148 PMCID: PMC6238927 DOI: 10.1364/boe.9.005583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The Ocular Photosensitivity Analyzer (OPA), a new automated instrument to quantify the visual photosensitivity thresholds (VPT) in healthy and light sensitive subjects, is described. The OPA generates light stimuli of varying intensities utilizing unequal ascending and descending steps to yield the VPT. The performance of the OPA was evaluated in healthy subjects, as well as light sensitive subjects with achromatopsia or traumatic brain injury (TBI). VPT in healthy, achromatopsia, and TBI subjects were 3.2 ± 0.6 log lux, 0.5 ± 0.5 log lux, and 0.4 ± 0.6 log lux, respectively. Light sensitive subjects manifested significantly lower VPT compared to healthy subjects. Longitudinal analysis revealed that the OPA reliably measured VPT in healthy subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariela C. Aguilar
- Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Alex Gonzalez
- Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Cornelis Rowaan
- Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Carolina de Freitas
- Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Karam A. Alawa
- Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Heather Durkee
- Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - William J. Feuer
- Anne Bates Leach Eye Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Fabrice Manns
- Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Shihab S. Asfour
- Department of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Byron L. Lam
- Anne Bates Leach Eye Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jean-Marie A. Parel
- Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
- Brien Holden Vision Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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76
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Kumaran N, Michaelides M, Smith AJ, Ali RR, Bainbridge JWB. Retinal gene therapy. Br Med Bull 2018; 126:13-25. [PMID: 29506236 DOI: 10.1093/bmb/ldy005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inherited retinal diseases are the leading cause of sight impairment in people of working age in England and Wales, and the second commonest in childhood. Gene therapy offers the potential for benefit. SOURCES OF DATA Pubmed and clinicaltrials.gov. AREAS OF AGREEMENT Gene therapy can improve vision in RPE65-associated Leber Congenital Amaurosis (RPE65-LCA). Potential benefit depends on efficient gene transfer and is limited by the extent of retinal degeneration. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY The magnitude of vision improvement from RPE65-LCA gene therapy is suboptimal, and its durability may be limited by progressive retinal degeneration. GROWING POINTS The safety and potential benefit of gene therapy for inherited and acquired retinal diseases is being explored in a rapidly expanding number of trials. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH Developments in vector design and delivery will enable greater efficiency and safety of gene transfer. Optimization of trial design will accelerate reliable assessment of outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neruban Kumaran
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology at Moofields Eye Hospital and UCL, 162 City Road, London, UK
| | - Michel Michaelides
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology at Moofields Eye Hospital and UCL, 162 City Road, London, UK
| | - Alexander J Smith
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology at Moofields Eye Hospital and UCL, 162 City Road, London, UK
| | - Robin R Ali
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology at Moofields Eye Hospital and UCL, 162 City Road, London, UK
| | - James W B Bainbridge
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology at Moofields Eye Hospital and UCL, 162 City Road, London, UK
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Matet A, Kohl S, Baumann B, Antonio A, Mohand-Said S, Sahel JA, Audo I. Multimodal imaging including semiquantitative short-wavelength and near-infrared autofluorescence in achromatopsia. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5665. [PMID: 29618791 PMCID: PMC5884771 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23919-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Multimodal imaging provides insights into phenotype and disease progression in inherited retinal disorders. Congenital achromatopsia (ACHM), a cone dysfunction syndrome, has been long considered a stable condition, but recent evidence suggests structural progression. With gene replacement strategies under development for ACHM, there is a critical need for imaging biomarkers to define progression patterns and follow therapy. Using semiquantitative plots, near-infrared (NIR-AF) and short-wavelength autofluorescence (SW-AF) were explored and correlated with clinical characteristics and retinal structure on optical coherence tomography (OCT). In sixteen ACHM patients with genetic confirmation (CNGA3, n = 8; CNGB3, n = 7; PDE6C, n = 1), semiquantitative plots allowed the detailed analysis of autofluorescence patterns, even in poorly fixating eyes. Twelve eyes showed perifoveal hyperautofluorescent rings on SW-AF, and 7 eyes had central hypoautofluorescent areas on NIR-AF, without association between these alterations (P = 0.57). Patients with central NIR-AF hypoautofluorescence were older (P = 0.004) and showed more advanced retinal alterations on OCT than those with normal NIR-AF (P = 0.051). NIR-AF hypoautofluorescence diameter was correlated to patient age (r = 0.63, P = 0.009), size of ellipsoid zone defect on OCT (r = 0.67, P = 0.005), but not to the size of SW-AF hyperautofluorescence (P = 0.27). These results demonstrate the interest of NIR-AF as imaging biomarker in ACHM, suggesting a relationship with age and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Matet
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012, Paris, France
- INSERM-DHOS, CIC1423, DHU ViewMaintain, CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, Paris, 75012, France
| | - Susanne Kohl
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Britta Baumann
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Aline Antonio
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012, Paris, France
| | - Saddek Mohand-Said
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012, Paris, France
- INSERM-DHOS, CIC1423, DHU ViewMaintain, CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, Paris, 75012, France
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012, Paris, France
- INSERM-DHOS, CIC1423, DHU ViewMaintain, CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, Paris, 75012, France
- Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris, F-75019, France
- Académie des Sciences, Institut de France, Paris, F-75006, France
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburg, PA, United States
- University College London, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Isabelle Audo
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012, Paris, France.
- INSERM-DHOS, CIC1423, DHU ViewMaintain, CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, Paris, 75012, France.
- University College London, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.
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78
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Abstract
The first step in vision is the absorption of photons by the photopigments in cone and rod photoreceptors. After initial amplification within the phototransduction cascade the signal is translated into an electrical signal by the action of cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels. CNG channels are ligand-gated ion channels that are activated by the binding of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) or cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Retinal CNG channels transduce changes in intracellular concentrations of cGMP into changes of the membrane potential and the Ca2+ concentration. Structurally, the CNG channels belong to the superfamily of pore-loop cation channels and share a common gross structure with hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels and voltage-gated potassium channels (KCN). In this review, we provide an overview on the molecular properties of CNG channels and describe their physiological role in the phototransduction pathways. We also discuss insights into the pathophysiological role of CNG channel proteins that have emerged from the analysis of CNG channel-deficient animal models and human CNG channelopathies. Finally, we summarize recent gene therapy activities and provide an outlook for future clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stylianos Michalakis
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr, 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Elvir Becirovic
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr, 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Martin Biel
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr, 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
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79
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Pascual-Camps I, Barranco-Gonzalez H, Aviñó-Martínez J, Silva E, Harto-Castaño M. Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Achromatopsia: A Review of the Literature. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2018; 55:85-92. [PMID: 29257187 DOI: 10.3928/01913913-20171117-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Achromatopsia is a complex inherited retinal disease that affects the cone cell function. It is usually an autosomal-recessive disease and is characterized by pendular nystagmus, poor visual acuity, lack of color vision, and marked photophobia. CNGA3, CNGB3, GNAT2, PDE6C, PDE6H, and ATF6 gene mutations have been identified as associated with this disease. New diagnostic and therapeutic tools are being studied. Optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence are important imaging techniques that provide significant information about the progression of the disease. The genetic approach for these patients is a current important issue and gene therapy is an ongoing therapeutic option already being studied in clinical trials. The purpose of this review was to survey the current knowledge on diagnosis and treatment options in achromatopsia. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2018;55(2):85-92.].
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80
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Michalakis S, Schön C, Becirovic E, Biel M. Gene therapy for achromatopsia. J Gene Med 2018; 19. [PMID: 28095637 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The present review summarizes the current status of achromatopsia (ACHM) gene therapy-related research activities and provides an outlook for their clinical application. ACHM is an inherited eye disease characterized by a congenital absence of cone photoreceptor function. As a consequence, ACHM is associated with strongly impaired daylight vision, photophobia, nystagmus and a lack of color discrimination. Currently, six genes have been linked to ACHM. Up to 80% of the patients carry mutations in the genes CNGA3 and CNGB3 encoding the two subunits of the cone cyclic nucleotide-gated channel. Various animal models of the disease have been established and their characterization has helped to increase our understanding of the pathophysiology associated with ACHM. With the advent of adeno-associated virus vectors as valuable gene delivery tools for retinal photoreceptors, a number of promising gene supplementation therapy programs have been initiated. In recent years, huge progress has been made towards bringing a curative treatment for ACHM into clinics. The first clinical trials are ongoing or will be launched soon and are expected to contribute important data on the safety and efficacy of ACHM gene supplementation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stylianos Michalakis
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich CiPSM and Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Schön
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich CiPSM and Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Elvir Becirovic
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich CiPSM and Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Biel
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich CiPSM and Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
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81
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Hirji N, Aboshiha J, Georgiou M, Bainbridge J, Michaelides M. Achromatopsia: clinical features, molecular genetics, animal models and therapeutic options. Ophthalmic Genet 2018; 39:149-157. [PMID: 29303385 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2017.1418389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Achromatopsia is an autosomal recessive condition, characterised by reduced visual acuity, impaired colour vision, photophobia and nystagmus. The symptoms can be profoundly disabling, and there is no cure currently available. However, the recent development of gene-based interventions may lead to improved outcomes in the future. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the clinical features of the condition, its genetic basis and the underlying pathogenesis. We also explore the insights derived from animal models, including the implications for gene supplementation approaches. Finally, we discuss current human gene therapy trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nashila Hirji
- a UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London , London , UK.,b Moorfields Eye Hospital , London , UK
| | - Jonathan Aboshiha
- a UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London , London , UK.,b Moorfields Eye Hospital , London , UK
| | - Michalis Georgiou
- a UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London , London , UK.,b Moorfields Eye Hospital , London , UK
| | - James Bainbridge
- a UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London , London , UK.,b Moorfields Eye Hospital , London , UK
| | - Michel Michaelides
- a UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London , London , UK.,b Moorfields Eye Hospital , London , UK
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82
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Tikidji-Hamburyan A, Reinhard K, Storchi R, Dietter J, Seitter H, Davis KE, Idrees S, Mutter M, Walmsley L, Bedford RA, Ueffing M, Ala-Laurila P, Brown TM, Lucas RJ, Münch TA. Rods progressively escape saturation to drive visual responses in daylight conditions. Nat Commun 2017; 8:1813. [PMID: 29180667 PMCID: PMC5703729 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01816-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rod and cone photoreceptors support vision across large light intensity ranges. Rods, active under dim illumination, are thought to saturate at higher (photopic) irradiances. The extent of rod saturation is not well defined; some studies report rod activity well into the photopic range. Using electrophysiological recordings from retina and dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of cone-deficient and visually intact mice, we describe stimulus and physiological factors that influence photopic rod-driven responses. We find that rod contrast sensitivity is initially strongly reduced at high irradiances, but progressively recovers to allow responses to moderate contrast stimuli. Surprisingly, rods recover faster at higher light levels. A model of rod phototransduction suggests that phototransduction gain adjustments and bleaching adaptation underlie rod recovery. Consistently, exogenous chromophore reduces rod responses at bright background. Thus, bleaching adaptation renders mouse rods responsive to modest contrast at any irradiance. Paradoxically, raising irradiance across the photopic range increases the robustness of rod responses. Rod photoreceptors are thought to be saturated under bright light. Here, the authors describe the physiological parameters that mediate response saturation of rod photoreceptors in mouse retina, and show that rods can drive visual responses in photopic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Tikidji-Hamburyan
- Retinal Circuits and Optogenetics, Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,International Max Planck Research School, University of Tübingen, 72074, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery and Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 94305-4085, USA
| | - Katja Reinhard
- Retinal Circuits and Optogenetics, Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,International Max Planck Research School, University of Tübingen, 72074, Tübingen, Germany.,Visual Circuits Laboratory, Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders, IMEC, KU Leuven and VIB, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Riccardo Storchi
- Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Johannes Dietter
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hartwig Seitter
- Retinal Circuits and Optogenetics, Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,International Max Planck Research School, University of Tübingen, 72074, Tübingen, Germany.,Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Innsbruck, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Katherine E Davis
- Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Saad Idrees
- Retinal Circuits and Optogenetics, Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,International Max Planck Research School, University of Tübingen, 72074, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marion Mutter
- Retinal Circuits and Optogenetics, Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,International Max Planck Research School, University of Tübingen, 72074, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lauren Walmsley
- Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Robert A Bedford
- Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.,Stryker Imorphics, Worthington House, Towers Business Park, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 2HJ, UK
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Petri Ala-Laurila
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering (NBE), Aalto University School of Science and Technology, 00076, Espoo, Finland
| | - Timothy M Brown
- Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Robert J Lucas
- Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
| | - Thomas A Münch
- Retinal Circuits and Optogenetics, Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany. .,Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
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83
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Georgiou M, Kalitzeos A, Patterson EJ, Dubra A, Carroll J, Michaelides M. Adaptive optics imaging of inherited retinal diseases. Br J Ophthalmol 2017; 102:1028-1035. [PMID: 29141905 PMCID: PMC6059037 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2017-311328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Adaptive optics (AO) ophthalmoscopy allows for non-invasive retinal phenotyping on a microscopic scale, thereby helping to improve our understanding of retinal diseases. An increasing number of natural history studies and ongoing/planned interventional clinical trials exploit AO ophthalmoscopy both for participant selection, stratification and monitoring treatment safety and efficacy. In this review, we briefly discuss the evolution of AO ophthalmoscopy, recent developments and its application to a broad range of inherited retinal diseases, including Stargardt disease, retinitis pigmentosa and achromatopsia. Finally, we describe the impact of this in vivo microscopic imaging on our understanding of disease pathogenesis, clinical trial design and outcome metrics, while recognising the limitation of the small cohorts reported to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michalis Georgiou
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Angelos Kalitzeos
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Emily J Patterson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Alfredo Dubra
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Joseph Carroll
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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84
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Chacón-Camacho OF, García-Montaño LA, Zenteno JC. The clinical implications of molecular monitoring and analyses of inherited retinal diseases. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2017; 17:1009-1021. [DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2017.1384314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Oscar F. Chacón-Camacho
- Genetics Department-research Unit, Institute of Ophthalmology ‘Conde de Valenciana’, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Leopoldo A. García-Montaño
- Genetics Department-research Unit, Institute of Ophthalmology ‘Conde de Valenciana’, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juan C Zenteno
- Genetics Department-research Unit, Institute of Ophthalmology ‘Conde de Valenciana’, Mexico City, Mexico
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
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85
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Iribarne M, Masai I. Neurotoxicity of cGMP in the vertebrate retina: from the initial research on rd mutant mice to zebrafish genetic approaches. J Neurogenet 2017; 31:88-101. [PMID: 28812418 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2017.1358268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish are an excellent animal model for research on vertebrate development and human diseases. Sophisticated genetic tools including large-scale mutagenesis methodology make zebrafish useful for studying neuronal degenerative diseases. Here, we review zebrafish models of inherited ophthalmic diseases, focusing on cGMP metabolism in photoreceptors. cGMP is the second messenger of phototransduction, and abnormal cGMP levels are associated with photoreceptor death. cGMP concentration represents a balance between cGMP phosphodiesterase 6 (PDE6) and guanylate cyclase (GC) activities in photoreceptors. Various zebrafish cGMP metabolism mutants were used to clarify molecular mechanisms by which dysfunctions in this pathway trigger photoreceptor degeneration. Here, we review the history of research on the retinal degeneration (rd) mutant mouse, which carries a genetic mutation of PDE6b, and we also highlight recent research in photoreceptor degeneration using zebrafish models. Several recent discoveries that provide insight into cGMP toxicity in photoreceptors are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Iribarne
- a Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University , Onna, Okinawa , Japan
| | - Ichiro Masai
- a Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University , Onna, Okinawa , Japan
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86
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Aboshiha J, Kumaran N, Kalitzeos A, Hogg C, Rubin G, Michaelides M. A Quantitative and Qualitative Exploration of Photoaversion in Achromatopsia. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:3537-3546. [PMID: 28715587 PMCID: PMC5510991 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-21935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Photoaversion (PA) is a disabling and ubiquitous feature of achromatopsia (ACHM). We aimed to help define the characteristics of this important symptom, and present the first published assessment of its impact on patients' lives, as well as quantitative and qualitative PA assessments. Methods Molecularly confirmed ACHM subjects were assessed for PA using four tasks: structured survey of patient experience, novel quantitative subjective measurement of PA, visual acuities in differing ambient lighting, and objective palpebral aperture-related PA testing. Results Photoaversion in ACHM was found to be the most significant symptom for a substantial proportion (38%) of patients. A novel subjective PA measurement technique was developed and demonstrated fidelity with more invasive paradigms without exposing often very photosensitive patients to brighter light intensities used elsewhere. An objective PA measurement was also refined for use in trials, indicating that higher light intensities than previously published are likely to be needed. Monocular testing, as required for trials, was also validated for the first time. Conclusions This study offers new insights into PA in ACHM. It provides the first structured evidence of the great significance of this symptom to patients, suggesting that PA should be considered as an additional outcome measure in therapeutic trials. It also offers new insights into the characteristics of PA in ACHM, and describes both subjective and objective measures of PA that could be employed in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Aboshiha
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom 2Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neruban Kumaran
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom 2Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Angelos Kalitzeos
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom 2Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Hogg
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gary Rubin
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom 2Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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87
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Patterson EJ, Wilk M, Langlo CS, Kasilian M, Ring M, Hufnagel RB, Dubis AM, Tee JJ, Kalitzeos A, Gardner JC, Ahmed ZM, Sisk RA, Larsen M, Sjoberg S, Connor TB, Dubra A, Neitz J, Hardcastle AJ, Neitz M, Michaelides M, Carroll J. Cone Photoreceptor Structure in Patients With X-Linked Cone Dysfunction and Red-Green Color Vision Deficiency. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 57:3853-63. [PMID: 27447086 PMCID: PMC4968428 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-19608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Mutations in the coding sequence of the L and M opsin genes are often associated with X-linked cone dysfunction (such as Bornholm Eye Disease, BED), though the exact color vision phenotype associated with these disorders is variable. We examined individuals with L/M opsin gene mutations to clarify the link between color vision deficiency and cone dysfunction. Methods We recruited 17 males for imaging. The thickness and integrity of the photoreceptor layers were evaluated using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Cone density was measured using high-resolution images of the cone mosaic obtained with adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy. The L/M opsin gene array was characterized in 16 subjects, including at least one subject from each family. Results There were six subjects with the LVAVA haplotype encoded by exon 3, seven with LIAVA, two with the Cys203Arg mutation encoded by exon 4, and two with a novel insertion in exon 2. Foveal cone structure and retinal thickness was disrupted to a variable degree, even among related individuals with the same L/M array. Conclusions Our findings provide a direct link between disruption of the cone mosaic and L/M opsin variants. We hypothesize that, in addition to large phenotypic differences between different L/M opsin variants, the ratio of expression of first versus downstream genes in the L/M array contributes to phenotypic diversity. While the L/M opsin mutations underlie the cone dysfunction in all of the subjects tested, the color vision defect can be caused either by the same mutation or a gene rearrangement at the same locus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Patterson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Melissa Wilk
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Christopher S Langlo
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Melissa Kasilian
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom 4Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Ring
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom 4Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert B Hufnagel
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | - Adam M Dubis
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom 4Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - James J Tee
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom 4Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Angelos Kalitzeos
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom 4Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Zubair M Ahmed
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Robert A Sisk
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | - Michael Larsen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stacy Sjoberg
- Great River Eye Clinic, Crosby, Minnesota, United States
| | - Thomas B Connor
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Alfredo Dubra
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States 9Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States 10Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, & Anatomy, Medical Coll
| | - Jay Neitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | | | - Maureen Neitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom 4Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Carroll
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States 9Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States 10Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, & Anatomy, Medical Coll
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88
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Mühlfriedel R, Tanimoto N, Schön C, Sothilingam V, Garcia Garrido M, Beck SC, Huber G, Biel M, Seeliger MW, Michalakis S. AAV-Mediated Gene Supplementation Therapy in Achromatopsia Type 2: Preclinical Data on Therapeutic Time Window and Long-Term Effects. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:292. [PMID: 28596720 PMCID: PMC5442229 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Achromatopsia type 2 (ACHM2) is a severe, inherited eye disease caused by mutations in the CNGA3 gene encoding the α subunit of the cone photoreceptor cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel. Patients suffer from strongly impaired daylight vision, photophobia, nystagmus, and lack of color discrimination. We have previously shown in the Cnga3 knockout (KO) mouse model of ACHM2 that gene supplementation therapy is effective in rescuing cone function and morphology and delaying cone degeneration. In our preclinical approach, we use recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated gene transfer to express the murine Cnga3 gene under control of the mouse blue opsin promoter. Here, we provide novel data on the efficiency and permanence of such gene supplementation therapy in Cnga3 KO mice. Specifically, we compare the influence of two different AAV vector capsids, AAV2/5 (Y719F) and AAV2/8 (Y733F), on restoration of cone function, and assess the effect of age at time of treatment on the long-term outcome. The evaluation included in vivo analysis of retinal function using electroretinography (ERG) and immunohistochemical analysis of vector-driven Cnga3 transgene expression. We found that both vector capsid serotypes led to a comparable rescue of cone function over the observation period between 4 weeks and 3 months post treatment. In addition, a clear therapeutic effect was present in mice treated at 2 weeks of age as well as in mice treated at 3 months of age at the first assessment at 4 weeks after treatment. Importantly, the effect extended in both cases over the entire observation period of 12 months post treatment. However, the average ERG amplitude levels differed between the two groups, suggesting a role of the absolute age, or possibly, the associated state of the degeneration, on the achievable outcome. In summary, we found that the therapeutic time window of opportunity for AAV-mediated Cnga3 gene supplementation therapy in the Cnga3 KO mouse model extends at least to an age of 3 months, but is presumably limited by the condition, number and topographical distribution of remaining cones at the time of treatment. No impact of the choice of capsid on the therapeutic success was detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regine Mühlfriedel
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls-Universität TübingenTuebingen, Germany
| | - Naoyuki Tanimoto
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls-Universität TübingenTuebingen, Germany
| | - Christian Schön
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research, Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität MünchenMunich, Germany
| | - Vithiyanjali Sothilingam
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls-Universität TübingenTuebingen, Germany
| | - Marina Garcia Garrido
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls-Universität TübingenTuebingen, Germany
| | - Susanne C Beck
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls-Universität TübingenTuebingen, Germany
| | - Gesine Huber
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls-Universität TübingenTuebingen, Germany
| | - Martin Biel
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research, Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität MünchenMunich, Germany
| | - Mathias W Seeliger
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls-Universität TübingenTuebingen, Germany
| | - Stylianos Michalakis
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research, Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität MünchenMunich, Germany
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89
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Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges. Retina 2017; 37:1008-1017. [DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000001212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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90
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Iribarne M, Nishiwaki Y, Nakamura S, Araragi M, Oguri E, Masai I. Aipl1 is required for cone photoreceptor function and survival through the stability of Pde6c and Gc3 in zebrafish. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45962. [PMID: 28378769 PMCID: PMC5381001 DOI: 10.1038/srep45962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic mutations in aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein-like 1 (AIPL1) cause photoreceptor degeneration associated with Leber congenital amaurosis 4 (LCA4) in human patients. Here we report retinal phenotypes of a zebrafish aipl1 mutant, gold rush (gosh). In zebrafish, there are two aipl1 genes, aipl1a and aipl1b, which are expressed mainly in rods and cones, respectively. The gosh mutant gene encodes cone-specific aipl1, aipl1b. Cone photoreceptors undergo progressive degeneration in the gosh mutant, indicating that aipl1b is required for cone survival. Furthermore, the cone-specific subunit of cGMP phosphodiesterase 6 (Pde6c) is markedly decreased in the gosh mutant, and the gosh mutation genetically interacts with zebrafish pde6c mutation eclipse (els). These data suggest that Aipl1 is required for Pde6c stability and function. In addition to Pde6c, we found that zebrafish cone-specific guanylate cyclase, zGc3, is also decreased in the gosh and els mutants. Furthermore, zGc3 knockdown embryos showed a marked reduction in Pde6c. These observations illustrate the interdependence of cGMP metabolism regulators between Aipl1, Pde6c, and Gc3 in photoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Iribarne
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - Yuko Nishiwaki
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - Shohei Nakamura
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - Masato Araragi
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - Eri Oguri
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - Ichiro Masai
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
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91
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Strauss RW, Dubis AM, Cooper RF, Ba-Abbad R, Moore AT, Webster AR, Dubra A, Carroll J, Michaelides M. Retinal Architecture in RGS9- and R9AP-Associated Retinal Dysfunction (Bradyopsia). Am J Ophthalmol 2015; 160:1269-1275.e1. [PMID: 26343007 PMCID: PMC4653116 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2015.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To characterize photoreceptor structure and mosaic integrity in subjects with RGS9- and R9AP-associated retinal dysfunction (bradyopsia) and compare to previous observations in other cone dysfunction disorders such as oligocone trichromacy. DESIGN Observational case series. METHODS setting: Moorfields Eye Hospital (United Kingdom) and Medical College Wisconsin (USA). STUDY POPULATION Six eyes of 3 subjects with disease-causing variants in RGS9 or R9AP. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Detailed retinal imaging using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and confocal adaptive-optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy. RESULTS Cone density at 100 μm from foveal center ranged from 123 132 cones/mm(2) to 140 013 cones/mm(2). Cone density ranged from 30 573 to 34 876 cones/mm(2) by 600 μm from center and from 15 987 to 16,253 cones/mm(2) by 1400 μm from center, in keeping with data from normal subjects. Adaptive-optics imaging identified a small, focal hyporeflective lesion at the foveal center in both eyes of the subject with RGS9-associated disease, corresponding to a discrete outer retinal defect also observed on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography; however, the photoreceptor mosaic remained intact at all other observed eccentricities. CONCLUSIONS Bradyopsia and oligocone trichromacy share common clinical symptoms and cannot be discerned on standard clinical findings alone. Adaptive-optics imaging previously demonstrated a sparse mosaic of normal wave-guiding cones remaining at the fovea, with no visible structure outside the central fovea in oligocone trichromacy. In contrast, the subjects presented in this study with molecularly confirmed bradyopsia had a relatively intact and structurally normal photoreceptor mosaic, allowing the distinction between these disorders based on the cellular phenotype and suggesting different pathomechanisms.
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92
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Roman AJ, Cideciyan AV, Matsui R, Sheplock R, Schwartz SB, Jacobson SG. Outcome measure for the treatment of cone photoreceptor diseases: orientation to a scene with cone-only contrast. BMC Ophthalmol 2015; 15:98. [PMID: 26253563 PMCID: PMC4528808 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-015-0085-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) preferentially affecting cone photoreceptor function are being considered for treatment trials aiming to improve day vision. The purpose of the current work was to develop cone-specific visual orientation outcomes that can differentiate day vision improvement in the presence of retained night vision. METHODS A lighted wall (1.4 m wide, 2 m high) resembling a beaded curtain was formed with 900 individually addressable red, blue and green LED triplets placed in 15 vertical strips hanging 0.1 m apart. Under computer control, different combination of colors and intensities were used to produce the appearance of a door on the wall. Scotopically-matched trials were designed to be perceptible to the cone-, but not rod-, photoreceptor based visual systems. Unmatched control trials were interleaved at each luminance level to determine the existence of any vision available for orientation. Testing started with dark-adapted eyes and a scene luminance attenuated 8 log units from the maximum attainable, and continued with progressively increasing levels of luminance. Testing was performed with a three-alternative forced choice method in healthy subjects and patients with Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) caused by mutations in GUCY2D, the gene that encodes retinal guanylate cyclase-1. RESULTS Normal subjects could perform the orientation task using cone vision at 5 log attenuation and brighter luminance levels. Most GUCY2D-LCA patients failed to perform the orientation task with scotopically-matched test trials at any luminance level even though they were able to perform correctly with unmatched control trials. These results were consistent with a lack of cone system vision and use of the rod system under ambient conditions normally associated with cone system activity. Two GUCY2D-LCA patients demonstrated remnant cone vision but at a luminance level 2 log brighter than normal. CONCLUSIONS The newly developed device can probe the existence or emergence of cone-based vision in patients for an orientation task involving the identification of a door on the wall under free-viewing conditions. This key advance represents progress toward developing an appropriate outcome measure for a clinical trial to treat currently incurable eye diseases severely affecting cone vision despite retained rod vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro J Roman
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 51 North 39th St., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 51 North 39th St., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Rodrigo Matsui
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 51 North 39th St., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Rebecca Sheplock
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 51 North 39th St., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Sharon B Schwartz
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 51 North 39th St., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 51 North 39th St., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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93
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Boulanger-Scemama E, El Shamieh S, Démontant V, Condroyer C, Antonio A, Michiels C, Boyard F, Saraiva JP, Letexier M, Souied E, Mohand-Saïd S, Sahel JA, Zeitz C, Audo I. Next-generation sequencing applied to a large French cone and cone-rod dystrophy cohort: mutation spectrum and new genotype-phenotype correlation. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2015; 10:85. [PMID: 26103963 PMCID: PMC4566196 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-015-0300-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cone and cone-rod dystrophies are clinically and genetically heterogeneous inherited retinal disorders with predominant cone impairment. They should be distinguished from the more common group of rod-cone dystrophies (retinitis pigmentosa) due to their more severe visual prognosis with early central vision loss. The purpose of our study was to document mutation spectrum of a large French cohort of cone and cone-rod dystrophies. Methods We applied Next-Generation Sequencing targeting a panel of 123 genes implicated in retinal diseases to 96 patients. A systematic filtering approach was used to identify likely disease causing variants, subsequently confirmed by Sanger sequencing and co-segregation analysis when possible. Results Overall, the likely causative mutations were detected in 62.1 % of cases, revealing 33 known and 35 novel mutations. This rate was higher for autosomal dominant (100 %) than autosomal recessive cases (53.8 %). Mutations in ABCA4 and GUCY2D were responsible for 19.2 % and 29.4 % of resolved cases with recessive and dominant inheritance, respectively. Furthermore, unexpected genotype-phenotype correlations were identified, confirming the complexity of inherited retinal disorders with phenotypic overlap between cone-rod dystrophies and other retinal diseases. Conclusions In summary, this time-efficient approach allowed mutation detection in the most important cohort of cone-rod dystrophies investigated so far covering the largest number of genes. Association of known gene defects with novel phenotypes and mode of inheritance were established. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13023-015-0300-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Boulanger-Scemama
- INSERM, U968, Paris, F-75012, France.,Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, 17, rue Moreau, Paris, F-75012, France.,CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, F-75012, France
| | - Said El Shamieh
- INSERM, U968, Paris, F-75012, France.,Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, 17, rue Moreau, Paris, F-75012, France.,CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, F-75012, France
| | - Vanessa Démontant
- INSERM, U968, Paris, F-75012, France.,Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, 17, rue Moreau, Paris, F-75012, France.,CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, F-75012, France
| | - Christel Condroyer
- INSERM, U968, Paris, F-75012, France.,Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, 17, rue Moreau, Paris, F-75012, France.,CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, F-75012, France
| | - Aline Antonio
- INSERM, U968, Paris, F-75012, France.,Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, 17, rue Moreau, Paris, F-75012, France.,CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, F-75012, France.,Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, DHU ViewMaintain, INSERM-DHOS CIC 1423, Paris, F-75012, France
| | - Christelle Michiels
- INSERM, U968, Paris, F-75012, France.,Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, 17, rue Moreau, Paris, F-75012, France.,CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, F-75012, France
| | - Fiona Boyard
- INSERM, U968, Paris, F-75012, France.,Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, 17, rue Moreau, Paris, F-75012, France.,CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, F-75012, France
| | - Jean-Paul Saraiva
- IntegraGen SA, Genopole CAMPUS 1 bat G8 FR-91030 EVRY, Paris, France
| | - Mélanie Letexier
- IntegraGen SA, Genopole CAMPUS 1 bat G8 FR-91030 EVRY, Paris, France
| | - Eric Souied
- Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil, Department of Ophthalmology, Université Paris-Est Créteil, 94000, Créteil, France
| | - Saddek Mohand-Saïd
- INSERM, U968, Paris, F-75012, France.,Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, 17, rue Moreau, Paris, F-75012, France.,CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, F-75012, France.,Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, DHU ViewMaintain, INSERM-DHOS CIC 1423, Paris, F-75012, France
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- INSERM, U968, Paris, F-75012, France.,Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, 17, rue Moreau, Paris, F-75012, France.,CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, F-75012, France.,Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, DHU ViewMaintain, INSERM-DHOS CIC 1423, Paris, F-75012, France.,Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, 75019, Paris, France.,Académie des Sciences-Institut de France, 75006, Paris, France.,University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Christina Zeitz
- INSERM, U968, Paris, F-75012, France. .,Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, 17, rue Moreau, Paris, F-75012, France. .,CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, F-75012, France.
| | - Isabelle Audo
- INSERM, U968, Paris, F-75012, France. .,Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, 17, rue Moreau, Paris, F-75012, France. .,CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, F-75012, France. .,Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, DHU ViewMaintain, INSERM-DHOS CIC 1423, Paris, F-75012, France. .,University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.
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