101
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Wang Q, Banerjee S, So C, Qiu C, Lam HIC, Tse D, Völgyi B, Pan F. Unmasking inhibition prolongs neuronal function in retinal degeneration mouse model. FASEB J 2020; 34:15282-15299. [PMID: 32985731 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001315rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
All neurodegenerative diseases involve a relatively long period of timeframe from the onset of the disease to complete loss of functions. Extending this timeframe, even at a reduced level of function, would improve the quality of life of patients with these devastating diseases. The retina, as the part of the central nervous system and a frequent site of many distressing neurodegenerative disease, provides an ideal model to investigate the feasibility of extending the functional timeframe through pharmacologic intervention. Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a group of blinding diseases. Although the rate of progression and degree of visual loss varies, there is usually a prolonged time before patients totally lose their photoreceptors and vision. It is believed that inhibitory mechanisms are still intact and may become relatively strong after the gradual loss of photoreceptors in RP patients. Therefore, it is possible that light-evoked responses of retinal ganglion cells and visual information processes in retinal circuits could be "unmasked" by blocking these inhibitory mechanisms restoring some level of visual function. Our results indicate that if the inhibition in the inner retina was unmasked in the retina of the rd10 mouse (the well-characterized RP mimicking, clinically relevant mouse model), the light-evoked responses of many retinal ganglion cells can be induced and restore their normal light sensitivity. GABA A receptor plays a major role in this masking inhibition. ERG b-wave and behavioral tests of spatial vision partly recovered after the application of PTX. Hence, removing retinal inhibition unmasks signalling mediated by surviving cones, thereby restoring some degree of visual function. These results may offer a novel strategy to restore the visual function with the surviving cones in RP patients and other gradual and progressive neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Wang
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Seema Banerjee
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Chunghim So
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Chunting Qiu
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Hang-I Christie Lam
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Dennis Tse
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Béla Völgyi
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, Szentágothai Research Centre, MTA NAP Retinal Electrical Synapses Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Feng Pan
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong.,The Centre for Eye and Vision Research, Hong Kong
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102
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Leinonen H, Pham NC, Boyd T, Santoso J, Palczewski K, Vinberg F. Homeostatic plasticity in the retina is associated with maintenance of night vision during retinal degenerative disease. eLife 2020; 9:59422. [PMID: 32960171 PMCID: PMC7529457 DOI: 10.7554/elife.59422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal plasticity of the inner retina has been observed in response to photoreceptor degeneration. Typically, this phenomenon has been considered maladaptive and may preclude vision restoration in the blind. However, several recent studies utilizing triggered photoreceptor ablation have shown adaptive responses in bipolar cells expected to support normal vision. Whether such homeostatic plasticity occurs during progressive photoreceptor degenerative disease to help maintain normal visual behavior is unknown. We addressed this issue in an established mouse model of Retinitis Pigmentosa caused by the P23H mutation in rhodopsin. We show robust modulation of the retinal transcriptomic network, reminiscent of the neurodevelopmental state, and potentiation of rod – rod bipolar cell signaling following rod photoreceptor degeneration. Additionally, we found highly sensitive night vision in P23H mice even when more than half of the rod photoreceptors were lost. These results suggest retinal adaptation leading to persistent visual function during photoreceptor degenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henri Leinonen
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, United States
| | - Nguyen C Pham
- John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Taylor Boyd
- John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Johanes Santoso
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, United States
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, United States.,Departments of Physiology and Biophysics, and Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, United States
| | - Frans Vinberg
- John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
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103
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Novel Insights into Beta 2 Adrenergic Receptor Function in the rd10 Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Cells 2020; 9:cells9092060. [PMID: 32917020 PMCID: PMC7563182 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In retinitis pigmentosa (RP), inherited rod death is followed by cone loss and blindness. Why cones die is still a matter of consideration. Here, we investigate the pathogenic role of the sympathetic transmission in the rd10 mouse model of RP. Methods: Retinal levels of beta adrenergic receptor (BAR) 2 and norepinephrine (NE) were measured. After administration of the BAR1/2 blocker propranolol or the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 activator dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG), retinal levels of HIF-1α, BAR2 or proteins involved in BAR2 desensitization were also measured. In DMOG treated mice, expression and localization of BAR2, inflammatory markers and cone arrestin were determined. Finally, rd10 mice were subjected to electroretinogram (ERG) analysis to assess rod and cone function. Results: In the rd10 retina, BAR2 overexpression and NE accumulation were found, with BAR2 immunoreactivity localized to Müller cells. BAR2 overexpression was likely due to desensitization defects. Upregulated levels of BAR2 were drastically reduced by propranolol that also restored desensitization defects. Due to the low level of HIF-1 consequent to the hyperoxic environment in the rd10 retina, we hypothesized a link between HIF-1 and BAR2. HIF-1α stabilization with DMOG resulted in i. increased HIF-1α accumulation, ii. decreased BAR2 levels, iii. restored desensitization processes, iv. reduced expression of inflammatory markers and v. increased cone survival without improved retinal function. Conclusions: Our results support a pathogenic role of the sympathetic system in RP that might help to understand why rd10 mice show a positive response to BAR blockers.
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104
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Meer AMVD, Berger T, Müller F, Foldenauer AC, Johnen S, Walter P. Establishment and Characterization of a Unilateral UV-Induced Photoreceptor Degeneration Model in the C57Bl/6J Mouse. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:21. [PMID: 32879777 PMCID: PMC7443125 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.9.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate whether UV irradiation of the mouse eye can induce photoreceptor degeneration, producing a phenotype reminiscent of the rd10 mouse, left eyes of female C57Bl/6J mice were irradiated with a UV LED array (370 nm). A lens was placed between the cornea and LED, allowing illumination of about one-third of the retina. The short-term and long-term effects on the retina were evaluated. Methods First, a dose escalation study, in which corneal dosages between 2.8 and 9.3 J/cm2 were tested, was performed. A dosage of 7.5 J/cm2 was chosen for the following characterization study. Before and after irradiation slit-lamp examinations, full-field electroretinography, spectral domain optical coherence tomography and macroscopy were performed. After different time spans (5 days to 12 weeks) the animals were sacrificed and the retinae used for immunohistochemistry or multielectrode array testing. Right eyes served as untreated controls. Results In treated eyes, spectral domain optical coherence tomography revealed a decrease in retinal thickness to 53%. Full-field electroretinography responses decreased significantly from day 5 on in treated eyes. Multielectrode array recordings revealed oscillatory potentials with a mean frequency of 5.2 ± 0.6 Hz in the illuminated area. Structural changes in the retina were observed in immunohistochemical staining. Conclusions UV irradiation proved to be efficient in inducing photoreceptor degeneration in the mouse retina, while leaving the other retinal layers largely intact. The irradiated area of treated eyes can be identified easily in spectral domain optical coherence tomography and in explanted retinae. Translational Relevance This study provides information on anatomic and functional changes in UV-treated retina, enabling the use of this model for retinitis pigmentosa-like diseases in animals suited for experimental retinal surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tanja Berger
- Department of Medical Statistics, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Frank Müller
- Institute of Complex Systems, Cellular Biophysics, ICS-4, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Ann Christina Foldenauer
- Department of Medical Statistics, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,Department of Clinical Research Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME) Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (TMP), Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sandra Johnen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Peter Walter
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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105
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Yoon YJ, Lee JI, Jang YJ, An S, Kim JH, Fried SI, Im M. Retinal Degeneration Reduces Consistency of Network-Mediated Responses Arising in Ganglion Cells to Electric Stimulation. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2020; 28:1921-1930. [PMID: 32746297 PMCID: PMC7518787 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2020.3003345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Retinal prostheses use periodic repetition of electrical stimuli to form artificial vision. To enhance the reliability of evoked visual percepts, repeating stimuli need to evoke consistent spiking activity in individual retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). However, it is not well known whether outer retinal degeneration alters the consistency of RGC responses. Hence, here we systematically investigated the trial-to-trial variability in network-mediated responses as a function of the degeneration level. We patch-clamp recorded spikes in ON and OFF types of alpha RGCs from r d10 mice at four different postnatal days (P15, P19, P31, and P60), representing distinct stages of degeneration. To assess the consistency of responses, we analyzed variances in spike count and timing across repeats of the same stimulus delivered multiple times. We found the trial-to-trial variability of network-mediated responses increased considerably as the disease progressed. Compared to responses taken before degeneration onset, those of degenerate retinas showed up to ~70% higher variability (Fano Factor) in spike counts (p < 0.001) and ~95% lower correlation level in spike timing (p < 0.001). These results indicate consistency weakens significantly in electrically-evoked network-mediated responses and therefore raise concerns about the ability of microelectronic retinal implants to elicit consistent visual percepts at advanced stages of retinal degeneration.
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106
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Yao X, Kim TH. Fast intrinsic optical signal correlates with activation phase of phototransduction in retinal photoreceptors. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2020; 245:1087-1095. [PMID: 32558598 PMCID: PMC7400727 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220935406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT As the center of phototransduction, retinal photoreceptors are responsible for capturing and converting photon energy to bioelectric signals for following visual information processing in the retina. This article summarizes experimental observation and discusses biophysical mechanism of fast photoreceptor-intrinsic optical signal (IOS) correlated with early phase of phototransduction. Quantitative imaging of fast photoreceptor-IOS may provide objective optoretinography to advance the study and diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy, and other eye diseases that can cause photoreceptor dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xincheng Yao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Tae-Hoon Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
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107
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Wooff Y, Cioanca AV, Chu-Tan JA, Aggio-Bruce R, Schumann U, Natoli R. Small-Medium Extracellular Vesicles and Their miRNA Cargo in Retinal Health and Degeneration: Mediators of Homeostasis, and Vehicles for Targeted Gene Therapy. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:160. [PMID: 32670023 PMCID: PMC7330137 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptor cell death and inflammation are known to occur progressively in retinal degenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these biological processes are largely unknown. Extracellular vesicles (EV) are essential mediators of cell-to-cell communication with emerging roles in the modulation of immune responses. EVs, including exosomes, encapsulate and transfer microRNA (miRNA) to recipient cells and in this way can modulate the environment of recipient cells. Dysregulation of EVs however is correlated to a loss of cellular homeostasis and increased inflammation. In this work we investigated the role of isolated retinal small-medium sized EV (s-mEV) which includes exosomes in both the healthy and degenerating retina. Isolated s-mEV from normal retinas were characterized using dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy and western blotting, and quantified across 5 days of photo-oxidative damage-induced degeneration using nanotracking analysis. Small RNAseq was used to characterize the miRNA cargo of retinal s-mEV isolated from healthy and damaged retinas. Finally, the effect of exosome inhibition on cell-to-cell miRNA transfer and immune modulation was conducted using systemic daily administration of exosome inhibitor GW4869 and in situ hybridization of s-mEV-abundant miRNA, miR-124-3p. Electroretinography and immunohistochemistry was performed to assess functional and morphological changes to the retina as a result of GW4869-induced exosome depletion. Results demonstrated an inverse correlation between s-mEV concentration and photoreceptor survivability, with a decrease in s-mEV numbers following degeneration. Small RNAseq revealed that s-mEVs contained uniquely enriched miRNAs in comparison to in whole retinal tissue, however, there was no differential change in the s-mEV miRNAnome following photo-oxidative damage. Exosome inhibition via the use of GW4869 was also found to exacerbate retinal degeneration, with reduced retinal function and increased levels of inflammation and cell death demonstrated following photo-oxidative damage in exosome-inhibited mice. Further, GW4869-treated mice displayed impaired translocation of photoreceptor-derived miR-124-3p to the inner retina during damage. Taken together, we propose that retinal s-mEV and their miRNA cargo play an essential role in maintaining retinal homeostasis through immune-modulation, and have the potential to be used in targeted gene therapy for retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvette Wooff
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,The ANU Medical School, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Adrian V Cioanca
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Joshua A Chu-Tan
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,The ANU Medical School, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Riemke Aggio-Bruce
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,The ANU Medical School, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Ulrike Schumann
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Riccardo Natoli
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,The ANU Medical School, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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108
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Palfi A, Yesmambetov A, Humphries P, Hokamp K, Farrar GJ. Non-photoreceptor Expression of Tulp1 May Contribute to Extensive Retinal Degeneration in Tulp1-/- Mice. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:656. [PMID: 32655363 PMCID: PMC7325604 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in tubby like protein 1 gene (TULP1) are causative of early-onset recessive inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs); similarly, the Tulp1-/- mouse is also characterized by a rapid IRD. Tulp1 mRNA and protein expression was analyzed in wild type mouse retinas and expression data sets (NCBI) during early postnatal development. Comparative histology was undertaken in Tulp1-/-, rhodopsin-/- (Rho-/-) and retinal degeneration slow-/- (Rds-/-) mouse retinas. Bioinformatic analysis of predicted TULP1 interactors and IRD genes was performed. Peak expression of Tulp1 in healthy mouse retinas was detected at p8; of note, TULP1 was detected in both the outer and inner retina. Bioinformatic analysis indicated Tulp1 expression in retinal progenitor, photoreceptor and non-photoreceptor cells. While common features of photoreceptor degeneration were detected in Tulp1-/-, Rho-/-, and Rds-/- retinas, other alterations in bipolar, amacrine and ganglion cells were specific to Tulp1-/- mice. Additionally, predicted TULP1 interactors differed in various retinal cell types and new functions for TULP1 were suggested. A pilot bioinformatic analysis indicated that in a similar fashion to Tulp1, many other IRD genes were expressed in both inner and outer retinal cells at p4-p7. Our data indicate that expression of Tulp1 extends to multiple retinal cell types; lack of TULP1 may lead to primary degeneration not only of photoreceptor but also non-photoreceptor cells. Predicted interactors suggest widespread retinal functions for TULP1. Early and widespread expression of TULP1 and some other IRD genes in both the inner and outer retina highlights potential hurdles in the development of treatments for these IRDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpad Palfi
- Department of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Pete Humphries
- Department of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Karsten Hokamp
- Department of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - G Jane Farrar
- Department of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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109
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Sekhar S, Ramesh P, Bassetto G, Zrenner E, Macke JH, Rathbun DL. Characterizing Retinal Ganglion Cell Responses to Electrical Stimulation Using Generalized Linear Models. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:378. [PMID: 32477044 PMCID: PMC7235533 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to preferentially stimulate different retinal pathways is an important area of research for improving visual prosthetics. Recent work has shown that different classes of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) have distinct linear electrical input filters for low-amplitude white noise stimulation. The aim of this study is to provide a statistical framework for characterizing how RGCs respond to white-noise electrical stimulation. We used a nested family of Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) to partition neural responses into different components—progressively adding covariates to the GLM which captured non-stationarity in neural activity, a linear dependence on the stimulus, and any remaining non-linear interactions. We found that each of these components resulted in increased model performance, but that even the non-linear model left a substantial fraction of neural variability unexplained. The broad goal of this paper is to provide a much-needed theoretical framework to objectively quantify stimulus paradigms in terms of the types of neural responses that they elicit (linear vs. non-linear vs. stimulus-independent variability). In turn, this aids the prosthetic community in the search for optimal stimulus parameters that avoid indiscriminate retinal activation and adaptation caused by excessively large stimulus pulses, and avoid low fidelity responses (low signal-to-noise ratio) caused by excessively weak stimulus pulses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudarshan Sekhar
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Graduate Training Center of Neuroscience, International Max Planck Research School, Tübingen, Germany.,Systems Neuroscience Center, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Poornima Ramesh
- Computational Neuroengineering, Department for Electrical and Computer Engineering, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Giacomo Bassetto
- Computational Neuroengineering, Department for Electrical and Computer Engineering, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.,Neural System Analysis, Research Center Caesar, Bonn, Germany
| | - Eberhart Zrenner
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jakob H Macke
- Computational Neuroengineering, Department for Electrical and Computer Engineering, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.,Neural System Analysis, Research Center Caesar, Bonn, Germany
| | - Daniel L Rathbun
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, Tübingen, Germany.,Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Ophthalmology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, United States
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110
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Piano I, D'Antongiovanni V, Novelli E, Biagioni M, Dei Cas M, Paroni RC, Ghidoni R, Strettoi E, Gargini C. Myriocin Effect on Tvrm4 Retina, an Autosomal Dominant Pattern of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:372. [PMID: 32435178 PMCID: PMC7218082 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Tvrm4 mice, a model of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (RP), carry a mutation of Rhodopsin gene that can be activated by brief exposure to very intense light. Here, we test the possibility of an anatomical, metabolic, and functional recovery by delivering to degenerating Tvrm4 animals, Myriocin, an inhibitor of ceramide de novo synthesis previously shown to effectively slow down retinal degeneration in rd10 mutants (Strettoi et al., 2010; Piano et al., 2013). Different routes and durations of Myriocin administration were attempted by using either single intravitreal (i.v.) or long-term, repeated intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections. The retinal function of treated and control animals was tested by ERG recordings. Retinas from ERG-recorded animals were studied histologically to reveal the extent of photoreceptor death. A correlation was observed between Myriocin administration, lowering of retinal ceramides, and preservation of ERG responses in i.v. injected cases. Noticeably, the i.p. treatment with Myriocin decreased the extension of the retinal-degenerating area, preserved the ERG response, and correlated with decreased levels of biochemical indicators of retinal oxidative damage. The results obtained in this study confirm the efficacy of Myriocin in slowing down retinal degeneration in genetic models of RP independently of the underlying mutation responsible for the disease, likely targeting ceramide-dependent, downstream pathways. Alleviation of retinal oxidative stress upon Myriocin treatment suggests that this molecule, or yet unidentified metabolites, act on cellular detoxification systems supporting cell survival. Altogether, the pharmacological approach chosen here meets the necessary pre-requisites for translation into human therapy to slow down RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Piano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Michele Dei Cas
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Ghidoni
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Aldo Ravelli Center, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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111
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Shu W, Baumann BH, Song Y, Liu Y, Wu X, Dunaief JL. Ferrous but not ferric iron sulfate kills photoreceptors and induces photoreceptor-dependent RPE autofluorescence. Redox Biol 2020; 34:101469. [PMID: 32362442 PMCID: PMC7327978 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron has been implicated in the pathogenesis of retinal degenerative diseases, including ocular siderosis. However, the mechanisms of iron-induced retinal toxicity are incompletely understood. Previous work shows that intravitreal injection of Fe2+ leads to photoreceptor (PR) oxidative stress, resulting in PR death within 14 days, and cones are more susceptible than rods to iron-induced oxidative damage. In order to further investigate the mechanism of intravitreal iron-induced retinal toxicity and shed light on mechanisms of iron-induced retinopathy in other mouse models, Fe2+, Fe3+, or saline were injected into the vitreous of adult wild-type mice. Pre-treatment with Ferrostatin-1 was used to investigate whether iron-induced retinal toxicity resulted from ferroptosis. Color and autofluorescence in vivo retinal imaging and optical coherence tomography were performed on day 2 and day 7 post-injection. Eyes were collected for quantitative PCR and Western analysis on day 1 and for immunofluorescence on both day 2 and 7. In vivo imaging and immunofluorescence revealed that Fe2+, but not Fe3+, induced PR oxidative damage and autofluorescence on day 2, resulting in PR death and retinal pigment epithelial cell (RPE) autofluorescence on day 7. Quantitative PCR and Western analysis on day 1 indicated that both Fe2+ and Fe3+ induced iron accumulation in the retina. However, only Fe2+ elevated levels of oxidative stress markers and components of ferroptosis in the retina, and killed PRs. Ferrostatin-1 failed to protect the retina from Fe2+-induced oxidative damage. To investigate the mechanism of Fe2+-induced RPE autofluorescence, rd10 mutant mice aged 6 weeks, with almost total loss of PRs, were given intravitreal Fe2+ or Fe3+ injections: neither induced RPE autofluorescence. This result suggests Fe2+-induced RPE autofluorescence in wild-type mice resulted from phagocytosed, oxidized outer segments. Together these data suggest that intraretinal Fe2+ causes PR oxidative stress, leading to PR death and RPE autofluorescence. Intravitreal ferrous but not ferric sulfate induces photoreceptor oxidative stress. Ferrous sulfate causes photoreceptor death within 7 days. Ferrous sulfate causes outer segment and RPE autofluorescence. RPE autofluorescence does not develop in retinas lacking photoreceptors. Ferrous sulfate activates a subset of ferroptosis genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanting Shu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, No. 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China; F.M.Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 305 Stellar-Chance Laboratory, 422 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Bailey H Baumann
- F.M.Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 305 Stellar-Chance Laboratory, 422 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Ying Song
- F.M.Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 305 Stellar-Chance Laboratory, 422 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Yingrui Liu
- F.M.Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 305 Stellar-Chance Laboratory, 422 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, Jilin, 130041, China.
| | - Xingwei Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, No. 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, China.
| | - Joshua L Dunaief
- F.M.Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 305 Stellar-Chance Laboratory, 422 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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112
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Höfling L, Oesterle J, Berens P, Zeck G. Probing and predicting ganglion cell responses to smooth electrical stimulation in healthy and blind mouse retina. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5248. [PMID: 32251331 PMCID: PMC7090015 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61899-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal implants are used to replace lost photoreceptors in blind patients suffering from retinopathies such as retinitis pigmentosa. Patients wearing implants regain some rudimentary visual function. However, it is severely limited compared to normal vision because non-physiological stimulation strategies fail to selectively activate different retinal pathways at sufficient spatial and temporal resolution. The development of improved stimulation strategies is rendered difficult by the large space of potential stimuli. Here we systematically explore a subspace of potential stimuli by electrically stimulating healthy and blind mouse retina in epiretinal configuration using smooth Gaussian white noise delivered by a high-density CMOS-based microelectrode array. We identify linear filters of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) by fitting a linear-nonlinear-Poisson (LNP) model. Our stimulus evokes spatially and temporally confined spiking responses in RGC which are accurately predicted by the LNP model. Furthermore, we find diverse shapes of linear filters in the linear stage of the model, suggesting diverse preferred electrical stimuli of RGCs. The linear filter base identified by our approach could provide a starting point of a model-guided search for improved stimuli for retinal prosthetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Höfling
- Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
- Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jonathan Oesterle
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Philipp Berens
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Computer Science, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Günther Zeck
- Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany.
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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113
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Xiao H, Wang J, Saul A, Smith SB. Comparison of Neuroprotective Effects of Monomethylfumarate to the Sigma 1 Receptor Ligand (+)-Pentazocine in a Murine Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:5. [PMID: 32150247 PMCID: PMC7401726 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.3.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Activating the cell survival modulator sigma 1 receptor (Sig1R) delays cone photoreceptor cell loss in Pde6βrd10/J (rd10) mice, a model of retinitis pigmentosa. Beneficial effects are abrogated in rd10 mice lacking NRF2, implicating NRF2 as essential to Sig1R-mediated cone neuroprotection. Here we asked whether activation of NRF2 alone is sufficient to rescue cones in rd10 mice. Methods Expression of antioxidant genes was evaluated in 661W cells and in mouse retinas after treatment with monomethylfumarate (MMF), a potent NRF2 activator. Rd10 mice were administered MMF (50 mg/kg) or the Sig1R ligand (+)-pentazocine (PTZ; 0.5 mg/kg) intraperitoneally (every other day, P14-42). Mice were evaluated for visual acuity (optokinetic tracking response), retinal function (electroretinography) and architecture (SD-OCT); histologic retinal sections were evaluated morphometrically. Results MMF treatment increased Nrf2, Nqo1, Cat, Sod1, and Hmox1 expression in vitro and in vivo. Visual acuity of (+)-PTZ-treated rd10 mice was similar to wild-type mice; however, MMF treatment did not alter acuity compared with nontreated rd10 mice. Cone electroretinography b-wave amplitudes were greater in PTZ-treated than nontreated or MMF-treated rd10 mice. SD-OCT assessment of retinal thickness was greater in (+)-PTZ-treated mice versus nontreated or MMF-treated rd10 mice. Morphometric assessment of the outer nuclear layer revealed approximately 18 cells/100 µm retinal length in (+)-PTZ-treated rd10 mice, but only approximately 10 to 12 cells/100 µm in MMF-treated and nontreated rd10 retinas. Conclusions Activation of NRF2 using MMF, at least at our dosing regimen, is insufficient to attenuate catastrophic photoreceptor damage characteristic of rd10 mice. The data prompt investigation of additional mechanisms involved in Sig1R-mediated retinal neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Xiao
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia,United States
- James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia,United States
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia,United States
- James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia,United States
| | - Alan Saul
- James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia,United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia,United States
| | - Sylvia B. Smith
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia,United States
- James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia,United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia,United States
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114
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Gao ML, Lei XL, Han F, He KW, Jin SQ, Zhang YY, Jin ZB. Patient-Specific Retinal Organoids Recapitulate Disease Features of Late-Onset Retinitis Pigmentosa. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:128. [PMID: 32211407 PMCID: PMC7068133 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although an increasing number of disease genes have been identified, the exact cellular mechanisms of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) remain largely unclear. Retinal organoids (ROs) derived from the induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of patients provide a potential but unvalidated platform for deciphering disease mechanisms and an advantageous tool for preclinical testing of new treatments. Notably, early-onset RP has been extensively recapitulated by patient-iPSC-derived ROs. However, it remains a challenge to model late-onset disease in a dish due to its chronicity, complexity, and instability. Here, we generated ROs from late-onset RP proband-derived iPSCs harboring a PDE6B mutation. Transcriptome analysis revealed a remarkably distinct gene expression profile in the patient ROs at differentiation day (D) 230. Changes in the expression genes regulating cGMP hydrolysis prompted the elevation of cGMP levels, which was verified by a cGMP enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in patient ROs. Furthermore, significantly higher cGMP levels in patient ROs than in control ROs at D193 and D230 might lead to impaired formation of synaptic connections and the connecting cilium in photoreceptor cells. In this study, we established the first late-onset RP model with a consistent phenotype using an in vitro cell culture system and provided new insights into the PDE6B-related mechanism of RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Ling Gao
- Laboratory of Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmology, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xin-Lan Lei
- Laboratory of Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmology, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou, China
| | - Fang Han
- Laboratory of Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmology, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou, China
| | - Kai-Wen He
- Laboratory of Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmology, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou, China
| | - Si-Qian Jin
- Laboratory of Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmology, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou, China
| | - You-You Zhang
- Laboratory of Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmology, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zi-Bing Jin
- Laboratory of Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmology, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou, China
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115
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Increased Neuroprotective Microglia and Photoreceptor Survival in the Retina from a Peptide Inhibitor of Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88 (MyD88). J Mol Neurosci 2020; 70:968-980. [PMID: 32072483 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01503-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) is an adaptor protein for the Toll-like receptor (TLR) and interleukin 1 receptor (IL-1R) families of innate immunity receptors that mediate inflammatory responses to cellular injury. TLR/IL1R/MyD88 signaling is known to contribute to retinal degeneration, although how MyD88 regulates neuronal survival, and the effect of MyD88 on the inflammatory environment in the retina, is mostly unknown. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that blocking MyD88-mediated signaling early in retinal degeneration promotes transition of microglia towards a neuroprotective anti-inflammatory phenotype, resulting in enhanced photoreceptor survival. We also tested whether systemic delivery of a pharmacologic MyD88 inhibitor has therapeutic potential. The rd10 mouse model of retinal degeneration was injected intraperitoneally with increasing doses of a MyD88 blocking peptide or control peptide early in degeneration, and inflammatory responses and photoreceptor survival were measured at specific time points using flow cytometry, cytokine profiling, and electroretinograms. Our results demonstrated that rd10 mice injected with a low dose of MyD88 inhibitor peptide showed increased rod photoreceptor function and reduced apoptosis compared with control peptide and uninjected mice. MyD88 inhibition also resulted in fewer microglia/macrophage cells in the photoreceptor layer whereas total peripheral and retinal macrophage were not changed. Furthermore, increased number of cells expressing the Arg1 marker of neuroprotective microglia in the photoreceptor layer and higher MCP-1 and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-27 were associated with photoreceptor survival. Therefore, these data suggest that the MyD88 inhibitor modified the retina environment to become less inflammatory, leading to improved photoreceptor function and survival.
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116
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Kha CX, Guerin DJ, Tseng KAS. Studying In Vivo Retinal Progenitor Cell Proliferation in Xenopus laevis. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2092:19-33. [PMID: 31786778 PMCID: PMC11233400 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0175-4_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
The efficient generation and maintenance of retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) are key goals needed for developing strategies for productive eye repair. Although vertebrate eye development and retinogenesis are well characterized, the mechanisms that can initiate RPC proliferation following injury-induced regrowth and repair remain unknown. This is partly because endogenous RPC proliferation typically occurs during embryogenesis while studies of retinal regeneration have largely utilized adult (or mature) models. We found that embryos of the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, successfully regrew functional eyes after ablation. The initiation of regrowth induced a robust RPC proliferative response with a concomitant delay of the endogenous RPC differentiation program. During eye regrowth, overall embryonic development proceeded normally. Here, we provide a protocol to study regrowth-dependent RPC proliferation in vivo. This system represents a robust and low-cost strategy to rapidly define fundamental mechanisms that regulate regrowth-initiated RPC proliferation, which will facilitate progress in identifying promising strategies for productive eye repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy X Kha
- School of Life Sciences and Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Dylan J Guerin
- School of Life Sciences and Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Kelly Ai-Sun Tseng
- School of Life Sciences and Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
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117
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Stefanov A, Novelli E, Strettoi E. Inner retinal preservation in the photoinducible I307N rhodopsin mutant mouse, a model of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. J Comp Neurol 2019; 528:1502-1522. [PMID: 31811649 PMCID: PMC7187456 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Rod‐cone degenerations, for example, retinitis pigmentosa are leading causes of blindness worldwide. Despite slow disease progression in humans, vision loss is inevitable; therefore, development of vision restoration strategies is crucial. Among others, promising approaches include optogenetics and prosthetic implants, which aim to bypass lost photoreceptors (PRs). Naturally, the efficacy of these therapeutic strategies will depend on inner retinal structural and functional preservation. The present study shows that in photoinducible I307N rhodopsin mice (Translational Vision Research Model 4 [Tvrm4]), a 12k lux light exposure eliminates PRs in the central retina in 1 week, but interneurons and their synapses are maintained for as long as 9 weeks postinduction. Despite bipolar cell dendritic retraction and moderate loss of horizontal cells, the survival rate of various cell types is very high. Significant preservation of conventional synapses and gap junctions in the inner plexiform layer is also observed. We found the number of synaptic ribbons to gradually decline and their ultrastructure to become transiently abnormal, although based on our findings intrinsic retinal architecture is maintained despite complete loss of PRs. Unlike common rodent models of PR degeneration, where the disease phenotype often interferes with retinal development, in Tvrm4 mice, the degenerative process can be induced after retinal development is complete. This time course more closely mimics the timing of disease onset in affected patients. Stability of the inner retina found in these mutants 2 months after PR degeneration suggests moderate, stereotyped remodeling in the early stages of the human disease and represents a promising finding for prompt approaches of vision restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Stefanov
- Institute of Neuroscience, Italian National Research Council - CNR, Pisa, Italy.,Regional Doctoral School of Neuroscience, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Novelli
- Institute of Neuroscience, Italian National Research Council - CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - Enrica Strettoi
- Institute of Neuroscience, Italian National Research Council - CNR, Pisa, Italy
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118
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Lu Y, Kim TH, Yao X. Comparative study of wild-type and rd10 mice reveals transient intrinsic optical signal response before phosphodiesterase activation in retinal photoreceptors. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2019; 245:360-367. [PMID: 31852239 DOI: 10.1177/1535370219896284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Transient intrinsic optical signal (IOS) has been observed in stimulus-evoked retinal photoreceptors. This study is to compare IOS changes in wild-type and retinal degeneration 10 (rd10) mouse retinas, to evaluate the effect of cyclic guanosine monophosphate phosphodiesterase on photoreceptor-IOS. Time-lapse near-infrared light microscopy was employed to monitor the spatiotemporal dynamics of the IOS responses in freshly isolated retinas activated by visible light stimulation. Comparative IOS recordings were conducted at postnatal days 14 (P14) and P16. At P14, intrinsic optical signal magnitudes and spatiotemporal dynamics in wild-type and rd10 retinas were similar, indicating that the phosphodiesterase deficiency in rd10 did not affect the formation of photoreceptor-IOS. At P16, IOS magnitude in rd10 significantly decreased compared to that in wild-type, suggesting the IOS sensitivity to the photoreceptor degeneration in rd10. Our experimental results and theoretical analysis indicate that early disc-based stages of the phototransduction cascade before the activation of phosphodiesterase may contribute to the formation of the photoreceptor-IOS responses; and the IOS can be a sensitive biomarker for objective assessment of retinal function. Impact statement Comparative study of wild-type and rd10 mice was implemented to reveal that transient intrinsic optical signal (IOS) was initiated before the phosphodiesterase activation in stimulus-activated photoreceptors and the IOS magnitude was sensitive to photoreceptor degeneration. The photoreceptor-IOS promises a noninvasive biomarker for objective assessment of age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and other eye diseases that can produce photoreceptor dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Lu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Tae-Hoon Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Xincheng Yao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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119
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Valiente-Soriano FJ, Ortín-Martínez A, Di Pierdomenico J, García-Ayuso D, Gallego-Ortega A, Miralles de Imperial-Ollero JA, Jiménez-López M, Villegas-Pérez MP, Wheeler LA, Vidal-Sanz M. Topical Brimonidine or Intravitreal BDNF, CNTF, or bFGF Protect Cones Against Phototoxicity. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2019; 8:36. [PMID: 31890348 PMCID: PMC6919195 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.8.6.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To develop a focal photoreceptor degeneration model by blue light-emitting diode (LED)-induced phototoxicity (LIP) and investigate the protective effects of topical brimonidine (BMD) or intravitreal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), or basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Methods In anesthetized, dark-adapted, adult female Swiss mice, the left eye was dilated and exposed to blue light (10 seconds, 200 lux). After LIP, full-field electroretinograms (ERG) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were obtained longitudinally, and reactive-Iba-1+monocytic cells, TUNEL+ cells and S-opsin+ cone outer segments were examined up to 7 days. Left eyes were treated topically with BMD (1%) or vehicle, before or right after LIP, or intravitreally with BDNF (2.5 μg), CNTF (0.2 μg), bFGF (0.5 μg), or corresponding vehicle right after LIP. At 7 days, S-opsin+ cone outer segments were counted within predetermined fixed-size areas (PFA) centered on the lesion in both flattened retinas. Results SD-OCT showed a circular region in the superior-temporal left retina with progressive thinning (207.9 ± 5.6 μm to 160.7 ± 6.8 μm [7 days], n = 8), increasing TUNEL+ cells (peak at 3 days), decreasing S-opsin+ cone outer segments, and strong microglia activation. ERGs were normal by 3 days. Total S-opsin+ cones in the PFA for LIP-treated and fellow-retinas were 2330 ± 262 and 5601 ± 583 (n = 8), respectively. All neuroprotectants (n = 7–11), including topical BMD pre- or post-LIP, or intravitreal BDNF, CNTF, and bFGF, showed significantly greater S-opsin+ cone survival than their corresponding vehicle-treated groups. Conclusions LIP is a reliable, quantifiable focal photoreceptor degeneration model. Topical BMD or intravitreal BDNF, CNTF, or bFGF protect against LIP-induced cone-photoreceptor loss. Translational Relevance Topical BMD or intravitreal BDNF, CNTF, or bFGF protect cones against phototoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Valiente-Soriano
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Arturo Ortín-Martínez
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain.,Present Address: Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Johnny Di Pierdomenico
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Diego García-Ayuso
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Alejandro Gallego-Ortega
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan A Miralles de Imperial-Ollero
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Jiménez-López
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - María Paz Villegas-Pérez
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Larry A Wheeler
- Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
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120
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Roche SL, Kutsyr O, Cuenca N, Cotter TG. Norgestrel, a Progesterone Analogue, Promotes Significant Long-Term Neuroprotection of Cone Photoreceptors in a Mouse Model of Retinal Disease. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:3221-3235. [PMID: 31335948 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.19-27246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) refers to a group of inherited blinding retinal diseases, whereby the death of mutated rod photoreceptors is followed closely by the death of cone photoreceptors. Cone cell death can be hugely debilitating as color/daytime vision becomes impaired. Thus, treatments that are effective against cone cell death are urgently needed. Our research has been working toward development of a neuroprotective treatment for RP. We have previously demonstrated significant neuroprotective properties of norgestrel, a progesterone analogue, in the mouse retina. The current study further investigates the potential of norgestrel as a treatment for RP, with a focus on long-term preservation of cone photoreceptors. Methods Using the well-established rd10 mouse model of RP, we administered a norgestrel-supplemented diet at postnatal day (P)30, following widespread loss of rod photoreceptors and at the outset of cone degeneration. We subsequently assessed cone cell morphology and retinal function at P50, P60, and P80, using immunohistochemistry, electroretinograph recordings, and optomotor testing. Results While cone cell degeneration was widespread in the untreated rd10 retina, we observed profound preservation of cone photoreceptor morphology in the norgestrel-treated mice for at least 50 days, out to P80. This was demonstrated by up to 28-fold more cone arrestin-positive photoreceptors. This protection transpired to functional preservation at all ages. Conclusions This work presents norgestrel as an incredibly promising long-term neuroprotective compound for the treatment of RP. Crucially, norgestrel could be used in the mid-late stages of the disease to protect remaining cone cells and help preserve color/daytime vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Roche
- Cell Development and Disease Laboratory, Biochemistry Department, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Oksana Kutsyr
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
| | - Nicolás Cuenca
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
| | - Thomas G Cotter
- Cell Development and Disease Laboratory, Biochemistry Department, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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121
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Kim TH, Son T, Le D, Yao X. Longitudinal OCT and OCTA monitoring reveals accelerated regression of hyaloid vessels in retinal degeneration 10 (rd10) mice. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16685. [PMID: 31723168 PMCID: PMC6853881 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53082-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The hyaloid vascular system (HVS) is known to have an important role in eye development. However, physiological mechanisms of HVS regression and their correlation with developmental eye disorders remain unclear due to technical limitations of conventional ending point examination with fixed tissues. Here, we report comparative optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) monitoring of HVS regression in wild-type and retinal degeneration 10 (rd10) mice. Longitudinal OCTA monitoring revealed accelerated regression of hyaloid vessels correlated with retinal degeneration in rd10. Quantitative OCT measurement disclosed significant distortions of both retinal thickness and the vitreous chamber in rd10 compared to WT mice. These OCT/OCTA observations confirmed the close relationship between HVS physiology and retinal neurovascular development. The distorted HVS regression might result from retinal hyperoxia or dopamine abnormality due to retinal remodeling in rd10 retina. By providing a noninvasive imaging platform for longitudinal monitoring of HVS regression, further OCT/OCTA study may lead to in-depth understanding of the physiological mechanisms of HVS regression in normal and diseased eyes, which is not only important for advanced study of the nature of the visual system but also may provide insights into the development of better treatment protocols of congenital eye disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Hoon Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Taeyoon Son
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - David Le
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Xincheng Yao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
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Chen Y, Yang M, Wang ZJ. (Z)-7,4'-Dimethoxy-6-hydroxy-aurone-4-O-β-glucopyranoside mitigates retinal degeneration in Rd10 mouse model through inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2019; 39:36-42. [PMID: 31648555 DOI: 10.1080/15569527.2019.1685535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: As an inherited retinal dystrophy characterised by progressive degeneration of photoreceptor cells, retinitis pigmentosa (RP) leads to partial or total blindness eventually. Possible causes of the photoreceptor cell death are oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. (Z)-7,4'-Dimethoxy-6-hydroxy-aurone-4-O-β-glucopyranoside (DHAG) is a novel compound with potent antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to investigate whether DHAG could mitigate photoreceptor cell degeneration in an established mouse model of RP.Materials and method: Rd10 mice were treated with DHAG daily by gavage from postnatal day 12 (P12) to P33. Retinal morphology was evaluated by haematoxylin and eosin staining. Apoptosis-positive cells were detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay. Oxidative stress markers and inflammatory factors were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunostaining and western blot were applied to measure the gene and protein change to explore the underlying mechanisms.Results: Results showed that DHAG significantly preserved the retinal morphology, reducing photoreceptor cell apoptosis, decreasing oxidative stress and inhibiting inflammatory responses in Rd10 mice. The mechanism might be related to inhibit the activation of P38 pathway.Conclusions: This study showed the beneficial effects of DHAG, a compound possessing antioxidant properties, and provided scientific rationale to develop DHAG as a potential agent to treat RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Yang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Jun Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Chenais NAL, Leccardi MJIA, Ghezzi D. Capacitive-like photovoltaic epiretinal stimulation enhances and narrows the network-mediated activity of retinal ganglion cells by recruiting the lateral inhibitory network. J Neural Eng 2019; 16:066009. [DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ab3913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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124
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Wang J, Saul A, Smith SB. Activation of Sigma 1 Receptor Extends Survival of Cones and Improves Visual Acuity in a Murine Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:4397-4407. [PMID: 31639826 PMCID: PMC6808049 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.19-27709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a retinal photoreceptor degeneration, typically affects rod function and subsequently cones. Activation of sigma 1 receptor (Sig1R) has been shown to preserve cone function through 6 weeks in the rd10 mouse model of RP, when mice were treated systemically with the Sig1R ligand (+)-pentazocine (PTZ). This study determined the extent to which cone function is preserved in rd10 mice when Sig1R is activated. Methods Rd10 mice were administered (+)-PTZ (alternate days beginning at postnatal day [P]14) over a period of 180 days. Mouse visual function and structure were measured in vivo using optokinetic tracking response, scotopic and photopic electroretinography plus photopic assessment using "natural" noise stimuli, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Immunofluorescent methods were used to detect cones in retinal cryosections. Results Visual acuity was maintained in rd10(+)-PTZ-treated mice through P56, whereas rd10 nontreated mice showed marked decline by P28. Cone responses were detected in (+)-PTZ-treated mice through P60, which were more robust when tested with natural noise stimuli; cone responses were minimal in nontreated rd10 mice. OCT revealed significantly thicker retinas in (+)-PTZ-treated rd10 mice through P60 compared to nontreated mice. Cones were detected by immunofluorescence in (+)-PTZ-treated rd10 retinas through P120. Conclusions The extent to which cone rescue could be sustained in (+)-PTZ-treated rd10 mice was evaluated comprehensively, showing that activation of Sig1R is associated with prolonged visual acuity, extended detection of cone function, and detection of cones in retinal histologic sections. The data reflect promising long-term neuroprotection when Sig1R is activated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, United States
- James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, United States
| | - Alan Saul
- James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, United States
| | - Sylvia B. Smith
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, United States
- James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, United States
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Falasconi A, Biagioni M, Novelli E, Piano I, Gargini C, Strettoi E. Retinal Phenotype in the rd9 Mutant Mouse, a Model of X-Linked RP. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:991. [PMID: 31607844 PMCID: PMC6761883 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration 9 (rd9) mice carry a mutation in the retina specific “Retinitis Pigmentosa GTPase Regulator (RPGR)” Open Reading Frame (ORF) 15 gene, located on the X chromosome and represent a rare model of X-linked Retinitis Pigmentosa (XLRP), a common and severe form of retinal degeneration (Wright et al., 2010; Tsang and Sharma, 2018). The rd9 RPGR-ORF15 mutation in mice causes lack of the protein in photoreceptors and a slow degeneration of these cells with consequent decrease in Outer Nuclear Layer (ONL) thickness and amplitude of ERG responses, as previously described (Thompson et al., 2012). However, relative rates of rod and cone photoreceptor loss, as well as secondary alterations occurring in neuronal and non-neuronal retinal cell types of rd9 mutants remain to be assessed. Aim of this study is to extend phenotype analysis of the rd9 mouse retina focusing on changes occurring in cells directly interacting with photoreceptors. To this purpose, first we estimated rod and cone survival and its degree of intraretinal variation over time; then, we studied the morphology of horizontal and bipolar cells and of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), extending our observations to glial cell reactivity. We found that in rd9 retinas rod (but not cone) death is the main cause of decrease in ONL thickness and that degeneration shows a high degree of intraretinal variation. Rod loss drives remodeling in the outer retina, with sprouting of second-order neurons of the rod-pathway and relative sparing of cone pathway elements. Remarkably, despite cone survival, functional defects can be clearly detected in ERG recordings in both scotopic and photopic conditions. Moderate levels of Muller cells and microglial reactivity are sided by striking attenuation of staining for RPE tight junctions, suggesting altered integrity of the outer Blood Retina Barrier (BRB). Because of many features resembling slowly progressing photoreceptor degeneration paradigms or early stages of more aggressive forms of RP, the rd9 mouse model can be considered a rare and useful tool to investigate retinal changes associated to a process of photoreceptor death sustained throughout life and to reveal disease biomarkers (e.g., BRB alterations) of human XLRP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Falasconi
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy.,Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy
| | - Martina Biagioni
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Novelli
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - Ilaria Piano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Enrica Strettoi
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy
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126
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Vagni P, Perlini LE, Chenais NAL, Marchetti T, Parrini M, Contestabile A, Cancedda L, Ghezzi D. Gene Editing Preserves Visual Functions in a Mouse Model of Retinal Degeneration. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:945. [PMID: 31551698 PMCID: PMC6748340 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a large and heterogeneous group of degenerative diseases caused by mutations in various genes. Given the favorable anatomical and immunological characteristics of the eye, gene therapy holds great potential for their treatment. Our goal is to validate the preservation of visual functions by viral-free homology directed repair (HDR) in an autosomal recessive loss of function mutation. We used a tailored gene editing system based on clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) to prevent retinal photoreceptor death in the retinal degeneration 10 (Rd10) mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. We tested the gene editing tool in vitro and then used in vivo subretinal electroporation to deliver it to one of the retinas of mouse pups at different stages of photoreceptor differentiation. Three months after gene editing, the treated eye exhibited a higher visual acuity compared to the untreated eye. Moreover, we observed preservation of light-evoked responses both in explanted retinas and in the visual cortex of treated animals. Our study validates a CRISPR/Cas9-based therapy as a valuable new approach for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa caused by autosomal recessive loss-of-function point mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Vagni
- Medtronic Chair in Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laura E Perlini
- Laboratory of Local Micro-environment and Brain Development, Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Naïg A L Chenais
- Medtronic Chair in Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tommaso Marchetti
- Medtronic Chair in Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Martina Parrini
- Laboratory of Local Micro-environment and Brain Development, Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Contestabile
- Laboratory of Local Micro-environment and Brain Development, Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Cancedda
- Laboratory of Local Micro-environment and Brain Development, Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy.,Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Roma, Italy
| | - Diego Ghezzi
- Laboratory of Local Micro-environment and Brain Development, Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
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127
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Sex-related differences in the progressive retinal degeneration of the rd10 mouse. Exp Eye Res 2019; 187:107773. [PMID: 31445902 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The retinal degeneration 10 (rd10) mouse is a model of autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a disease that causes blindness through the progressive loss of photoreceptors. This study shows evidence of sex-related differences in RP onset and progression in rd10 retinas. The disease onset was considerably earlier in the female rd10 mice than in the male rd10 mice, as evidenced by a loss of PDE6β proteins and rod-dominated electroretinogram (ERG) responses at an early age. Single photopic flash and flicker ERG responses and immunolabeling of opsin molecules were analyzed in both genders to assess the sex differences in the degeneration of cones in the RP retinas. The averaged amplitudes of cone-mediated ERG responses obtained from the females were significantly smaller than the amplitudes of the responses from the age-matched males in the late stages of the RP, suggesting that cones might degenerate faster in the female retinas as the disease progressed. The rapid degeneration of cones caused a more substantial decrease in the ERG responses derived from the On-pathway than the Off-pathway in the females. In addition, the male rd10 mice had heavier body weights than their female counterparts aged between postnatal (P)18 and P50 days. In summary, female rd10 mice were more susceptible to retinal degeneration, suggesting that the female sex might be a risk factor for RP. The results have important implications for future studies exploring potential sex-related differences in RP development and progression in the clinic.
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128
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Power M, Das S, Schütze K, Marigo V, Ekström P, Paquet-Durand F. Cellular mechanisms of hereditary photoreceptor degeneration - Focus on cGMP. Prog Retin Eye Res 2019; 74:100772. [PMID: 31374251 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The cellular mechanisms underlying hereditary photoreceptor degeneration are still poorly understood, a problem that is exacerbated by the enormous genetic heterogeneity of this disease group. However, the last decade has yielded a wealth of new knowledge on degenerative pathways and their diversity. Notably, a central role of cGMP-signalling has surfaced for photoreceptor cell death triggered by a subset of disease-causing mutations. In this review, we examine key aspects relevant for photoreceptor degeneration of hereditary origin. The topics covered include energy metabolism, epigenetics, protein quality control, as well as cGMP- and Ca2+-signalling, and how the related molecular and metabolic processes may trigger photoreceptor demise. We compare and integrate evidence on different cell death mechanisms that have been associated with photoreceptor degeneration, including apoptosis, necrosis, necroptosis, and PARthanatos. A special focus is then put on the mechanisms of cGMP-dependent cell death and how exceedingly high photoreceptor cGMP levels may cause activation of Ca2+-dependent calpain-type proteases, histone deacetylases and poly-ADP-ribose polymerase. An evaluation of the available literature reveals that a large group of patients suffering from hereditary photoreceptor degeneration carry mutations that are likely to trigger cGMP-dependent cell death, making this pathway a prime target for future therapy development. Finally, an outlook is given into technological and methodological developments that will with time likely contribute to a comprehensive overview over the entire metabolic complexity of photoreceptor cell death. Building on such developments, new imaging technology and novel biomarkers may be used to develop clinical test strategies, that fully consider the genetic heterogeneity of hereditary retinal degenerations, in order to facilitate clinical testing of novel treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Power
- Cell Death Mechanism Group, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Germany; Centre for Integrative Neurosciences (CIN), University of Tübingen, Germany; Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience (GTC), University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Soumyaparna Das
- Cell Death Mechanism Group, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Germany; Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience (GTC), University of Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Valeria Marigo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Per Ekström
- Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Sweden
| | - François Paquet-Durand
- Cell Death Mechanism Group, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Germany.
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Tolone A, Belhadj S, Rentsch A, Schwede F, Paquet-Durand F. The cGMP Pathway and Inherited Photoreceptor Degeneration: Targets, Compounds, and Biomarkers. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10060453. [PMID: 31207907 PMCID: PMC6627777 DOI: 10.3390/genes10060453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptor physiology and pathophysiology is intricately linked to guanosine-3’,5’-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP)-signaling. Here, we discuss the importance of cGMP-signaling for the pathogenesis of hereditary retinal degeneration. Excessive accumulation of cGMP in photoreceptors is a common denominator in cell death caused by a variety of different gene mutations. The cGMP-dependent cell death pathway may be targeted for the treatment of inherited photoreceptor degeneration, using specifically designed and formulated inhibitory cGMP analogues. Moreover, cGMP-signaling and its down-stream targets may be exploited for the development of novel biomarkers that could facilitate monitoring of disease progression and reveal the response to treatment in future clinical trials. We then briefly present the importance of appropriate formulations for delivery to the retina, both for drug and biomarker applications. Finally, the review touches on important aspects of future clinical translation, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary cooperation of researchers from a diverse range of fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Tolone
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Strasse 5-7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Soumaya Belhadj
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Strasse 5-7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | | | - Frank Schwede
- Biolog Life Science Institute, 28199 Bremen, Germany.
| | - François Paquet-Durand
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Strasse 5-7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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130
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Guadagni V, Biagioni M, Novelli E, Aretini P, Mazzanti CM, Strettoi E. Rescuing cones and daylight vision in retinitis pigmentosa mice. FASEB J 2019; 33:10177-10192. [PMID: 31199887 PMCID: PMC6764477 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201900414r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Hallmark of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the primary, genetic degeneration of rods followed by secondary loss of cones, caused by still elusive biologic mechanisms. We previously shown that exposure of rd10 mutant mice, modeling autosomal recessive RP, to environmental enrichment (EE), with enhanced motor, sensorial and social stimuli, results into a sensible delay of retinal degeneration and vision loss. Searching for effectors of EE-mediated retinal protection, we performed transcriptome analysis of the retina of rd10 enriched and control mice and found that gene expression at the peaks of rod and cone degeneration is characterized by a strong inflammatory/immune response, which is however measurably lower in enrichment conditions. Treating rd10 mice with dexamethasone during the period of maximum photoreceptors death lowered retinal inflammation and caused a preservation of cones and cone-mediated vision. Our findings indicate a link between retinal inflammation and bystander cone degeneration, reinforcing the notion that cone vision in RP can be preserved using anti-inflammatory approaches.—Guadagni, V., Biagioni, M., Novelli, E., Aretini, P., Mazzanti, C. M., Strettoi, E. Rescuing cones and daylight vision in retinitis pigmentosa mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Guadagni
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) Institute of Neuroscience, Pisa, Italy
| | - Martina Biagioni
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) Institute of Neuroscience, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Novelli
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) Institute of Neuroscience, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Aretini
- Laboratory of Genomics and Transcriptomics, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Maria Mazzanti
- Laboratory of Genomics and Transcriptomics, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, Italy
| | - Enrica Strettoi
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) Institute of Neuroscience, Pisa, Italy
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131
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Piano I, D'Antongiovanni V, Testai L, Calderone V, Gargini C. A Nutraceutical Strategy to Slowing Down the Progression of Cone Death in an Animal Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:461. [PMID: 31156364 PMCID: PMC6533548 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited retinal dystrophy characterized by progressive degeneration of the visual cells and abnormalities in retinal pigment epithelium, the vision is lost slowly, and the final outcome is total blindness. RP primarily affects rods, but cones can also be affected as a secondary effect. Photoreceptor cell death is usually triggered by apoptosis, however the molecular mechanisms linking the rod degeneration to the secondary cone death are poorly understood. Possible causes of the secondary cone death are oxidative stress and/ or the release of toxic factors from dying rods. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of nutraceutical molecules with antioxidant properties, on the progression of the disease in an established animal model of RP, and rd10 mice. We show that chronic treatment per os with a flavanone (naringenin) or a flavonol (quercetin) present in citrus fruits, grapes and apples, preserves retinal morphology, and ameliorates functionality. These actions are associated with a significant reduction of stress-oxidative markers, such as the detoxifying enzymes Sod1 and Sod2. In addition, naringenin and quercetin treatment reduces the levels of acrolein staining associated with a reduction of ROS in the cellular environment. The study demonstrates the beneficial effects of naringenin and quercetin, two molecules that possess antioxidant properties, limiting neurodegeneration, and thus preventing cone damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Piano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Benlloch-Navarro S, Trachsel-Moncho L, Fernández-Carbonell Á, Olivar T, Soria JM, Almansa I, Miranda M. Progesterone anti-inflammatory properties in hereditary retinal degeneration. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 189:291-301. [PMID: 30654106 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The interactions between steroid gonadal hormones and the retina (a part of the visual system and the central nervous system (CNS)) have received limited attention and beneficial effects of these hormones in retinal diseases is controversial. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common cause of retinal hereditary blindness and to date no treatment is available. However, results regarding the effects of progesterone on the progression of RP are promising. With the idea of demonstrating if the progesterone retinal protection in RP is related to its possible anti-inflammatory properties, we have administered orally progesterone to rd10 mice, an animal model of RP. We observed that progesterone decreased photoreceptors cell death, reactive gliosis and the increase in microglial cells caused by RP. We also examined the expression of neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthase (nNOS and iNOS), the enzyme responsible for NO production. The results demonstrated a decrease in nNOS expression only in control mice treated with progesterone. Inflammation has been related with an increase in lipid peroxidation. Noticeably progesterone administration was able to diminish retinal malondialdehyde (MDA, a lipid peroxidation product) concentrations in rd10 mice. Altogether, we can conclude that progesterone could be a good therapeutic option not only in RP but also for other retinal diseases that have been associated with inflammation and lipid peroxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soledad Benlloch-Navarro
- Departamento Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Laura Trachsel-Moncho
- Departamento Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Teresa Olivar
- Departamento Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Miguel Soria
- Departamento Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Almansa
- Departamento Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain.
| | - María Miranda
- Departamento Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain.
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Soluble CX3CL1 gene therapy improves cone survival and function in mouse models of retinitis pigmentosa. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:10140-10149. [PMID: 31036641 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1901787116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a disease that initially presents as night blindness due to genetic deficits in the rod photoreceptors of the retina. Rods then die, causing dysfunction and death of cone photoreceptors, the cell type that mediates high acuity and color vision, ultimately leading to blindness. We investigated immune responses in mouse models of RP and found evidence of microglia activation throughout the period of cone degeneration. Using adeno-associated vectors (AAVs), delivery of genes encoding microglial regulatory signals led to the identification of AAV serotype 8 (AAV8) soluble CX3CL1 (sCX3CL1) as a promising therapy for degenerating cones. Subretinal injection of AAV8-sCX3CL1 significantly prolonged cone survival in three strains of RP mice. Rescue of cones was accompanied by improvements in visual function. AAV8-sCX3CL1 did not affect rod survival, microglia localization, or inflammatory cytokine levels in the retina. Furthermore, although RNA sequencing of microglia demonstrated marked transcriptional changes with AAV8-sCX3CL1, pharmacological depletion of up to ∼99% of microglia failed to abrogate the effect of AAV8-sCX3CL1 on cone survival. These findings indicate that AAV8-sCX3CL1 can rescue cones in multiple mouse models of RP via a pathway that does not require normal numbers of microglia. Gene therapy with sCX3CL1 is a promising mutation-independent approach to preserve vision in RP and potentially other forms of retinal degeneration.
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He J, Zhao C, Dai J, Weng CH, Bian BSJ, Gong Y, Ge L, Fang Y, Liu H, Xu H, Yin ZQ. Microglia Mediate Synaptic Material Clearance at the Early Stage of Rats With Retinitis Pigmentosa. Front Immunol 2019; 10:912. [PMID: 31105708 PMCID: PMC6499027 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00912] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Resident microglia are the main immune cells in the retina and play a key role in the pathogenesis of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Many previous studies on the roles of microglia mainly focused on the neurotoxicity or neuroprotection of photoreceptors, while their contributions to synaptic remodeling of neuronal circuits in the retina of early RP remained unclarified. In the present study, we used Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats, a classic RP model characterized by progressive microglia activation and synapse loss, to investigate the constitutive effects of microglia on the synaptic lesions and ectopic neuritogenesis. Rod degeneration resulted in synapse disruption and loss in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) at the early stage of RP. Coincidentally, the resident microglia in the OPL increased phagocytosis and mainly engaged in phagocytic engulfment of postsynaptic mGluR6 of rod bipolar cells (RBCs). Complement pathway might be involved in clearance of postsynaptic elements of RBCs by microglia. We pharmacologically deleted microglia using a CSF1 receptor (CSF1R) inhibitor to confirm this finding, and found that it caused the accumulation of postsynaptic mGluR6 levels and increased the number and length of ectopic dendrites in the RBCs. Interestingly, the numbers of presynaptic sites expressing CtBP2 and colocalized puncta in the OPL of RCS rats were not affected by microglia elimination. However, sustained microglial depletion led to progressive functional deterioration in the retinal responses to light in RCS rats. Based on our results, microglia mediated the remodeling of RBCs by phagocytosing postsynaptic materials and inhibiting ectopic neuritogenesis, contributing to delay the deterioration of vision at the early stage of RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juncai He
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Congjian Zhao
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiaman Dai
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Chuan Huang Weng
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Bai Shi Jiao Bian
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Gong
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingling Ge
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Yajie Fang
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Haiwei Xu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Zheng Qin Yin
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
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Ueno S, Kominami T, Okado S, Inooka D, Kondo M, Terasaki H. Course of loss of photoreceptor function and progressive Müller cell gliosis in rhodopsin P347L transgenic rabbits. Exp Eye Res 2019; 184:192-200. [PMID: 31029790 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Long living animal models of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) can provide important information on the retinal changes that occur at the late stages of photoreceptor degeneration. The rhodopsin Pro347Leu transgenic rabbit (P347L Tg) is a model of RP, and it has been used to analyze the functional and morphological changes in the retina following the degeneration of the photoreceptors. They have also been used to test newly-developed therapies to treat eyes with photoreceptor degeneration. However, assessments of the retinal changes in P347L Tg rabbits older than 1-year have not been reported even though the data are important for research on developing new therapies to restore vision at the end stages of RP. The purpose of this study was to determine the time course of the loss of photoreceptor function and the changes in the morphology of the retina of P347L Tg rabbits. The experiments were performed on 26 older P347L Tg rabbits. The results showed that the amplitudes of the ERGs of the P347L Tg rabbits gradually decreased and reached <10 μV between 30- and 54-months-of-age. Histological analysis at these later stages showed a loss of the photoreceptor layer, and OCT analysis showed absence of the layering of the retina. However, the thickness between the inner limiting membrane and the outer plexiform layer was about 1.7 times thicker than the corresponding thickness of WT rabbits in the OCT images. This thickening was caused by a marked gliosis of the entire retina which was confirmed by light and transmission electron microscopy. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis showed there was excessive staining of the glial fibrillary acid protein in the older P347L Tg rabbits although the rod ON bipolar cells and horizontal cells were still present in the inner nuclear layer. Our results indicate that the P347L Tg rabbit progressed to complete photoreceptor loss within 30- and 54-months-of-age and severe gliosis altered the morphology of the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Ueno
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
| | - Taro Kominami
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Satoshi Okado
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Daiki Inooka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Mineo Kondo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Hiroko Terasaki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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136
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Di Pierdomenico J, Scholz R, Valiente-Soriano FJ, Sánchez-Migallón MC, Vidal-Sanz M, Langmann T, Agudo-Barriuso M, García-Ayuso D, Villegas-Pérez MP. Neuroprotective Effects of FGF2 and Minocycline in Two Animal Models of Inherited Retinal Degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:4392-4403. [PMID: 30193320 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to study the effect of minocycline and several neurotrophic factors, alone or in combination, on photoreceptor survival and macro/microglial reactivity in two rat models of retinal degeneration. Methods P23H-1 (rhodopsin mutation), Royal College of Surgeon (RCS, pigment epithelium malfunction), and age-matched control rats (Sprague-Dawley and Pievald Viro Glaxo, respectively) were divided into three groups that received at P10 for P23H-1 rats or P33 for RCS rats: (1) one intravitreal injection (IVI) of one of the following neurotrophic factors: ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), or basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2); (2) daily intraperitoneal administration of minocycline; or (3) a combination of IVI of FGF2 and intraperitoneal minocycline. All animals were processed 12 days after treatment initiation. Retinal microglial cells and cone photoreceptors were immunodetected and analyzed qualitatively in cross sections. The numbers of microglial cells in the different retinal layers and number of nuclei rows in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) were quantified. Results IVI of CNTF, PEDF, or FGF2 improved the morphology of the photoreceptors outer segment, but only FGF2 rescued a significant number of photoreceptors. None of the trophic factors had qualitative or quantitative effects on microglial cells. Minocycline treatment reduced activation and migration of microglia and produced a significant rescue of photoreceptors. Combined treatment with minocycline and FGF2 had higher neuroprotective effects than each of the treatments alone. Conclusions In two animal models of photoreceptor degeneration with different etiologies, minocycline reduces microglial activation and migration, and FGF2 and minocycline increase photoreceptor survival. The combination of FGF2 and minocycline show greater neuroprotective effects than their isolated effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnny Di Pierdomenico
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Rebecca Scholz
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - F Javier Valiente-Soriano
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Maria C Sánchez-Migallón
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Thomas Langmann
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marta Agudo-Barriuso
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Diego García-Ayuso
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - María Paz Villegas-Pérez
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
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137
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McDougald DS, Papp TE, Zezulin AU, Zhou S, Bennett J. AKT3 Gene Transfer Promotes Anabolic Reprogramming and Photoreceptor Neuroprotection in a Pre-clinical Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Mol Ther 2019; 27:1313-1326. [PMID: 31043342 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations within over 250 known genes are associated with inherited retinal degeneration. Clinical success following gene-replacement therapy for congenital blindness due to RPE65 mutations establishes a platform for the development of downstream treatments targeting other forms of inherited ocular disease. Unfortunately, several challenges relevant to complex disease pathology and limitations of current gene-transfer technologies impede the development of related strategies for each specific form of inherited retinal degeneration. Here, we describe a gene-augmentation strategy that delays retinal degeneration by stimulating features of anabolic metabolism necessary for survival and structural maintenance of photoreceptors. We targeted two critical points of regulation in the canonical insulin/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway with AAV-mediated gene augmentation in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. AAV vectors expressing the serine/threonine kinase, AKT3, promote dramatic preservation of photoreceptor numbers, structure, and partial visual function. This protective effect was associated with successful reprogramming of photoreceptor metabolism toward pathways associated with cell growth and survival. Collectively, these findings underscore the importance of AKT activity and downstream pathways associated with anabolic metabolism in photoreceptor survival and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin S McDougald
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, F.M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Tyler E Papp
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, F.M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alexandra U Zezulin
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, F.M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Shangzhen Zhou
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, F.M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jean Bennett
- Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, F.M. Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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138
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Wang J, Zhao J, Cui X, Mysona BA, Navneet S, Saul A, Ahuja M, Lambert N, Gazaryan IG, Thomas B, Bollinger KE, Smith SB. The molecular chaperone sigma 1 receptor mediates rescue of retinal cone photoreceptor cells via modulation of NRF2. Free Radic Biol Med 2019; 134:604-616. [PMID: 30743048 PMCID: PMC6619428 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Sigma 1 receptor (Sig1R), a putative molecular chaperone, has emerged as a novel therapeutic target for retinal degenerative disease. Earlier studies showed that activation of Sig1R via the high-affinity ligand (+)-pentazocine ((+)-PTZ) induced profound rescue of cone photoreceptor cells in the rd10 mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa; however the mechanism of rescue is unknown. Improved cone function in (+)-PTZ-treated mice was accompanied by reduced oxidative stress and normalization of levels of NRF2, a transcription factor that activates antioxidant response elements (AREs) of hundreds of cytoprotective genes. Here, we tested the hypothesis that modulation of NRF2 is central to Sig1R-mediated cone rescue. Activation of Sig1R in 661W cone cells using (+)-PTZ induced dose-dependent increases in NRF2-ARE binding activity and NRF2 gene/protein expression, whereas silencing Sig1R significantly decreased NRF2 protein levels and increased oxidative stress, although (+)-PTZ did not disrupt NRF2-KEAP1 binding. In vivo studies were conducted to investigate whether, in the absence of NRF2, activation of Sig1R rescues cones. (+)-PTZ was administered systemically for several weeks to rd10/nrf2+/+ and rd10/nrf2-/- mice. Through post-natal day 42, cone function was significant in rd10/nrf2+/+, but minimal in rd10/nrf2-/- mice as indicated by electroretinographic recordings using natural noise stimuli, optical coherence tomography and retinal histological analyses. Immunodetection of cones was limited in (+)-PTZ-treated rd10/nrf2-/-, though considerable in (+)-PTZ-treated rd10/nrf2+/+mice. The data suggest that Sig1R-mediated cone rescue requires NRF2 and provide evidence for a previously-unrecognized relationship between these proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wang
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - J Zhao
- James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - X Cui
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - B A Mysona
- James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - S Navneet
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - A Saul
- James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - M Ahuja
- Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - N Lambert
- Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - I G Gazaryan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - B Thomas
- Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - K E Bollinger
- James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - S B Smith
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
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139
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Chang YC, Haji Ghaffari D, Chow RH, Weiland JD. Stimulation strategies for selective activation of retinal ganglion cell soma and threshold reduction. J Neural Eng 2019; 16:026017. [PMID: 30560810 PMCID: PMC6648650 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/aaf92b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Retinal prosthetic implants restore partial vision to patients blinded due to outer retinal degeneration, using a camera-guided multielectrode array (MEA) that electrically stimulates surviving retinal neurons. Commercial epi-retinal prostheses use millisecond-scale charge-balanced, symmetric, cathodic-first biphasic pulses to depolarize retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and bipolar cells (BCs), frequently creating oblong perceptions of light related to axonal activation of RGCs. Stimulation strategies that avoid axonal stimulation and decrease the threshold of targeted neurons may significantly improve prosthetic vision in terms of spatial resolution and power efficiency. APPROACH We developed a virus-transduced genetically encoded calcium indicator (GECI) GCaMP6f and microscopy platform for calcium imaging to record the neural activity from RGCs at single-cell resolution in wholemount retinas. Multiple stimulation paradigms were applied through a microelectrode array (MEA) with transparent indium tin oxide electrodes. The evoked neuronal activities were converted to corresponding 2D calcium imaging transient pattern and spatial threshold map to identify the ideal focal response which corresponds to optimal percept in patient. MAIN RESULTS The proposed optical system with GCaMP6f is capable of recording from population of mouse RGCs in real time during electrical stimulation with precise location information relative to the stimulation sites. Optimal duration and phase order of pulse were identified to avoid axonal stimulation and selectively activate targeted RGC somas, without requiring a significant increase in stimulation charge. Additionally, we show that reduced stimulus threshold can be achieved with the special design of asymmetric anodic-first pulse. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings support the possibility of manipulating the responses of RGCs through varying the stimulation waveform. Focal response can be achieved with relative short duration (⩽120 μs) pulses, and can be improved by reversing the standard phase order. The RGCs threshold can be significantly reduced by 33.3%-50% in terms of charge through applying hyperpolarizing pre-pulses with a 20:1 ratio (pre-pulse:stimulus pulse). The results support the future retinal prosthesis design that potentially forms more ideal shape perception with higher spatial resolution and power efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Chuan Chang
- Center for Bioelectronic Medicine & Biomedical Science, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY 11030, United States of America
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Ivanova E, Alam NM, Prusky GT, Sagdullaev BT. Blood-retina barrier failure and vision loss in neuron-specific degeneration. JCI Insight 2019; 5:126747. [PMID: 30888334 PMCID: PMC6538333 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.126747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in neuronal activity alter blood flow to match energy demand with the supply of oxygen and nutrients. This functional hyperemia is maintained by interactions between neurons, vascular cells, and glia. However, how changing neuronal activity prevalent at the onset of neurodegenerative disease affects neurovascular elements is unclear. Here, in mice with photoreceptor degeneration, a model of neuron-specific dysfunction, we combined assessment of visual function, neurovascular unit structure, and the blood-retina barrier permeability. We found that the rod loss paralleled remodeling of the neurovascular unit, comprised of photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium, and Muller glia. When significant visual function was still present, blood flow became disrupted and blood-retina barrier began to fail, facilitating cone loss and vision decline. Thus, in contrast to the established view, vascular deficit in neuronal degeneration is not a late consequence of neuronal dysfunction, but is present early in the course of disease. These findings further establish the importance of vascular deficit and blood retina barrier function in neuron-specific loss, and highlight it as a target for early therapeutic intervention.
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141
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Broad spectrum metabolomics for detection of abnormal metabolic pathways in a mouse model for retinitis pigmentosa. Exp Eye Res 2019; 184:135-145. [PMID: 30885711 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a degenerative disease of the retina that affects approximately 1 million people worldwide. There are multiple genetic causes of this disease, for which, at present, there are no effective therapeutic strategies. In the present report, we utilized broad spectrum metabolomics to identify perturbations in the metabolism of the rd10 mouse, a genetic model for RP that contains a mutation in Pde6β. These data provide novel insights into mechanisms that are potentially critical for retinal degeneration. C57BL/6J and rd10 mice were raised in cyclic light followed by either light or dark adaptation at postnatal day (P) 18, an early stage in the degeneration process. Mice raised entirely in the dark until P18 were also evaluated. After euthanasia, retinas were removed and extracted for analysis by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-time of flight-mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS). Compared to wild type mice, rd10 mice raised in cyclic light or in complete darkness demonstrate significant alterations in retinal pyrimidine and purine nucleotide metabolism, potentially disrupting deoxynucleotide pools necessary for mitochondrial DNA replication. Other metabolites that demonstrate significant increases are the Coenzyme A intermediate, 4'-phosphopantothenate, and acylcarnitines. The changes in these metabolites, identified for the first time in a model of RP, are highly likely to disrupt normal energy metabolism. High levels of nitrosoproline were also detected in rd10 retinas relative to those from wild type mice. These results suggest that nitrosative stress may be involved in retinal degeneration in this mouse model.
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Poly ADP ribosylation and extracellular vesicle activity in rod photoreceptor degeneration. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3758. [PMID: 30842506 PMCID: PMC6403254 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40215-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinitis Pigmentosa is a group of inherited neurodegenerative diseases that result in selective cell death of photoreceptors. In the developed world, RP is regarded as the main cause of blindness among the working age population. The precise mechanisms eventually leading to cell death remain unknown and to date no adequate treatment for RP is available. Poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) over activity is involved in photoreceptor degeneration and pharmacological inhibition or genetic knock-down PARP1 activity protect photoreceptors in mice models, the mechanism of neuroprotection is not clear yet. Our result indicated that olaparib, a PARP1 inhibitor, significantly rescued photoreceptor cells in rd10 retina. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were previously recognized as a mechanism for discharging useless cellular components. Growing evidence has elucidated their roles in cell-cell communication by carrying nucleic acids, proteins and lipids that can, in turn, regulate behavior of the target cells. Recent research suggested that EVs extensively participate in progression of diverse blinding diseases, such as age-related macular (AMD) degeneration. Our study demonstrates the involvement of EVs activity in the process of photoreceptor degeneration in a PDE6 mutation. PARP inhibition protects photoreceptors via regulation of the EVs activity in rod photoreceptor degeneration in a PDE6b mutation.
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143
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Morphology of Inner Retina in Rhesus Monkeys of Various Ages: A Comparative Study. J Ophthalmol 2019; 2019:7089342. [PMID: 30944733 PMCID: PMC6421773 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7089342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the changes of thickness in each layer, the morphology and density of inner neurons in rhesus monkeys' retina at various growth stages, thus contribute useful data for further biological studies. Methods The thickness of nerve fiber layer (NFL), the whole retina, inner plexiform layer (IPL), and outer plexiform layer (OPL) of rhesus monkeys at different ages were observed with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The morphology and the density of inner neurons of rhesus monkey retina were detected by immunofluorescence. Results The retina showed the well-known ten layers, the thickness of each retinal layer in rhesus monkeys at various ages increased rapidly after infant, and the retina was the thickest in adulthood, but the retinal thickness stop growing in senescent. Quantitative analysis showed that the maximum density of inner neurons was reached in adolescent, and then, the density of inner neurons decreased in adults and senescent retinas. And some changes in the morphology of rod bipolar cells have occurred in senescent. Conclusions The structure of retina in rhesus monkeys is relatively immature at infant, and the inner retina of rhesus monkeys is mature in adolescent, while the thickness of each retinal layer was the most developed in the adult group. There was no significant change in senescence for the thickness of each retinal layer, but the number of the neurons in our study has a decreasing trend and the morphological structure has changed.
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144
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Anasagasti A, Ezquerra-Inchausti M, Barandika O, Muñoz-Culla M, Caffarel MM, Otaegui D, López de Munain A, Ruiz-Ederra J. Expression Profiling Analysis Reveals Key MicroRNA-mRNA Interactions in Early Retinal Degeneration in Retinitis Pigmentosa. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:2381-2392. [PMID: 29847644 PMCID: PMC5939684 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) that might play an important role in the etiology of retinal degeneration in a genetic mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa (rd10 mice) at initial stages of the disease. Methods miRNAs–mRNA interaction networks were generated for analysis of biological pathways involved in retinal degeneration. Results Of more than 1900 miRNAs analyzed, we selected 19 miRNAs on the basis of (1) a significant differential expression in rd10 retinas compared with control samples and (2) an inverse expression relationship with predicted mRNA targets involved in biological pathways relevant to retinal biology and/or degeneration. Seven of the selected miRNAs have been associated with retinal dystrophies, whereas, to our knowledge, nine have not been previously linked to any disease. Conclusions This study contributes to our understanding of the etiology and progression of retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ander Anasagasti
- Neuroscience Area, Sensorial Neurodegeneration Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Maitane Ezquerra-Inchausti
- Neuroscience Area, Sensorial Neurodegeneration Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain.,RETICS OFTARED, National Institute of Health Carlos III, Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, Spain
| | - Olatz Barandika
- Neuroscience Area, Sensorial Neurodegeneration Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Maider Muñoz-Culla
- Neuroscience Area, Multiple Sclerosis Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain.,Spanish Network on Multiple Sclerosis (Red Española de Esclerosis Múltiple)
| | - María M Caffarel
- Oncology Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain.,Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - David Otaegui
- Neuroscience Area, Multiple Sclerosis Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain.,Spanish Network on Multiple Sclerosis (Red Española de Esclerosis Múltiple)
| | - Adolfo López de Munain
- Neuroscience Area, Sensorial Neurodegeneration Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain.,Department of Neurology, Donostia University Hospital, San Sebastian, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Carlos III, Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, Spain.,Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Javier Ruiz-Ederra
- Neuroscience Area, Sensorial Neurodegeneration Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain.,RETICS OFTARED, National Institute of Health Carlos III, Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, Spain
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Abstract
Inherited retinal degeneration (IRD), a group of rare retinal diseases that primarily lead to the progressive loss of retinal photoreceptor cells, can be inherited in all modes of inheritance: autosomal dominant (AD), autosomal recessive (AR), X-linked (XL), and mitochondrial. Based on the pattern of inheritance of the dystrophy, retinal gene therapy has 2 main strategies. AR, XL, and AD IRDs with haploinsufficiency can be treated by inserting a functional copy of the gene using either viral or nonviral vectors (gene augmentation). Different types of viral vectors and nonviral vectors are used to transfer plasmid DNA both in vitro and in vivo. AD IRDs with gain-of-function mutations or dominant-negative mutations can be treated by disrupting the mutant allele with (and occasionally without) gene augmentation. This review article aims to provide an overview of ocular gene therapy for treating IRDs using gene augmentation with viral or nonviral vectors or gene disruption through different gene-editing tools, especially with the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirmohsen Arbabi
- Department of Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Amelia Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Hossein Ameri
- Department of Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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146
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Ghinia MG, Novelli E, Sajgo S, Badea TC, Strettoi E. Brn3a and Brn3b knockout mice display unvaried retinal fine structure despite major morphological and numerical alterations of ganglion cells. J Comp Neurol 2019; 527:187-211. [PMID: 27391320 PMCID: PMC5219957 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Ganglion cells (GCs), the retinal output neurons, receive synaptic inputs from bipolar and amacrine cells in the inner plexiform layer (IPL) and send information to the brain nuclei via the optic nerve. Although GCs constitute less than 1% of the total retinal cells, they occur in numerous types and are the first neurons formed during retinal development. Using Brn3a and Brn3b mutant mice in which the alkaline phosphatase gene was knocked-in (Badea et al. [Neuron] 2009;61:852-864; Badea and Nathans [Vision Res] 2011;51:269-279), we studied the general effects after gene removal on the retinal neuropil together with the consequences of lack of development of large numbers of GCs onto the remaining retinal neurons of the same class. We analyzed the morphology, number, and general architecture of various neuronal types presynaptic to GCs, searching for changes secondary to the decrement in the number of their postsynaptic partners, as well as the morphology and distribution of retinal astrocytes, for their strong topographical relation to GCs. We found that, despite GC losses, retinal organization in Brn3 null mice is remarkably similar to that of wild-type controls. J. Comp. Neurol. 527:187-211, 2019. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miruna Georgiana Ghinia
- Neuroscience Institute of the Italian National Research Council, Pisa Research Campus, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Retinal CIrcuit Development & Genetics Unit, Neurobiology–Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
- Babeş Bolyai University, 400084 Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Elena Novelli
- Neuroscience Institute of the Italian National Research Council, Pisa Research Campus, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Szilard Sajgo
- Retinal CIrcuit Development & Genetics Unit, Neurobiology–Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Tudor Constantin Badea
- Retinal CIrcuit Development & Genetics Unit, Neurobiology–Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Enrica Strettoi
- Neuroscience Institute of the Italian National Research Council, Pisa Research Campus, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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147
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Kim TH, Son T, Lu Y, Alam M, Yao X. Comparative Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography of Wild-Type and rd10 Mouse Retinas. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2018; 7:42. [PMID: 30619662 PMCID: PMC6314228 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.7.6.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To conduct longitudinal optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to characterize dynamic changes of trilaminar vascular plexuses in wild-type (WT) and retinal degeneration 10 (rd10) mouse retinas. Methods Longitudinal in vivo OCT/OCTA measurements of WT and rd10 mouse retinas were conducted at postnatal day 14 (P14), P17, P21, P24, and P28. OCT images were used to quantify retinal thickness changes, while OCTA images were used to investigate vascular dynamics within the trilaminar vascular plexuses, that is, superficial vascular plexus (SVP), intermediate capillary plexus (ICP), and deep capillary plexus (DCP). Blood vessel densities of all three plexus layers were quantitatively evaluated separately. The caliber of first-order blood vessel branches in the SVP layer was also measured. Results Vascular densities in all three plexuses continuously decreased with aging in both WT and rd10. However, abnormal density reduction in rd10 occurred at P17 in both ICP (P < 0.001) and DCP (P < 0.001). While the ICP of rd10 showed density recovery at P24, the DCP of rd10 showed significantly low density. Remarkable vascular narrowing in rd10 was also observed in the SVP, especially at P28. Conclusions The most severe vascular impairment happened in the DCP, while the ICP showed the transient recovery of vascular density after the onset of retinal degeneration. The SVP was most resistant to the retinal degeneration, but the first-order blood vessel branches within the SVP showed progressive narrowing. Translational Relevance Better understanding of the vascular changes correlated with retinal development, and retinal degeneration can provide insights in advanced development of treatment protocols of retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Hoon Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Taeyoon Son
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yiming Lu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Minhaj Alam
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xincheng Yao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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148
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Yu M, Yan W, Beight C. Lutein and Zeaxanthin Isomers Reduce Photoreceptor Degeneration in the Pde6b rd10 Mouse Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:4374087. [PMID: 30643804 PMCID: PMC6311858 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4374087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Lutein, RR-zeaxanthin, and RS-zeaxanthin (L-Z) are antioxidants which can reduce endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and oxidative stress (OS), and ameliorate neurodegenerative diseases. However, their treatment effect in the Pde6b rd10 (rd10) mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and the underlying cellular mechanisms have not been studied. ERS is an important factor which causes photoreceptor apoptosis. The aim of the current project is to test the treatment effect of L-Z in rd10 mice and to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of ERS. METHODS L-Z (Lutemax 2020, 10 mg/kg) diluted in sunflower oil (SFO, 1 mg/ml) or the same volume of SFO was administrated via gavage from postnatal day 6 (P6) to P20 daily in L-Z group (n=5) or SFO group (n=6) of rd10 mice. At P21, electroretinography (ERG) was performed to show the functional change of retinas. 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) and endoplasmic reticulum protein 29 (ERp29) were tested by western blot and immunostaining. RESULTS The ERG amplitudes were larger in the L-Z group than those of the SFO group in all flash luminances of dark-adapted and light-adapted ERG (all p < 0.01). Western blot revealed that GRP78 in the retinas of the L-Z group was significantly downregulated compared to that of the SFO group (p < 0.01). Meanwhile, the retinal ERp29 protein was significantly upregulated in the L-Z treatment group than that of the SFO group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS L-Z provide protection to the photoreceptors of rd10 mouse model of RP, which is probably associated with the reduction of ERS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minzhong Yu
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Weiming Yan
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Aerospace Medicine, Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine of the National Education Ministry, Fourth Military University, Xi'an, China
| | - Craig Beight
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
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149
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Kanan Y, Khan M, Lorenc VE, Long D, Chadha R, Sciamanna J, Green K, Campochiaro PA. Metipranolol promotes structure and function of retinal photoreceptors in the rd10 mouse model of human retinitis pigmentosa. J Neurochem 2018; 148:307-318. [PMID: 30315650 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Metipranolol is a β-adrenergic receptor antagonist that is given orally for the treatment of hypertension and also applied topically to the cornea for treating glaucoma. It also inhibits nitrosative stress which has previously been shown to be the cause of cone photoreceptor death in retinitis pigmentosa. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that metipranolol protects photoreceptor structure and function in the mouse model rd10. At P35, compared with vehicle-treated rd10 mice in which rod degeneration was nearly complete, rd10 mice given daily subcutaneous injections of 40 mg/kg of metipranolol had reduction in markers of nitrosative stress, fewer TUNEL-positive cells, increased outer nuclear layer thickness, and substantially more staining for rhodopsin. This was accompanied by significantly higher mean scotopic and photopic electroretinogram b-wave amplitudes indicating improved photoreceptor function. At P50, metipranolol-treated rd10 mice had decreased 3-nitrotyrosine staining in the retina, increased immunostaining for cone arrestin, a marker for cone photoreceptors, and significantly higher scotopic and photopic b-wave amplitudes at the highest stimulus intensity compared with vehicle-treated mice. At P65, cone density was significantly higher in metipranolol-treated versus vehicle-injected rd10 mice. Metipranolol applied as eye drops promoted cone photoreceptor function in retinas of rd10 mice greater than subcutaneously injected metipranolol. The reduced nitrosative damage and rescue of functional loss of photoreceptors in rd10 mice suggests that metipranolol, a drug with established ocular safety and tolerability, may have potential for treating patients with retinitis pigmentosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogita Kanan
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience, The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mahmood Khan
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience, The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Valeria E Lorenc
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience, The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Da Long
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience, The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rishi Chadha
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience, The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jason Sciamanna
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience, The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ken Green
- Alimera Sciences, 6120 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta, Georgia, USA
| | - Peter A Campochiaro
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience, The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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150
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Sinha T, Makia M, Du J, Naash MI, Al-Ubaidi MR. Flavin homeostasis in the mouse retina during aging and degeneration. J Nutr Biochem 2018; 62:123-133. [PMID: 30290331 PMCID: PMC7162609 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Involvement of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN) in cellular homeostasis has been well established for tissues other than the retina. Here, we present an optimized method to effectively extract and quantify FAD and FMN from a single neural retina and its corresponding retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Optimizations led to detection efficiency of 0.1 pmol for FAD and FMN while 0.01 pmol for riboflavin. Interestingly, levels of FAD and FMN in the RPE were found to be 1.7- and 12.5-fold higher than their levels in the retina, respectively. Both FAD and FMN levels in the RPE and retina gradually decline with age and preceded the age-dependent drop in the functional competence of the retina as measured by electroretinography. Further, quantifications of retinal levels of FAD and FMN in different mouse models of retinal degeneration revealed differential metabolic requirements of these two factors in relation to the rate and degree of photoreceptor degeneration. We also found twofold reductions in retinal levels of FAD and FMN in two mouse models of diabetic retinopathy. Altogether, our results suggest that retinal levels of FAD and FMN can be used as potential markers to determine state of health of the retina in general and more specifically the photoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tirthankar Sinha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204
| | - Mustafa Makia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204
| | - Jianhai Du
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506
| | - Muna I Naash
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204.
| | - Muayyad R Al-Ubaidi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204.
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