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Cimaglia G, Votruba M, Morgan JE, André H, Williams PA. Potential Therapeutic Benefit of NAD + Supplementation for Glaucoma and Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12092871. [PMID: 32961812 PMCID: PMC7551676 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration are leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide with significant health and societal burdens. To date, no clinical cures are available and treatments target only the manageable symptoms and risk factors (but do not remediate the underlying pathology of the disease). Both diseases are neurodegenerative in their pathology of the retina and as such many of the events that trigger cell dysfunction, degeneration, and eventual loss are due to mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Here, we critically review how a decreased bioavailability of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD; a crucial metabolite in healthy and disease states) may underpin many of these aberrant mechanisms. We propose how exogenous sources of NAD may become a therapeutic standard for the treatment of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Cimaglia
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 112 82 Stockholm, Sweden;
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, Wales, UK; (M.V.); (J.E.M.)
| | - Marcela Votruba
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, Wales, UK; (M.V.); (J.E.M.)
- Cardiff Eye Unit, University Hospital Wales, Cardiff CF14 4XW, Wales, UK
| | - James E. Morgan
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, Wales, UK; (M.V.); (J.E.M.)
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4YS, Wales, UK
| | - Helder André
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 112 82 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Correspondence: (H.A.); (P.A.W.)
| | - Pete A. Williams
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 112 82 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Correspondence: (H.A.); (P.A.W.)
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Abstract
This review focuses on recent progress in understanding the role of mitochondrial markers in the context of mitochondrial dysfunction in glaucoma and discussing new therapeutic approaches to modulate mitochondrial function and potentially lead to improved outcomes in glaucoma.
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303
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Mirzaei N, Shi H, Oviatt M, Doustar J, Rentsendorj A, Fuchs DT, Sheyn J, Black KL, Koronyo Y, Koronyo-Hamaoui M. Alzheimer's Retinopathy: Seeing Disease in the Eyes. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:921. [PMID: 33041751 PMCID: PMC7523471 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurosensory retina emerges as a prominent site of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. As a CNS extension of the brain, the neuro retina is easily accessible for noninvasive, high-resolution imaging. Studies have shown that along with cognitive decline, patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD often suffer from visual impairments, abnormal electroretinogram patterns, and circadian rhythm disturbances that can, at least in part, be attributed to retinal damage. Over a decade ago, our group identified the main pathological hallmark of AD, amyloid β-protein (Aβ) plaques, in the retina of patients including early-stage clinical cases. Subsequent histological, biochemical and in vivo retinal imaging studies in animal models and in humans corroborated these findings and further revealed other signs of AD neuropathology in the retina. Among these signs, hyperphosphorylated tau, neuronal degeneration, retinal thinning, vascular abnormalities and gliosis were documented. Further, linear correlations between the severity of retinal and brain Aβ concentrations and plaque pathology were described. More recently, extensive retinal pericyte loss along with vascular platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β deficiency were discovered in postmortem retinas of MCI and AD patients. This progressive loss was closely associated with increased retinal vascular amyloidosis and predicted cerebral amyloid angiopathy scores. These studies brought excitement to the field of retinal exploration in AD. Indeed, many questions still remain open, such as queries related to the temporal progression of AD-related pathology in the retina compared to the brain, the relations between retinal and cerebral changes and whether retinal signs can predict cognitive decline. The extent to which AD affects the retina, including the susceptibility of certain topographical regions and cell types, is currently under intense investigation. Advances in retinal amyloid imaging, hyperspectral imaging, optical coherence tomography, and OCT-angiography encourage the use of such modalities to achieve more accurate, patient- and user-friendly, noninvasive detection and monitoring of AD. In this review, we summarize the current status in the field while addressing the many unknowns regarding Alzheimer's retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazanin Mirzaei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Haoshen Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mia Oviatt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jonah Doustar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Altan Rentsendorj
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Dieu-Trang Fuchs
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Julia Sheyn
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Keith L. Black
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yosef Koronyo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Maya Koronyo-Hamaoui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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304
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Shen W, Teo KYC, Wood JPM, Vaze A, Chidlow G, Ao J, Lee SR, Yam MX, Cornish EE, Fraser-Bell S, Casson RJ, Gillies MC. Preclinical and clinical studies of photobiomodulation therapy for macular oedema. Diabetologia 2020; 63:1900-1915. [PMID: 32661752 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-020-05189-2] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Diabetic macular oedema (DME) is the leading cause of visual impairment in people with diabetes. Intravitreal injections of vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors or corticosteroids prevent loss of vision by reducing DME, but the injections must be given frequently and usually for years. Here we report laboratory and clinical studies on the safety and efficacy of 670 nm photobiomodulation (PBM) for treatment of centre-involving DME. METHODS The therapeutic effect of PBM delivered via a light-emitting diode (LED) device was tested in transgenic mice in which induced Müller cell disruption led to photoreceptor degeneration and retinal vascular leakage. We also developed a purpose-built 670 nm retinal laser for PBM to treat DME in humans. The effect of laser-delivered PBM on improving mitochondrial function and protecting against oxidative stress was studied in cultured rat Müller cells and its safety was studied in pigmented and non-pigmented rat eyes. We then used the retinal laser to perform PBM in an open-label, dose-escalation Phase IIa clinical trial involving 21 patients with centre-involving DME. Patients received 12 sessions of PBM over 5 weeks for 90 s per treatment at a setting of 25, 100 or 200 mW/cm2 for the three sequential cohorts of 6-8 patients each. Patients were recruited from the Sydney Eye Hospital, over the age of 18 and had centre-involving DME with central macular thickness (CMT) of >300 μm with visual acuity of 75-35 Log minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) letters (Snellen visual acuity equivalent of 20/30-20/200). The objective of this trial was to assess the safety and efficacy of laser-delivered PBM at 2 and 6 months. The primary efficacy outcome was change in CMT at 2 and 6 months. RESULTS LED-delivered PBM enhanced photoreceptor mitochondrial membrane potential, protected Müller cells and photoreceptors from damage and reduced retinal vascular leakage resulting from induced Müller cell disruption in transgenic mice. PBM delivered via the retinal laser enhanced mitochondrial function and protected against oxidative stress in cultured Müller cells. Laser-delivered PBM did not damage the retina in pigmented rat eyes at 100 mW/cm2. The completed clinical trial found a significant reduction in CMT at 2 months by 59 ± 46 μm (p = 0.03 at 200 mW/cm2) and significant reduction at all three settings at 6 months (25 mW/cm2: 53 ± 24 μm, p = 0.04; 100 mW/cm2: 129 ± 51 μm, p < 0.01; 200 mW/cm2: 114 ± 60 μm, p < 0.01). Laser-delivered PBM was well tolerated in humans at settings up to 200 mW/cm2 with no significant side effects. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION PBM results in anatomical improvement of DME over 6 months and may represent a safe and non-invasive treatment. Further testing is warranted in randomised clinical trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02181400 Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyong Shen
- Save Sight Institute, Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Kelvin Yi Chong Teo
- Save Sight Institute, Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - John P M Wood
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Anagha Vaze
- Save Sight Institute, Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
- Sydney Eye Hospital, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Glyn Chidlow
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Jack Ao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - So-Ra Lee
- Save Sight Institute, Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Michelle X Yam
- Save Sight Institute, Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Elisa E Cornish
- Save Sight Institute, Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
- Sydney Eye Hospital, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Samantha Fraser-Bell
- Save Sight Institute, Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
- Sydney Eye Hospital, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Robert J Casson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Mark C Gillies
- Save Sight Institute, Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia.
- Sydney Eye Hospital, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia.
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305
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Lin B, McLelland BT, Aramant RB, Thomas BB, Nistor G, Keirstead HS, Seiler MJ. Retina Organoid Transplants Develop Photoreceptors and Improve Visual Function in RCS Rats With RPE Dysfunction. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:34. [PMID: 32945842 PMCID: PMC7509771 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.11.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To study if human embryonic stem cell-derived photoreceptors could survive and function without the support of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) after transplantation into Royal College of Surgeons rats, a rat model of retinal degeneration caused by RPE dysfunction. Methods CSC14 human embryonic stem cells were differentiated into primordial eye structures called retinal organoids. Retinal organoids were analyzed by quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence and compared with human fetal retina. Retinal organoid sheets (30-70 day of differentiation) were transplanted into immunodeficient RCS rats, aged 44 to 56 days. The development of transplant organoids in vivo in relation to the host was examined by optical coherence tomography. Visual function was assessed by optokinetic testing, electroretinogram, and superior colliculus electrophysiologic recording. Cryostat sections were analyzed for various retinal, synaptic, and donor markers. Results Retinal organoids showed similar gene expression to human fetal retina transplanted rats demonstrated significant improvement in visual function compared with RCS nonsurgery and sham surgery controls by ERGs at 2 months after surgery (but not later), optokinetic testing (up to 6 months after surgery) and electrophysiologic superior colliculus recordings (6-8 months after surgery). The transplanted organoids survived more than 7 months; developed photoreceptors with inner and outer segments, and other retinal cells; and were well-integrated within the host. Conclusions This study, to our knowledge, is the first to show that transplanted photoreceptors survive and function even with host's dysfunctional RPE. Our findings suggest that transplantation of organoid sheets from stem cells may be a promising approach/therapeutic for blinding diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Lin
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California at Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Bryce T. McLelland
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California at Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Robert B. Aramant
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California at Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Biju B. Thomas
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Gabriel Nistor
- AIVITA Biomedical Inc., Irvine, California, United States
| | | | - Magdalene J. Seiler
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California at Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States
- Ophthalmology, University of California at Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States
- Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California at Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States
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306
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Olivares-González L, Velasco S, Millán JM, Rodrigo R. Intravitreal administration of adalimumab delays retinal degeneration in rd10 mice. FASEB J 2020; 34:13839-13861. [PMID: 32816354 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000044rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal dystrophies characterized by the progressive and irreversible loss of vision. We previously found that intraperitoneal administration of Adalimumab, a monoclonal anti-TNFα antibody, slowed down retinal degeneration in the murine model of RP, the rd10 mice. The aims of this study were to improve its neuroprotective effect and to deepen understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in this effect. We analyzed (i) the in vitro effect of Adalimumab on the TNFα-mediated cell death in retinal cells; (ii) the effect of a single intravitreal injection of Adalimumab on retinal degeneration in rd10 mice at postnatal day (P) 23. In vitro studies showed that TNFα induced caspase and poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) activation, downregulation of (kinase receptor-interacting protein 1) RIPK1 and upregulation of RIPK3 in retinal cells. Adalimumab reduced cell death probably through the inhibition of caspase 3 activation. In vivo studies suggested that PARP and NLRP3 inflammasome are mainly activated and to a lesser extent caspase-dependent mechanisms in rd10 retinas at P23. Necroptosis seems to be inhibited by the downregulation of RIPK1. Adalimumab prevented from retinal degeneration without affecting caspase -dependent mechanisms but decreasing PARP activation, microglia activation as well as NLRP3 inflammasome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Olivares-González
- Pathophysiology and Therapies for Vision Disorders, Principe Felipe Research Center, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sheyla Velasco
- Pathophysiology and Therapies for Vision Disorders, Principe Felipe Research Center, Valencia, Spain
| | - José María Millán
- Rare Diseases Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Joint Unit on Rare Diseases CIPF-La Fe, Valencia, Spain.,Molecular, Cellular and Genomic Biomedicine, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Regina Rodrigo
- Pathophysiology and Therapies for Vision Disorders, Principe Felipe Research Center, Valencia, Spain.,Rare Diseases Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Joint Unit on Rare Diseases CIPF-La Fe, Valencia, Spain
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307
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Shiromizu T, Yuge M, Kasahara K, Yamakawa D, Matsui T, Bessho Y, Inagaki M, Nishimura Y. Targeting E3 Ubiquitin Ligases and Deubiquitinases in Ciliopathy and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5962. [PMID: 32825105 PMCID: PMC7504095 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21175962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cilia are antenna-like structures present in many vertebrate cells. These organelles detect extracellular cues, transduce signals into the cell, and play an essential role in ensuring correct cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation in a spatiotemporal manner. Not surprisingly, dysregulation of cilia can cause various diseases, including cancer and ciliopathies, which are complex disorders caused by mutations in genes regulating ciliary function. The structure and function of cilia are dynamically regulated through various mechanisms, among which E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases play crucial roles. These enzymes regulate the degradation and stabilization of ciliary proteins through the ubiquitin-proteasome system. In this review, we briefly highlight the role of cilia in ciliopathy and cancer; describe the roles of E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases in ciliogenesis, ciliopathy, and cancer; and highlight some of the E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases that are potential therapeutic targets for these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Shiromizu
- Department of Integrative Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; (T.S.); (M.Y.)
| | - Mizuki Yuge
- Department of Integrative Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; (T.S.); (M.Y.)
| | - Kousuke Kasahara
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-5807, Japan; (K.K.); (D.Y.); (M.I.)
| | - Daishi Yamakawa
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-5807, Japan; (K.K.); (D.Y.); (M.I.)
| | - Takaaki Matsui
- Gene Regulation Research, Division of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Takayama, Nara 630-0192, Japan; (T.M.); (Y.B.)
| | - Yasumasa Bessho
- Gene Regulation Research, Division of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Takayama, Nara 630-0192, Japan; (T.M.); (Y.B.)
| | - Masaki Inagaki
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-5807, Japan; (K.K.); (D.Y.); (M.I.)
| | - Yuhei Nishimura
- Department of Integrative Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; (T.S.); (M.Y.)
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308
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Oxidative Stress and Vascular Dysfunction in the Retina: Therapeutic Strategies. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9080761. [PMID: 32824523 PMCID: PMC7465265 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9080761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Many retinal diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular (AMD) degeneration, are associated with elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. ROS are important intracellular signaling molecules that regulate numerous physiological actions, including vascular reactivity and neuron function. However, excessive ROS formation has been linked to vascular endothelial dysfunction, neuron degeneration, and inflammation in the retina. ROS can directly modify cellular molecules and impair their function. Moreover, ROS can stimulate the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) causing inflammation and cell death. However, there are various compounds with direct or indirect antioxidant activity that have been used to reduce ROS accumulation in animal models and humans. In this review, we report on the physiological and pathophysiological role of ROS in the retina with a special focus on the vascular system. Moreover, we present therapeutic approaches for individual retinal diseases targeting retinal signaling pathways involving ROS.
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309
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Effect of Topical Administration of Somatostatin on Retinal Inflammation and Neurodegeneration in an Experimental Model of Diabetes. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9082579. [PMID: 32784955 PMCID: PMC7463891 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9082579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatostatin (SST) is a neuroprotective peptide but little is known regarding the potential role of its anti-inflammatory effects on retinal neuroprotection. In a previous study, we provided the first evidence that topical (eye drops) administration of SST prevents retinal neurodegeneration in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. However, STZ by itself could cause neurotoxicity, thus acting as a confounding factor. The aims of the present study were: (1) to test the effect of topical administration of SST in the db/db mouse model, a spontaneous model of type 2 diabetes, thus avoiding the confounding effect of STZ on neurodegeneration; (2) to further explore the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of SST in glial cells. This task was performed by using mouse retinal explants and cell cultures. In summary, we confirm that SST topically administered was able to prevent retinal neurodysfunction and neurodegeneration in db/db mice. Furthermore, we found that SST prevented the activation of the classical M1 response of Bv.2 microglial cells upon Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation as a potent pro-inflammatory trigger. The anti-inflammatory effect of SST in Bv.2 cells was also observed in response to hypoxia. In conclusion, we provide evidence that the neuroprotective effect of SST in diabetic retinas can be largely attributed to anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
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310
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Konduri AK, Deepak CS, Purohit S, Narayan KS. An integrated 3D fluidic device with bubble guidance mechanism for long-term primary and secondary cell recordings on multi-electrode array platform. Biofabrication 2020; 12:045019. [PMID: 32650326 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/aba500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
A 3D fluidic device (3D-FD) is designed and developed with the capability of auto bubble guidance via a helical pathway in a 3D geometry. This assembly is integrated to a multi-electrode array (MEA) to maintain secondary cell lines, primary cells and primary retinal tissue explants of chick embryos for continuous monitoring of the growth and electrophysiology recording. The ability to maintain the retinal tissue explant, extracted from day 14 (E-14) and day 21 (E-21) chick embryos in an integrated 3D-FD MEA for long duration (>100 h) and study the development is demonstrated. The enhanced duration of monitoring offered by this device is due to the controlled laminar flow and the maintenance of a stable microenvironment. The spontaneous electrical activity of the retina, including the spike recordings from the retinal ganglion layer, was monitored over a long duration. Specifically, the spiking activity in embryonic chick retinas of different days (E-14 to 21) is studied, and the presence of light-stimulated firings along with a distinct electroretinogram for E-21 mature retina provides the evidence of a stable microenvironment over a sustained period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Krishna Konduri
- Chemistry and Physics of Material Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Jakkur-560064, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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Yazdankhah M, Shang P, Ghosh S, Hose S, Liu H, Weiss J, Fitting CS, Bhutto IA, Zigler JS, Qian J, Sahel JA, Sinha D, Stepicheva NA. Role of glia in optic nerve. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 81:100886. [PMID: 32771538 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100886] [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] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Glial cells are critically important for maintenance of neuronal activity in the central nervous system (CNS), including the optic nerve (ON). However, the ON has several unique characteristics, such as an extremely high myelination level of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons throughout the length of the nerve (with virtually all fibers myelinated by 7 months of age in humans), lack of synapses and very narrow geometry. Moreover, the optic nerve head (ONH) - a region where the RGC axons exit the eye - represents an interesting area that is morphologically distinct in different species. In many cases of multiple sclerosis (demyelinating disease of the CNS) vision problems are the first manifestation of the disease, suggesting that RGCs and/or glia in the ON are more sensitive to pathological conditions than cells in other parts of the CNS. Here, we summarize current knowledge on glial organization and function in the ON, focusing on glial support of RGCs. We cover both well-established concepts on the important role of glial cells in ON health and new findings, including novel insights into mechanisms of remyelination, microglia/NG2 cell-cell interaction, astrocyte reactivity and the regulation of reactive astrogliosis by mitochondrial fragmentation in microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meysam Yazdankhah
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Peng Shang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sayan Ghosh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stacey Hose
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Haitao Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Joseph Weiss
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Christopher S Fitting
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Imran A Bhutto
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - J Samuel Zigler
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jiang Qian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Institut de la Vision, INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, F-75012, Paris, France
| | - Debasish Sinha
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Nadezda A Stepicheva
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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312
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Wang F, Ma F, Song Y, Li N, Li X, Pang Y, Hu P, Shao A, Deng C, Zhang X. Topical administration of rapamycin promotes retinal ganglion cell survival and reduces intraocular pressure in a rat glaucoma model. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 884:173369. [PMID: 32712092 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy that has become the most common cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Studies have shown that the protein mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that plays a central role in regulating numerous functions, such as growth, proliferation, cytoskeletal organization, metabolism, and autophagy. Clinical trials have shown that Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitors reduced intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension (OHT). In this study, we explored whether rapamycin (RAPA) eye drops can reduce IOP and protect retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Our results indicated that in rats treated with RAPA, the drug was detected in the aqueous humor (AH), and the IOP was reduced. This may be related to the inhibition of RhoA protein activation by RAPA and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton in trabecular meshwork (TM) cells. In addition, the retinal thickness and the survival rate of RGCs were significantly reduced in the OHT group compared with the control group. These changes in the OHT group were significantly improved after treatment with RAPA. This may be because RAPA inhibited the activation of glial cells and the release of proinflammatory factors, thereby attenuating further damage to the retina and RGCs. Taken together, the results of this study demonstrated that RAPA not only reduced IOP but also protected RGCs, suggesting that RAPA is likely to be an effective strategy for the treatment of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Wang
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China
| | - Fangli Ma
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China
| | - Yuning Song
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China; Queen Mary School of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ningfeng Li
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiongfeng Li
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China
| | - Yulian Pang
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China
| | - Piaopiao Hu
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China
| | - An Shao
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China; Queen Mary School of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Cong Deng
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China.
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313
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Abstract
Macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel), a late-onset macular degeneration, has been linked to a loss in the retina of Müller glial cells and the amino acid serine, synthesized by the Müller cells. The disease is confined mainly to a central retinal region called the MacTel zone. We have used electron microscopic connectomics techniques, optimized for disease analysis, to study the retina from a 48-y-old woman suffering from MacTel. The major observations made were specific changes in mitochondrial structure within and outside the MacTel zone that were present in all retinal cell types. We also identified an abrupt boundary of the MacTel zone that coincides with the loss of Müller cells and macular pigment. Since Müller cells synthesize retinal serine, we propose that a deficiency of serine, required for mitochondrial maintenance, causes mitochondrial changes that underlie MacTel development.
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314
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Pereiro X, Miltner AM, La Torre A, Vecino E. Effects of Adult Müller Cells and Their Conditioned Media on the Survival of Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Ganglion Cells. Cells 2020; 9:E1759. [PMID: 32708020 PMCID: PMC7465792 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal neurons, particularly retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), are susceptible to the degenerative damage caused by different inherited conditions and environmental insults, leading to irreversible vision loss and, ultimately, blindness. Numerous strategies are being tested in different models of degeneration to restore vision and, in recent years, stem cell technologies have offered novel avenues to obtain donor cells for replacement therapies. To date, stem cell-based transplantation in the retina has been attempted as treatment for photoreceptor degeneration, but the same tools could potentially be applied to other retinal cell types, including RGCs. However, RGC-like cells are not an abundant cell type in stem cell-derived cultures and, often, these cells degenerate over time in vitro. To overcome this limitation, we have taken advantage of the neuroprotective properties of Müller glia (one of the main glial cell types in the retina) and we have examined whether Müller glia and the factors they secrete could promote RGC-like cell survival in organoid cultures. Accordingly, stem cell-derived RGC-like cells were co-cultured with adult Müller cells or Müller cell-conditioned media was added to the cultures. Remarkably, RGC-like cell survival was substantially enhanced in both culture conditions, and we also observed a significant increase in their neurite length. Interestingly, Atoh7, a transcription factor required for RGC development, was up-regulated in stem cell-derived organoids exposed to conditioned media, suggesting that Müller cells may also enhance the survival of retinal progenitors and/or postmitotic precursor cells. In conclusion, Müller cells and the factors they release promote organoid-derived RGC-like cell survival, neuritogenesis, and possibly neuronal maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xandra Pereiro
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, 48940 Vizcaya, Spain;
| | - Adam M. Miltner
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (A.M.M.); (A.L.T.)
| | - Anna La Torre
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (A.M.M.); (A.L.T.)
| | - Elena Vecino
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, 48940 Vizcaya, Spain;
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315
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Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome Enhancement by Nicotinamide and Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide: A New Therapeutic Approach for Retinal Degenerative Diseases. Stem Cells Int 2020; 2020:9463548. [PMID: 32676122 PMCID: PMC7336242 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9463548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) secrete neuroprotective molecules that may be useful as an alternative to cell transplantation itself. Our purpose was to develop different pharmaceutical compositions based on conditioned medium (CM) of adipose MSC (aMSC) stimulated by and/or combined with nicotinamide (NIC), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), or both factors; and to evaluate in vitro their proliferative and neuroprotective potential. Nine pharmaceutical compositions were developed from 3 experimental approaches: (1) unstimulated aMSC-CM collected and combined with NIC, VIP, or both factors (NIC+VIP), referred to as the aMSC-CM combined composition; (2) aMSC-CM collected just after stimulation with the mentioned factors and containing them, referred to as the aMSC-CM stimulated-combined composition; and (3) aMSC-CM previously stimulated with the factors, referred to as the aMSC stimulated composition. The potential of the pharmaceutical compositions to increase cell proliferation under oxidative stress and neuroprotection were evaluated in vitro by using a subacute oxidative stress model of retinal pigment epithelium cells (line ARPE-19) and spontaneous degenerative neuroretina model. Results showed that oxidatively stressed ARPE-19 cells exposed to aMSC-CM stimulated and stimulated-combined with NIC or NIC+VIP tended to have better recovery from the oxidative stress status. Neuroretinal explants cultured with aMSC-CM stimulated-combined with NIC+VIP had better preservation of the neuroretinal morphology, mainly photoreceptors, and a lower degree of glial cell activation. In conclusion, aMSC-CM stimulated-combined with NIC+VIP contributed to improving the proliferative and neuroprotective properties of the aMSC secretome. Further studies are necessary to evaluate higher concentrations of the drugs and to characterize specifically the aMSC-secreted factors related to neuroprotection. However, this study supports the possibility of improving the potential of new effective pharmaceutical compositions based on the secretome of MSC plus exogenous factors or drugs without the need to inject cells into the eye, which can be very useful in retinal pathologies.
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316
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Lefevere E, Salinas‐Navarro M, Andries L, Noterdaeme L, Etienne I, Van Wonterghem E, Vinckier S, Davis BM, Van Bergen T, Van Hove I, Movahedi K, Vandenbroucke RE, Moons L, De Groef L. Tightening the retinal glia limitans attenuates neuroinflammation after optic nerve injury. Glia 2020; 68:2643-2660. [DOI: 10.1002/glia.23875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Evy Lefevere
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Department of Biology KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute (LBI) KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | - Manuel Salinas‐Navarro
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Department of Biology KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute (LBI) KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | - Lien Andries
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Department of Biology KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute (LBI) KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | - Lut Noterdaeme
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Department of Biology KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | | | - Elien Van Wonterghem
- Barriers in Inflammation Lab VIB Center for Inflammation Research Ghent Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology Ghent University Ghent Belgium
| | - Stefan Vinckier
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, and Department of Oncology and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI) VIB and KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | - Benjamin M. Davis
- Glaucoma and Retinal Neurodegeneration Research, Visual Neuroscience UCL Institute of Ophthalmology London UK
| | | | - Inge Van Hove
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Department of Biology KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
- Oxurion NV Leuven Belgium
| | - Kiavash Movahedi
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab VIB Center for Inflammation Research Brussels Belgium
- Lab of Cellular and Molecular Immunology Vrije Universiteit Brussel Brussels Belgium
| | - Roosmarijn E. Vandenbroucke
- Barriers in Inflammation Lab VIB Center for Inflammation Research Ghent Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology Ghent University Ghent Belgium
| | - Lieve Moons
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Department of Biology KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute (LBI) KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | - Lies De Groef
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Department of Biology KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute (LBI) KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
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317
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Aires ID, Ribeiro-Rodrigues T, Boia R, Catarino S, Girão H, Ambrósio AF, Santiago AR. Exosomes derived from microglia exposed to elevated pressure amplify the neuroinflammatory response in retinal cells. Glia 2020; 68:2705-2724. [PMID: 32645245 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a degenerative disease that causes irreversible loss of vision and is characterized by retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss. Others and we have demonstrated that chronic neuroinflammation mediated by reactive microglial cells plays a role in glaucomatous pathology. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles released by most cells, including microglia, that mediate intercellular communication. The role of microglial exosomes in glaucomatous degeneration remains unknown. Taking the prominent role of microglial exosomes in brain neurodegenerative diseases, we studied the contribution of microglial-derived exosomes to the inflammatory response in experimental glaucoma. Microglial cells were exposed to elevated hydrostatic pressure (EHP), to mimic elevated intraocular pressure, the main risk factor for glaucoma. Naïve microglia (BV-2 cells or retinal microglia) were exposed to exosomes derived from BV-2 cells under EHP conditions (BV-Exo-EHP) or cultured in control pressure (BV-Exo-Control). We found that BV-Exo-EHP increased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, promoted retinal microglia motility, phagocytic efficiency, and proliferation. Furthermore, the incubation of primary retinal neural cell cultures with BV-Exo-EHP increased cell death and the production of reactive oxygen species. Exosomes derived from retinal microglia (MG-Exo-Control or MG-Exo-EHP) were injected in the vitreous of C57BL/6J mice. MG-Exo-EHP sustained activation of retinal microglia, mediated cell death, and impacted RGC number. Herein, we show that exosomes derived from retinal microglia have an autocrine function and propagate the inflammatory signal in conditions of elevated pressure, contributing to retinal degeneration in glaucomatous conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Dinis Aires
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Ribeiro-Rodrigues
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Raquel Boia
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Steve Catarino
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Henrique Girão
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Francisco Ambrósio
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal.,Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Raquel Santiago
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal.,Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), Coimbra, Portugal
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318
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Di Pierdomenico J, Martínez-Vacas A, Hernández-Muñoz D, Gómez-Ramírez AM, Valiente-Soriano FJ, Agudo-Barriuso M, Vidal-Sanz M, Villegas-Pérez MP, García-Ayuso D. Coordinated Intervention of Microglial and Müller Cells in Light-Induced Retinal Degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:47. [PMID: 32232352 PMCID: PMC7401701 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.3.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To analyze the role of microglial and Müller cells in the formation of rings of photoreceptor degeneration caused by phototoxicity. Methods Two-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to light and processed 1, 2, or 3 months later. Retinas were dissected as whole-mounts, immunodetected for microglial cells, Müller cells, and S- and L/M-cones and analyzed using fluorescence, thunder imaging, and confocal microscopy. Cone populations were automatically counted and isodensity maps constructed to document cone topography. Results Phototoxicity causes a significant progressive loss of S- and L/M-cones of up to 68% and 44%, respectively, at 3 months after light exposure (ALE). One month ALE, we observed rings of cone degeneration in the photosensitive area of the superior retina. Two and 3 months ALE, these rings had extended to the central and inferior retina. Within the rings of cone degeneration, there were degenerating cones, often activated microglial cells, and numerous radially oriented processes of Müller cells that showed increased expression of intermediate filaments. Between 1 and 3 months ALE, the rings coalesced, and at the same time the microglial cells resumed a mosaic-like distribution, and there was a decrease of Müller cell gliosis at the areas devoid of cones. Conclusions Light-induced photoreceptor degeneration proceeds with rings of cone degeneration, as observed in inherited retinal degenerations in which cone death is secondary to rod degeneration. The spatiotemporal relationship of cone death microglial cell activation and Müller cell gliosis within the rings of cone degeneration suggests that, although both glial cells are involved in the formation of the rings, they may have coordinated actions and, while microglial cells may be more involved in photoreceptor phagocytosis, Müller cells may be more involved in cone and microglial cell migration, retinal remodeling and glial seal formation.
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319
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Ray TA, Cochran K, Kozlowski C, Wang J, Alexander G, Cady MA, Spencer WJ, Ruzycki PA, Clark BS, Laeremans A, He MX, Wang X, Park E, Hao Y, Iannaccone A, Hu G, Fedrigo O, Skiba NP, Arshavsky VY, Kay JN. Comprehensive identification of mRNA isoforms reveals the diversity of neural cell-surface molecules with roles in retinal development and disease. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3328. [PMID: 32620864 PMCID: PMC7335077 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17009-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Genes encoding cell-surface proteins control nervous system development and are implicated in neurological disorders. These genes produce alternative mRNA isoforms which remain poorly characterized, impeding understanding of how disease-associated mutations cause pathology. Here we introduce a strategy to define complete portfolios of full-length isoforms encoded by individual genes. Applying this approach to neural cell-surface molecules, we identify thousands of unannotated isoforms expressed in retina and brain. By mass spectrometry we confirm expression of newly-discovered proteins on the cell surface in vivo. Remarkably, we discover that the major isoform of a retinal degeneration gene, CRB1, was previously overlooked. This CRB1 isoform is the only one expressed by photoreceptors, the affected cells in CRB1 disease. Using mouse mutants, we identify a function for this isoform at photoreceptor-glial junctions and demonstrate that loss of this isoform accelerates photoreceptor death. Therefore, our isoform identification strategy enables discovery of new gene functions relevant to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Ray
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Kelly Cochran
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Chris Kozlowski
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Graham Alexander
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | | | | | - Philip A Ruzycki
- John F. Hardesty, M.D. Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Brian S Clark
- John F. Hardesty, M.D. Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | | | - Ming-Xiao He
- Advanced Cell Diagnostics, Newark, CA, 94560, USA
| | | | - Emily Park
- Advanced Cell Diagnostics, Newark, CA, 94560, USA
| | - Ying Hao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Alessandro Iannaccone
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Gary Hu
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Olivier Fedrigo
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Nikolai P Skiba
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Vadim Y Arshavsky
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Jeremy N Kay
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
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320
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Rueda EM, Hall BM, Hill MC, Swinton PG, Tong X, Martin JF, Poché RA. The Hippo Pathway Blocks Mammalian Retinal Müller Glial Cell Reprogramming. Cell Rep 2020; 27:1637-1649.e6. [PMID: 31067451 PMCID: PMC6521882 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.04.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In response to retinal damage, the Müller glial cells (MGs) of the zebrafish retina have the ability to undergo a cellular reprogramming event in which they enter the cell cycle and divide asymmetrically, thereby producing multipotent retinal progenitors capable of regenerating lost retinal neurons. However, mammalian MGs do not exhibit such a proliferative and regenerative ability. Here, we identify Hippo pathway-mediated repression of the transcription cofactor YAP as a core regulatory mechanism that normally blocks mammalian MG proliferation and cellular reprogramming. MG-specific deletion of Hippo pathway components Lats1 and Lats2, as well as transgenic expression of a Hippo non-responsive form of YAP (YAP5SA), resulted in dramatic Cyclin D1 upregulation, loss of adult MG identity, and attainment of a highly proliferative, progenitor-like cellular state. Our results reveal that mammalian MGs may have latent regenerative capacity that can be stimulated by repressing Hippo signaling. Rueda et al. identify the Hippo pathway as an endogenous molecular mechanism normally preventing mammalian Müller glial reprogramming to a proliferative, progenitor-like state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elda M Rueda
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Benjamin M Hall
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Graduate Program in Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Matthew C Hill
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Graduate Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Paul G Swinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Texas Heart Institute, Cardiomyocyte Renewal Lab, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xuefei Tong
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - James F Martin
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Graduate Program in Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Graduate Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Development, Disease Models and Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Cardiovasular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Texas Heart Institute, Cardiomyocyte Renewal Lab, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Ross A Poché
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Graduate Program in Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Graduate Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Development, Disease Models and Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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321
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Zhou J, Yang J, Dai M, Lin D, Zhang R, Liu H, Yu A, Vakal S, Wang Y, Li X. A combination of inhibiting microglia activity and remodeling gut microenvironment suppresses the development and progression of experimental autoimmune uveitis. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 180:114108. [PMID: 32569628 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Noninfectious (autoimmune and immune-mediated) uveitis is an ocular inflammatory disease which can lead to blindness in severe cases. Due to the potential side effects of first-line drugs for clinical uveitis, novel drugs and targets against uveitis are still urgently needed. In the present study, using rat experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) model, we first found that minocycline treatment can substantially inhibit the development of EAU and improve the retinal function by suppressing the retinal microglial activation, and block the infiltration of inflammatory cells, including Th17, into the retina by decreasing the major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) expression in resident and infiltrating cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that minocycline treatment can remodel the gut microenvironment of EAU rats by restoring the relative abundance of Ruminococcus bromii, Streptococcus hyointestinalis, and Desulfovibrio sp. ABHU2SB and promoting a functional shift in the gut via reversing the levels of L-proline, allicin, aceturic acid, xanthine, and leukotriene B4, and especially increasing the production of propionic acid, histamine, and pantothenic acid. At last, we revealed that minocycline treatment can significantly attenuate the progression of EAU after inflammation onset, which may be explained by the role of minocycline in the remodeling of the gut microenvironment since selective elimination of retinal microglia on the later stages of EAU was shown to have little effect. These data clearly demonstrated that inhibition of microglial activation and remodeling of the gut microenvironment can suppress the development and progression of experimental autoimmune uveitis. Considering the excellent safety profile of minocycline in multiple clinical experiments, we suggest that minocycline may have therapeutic implications for clinical uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhong Zhou
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; State Key Laboratory of Optometry & Vision Science, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingjing Yang
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; State Key Laboratory of Optometry & Vision Science, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mali Dai
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; State Key Laboratory of Optometry & Vision Science, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dan Lin
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; State Key Laboratory of Optometry & Vision Science, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Renshu Zhang
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; State Key Laboratory of Optometry & Vision Science, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hui Liu
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; State Key Laboratory of Optometry & Vision Science, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ailing Yu
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; State Key Laboratory of Optometry & Vision Science, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Serhii Vakal
- Structural Bioinformatics Laboratory, Biochemistry, Åbo Akademi University, Turku 20541, Finland
| | - Yuqin Wang
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; State Key Laboratory of Optometry & Vision Science, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xingyi Li
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; State Key Laboratory of Optometry & Vision Science, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China.
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322
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Emam A, Yoffe M, Cardona H, Soares D. Retinal morphology in Astyanax mexicanus during eye degeneration. J Comp Neurol 2020; 528:1523-1534. [PMID: 31811648 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The teleost Astyanax mexicanus is one species extant in two readily available forms. One that lives in Mexican rivers and various convergent forms that live in nearby caves. These fish are born with eyes but in the cavefish, they degenerate during development. It is known that the lens of cavefish undergoes apoptosis and that some cells in the neuroretina also die. It has not been described, however, if glia and various components of the neuroretina form before complete eye degeneration. Here we examined the development of the retina of the closest living ancestor that lives in the rivers and two independently adapted of cavefish. We report that although the neuroretina is smaller and more compact, it has all cell types and layers including amacrine cells and Müller glia. While various makers for photoreceptors are present in the cavefish inner segments, the outer segments of the photoreceptors in cavefish are missing from the earliest stages examined. This shows that the machinery for visual transducing discs might still be present but not organized in one part of the cell. It is interesting to note that the deficiencies in Astyanax cavefish resemble retinal diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amany Emam
- Biological Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Marina Yoffe
- Biological Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Henry Cardona
- Biological Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Daphne Soares
- Biological Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey
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323
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Buck TM, Wijnholds J. Recombinant Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors (rAAV)-Vector Elements in Ocular Gene Therapy Clinical Trials and Transgene Expression and Bioactivity Assays. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4197. [PMID: 32545533 PMCID: PMC7352801 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies and optic neuropathies cause chronic disabling loss of visual function. The development of recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAV) gene therapies in all disease fields have been promising, but the translation to the clinic has been slow. The safety and efficacy profiles of rAAV are linked to the dose of applied vectors. DNA changes in the rAAV gene cassette affect potency, the expression pattern (cell-specificity), and the production yield. Here, we present a library of rAAV vectors and elements that provide a workflow to design novel vectors. We first performed a meta-analysis on recombinant rAAV elements in clinical trials (2007-2020) for ocular gene therapies. We analyzed 33 unique rAAV gene cassettes used in 57 ocular clinical trials. The rAAV gene therapy vectors used six unique capsid variants, 16 different promoters, and six unique polyadenylation sequences. Further, we compiled a list of promoters, enhancers, and other sequences used in current rAAV gene cassettes in preclinical studies. Then, we give an update on pro-viral plasmid backbones used to produce the gene therapy vectors, inverted terminal repeats, production yield, and rAAV safety considerations. Finally, we assess rAAV transgene and bioactivity assays applied to cells or organoids in vitro, explants ex vivo, and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo M. Buck
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands;
- Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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324
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Isolation and characterization of human optic nerve head astrocytes and lamina cribrosa cells. Exp Eye Res 2020; 197:108103. [PMID: 32522476 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The lamina cribrosa is the initial site of glaucomatous injury. Pathological changes to the lamina cribrosa include posterior displacement of the lamina cribrosa, loss of trophic support, and remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Optic nerve head (ONH) astrocytes and lamina cribrosa cells synthesize extracellular matrix proteins to support and maintain the lamina cribrosa under physiological conditions. During glaucoma, these cells respond to mechanical strain and other stimuli, which leads to pathological remodeling of the ONH. Although ONH astrocytes and lamina cribrosa cells have been previously cultured, there is no well-accepted, straightforward technique to isolate both cell types from a single dissected human ONH. To better understand the pathophysiology of glaucoma, we obtained and cultured lamina cribrosa explants from human donor eyes. Initially, cells that grew out from the explant were ONH astrocytes and lamina cribrosa cells. Using a specialized medium, we isolated pure populations of lamina cribrosa cells and ONH astrocytes. ONH astrocytes expressed glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Lamina cribrosa cells expressed alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), but were negative for GFAP. This method of ONH cell isolation and cell-culture will provide a technique to better understand the molecular and cell-specific changes in glaucomatous damage to the ONH.
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325
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Ciavarella C, Buzzi M, Bergantin E, Di Marco S, Giannaccare G, Campos E, Bisti S, Versura P. Effects of Cord Blood Serum (CBS) on viability of retinal Müller glial cells under in vitro injury. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234145. [PMID: 32497126 PMCID: PMC7272066 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress and inflammation determine retinal ganglion cell degeneration, leading to retinal impairment and vision loss. Müller glial cells regulate retinal repair under injury, through gliosis. Meanwhile, reactive gliosis can turn in pathological effects, contributing to neurodegeneration. In the present study, we tested whether Cord Blood Serum (CBS), rich of growth factors, might improve the viability of Müller cells under in vitro damage. BDNF, NGF, TGF-α, GDNF and EGF levels were measured in CBS samples by Human Magnetic Luminex Assay. CBS effects were evaluated on rat (rMC-1) and human (MIO-M1) Müller cells, under H2O2 and IL-1β damage. Cells grown with FBS or CBS both at 5% were exposed to stress and analyzed in terms of cell viability, GFAP, IL-6 and TNF-α expression. CBS was also administrated after treatment with K252a, inhibitor of the neurotrophin receptor Trk. Cell viability of rMC-1 and MIO-M1 resulted significantly improved when pretreated with CBS and exposed to H2O2 and IL-1β, in comparison to the standard culture with FBS. Accordingly, the gliosis marker GFAP resulted down-regulated following CBS priming. In parallel, we observed a lower expression of the inflammatory mediators in rMC-1 (TNF-α) and MIO-M1 (IL-6, TNF- α), especially in presence of inflammatory damage. Trk inhibition through K252a administration impaired the effects of CBS under stress conditions on MIO-M1 and rMC-1 viability, not significantly different from FBS condition. CBS is enriched with neurotrophins and its administration to rMC-1 and MIO-M1 attenuates the cytotoxic effects of H2O2 and IL-1β. Moreover, the decrease of the main markers of gliosis and inflammation suggests a promising use of CBS for neuroprotection aims. This study is a preliminary basis that prompts future investigations to deeply explore and confirm the CBS potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Ciavarella
- Ophthalmology Unit, DIMES, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, S.Orsola-Malpighi Teaching Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marina Buzzi
- Emilia Romagna Cord Blood Bank-Transfusion Service, S.Orsola-Malpighi Teaching Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Bergantin
- Emilia Romagna Cord Blood Bank-Transfusion Service, S.Orsola-Malpighi Teaching Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Giannaccare
- Ophthalmology Unit, DIMES, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, S.Orsola-Malpighi Teaching Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Emilio Campos
- Ophthalmology Unit, DIMES, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, S.Orsola-Malpighi Teaching Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Bisti
- Vision Lab, DISCAB, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genova, Italy
| | - Piera Versura
- Ophthalmology Unit, DIMES, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, S.Orsola-Malpighi Teaching Hospital, Bologna, Italy
- * E-mail:
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326
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Juncheed K, Kohlstrunk B, Friebe S, Dallacasagrande V, Maurer P, Reichenbach A, Mayr SG, Zink M. Employing Nanostructured Scaffolds to Investigate the Mechanical Properties of Adult Mammalian Retinae Under Tension. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21113889. [PMID: 32485972 PMCID: PMC7313470 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous eye diseases are linked to biomechanical dysfunction of the retina. However, the underlying forces are almost impossible to quantify experimentally. Here, we show how biomechanical properties of adult neuronal tissues such as porcine retinae can be investigated under tension in a home-built tissue stretcher composed of nanostructured TiO2 scaffolds coupled to a self-designed force sensor. The employed TiO2 nanotube scaffolds allow for organotypic long-term preservation of adult tissues ex vivo and support strong tissue adhesion without the application of glues, a prerequisite for tissue investigations under tension. In combination with finite element calculations we found that the deformation behavior is highly dependent on the displacement rate which results in Young’s moduli of (760–1270) Pa. Image analysis revealed that the elastic regime is characterized by a reversible shear deformation of retinal layers. For larger deformations, tissue destruction and sliding of retinal layers occurred with an equilibration between slip and stick at the interface of ruptured layers, resulting in a constant force during stretching. Since our study demonstrates how porcine eyes collected from slaughterhouses can be employed for ex vivo experiments, our study also offers new perspectives to investigate tissue biomechanics without excessive animal experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kantida Juncheed
- Soft Matter Physics Division and Biotechnology & Biomedical Group, Peter-Debye-Institute for Soft Matter Physics, Leipzig University, Linnéstr. 5, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (K.J.); (B.K.); (V.D.)
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, Leipzig University, Liebigstr. 19, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Bernd Kohlstrunk
- Soft Matter Physics Division and Biotechnology & Biomedical Group, Peter-Debye-Institute for Soft Matter Physics, Leipzig University, Linnéstr. 5, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (K.J.); (B.K.); (V.D.)
| | - Sabrina Friebe
- Division of Surface Physics, Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, Leipzig University and Leibniz Institute of Surface Engineering (IOM), Permoser Str. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; (S.F.); (S.G.M.)
| | - Valentina Dallacasagrande
- Soft Matter Physics Division and Biotechnology & Biomedical Group, Peter-Debye-Institute for Soft Matter Physics, Leipzig University, Linnéstr. 5, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (K.J.); (B.K.); (V.D.)
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, Leipzig University, Liebigstr. 19, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Patric Maurer
- Institute of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Augustusplatz 10, 04109 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Andreas Reichenbach
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, Leipzig University, Liebigstr. 19, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Stefan G. Mayr
- Division of Surface Physics, Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, Leipzig University and Leibniz Institute of Surface Engineering (IOM), Permoser Str. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; (S.F.); (S.G.M.)
| | - Mareike Zink
- Soft Matter Physics Division and Biotechnology & Biomedical Group, Peter-Debye-Institute for Soft Matter Physics, Leipzig University, Linnéstr. 5, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (K.J.); (B.K.); (V.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(341)-9732573; Fax: +49-(341)-9732479
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327
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Peña JS, Vazquez M. VEGF Upregulates EGFR Expression to Stimulate Chemotactic Behaviors in the rMC-1 Model of Müller Glia. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E330. [PMID: 32485834 PMCID: PMC7348795 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10060330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Progressive vision loss in adults has become increasingly prevalent worldwide due to retinopathies associated with aging, genetics, and epigenetic factors that damage the retinal microvasculature. Insufficient supply of oxygen and/or nutrients upregulates factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF), which can induce abnormal angiogenesis and damage the structural arrangement of the retinal blood barrier (BRB). Müller glia (MG) regulate the diffusion of essential compounds across the BRB and respond to retinal insults via reactive gliosis, which includes cell hypertrophy, migration, and/or proliferation near areas of elevated VEGF concentration. Increasing concentrations of exogenous VEGF, upregulated by retinal pigmented epithelium cells, and endogenous epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) stimulation in MG, implicated in MG proliferative and migratory behavior, often lead to progressive and permanent vision loss. Our project examined the chemotactic responses of the rMC-1 cell line, a mammalian MG model, toward VEGF and EGF signaling fields in transwell assays, and within respective concentration gradient fields produced in the glia line (gLL) microfluidic system previously described by our group. rMC-1 receptor expression in defined ligand fields was also evaluated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunocytochemical staining. Results illustrate dramatic increases in rMC-1 chemotactic responses towards EGF gradient fields after pre-treatment with VEGF. In addition, qPCR illustrated significant upregulation of EGF-R upon VEGF pre-treatment, which was higher than that induced by its cognate ligand, EGF. These results suggest interplay of molecular pathways between VEGF and EGF-R that have remained understudied in MG but are significant to the development of effective anti-VEGF treatments needed for a variety of retinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maribel Vazquez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
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328
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Eyeing the Extracellular Matrix in Vascular Development and Microvascular Diseases and Bridging the Divide between Vascular Mechanics and Function. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103487. [PMID: 32429045 PMCID: PMC7278940 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical in all aspects of vascular development and health: supporting cell anchorage, providing structure, organization and mechanical stability, and serving as a sink for growth factors and sustained survival signals. Abnormal changes in ECM protein expression, organization, and/or properties, and the ensuing changes in vascular compliance affect vasodilator responses, microvascular pressure transmission, and collateral perfusion. The changes in microvascular compliance are independent factors initiating, driving, and/or exacerbating a plethora of microvascular diseases of the eye including diabetic retinopathy (DR) and vitreoretinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and neovascular glaucoma. Congruently, one of the major challenges with most vascular regenerative therapies utilizing localized growth factor, endothelial progenitor, or genetically engineered cell delivery, is the regeneration of blood vessels with physiological compliance properties. Interestingly, vascular cells sense physical forces, including the stiffness of their ECM, through mechanosensitive integrins, their associated proteins and the actomyosin cytoskeleton, which generates biochemical signals that culminate in a rapid expression of matricellular proteins such as cellular communication network 1 (CCN1) and CCN2 (aka connective tissue growth factor or CTGF). Loss or gain of function of these proteins alters genetic programs of cell growth, ECM biosynthesis, and intercellular signaling, that culminate in changes in cell behavior, polarization, and barrier function. In particular, the function of the matricellular protein CCN2/CTGF is critical during retinal vessel development and regeneration wherein new blood vessels form and invest a preformed avascular neural retina following putative gradients of matrix stiffness. These observations underscore the need for further in-depth characterization of the ECM-derived cues that dictate structural and functional properties of the microvasculature, along with the development of new therapeutic strategies addressing the ECM-dependent regulation of pathophysiological stiffening of blood vessels in ischemic retinopathies.
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329
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Usategui-Martín R, Puertas-Neyra K, García-Gutiérrez MT, Fuentes M, Pastor JC, Fernandez-Bueno I. Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome Exhibits a Neuroprotective Effect over In Vitro Retinal Photoreceptor Degeneration. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2020; 17:1155-1166. [PMID: 32514411 PMCID: PMC7267685 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Retinal photoreceptor degeneration occurs frequently in several neurodegenerative retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, or genetic retinal diseases related to the photoreceptors. Despite the impact on daily life and the social and economic consequences, there is no cure for these diseases. Considering this, cell-based therapy may be an optimal therapeutic option. This study evaluated the neuroprotective in vitro potential of a secretome of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for retinal photoreceptors in vitro. We analyzed the photoreceptor morphologic changes and the paracrine factors secreted by human bone marrow MSCs in a physically separated co-culture with degenerated neuroretinas, using organotypic neuroretinal cultures. The results showed that the secretome of human bone marrow MSCs had a neuroprotective effect over the neuroretinal general organization and neuropreserved the photoreceptors from degeneration probably by secretion of neuroprotective proteins. The study of the expression of 1,000 proteins showed increased paracrine factors secreted by MSCs that could be crucial in the neuroprotective effect of the stem cell secretome over in vitro retinal degeneration. The current results reinforce the hypothesis that the paracrine effect of the human bone marrow MSCs may slow photoreceptor neurodegeneration and be a therapeutic option in retinal photoreceptor degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Usategui-Martín
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Kevin Puertas-Neyra
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - María-Teresa García-Gutiérrez
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Manuel Fuentes
- Proteomics Unit, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC), University of Salamanca, Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain.,Department of Medicine and General Cytometry Service-Nucleus, CIBERONC CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC), University of Salamanca, Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - José Carlos Pastor
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain.,Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain.,Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, 47011 Valladolid, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ivan Fernandez-Bueno
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain.,Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, 47011 Valladolid, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
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330
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Villoslada P, Steinman L. New targets and therapeutics for neuroprotection, remyelination and repair in multiple sclerosis. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2020; 29:443-459. [DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1757647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Villoslada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences & Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, California, CA, USA
| | - Lawrence Steinman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences & Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, California, CA, USA
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331
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Artero-Castro A, Rodriguez-Jimenez FJ, Jendelova P, VanderWall KB, Meyer JS, Erceg S. Glaucoma as a Neurodegenerative Disease Caused by Intrinsic Vulnerability Factors. Prog Neurobiol 2020; 193:101817. [PMID: 32360241 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2020.101817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma, one of the most common causes of blindness in developing countries today, involves a progressive loss of neural cells in the optic nerve that leads to progressive, irreversible vision loss. Increased intraocular pressure (IOP) presents as a major risk factor for glaucoma, although there exist cases of glaucoma patients with normal IOP that exhibit damage to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and the optic nerve. However, treatment approaches have maintained their focus on modifying IOP due to a lack of other modifiable risks factors. Traditional concepts in glaucoma involve the neuronal environment and external effects as a source of causative factors; however, studies have yet to investigate whether the molecular profile of RGCs in glaucoma patients makes them more vulnerable and/or susceptible to external damage. Our hypothesis states that molecular changes at the whole cell, gene expression, and electrophysiological level of the neurons can contribute to their degeneration. Herein, we briefly describe different types of glaucoma and any similarities to different molecular and cellular features of neurodegeneration. To test our hypothesis, we describe human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) as a reliable cellular tool to model neurodegenerative aspects of glaucoma to reveal the multiple pathological molecular mechanisms underlying disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Artero-Castro
- Stem Cells Therapies in Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, Research Center "Principe Felipe", Valencia, Spain.
| | | | - Pavla Jendelova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Department of Neuroregeneration, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Kirstin B VanderWall
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | - Jason S Meyer
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | - Slaven Erceg
- Stem Cells Therapies in Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, Research Center "Principe Felipe", Valencia, Spain; National Stem Cell Bank-Valencia Node, Platform for Proteomics, Genotyping and Cell Lines, PRB3,ISCIII, Research Center "Principe Felipe", Valencia, Spain; Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Department of Neuroregeneration, Prague, Czech Republic.
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332
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Abstract
In humans, various genetic defects or age-related diseases, such as diabetic retinopathies, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, cause the death of retinal neurons and profound vision loss. One approach to treating these diseases is to utilize stem and progenitor cells to replace neurons in situ, with the expectation that new neurons will create new synaptic circuits or integrate into existing ones. Reprogramming non-neuronal cells in vivo into stem or progenitor cells is one strategy for replacing lost neurons. Zebrafish have become a valuable model for investigating cellular reprogramming and retinal regeneration. This review summarizes our current knowledge regarding spontaneous reprogramming of Müller glia in zebrafish and compares this knowledge to research efforts directed toward reprogramming Müller glia in mammals. Intensive research using these animal models has revealed shared molecular mechanisms that make Müller glia attractive targets for cellular reprogramming and highlighted the potential for curing degenerative retinal diseases from intrinsic cellular sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Lahne
- Center for Zebrafish Research, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA; , .,Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | - Mikiko Nagashima
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, USA; ,
| | - David R Hyde
- Center for Zebrafish Research, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA; , .,Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | - Peter F Hitchcock
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, USA; , .,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, USA
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333
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Musada GR, Dvoriantchikova G, Myer C, Ivanov D, Bhattacharya SK, Hackam AS. The effect of extrinsic Wnt/β-catenin signaling in Muller glia on retinal ganglion cell neurite growth. Dev Neurobiol 2020; 80:98-110. [PMID: 32267608 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Muller glia are the predominant glial cell type in the retina, and they structurally and metabolically support retinal neurons. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways play essential roles in the central nervous system, including glial and neuronal differentiation, axonal growth, and neuronal regeneration. We previously demonstrated that Wnt signaling activation in retinal ganglion cells (RGC) induces axonal regeneration after injury. However, whether Wnt signaling within the adjacent Muller glia plays an axongenic role is not known. In this study, we characterized the effect of Wnt signaling in Muller glia on RGC neurite growth. Primary Muller glia and RGC cells were grown in transwell co-cultures and adenoviral constructs driving Wnt regulatory genes were used to activate and inhibit Wnt signaling specifically in primary Muller glia. Our results demonstrated that activation of Wnt signaling in Muller glia significantly increased RGC average neurite length and branch site number. In addition, the secretome of Muller glia after induction or inhibition of Wnt signaling was characterized using protein profiling of conditioned media by Q Exactive mass spectrometry. The Muller glia secretome after activation of Wnt signaling had distinct and more numerous proteins involved in regulation of axon extension, axon projection and cell adhesion. Furthermore, we showed highly redundant expression of Wnt signaling ligands in Muller glia and Frizzled receptors in RGCs and Muller glia. Therefore, this study provides new information about potential neurite growth promoting molecules in the Muller glia secretome, and identified Wnt-dependent target proteins that may mediate the axonal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganeswara Rao Musada
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Galina Dvoriantchikova
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ciara Myer
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Dmitry Ivanov
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sanjoy K Bhattacharya
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Abigail S Hackam
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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334
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Barboni MTS, Vaillend C, Joachimsthaler A, Liber AMP, Khabou H, Roux MJ, Vacca O, Vignaud L, Dalkara D, Guillonneau X, Ventura DF, Rendon A, Kremers J. Rescue of Defective Electroretinographic Responses in Dp71-Null Mice With AAV-Mediated Reexpression of Dp71. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:11. [PMID: 32049345 PMCID: PMC7326481 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.2.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To study the potential effect of a gene therapy, designed to rescue the expression of dystrophin Dp71 in the retinas of Dp71-null mice, on retinal physiology. Methods We recorded electroretinograms (ERGs) in Dp71-null and wild-type littermate mice. In dark-adapted eyes, responses to flashes of several strengths were measured. In addition, flash responses on a 25-candela/square meters background were measured. On- and Off-mediated responses to sawtooth stimuli and responses to photopic sine-wave modulation (3–30 Hz) were also recorded. After establishing the ERG phenotype, the ShH10-GFP adeno-associated virus (AAV), which has been previously shown to target specifically Müller glial cells (MGCs), was delivered intravitreously with or without (sham therapy) the Dp71 coding sequence under control of a CBA promoter. ERG recordings were repeated three months after treatment. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting analyses were performed in order to quantify Dp71 expression in the retinas. Results Dp71-null mice displayed reduced b-waves in dark- and light-adapted flash ERGs and smaller response amplitudes to photopic rapid-on sawtooth modulation and to sine-wave stimuli. Three months after intravitreal injections of the ShH10-GFP-2A-Dp71 AAV vector, ERG responses were completely recovered in treated eyes of Dp71-null mice. The functional rescue was associated with an overexpression of Dp71 in treated retinas. Conclusions The present results show successful functional recovery accompanying the reexpression of Dp71. In addition, this experimental model sheds light on MGCs influencing ERG components, since previous reports showed that aquaporin 4 and Kir4.1 channels were mislocated in MGCs of Dp71-null mice, while their distribution could be normalized following intravitreal delivery of the same ShH10-GFP-2A-Dp71 vector.
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335
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Mendonça HR, Carpi-Santos R, da Costa Calaza K, Blanco Martinez AM. Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress act in concert to promote neurodegeneration in the diabetic retina and optic nerve: galectin-3 participation. Neural Regen Res 2020; 15:625-635. [PMID: 31638084 PMCID: PMC6975153 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.266910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes is a lifelong disease characterized by glucose metabolic imbalance, in which low insulin levels or impaired insulin signaling lead to hyperglycemic state. Within 20 years of diabetes progression, 95% of patients will have diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of visual defects in working-age people worldwide. Although diabetes is considered a microvascular disease, recent studies have shown that neurodegeneration precedes vascular changes within the diabetic visual system, albeit its mechanisms are still under investigation. Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are intrinsically related phenomena, since macrophage/microglia and astrocytes are the main sources of reactive oxygen species during central nervous system chronic degenerative diseases, and both pathological processes are increased in the visual system during diabetes. The present review will focus on recent findings of the contribution of oxidative stress derived from neuroinflammation in the early neurodegenerative aspects of the diabetic visual system and their relationship with galectin-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique Rocha Mendonça
- Laboratório de Neurodegeneração e Reparo, Departamento de Patologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Anatomia Patológica, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital Universitrio Clementino Fraga Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Pólo Universitário Macaé, Unidade Integrada de Pesquisa em Produtos Bioativos e Biociências, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, Brazil
- Laboratório Integrado de Morfologia, Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade, Núcleo de Pesquisas Ecológicas de Macaé, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, Brazil
| | - Raul Carpi-Santos
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Karin da Costa Calaza
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia da Retina, Departamento de Neurobiologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Blanco Martinez
- Laboratório de Neurodegeneração e Reparo, Departamento de Patologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Anatomia Patológica, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital Universitrio Clementino Fraga Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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336
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Pfeiffer RL, Marc RE, Jones BW. Müller Cell Metabolic Signatures: Evolutionary Conservation and Disruption in Disease. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2020; 31:320-329. [PMID: 32187524 PMCID: PMC7188339 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2020.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Müller cells are glia that play important regulatory roles in retinal metabolism. These roles have been evolutionarily conserved across at least 300 million years. Müller cells have a tightly locked metabolic signature in the healthy retina, which rapidly degrades in response to insult and disease. This variation in metabolic signature occurs in a chaotic fashion, involving some central metabolic pathways. The cause of this divergence of Müller cells, from a single class with a unique metabolic signature to numerous separable metabolic classes, is currently unknown and illuminates potential alternative metabolic pathways that may be revealed in disease. Understanding the impacts of this heterogeneity on degenerate retinas and the implications for the metabolic support of surrounding neurons will be critical to long-term integration of retinal therapeutics for the restoration of visual perception following photoreceptor degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Pfeiffer
- Moran Eye Center, University of Utah Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA. *
| | - Robert E Marc
- Moran Eye Center, University of Utah Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA; Signature Immunologics, Torrey, UT, USA
| | - Bryan W Jones
- Moran Eye Center, University of Utah Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA.
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337
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Optic Disc Edema in Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein Autoantibody-Positive Meningoencephalitis. J Neuroophthalmol 2020; 38:276-281. [PMID: 29210929 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000000593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) autoantibody-positive meningoencephalitis is a newly described entity characterized by a corticosteroid-responsive meningoencephalomyelitis. Some patients with GFAP autoantibody-positive meningoencephalitis have been found to have optic disc edema, which has previously not been well characterized. METHODS We performed a retrospective, observational case series of Mayo Clinic patients found to have GFAP-IgG and optic disc edema from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2016. We identified 40 patients with GFAP-IgG seropositivity by tissue-based immunofluorescence and cell-based assay. Patients were screened for the following inclusion criteria: 1) serum, cerebrospinal fluid, or both that yielded a characteristic astrocytic pattern of mouse tissue immunostaining with confirmation of IgG reactive with specific GFAPα isoform by cell-based assay; 2) meningoencephalitis or encephalitis; and 3) optic disc edema. We excluded those with coexisting aquaporin-4-IgG or insufficient clinical information. RESULTS Ten patients had optic disc edema and met inclusion criteria. The median age was 39.5 years and 60% were men. Visual acuity was unaffected and disc edema was bilateral in all cases. Mild vitreous cell was noted in 3 patients. The optic disc edema resolved with corticosteroid treatment but resulted in mild optic atrophy in 2 patients. The median lumbar puncture opening pressure was 144 mm H2O (range, 84-298 mm H2O). Brain MRI revealed radial perivascular enhancement in all except 1 patient. Fluorescein angiography was available for 1 patient with optic disc edema, which showed leakage from the venules. CONCLUSIONS Patients with GFAP autoantibody-positive meningoencephalitis can have optic disc edema that can mimic papilledema. The cause of the optic disc edema remains uncertain, but most patients did not have raised intracranial pressure.
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Neuroprotective Strategies for Retinal Ganglion Cell Degeneration: Current Status and Challenges Ahead. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072262. [PMID: 32218163 PMCID: PMC7177277 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072262] [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: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the output cells of the retina into the brain. In mammals, these cells are not able to regenerate their axons after optic nerve injury, leaving the patients with optic neuropathies with permanent visual loss. An effective RGCs-directed therapy could provide a beneficial effect to prevent the progression of the disease. Axonal injury leads to the functional loss of RGCs and subsequently induces neuronal death, and axonal regeneration would be essential to restore the neuronal connectivity, and to reestablish the function of the visual system. The manipulation of several intrinsic and extrinsic factors has been proposed in order to stimulate axonal regeneration and functional repairing of axonal connections in the visual pathway. However, there is a missing point in the process since, until now, there is no therapeutic strategy directed to promote axonal regeneration of RGCs as a therapeutic approach for optic neuropathies.
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339
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Enayati S, Chang K, Achour H, Cho KS, Xu F, Guo S, Z. Enayati K, Xie J, Zhao E, Turunen T, Sehic A, Lu L, Utheim TP, Chen DF. Electrical Stimulation Induces Retinal Müller Cell Proliferation and Their Progenitor Cell Potential. Cells 2020; 9:E781. [PMID: 32210151 PMCID: PMC7140850 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive electrical stimulation (ES) is increasingly applied to improve vision in untreatable eye conditions, such as retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration. Our previous study suggested that ES promoted retinal function and the proliferation of progenitor-like glial cells in mice with inherited photoreceptor degeneration; however, the underlying mechanism remains obscure. Müller cells (MCs) are thought to be dormant residential progenitor cells that possess a high potential for retinal neuron repair and functional plasticity. Here, we showed that ES with a ramp waveform of 20 Hz and 300 µA of current was effective at inducing mouse MC proliferation and enhancing their expression of progenitor cell markers, such as Crx (cone-rod homeobox) and Wnt7, as well as their production of trophic factors, including ciliary neurotrophic factor. RNA sequencing revealed that calcium signaling pathway activation was a key event, with a false discovery rate of 5.33 × 10-8 (p = 1.78 × 10-10) in ES-mediated gene profiling changes. Moreover, the calcium channel blocker, nifedipine, abolished the observed effects of ES on MC proliferation and progenitor cell gene induction, supporting a central role of ES-induced Ca2+ signaling in the MC changes. Our results suggest that low-current ES may present a convenient tool for manipulating MC behavior toward neuroregeneration and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Enayati
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.E.); (K.C.); (H.A.); (K.-S.C.); (S.G.); (K.Z.E.); (J.X.); (E.Z.); (T.T.); (T.P.U.)
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Ophthalmology, Drammen Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, 3004 Drammen, Norway
- Institute of clinical medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Karen Chang
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.E.); (K.C.); (H.A.); (K.-S.C.); (S.G.); (K.Z.E.); (J.X.); (E.Z.); (T.T.); (T.P.U.)
| | - Hamida Achour
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.E.); (K.C.); (H.A.); (K.-S.C.); (S.G.); (K.Z.E.); (J.X.); (E.Z.); (T.T.); (T.P.U.)
- Institute of clinical medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Kin-Sang Cho
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.E.); (K.C.); (H.A.); (K.-S.C.); (S.G.); (K.Z.E.); (J.X.); (E.Z.); (T.T.); (T.P.U.)
| | - Fuyi Xu
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; (F.X.); (L.L.)
| | - Shuai Guo
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.E.); (K.C.); (H.A.); (K.-S.C.); (S.G.); (K.Z.E.); (J.X.); (E.Z.); (T.T.); (T.P.U.)
| | - Katarina Z. Enayati
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.E.); (K.C.); (H.A.); (K.-S.C.); (S.G.); (K.Z.E.); (J.X.); (E.Z.); (T.T.); (T.P.U.)
| | - Jia Xie
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.E.); (K.C.); (H.A.); (K.-S.C.); (S.G.); (K.Z.E.); (J.X.); (E.Z.); (T.T.); (T.P.U.)
| | - Eric Zhao
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.E.); (K.C.); (H.A.); (K.-S.C.); (S.G.); (K.Z.E.); (J.X.); (E.Z.); (T.T.); (T.P.U.)
| | - Tytteli Turunen
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.E.); (K.C.); (H.A.); (K.-S.C.); (S.G.); (K.Z.E.); (J.X.); (E.Z.); (T.T.); (T.P.U.)
| | - Amer Sehic
- Department of Oral Biology; Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; (F.X.); (L.L.)
| | - Tor Paaske Utheim
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.E.); (K.C.); (H.A.); (K.-S.C.); (S.G.); (K.Z.E.); (J.X.); (E.Z.); (T.T.); (T.P.U.)
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Ophthalmology, Drammen Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, 3004 Drammen, Norway
- Department of Oral Biology; Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway;
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway
| | - Dong Feng Chen
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.E.); (K.C.); (H.A.); (K.-S.C.); (S.G.); (K.Z.E.); (J.X.); (E.Z.); (T.T.); (T.P.U.)
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The mito-QC Reporter for Quantitative Mitophagy Assessment in Primary Retinal Ganglion Cells and Experimental Glaucoma Models. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051882. [PMID: 32164182 PMCID: PMC7084520 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial damage plays a prominent role in glaucoma. The only way cells can degrade whole mitochondria is via autophagy, in a process called mitophagy. Thus, studying mitophagy in the context of glaucoma is essential to understand the disease. Up to date limited tools are available for analyzing mitophagy in vivo. We have taken advantage of the mito-QC reporter, a recently generated mouse model that allows an accurate mitophagy assessment to fill this gap. We used primary RGCs and retinal explants derived from mito-QC mice to quantify mitophagy activation in vitro and ex vivo. We also analyzed mitophagy in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), in vivo, using different mitophagy inducers, as well as after optic nerve crush (ONC) in mice, a commonly used surgical procedure to model glaucoma. Using mito-QC reporter we quantified mitophagy induced by several known inducers in primary RGCs in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. We also found that RGCs were rescued from some glaucoma relevant stress factors by incubation with the iron chelator deferiprone (DFP). Thus, the mito-QC reporter-based model is a valuable tool for accurately analyzing mitophagy in the context of glaucoma.
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341
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Santiago AR, Madeira MH, Boia R, Aires ID, Rodrigues-Neves AC, Santos PF, Ambrósio AF. Keep an eye on adenosine: Its role in retinal inflammation. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 210:107513. [PMID: 32109489 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Adenosine is an endogenous purine nucleoside ubiquitously distributed throughout the body that interacts with G protein-coupled receptors, classified in four subtypes: A1R, A2AR, A2BR and A3R. Among the plethora of functions of adenosine, it has been increasingly recognized as a key mediator of the immune response. Neuroinflammation is a feature of chronic neurodegenerative diseases and contributes to the pathophysiology of several retinal degenerative diseases. Animal models of retinal diseases are helping to elucidate the regulatory roles of adenosine receptors in the development and progression of those diseases. Mounting evidence demonstrates that the adenosinergic system is altered in the retina during pathological conditions, compromising retinal physiology. This review focuses on the roles played by adenosine and the elements of the adenosinergic system (receptors, enzymes, transporters) in the neuroinflammatory processes occurring in the retina. An improved understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the signalling pathways mediated by adenosine underlying the onset and progression of retinal diseases will pave the way towards the identification of new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Raquel Santiago
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Maria H Madeira
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Raquel Boia
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês Dinis Aires
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Catarina Rodrigues-Neves
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paulo Fernando Santos
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Francisco Ambrósio
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
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Guo L, Davis BM, Ravindran N, Galvao J, Kapoor N, Haamedi N, Shamsher E, Luong V, Fico E, Cordeiro MF. Topical recombinant human Nerve growth factor (rh-NGF) is neuroprotective to retinal ganglion cells by targeting secondary degeneration. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3375. [PMID: 32099056 PMCID: PMC7042238 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60427-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Optic neuropathy is a major cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, and no effective treatment is currently available. Secondary degeneration is believed to be the major contributor to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death, the endpoint of optic neuropathy. Partial optic nerve transection (pONT) is an established model of optic neuropathy. Although the mechanisms of primary and secondary degeneration have been delineated in this model, until now how this is influenced by therapy is not well-understood. In this article, we describe a clinically translatable topical, neuroprotective treatment (recombinant human nerve growth factor, rh-NGF) predominantly targeting secondary degeneration in a pONT rat model. Topical application of rh-NGF twice daily for 3 weeks significantly improves RGC survival as shown by reduced RGC apoptosis in vivo and increased RGC population in the inferior retina, which is predominantly affected in this model by secondary degeneration. Topical rh-NGF also promotes greater axonal survival and inhibits astrocyte activity in the optic nerve. Collectively, these results suggest that topical rh-NGF exhibits neuroprotective effects on retinal neurons via influencing secondary degeneration process. As topical rh-NGF is already involved in early clinical trials, this highlights its potential in multiple indications in patients, including those affected by glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Guo
- Glaucoma & Retinal Neurodegeneration Research Group, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Benjamin M Davis
- Glaucoma & Retinal Neurodegeneration Research Group, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nivedita Ravindran
- Glaucoma & Retinal Neurodegeneration Research Group, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joana Galvao
- Glaucoma & Retinal Neurodegeneration Research Group, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neel Kapoor
- Glaucoma & Retinal Neurodegeneration Research Group, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nasrin Haamedi
- Glaucoma & Retinal Neurodegeneration Research Group, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ehtesham Shamsher
- Glaucoma & Retinal Neurodegeneration Research Group, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vy Luong
- Glaucoma & Retinal Neurodegeneration Research Group, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elena Fico
- Glaucoma & Retinal Neurodegeneration Research Group, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - M Francesca Cordeiro
- Glaucoma & Retinal Neurodegeneration Research Group, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom. .,Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom.
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Zhu L, Zang J, Liu B, Yu G, Hao L, Liu L, Zhong J. Oxidative stress-induced RAC autophagy can improve the HUVEC functions by releasing exosomes. J Cell Physiol 2020; 235:7392-7409. [PMID: 32096219 PMCID: PMC7496456 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Retinal neovascularization (RNV) is a common pathological feature in many kinds of fundus oculi diseases. Sometimes RNV can even lead to severe vision loss. Oxidative injury is one of the main predisposing factors for RNV occurrence and development. The specific mechanism may be closely related to the special structural tissues of the retina. Retinal astrocytes (RACs) are mesenchymal cells located in the retinal neuroepithelial layer. RACs have an intimate anatomical relationship with microvascular endothelial cells. They have a variety of functions, but little is known about the mechanisms by which RACs regulate the function of endothelial cells. The molecules secreted by RACs, such as exosomes, have recently received a lot of attention and may provide potential clues to address the RAC‐mediated modulation of endothelial cells. In this study, we aimed to preliminarily explore the mechanisms of how RAC exosomes generated under oxidative stress are involved in the regulation of endothelial function. Our results showed that the apoptosis and autophagy levels in RACs were positively correlated with the oxidative stress level, and the exosomes generated from RACs under normal and oxidative stress conditions had different effects on the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells. However, the effect of RACs on endothelial cell function could be markedly reversed by the autophagy inhibitor 3‐methyladenine or the exosome inhibitor GW4869. Therefore, oxidative stress can lead to increased autophagy in RACs and can further promote RACs to regulate endothelial cell function by releasing exosomes. tBHP‐induced oxidative stress can increase the level of autophagy in retinal (RAC) astrocytes. RAC with high‐autophagy level has a completely opposite effect on HUVEC functions when compared with normal RAC. RACs under different states have different effects on endothelial cell functions by releasing exosomes
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxin Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiankun Zang
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guocheng Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lili Hao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lian Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingxiang Zhong
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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344
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Fu Z, Sun Y, Cakir B, Tomita Y, Huang S, Wang Z, Liu CH, S. Cho S, Britton W, S. Kern T, Antonetti DA, Hellström A, E.H. Smith L. Targeting Neurovascular Interaction in Retinal Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1503. [PMID: 32098361 PMCID: PMC7073081 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The tightly structured neural retina has a unique vascular network comprised of three interconnected plexuses in the inner retina (and choroid for outer retina), which provide oxygen and nutrients to neurons to maintain normal function. Clinical and experimental evidence suggests that neuronal metabolic needs control both normal retinal vascular development and pathological aberrant vascular growth. Particularly, photoreceptors, with the highest density of mitochondria in the body, regulate retinal vascular development by modulating angiogenic and inflammatory factors. Photoreceptor metabolic dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation may cause adaptive but ultimately pathological retinal vascular responses, leading to blindness. Here we focus on the factors involved in neurovascular interactions, which are potential therapeutic targets to decrease energy demand and/or to increase energy production for neovascular retinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongjie Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Z.F.); (Y.S.); (B.C.); (Y.T.); (S.H.); (Z.W.); (C.-H.L.); (S.S.C.); (W.B.)
- Manton Center for Orphan Disease, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ye Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Z.F.); (Y.S.); (B.C.); (Y.T.); (S.H.); (Z.W.); (C.-H.L.); (S.S.C.); (W.B.)
| | - Bertan Cakir
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Z.F.); (Y.S.); (B.C.); (Y.T.); (S.H.); (Z.W.); (C.-H.L.); (S.S.C.); (W.B.)
| | - Yohei Tomita
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Z.F.); (Y.S.); (B.C.); (Y.T.); (S.H.); (Z.W.); (C.-H.L.); (S.S.C.); (W.B.)
| | - Shuo Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Z.F.); (Y.S.); (B.C.); (Y.T.); (S.H.); (Z.W.); (C.-H.L.); (S.S.C.); (W.B.)
| | - Zhongxiao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Z.F.); (Y.S.); (B.C.); (Y.T.); (S.H.); (Z.W.); (C.-H.L.); (S.S.C.); (W.B.)
| | - Chi-Hsiu Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Z.F.); (Y.S.); (B.C.); (Y.T.); (S.H.); (Z.W.); (C.-H.L.); (S.S.C.); (W.B.)
| | - Steve S. Cho
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Z.F.); (Y.S.); (B.C.); (Y.T.); (S.H.); (Z.W.); (C.-H.L.); (S.S.C.); (W.B.)
| | - William Britton
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Z.F.); (Y.S.); (B.C.); (Y.T.); (S.H.); (Z.W.); (C.-H.L.); (S.S.C.); (W.B.)
| | - Timothy S. Kern
- Center for Translational Vision Research, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Irvine, CA 92697, USA;
| | - David A. Antonetti
- Kellogg Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA;
| | - Ann Hellström
- Section for Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Göteborg, Sweden;
| | - Lois E.H. Smith
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Z.F.); (Y.S.); (B.C.); (Y.T.); (S.H.); (Z.W.); (C.-H.L.); (S.S.C.); (W.B.)
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345
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Shahulhameed S, Swain S, Jana S, Chhablani J, Ali MJ, Pappuru RR, Tyagi M, Vishwakarma S, Sailaja N, Chakrabarti S, Giri L, Kaur I. A Robust Model System for Retinal Hypoxia: Live Imaging of Calcium Dynamics and Gene Expression Studies in Primary Human Mixed Retinal Culture. Front Neurosci 2020; 13:1445. [PMID: 32116486 PMCID: PMC7020445 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The detailed mechanisms underlying oxidative stress that leads to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in retinal vascular conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity etc., remain largely unexplored mainly due to a lack of suitable disease models that can simulate the inherent neuron-glia interactions in human retina. Specifically, establishment of a mixed retinal culture (MRC) containing both neuron and glial cell types remains a challenge due to different conditions required for their optimal growth and differentiation. Here, we establish a novel primary MRC model system containing neurons, astrocytes, Müller glia, and microglia from human donor retina that can be used to study the neuromodulatory effects of glial cells under the stress. The cell characterization based on immunostaining with individual cell type-specific markers and their presence in close vicinity to each other further underscores their utility for studying their cross talk. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first instance of an in vitro model obtained from human donor retina containing four major cell types. Next, we induce hypoxic stress to MRC to investigate if hypoxia activated neuroglia modulates altered gene expression for inflammatory, apoptotic, and angiogenic markers and Ca2+ transients by live cell imaging. Further, we performed k-means clustering of the Ca2+ responses to identify the modification of clustering pattern in stressed condition. Finally, we provide the evidence that the altered Ca2+ transient correlates to differential expression of genes shown to be involved in neuroinflammation, angiogenesis, and neurodegeneration under the hypoxic conditions as seen earlier in human cell lines and animal models of diabetic retinopathy. The major features of the hypoxic conditions in the proposed human MRC model included: increase in microglia activity, chemokine and cytokine expression, and percentage of cells having higher amplitude and frequency of Ca2+ transients. Thus, the proposed experimental system can potentially serve as an ideal in vitro model for studying the neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative changes in the retina and identifying newer drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarpras Swain
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Soumya Jana
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Jay Chhablani
- Medical Retina and Vitreoretinal Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Mohammad Javed Ali
- Govindram Seksaria Institute of Dacryology, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Rajeev R Pappuru
- Smt. Kanuri Santhamma Center for Vitreo Retinal Diseases, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Mudit Tyagi
- Smt. Kanuri Santhamma Center for Vitreo Retinal Diseases, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Sushma Vishwakarma
- Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Nanda Sailaja
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Lopamudra Giri
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Inderjeet Kaur
- Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
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346
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Masaeli E, Forster V, Picaud S, Karamali F, Nasr-Esfahani MH, Marquette C. Tissue engineering of retina through high resolution 3-dimensional inkjet bioprinting. Biofabrication 2020; 12:025006. [PMID: 31578006 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ab4a20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian retina contains multiple cellular layers, each carrying out a specific task. Such a controlled organization should be considered as a crucial factor for designing retinal therapies. The maintenance of retinal layered complexity through the use of scaffold-free techniques has recently emerged as a promising approach for clinical ocular tissue engineering. In an attempt to fabricate such layered retinal model, we are proposing herein a unique inkjet bioprinting system applied to the deposition of a photoreceptor cells (PRs) layer on top of a bioprinted retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), in a precise arrangement and without any carrier material. The results showed that, after bioprinting, both RPE and PRs were well positioned in a layered structure and expressed their structural markers, which was further demonstrated by ZO1, MITF, rhodopsin, opsin B, opsin R/G and PNA immunostaining, three days after bioprinting. We also showed that considerable amounts of human vascular endothelial growth factors (hVEGF) were released from the RPE printed layer, which confirmed the formation of a functional RPE monolayer after bioprinting. Microstructures of bioprinted cells as well as phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segments by apical RPE microvilli were finally established through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging. In summary, using this carrier-free bioprinting method, it was possible to develop a reasonable in vitro retina model for studying some sight-threatening diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Elahe Masaeli
- Department of Cellular Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran. 3d.FAB, Univ Lyon, Université Lyon1, CNRS, INSA, CPE-Lyon, ICBMS, UMR 5246, Bat. Lederer, 1 rue Victor Grignard, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
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347
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Pereiro X, Ruzafa N, Acera A, Urcola A, Vecino E. Optimization of a Method to Isolate and Culture Adult Porcine, Rats and Mice Müller Glia in Order to Study Retinal Diseases. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:7. [PMID: 32082123 PMCID: PMC7004099 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Müller cells are the predominant glial elements in the retina, extending vertically across this structure, and they fulfill a wealth support roles that are critical for neurons. Alterations to the behavior and phenotype of Müller glia are often seen in animal models of retinal degeneration and in retinal tissue from patients with a variety of retinal disorders. Thus, elucidating the mechanisms underlying the development of retinal diseases would help better understand the cellular processes involved in such pathological changes. Studies into Müller cell activity in vitro have been hindered by the difficulty in obtaining pure cell populations and the tendency of these cells to rapidly differentiate in culture. Most protocols currently used to isolate Müller glia use neonatal or embryonic tissue but here, we report an optimized protocol that facilitates the reliable and straightforward isolation and culture of Müller cells from adult pigs, rats and mice. The protocol described here provides an efficient method for the rapid isolation of adult mammalian Müller cells, which represents a reliable platform to study therapeutic targets and to test the effects of drugs that might combat retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xandra Pereiro
- Experimental Ophthalmo-Biology Group, Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Noelia Ruzafa
- Experimental Ophthalmo-Biology Group, Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Arantxa Acera
- Experimental Ophthalmo-Biology Group, Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Aritz Urcola
- Experimental Ophthalmo-Biology Group, Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Alava, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Elena Vecino
- Experimental Ophthalmo-Biology Group, Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
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348
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Smith JR, Ashander LM, Ma Y, Rochet E, Furtado JM. Model Systems for Studying Mechanisms of Ocular Toxoplasmosis. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2071:297-321. [PMID: 31758460 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9857-9_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The most common human disease caused by infection with Toxoplasma gondii is ocular toxoplasmosis, which typically is manifest as recurrent attacks of necrotizing retinal inflammation with subsequent scarring. The multilayered retina contains specialized cell populations, including endothelial cells, epithelial cells, neurons and supporting cells, all of which may be involved in this condition. In vitro investigations of basic mechanisms operating in human ocular toxoplasmosis use cellular and molecular methods that are common to the study of many pathological processes, and the novel aspect of this research is the use of human retinal cell subsets. Most in vivo research on ocular toxoplasmosis is conducted in the laboratory mouse. Experimental models involve local or systemic inoculation of parasites to induce acute disease, or sequential systemic and local parasite inoculations to trigger recurrent disease. We present methods for in vitro and in vivo studies of ocular toxoplasmosis, including dissection of the human eye, and culture and infection of differentiated cell populations from the retina, as well as induction of mouse ocular toxoplasmosis by intraocular, or sequential systemic and intraocular, inoculations, and imaging of toxoplasmic retinal lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine R Smith
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.
| | - Liam M Ashander
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Yuefang Ma
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Elise Rochet
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - João M Furtado
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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349
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Ahmad I, Teotia P, Erickson H, Xia X. Recapitulating developmental mechanisms for retinal regeneration. Prog Retin Eye Res 2019; 76:100824. [PMID: 31843569 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.100824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Degeneration of specific retinal neurons in diseases like glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and retinitis pigmentosa is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Currently, there is no therapy to modify the disease-associated degenerative changes. With the advancement in our knowledge about the mechanisms that regulate the development of the vertebrate retina, the approach to treat blinding diseases through regenerative medicine appears a near possibility. Recapitulation of developmental mechanisms is critical for reproducibly generating cells in either 2D or 3D culture of pluripotent stem cells for retinal repair and disease modeling. It is the key for unlocking the neurogenic potential of Müller glia in the adult retina for therapeutic regeneration. Here, we examine the current status and potential of the regenerative medicine approach for the retina in the backdrop of developmental mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqbal Ahmad
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
| | - Pooja Teotia
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Helen Erickson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Xiaohuan Xia
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
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350
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Chung SH, Shen W, Davidson KC, Pébay A, Wong RCB, Yau B, Gillies M. Differentiation of Retinal Glial Cells From Human Embryonic Stem Cells by Promoting the Notch Signaling Pathway. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:527. [PMID: 31849614 PMCID: PMC6901827 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of retinal glial cells, particularly Müller cells, has been implicated in several retinal diseases. Despite their important contribution to retinal homeostasis, a specific way to differentiate retinal glial cells from human pluripotent stem cells has not yet been described. Here, we report a method to differentiate retinal glial cells from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) through promoting the Notch signaling pathway. We first generated retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) from hESCs then promoted the Notch signaling pathway using Notch ligands, including Delta-like ligand 4 and Jagged-1. We validated glial cell differentiation with qRT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, western blots and fluorescence-activated cell sorting as we promoted Notch signaling in RPCs. We found that promoting Notch signaling in RPCs for 2 weeks led to upregulation of glial cell markers, including glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), glutamine synthetase, vimentin and cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein (CRALBP). Of these markers, we found the greatest increase in expression of the pan glial cell marker, GFAP. Conversely, we also found that inhibition of Notch signaling in RPCs led to upregulation of retinal neuronal markers including cone-rod homeobox (CRX) and orthodenticle homeobox 2 (OTX2) but with little expression of GFAP. This retinal glial differentiation method will help advance the generation of stem cell disease models to study the pathogenesis of retinal diseases associated with glial dysfunction such as macular telangiectasia type 2. This method may also be useful for the development of future therapeutics such as drug screening and gene editing using patient-derived retinal glial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sook Hyun Chung
- Save Sight Institute, Department of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Weiyong Shen
- Save Sight Institute, Department of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kathryn C Davidson
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alice Pébay
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Raymond C B Wong
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Belinda Yau
- Save Sight Institute, Department of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark Gillies
- Save Sight Institute, Department of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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