1
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Sanetra AM, Jeczmien-Lazur JS, Pradel K, Klich JD, Palus-Chramiec K, Janik ME, Bajkacz S, Izowit G, Nathan C, Piggins HD, Delogu A, Belle MD, Lewandowski MH, Chrobok L. A novel developmental critical period of orexinergic signaling in the primary visual thalamus. iScience 2024; 27:110352. [PMID: 39055917 PMCID: PMC11269934 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The orexinergic system of the lateral hypothalamus plays crucial roles in arousal, feeding behavior, and reward modulation. Most research has focused on adult rodents, overlooking orexins' potential role in the nervous system development. This study, using electrophysiological and molecular tools, highlights importance of orexinergic signaling in the postnatal development of the rodent dorsolateral geniculate nucleus (DLG), a primary visual thalamic center. Orexin activation of DLG thalamocortical neurons occurs in a brief seven-day window around eye-opening, concurrent to transient OX2 receptor expression. Blocking OX2 receptors during this period reduces sensitivity of DLG neurons to green and blue light and lowers spontaneous firing rates in adulthood. This research reveals critical and temporally confined role of orexin signaling in postnatal brain development, emphasizing its contribution to experience-dependent refinement in the DLG and its long-term impact on visual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M. Sanetra
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jagoda S. Jeczmien-Lazur
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Kamil Pradel
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
- Institute for Systems Physiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jasmin D. Klich
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
- Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katarzyna Palus-Chramiec
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marcelina E. Janik
- Department of Glycoconjugate Biochemistry, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Sylwia Bajkacz
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland
- The Biotechnology Centre, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Gabriela Izowit
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Christian Nathan
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- University of Exeter Medical School, Hatherly Labs, Streatham Campus, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter, Devon, UK
| | - Hugh D. Piggins
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Alessio Delogu
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Mino D.C. Belle
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- University of Exeter Medical School, Hatherly Labs, Streatham Campus, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter, Devon, UK
| | - Marian H. Lewandowski
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Lukasz Chrobok
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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2
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Munds RA, Cooper EB, Janiak MC, Lam LG, DeCasien AR, Bauman Surratt S, Montague MJ, Martinez MI, Research Unit CB, Kawamura S, Higham JP, Melin AD. Variation and heritability of retinal cone ratios in a free-ranging population of rhesus macaques. Evolution 2022; 76:1776-1789. [PMID: 35790204 PMCID: PMC9544366 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
A defining feature of catarrhine primates is uniform trichromacy-the ability to distinguish red (long; L), green (medium; M), and blue (short; S) wavelengths of light. Although the tuning of photoreceptors is conserved, the ratio of L:M cones in the retina is variable within and between species, with human cone ratios differing from other catarrhines. Yet, the sources and structure of variation in cone ratios are poorly understood, precluding a broader understanding of color vision variability. Here, we report a large-scale study of a pedigreed population of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). We collected foveal RNA and analyzed opsin gene expression using cDNA and estimated additive genetic variance of cone ratios. The average L:M ratio and standard error was 1.03:1 ± 0.02. There was no age effect, and genetic contribution to variation was negligible. We found marginal sex effects with females having larger ratios than males. S cone ratios (0.143:1 ± 0.002) had significant genetic variance with a heritability estimate of 43% but did not differ between sexes or age groups. Our results contextualize the derived human condition of L-cone dominance and provide new information about the heritability of cone ratios and variation in primate color vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A. Munds
- Department of Anthropology and ArchaeologyUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryABT2N 1N4Canada
| | - Eve B. Cooper
- Department of AnthropologyNew York UniversityNew YorkNew York10003,New York Consortium in Evolutionary PrimatologyNew YorkNew York10460
| | - Mareike C. Janiak
- Department of Anthropology and ArchaeologyUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryABT2N 1N4Canada,Department of AnthropologyNew York UniversityNew YorkNew York10003,School of Science, Engineering and EnvironmentUniversity of SalfordSalfordM5 4NTUnited Kingdom
| | - Linh Gia Lam
- Department of Anthropology and ArchaeologyUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryABT2N 1N4Canada
| | - Alex R. DeCasien
- Department of AnthropologyNew York UniversityNew YorkNew York10003,New York Consortium in Evolutionary PrimatologyNew YorkNew York10460,Section on Developmental NeurogenomicsNational Institute of Mental HealthBethesdaMaryland20892
| | | | - Michael J. Montague
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvania19104
| | - Melween I. Martinez
- Caribbean Primate Research CenterUniversity of Puerto RicoSan JuanPuerto Rico00936
| | | | - Shoji Kawamura
- Department of Integrated BiosciencesUniversity of TokyoKashiwa277‐8562Japan
| | - James P. Higham
- Department of AnthropologyNew York UniversityNew YorkNew York10003,New York Consortium in Evolutionary PrimatologyNew YorkNew York10460
| | - Amanda D. Melin
- Department of Anthropology and ArchaeologyUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryABT2N 1N4Canada,Department of Medical GeneticsUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryABT2N 1N4Canada,Alberta Children's Hospital Research InstituteUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryABT2N 1N4Canada
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3
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Abstract
The mouse has dichromatic color vision based on two different types of opsins: short (S)- and middle (M)-wavelength-sensitive opsins with peak sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV; 360 nm) and green light (508 nm), respectively. In the mouse retina, cone photoreceptors that predominantly express the S-opsin are more sensitive to contrasts and denser towards the ventral retina, preferentially sampling the upper part of the visual field. In contrast, the expression of the M-opsin gradually increases towards the dorsal retina that encodes the lower visual field. Such a distinctive retinal organization is assumed to arise from a selective pressure in evolution to efficiently encode the natural scenes. However, natural image statistics of UV light remain largely unexplored. Here we developed a multi-spectral camera to acquire high-quality UV and green images of the same natural scenes, and examined the optimality of the mouse retina to the image statistics. We found that the local contrast and the spatial correlation were both higher in UV than in green for images above the horizon, but lower in UV than in green for those below the horizon. This suggests that the dorsoventral functional division of the mouse retina is not optimal for maximizing the bandwidth of information transmission. Factors besides the coding efficiency, such as visual behavioral requirements, will thus need to be considered to fully explain the characteristic organization of the mouse retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Abballe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Hiroki Asari
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, EMBL Rome, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
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4
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Wang Y, Zhang Q, Yang G, Wei Y, Li M, Du E, Li H, Song Z, Tao Y. RPE-derived exosomes rescue the photoreceptors during retina degeneration: an intraocular approach to deliver exosomes into the subretinal space. Drug Deliv 2021; 28:218-228. [PMID: 33501868 PMCID: PMC7850421 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2020.1870584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration (RD) refers to a group of blinding retinopathies leading to the progressive photoreceptor demise and vision loss. Treatments against this debilitating disease are urgently needed. Intraocular delivery of exosomes represents an innovative therapeutic strategy against RD. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the subretinal delivery of RPE-derived exosomes (RPE-Exos) can prevent the photoreceptor death in RD. RD was induced in C57BL6 mice by MNU administration. These MNU administered mice received a single subretinal injection of RPE-Exos. Two weeks later, the RPE-Exos induced effects were evaluated via functional, morphological, and behavior examinations. Subretinal delivery of RPE-Exos efficiently ameliorates the visual function impairments, and alleviated the structural damages in the retina of MNU administered mice. Moreover, RPE-Exos exert beneficial effects on the electrical response of the inner retinal circuits. Treatment with RPE-Exos suppressed the expression levels of inflammatory factors, and mitigated the oxidative damage, indicating that subretinal delivery of RPE-Exos constructed a cytoprotective microenvironment in the retina of MNU administered mice. Our data suggest that RPE-Exos have therapeutic effects against the visual impairments and photoreceptor death. These findings will enrich our knowledge of RPE-Exos, and highlight the discovery of a promising medication for RD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yange Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University; Department of Physiology, Basic College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Clinical Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Guoqing Yang
- Department of Clinical Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuanmeng Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University; Department of Physiology, Basic College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Miao Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University; Department of Physiology, Basic College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Enming Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University; Department of Physiology, Basic College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Haijun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University; Department of Physiology, Basic College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zongming Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University; Department of Physiology, Basic College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ye Tao
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University; Department of Physiology, Basic College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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5
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Fishman ES, Louie M, Miltner AM, Cheema SK, Wong J, Schlaeger NM, Moshiri A, Simó S, Tarantal AF, La Torre A. MicroRNA Signatures of the Developing Primate Fovea. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:654385. [PMID: 33898453 PMCID: PMC8060505 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.654385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rod and cone photoreceptors differ in their shape, photopigment expression, synaptic connection patterns, light sensitivity, and distribution across the retina. Although rods greatly outnumber cones, human vision is mostly dependent on cone photoreceptors since cones are essential for our sharp visual acuity and color discrimination. In humans and other primates, the fovea centralis (fovea), a specialized region of the central retina, contains the highest density of cones. Despite the vast importance of the fovea for human vision, the molecular mechanisms guiding the development of this region are largely unknown. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small post-transcriptional regulators known to orchestrate developmental transitions and cell fate specification in the retina. Here, we have characterized the transcriptional landscape of the developing rhesus monkey retina. Our data indicates that non-human primate fovea development is significantly accelerated compared to the equivalent retinal region at the other side of the optic nerve head, as described previously. Notably, we also identify several miRNAs differentially expressed in the presumptive fovea, including miR-15b-5p, miR-342-5p, miR-30b-5p, miR-103-3p, miR-93-5p as well as the miRNA cluster miR-183/-96/-182. Interestingly, miR-342-5p is enriched in the nasal primate retina and in the peripheral developing mouse retina, while miR-15b is enriched in the temporal primate retina and increases over time in the mouse retina in a central-to-periphery gradient. Together our data constitutes the first characterization of the developing rhesus monkey retinal miRNome and provides novel datasets to attain a more comprehensive understanding of foveal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Fishman
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Mikaela Louie
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Adam M Miltner
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Simranjeet K Cheema
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Joanna Wong
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Nicholas M Schlaeger
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Ala Moshiri
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Sergi Simó
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Alice F Tarantal
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Anna La Torre
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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6
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Torres-Dowdall J, Karagic N, Härer A, Meyer A. Diversity in visual sensitivity across Neotropical cichlid fishes via differential expression and intraretinal variation of opsin genes. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:1880-1891. [PMID: 33619757 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The visual system of vertebrates has greatly contributed to our understanding of how different molecular mechanisms shape adaptive phenotypic diversity. Extensive work on African cichlid fishes has shown how variation in opsin gene expression mediates diversification as well as convergent evolution in colour vision. This trait has received less attention in Neotropical cichlids, the sister lineage to African cichlids, but the work done so far led to the conclusion that colour vision is much less variable in Neotropical species. However, as only few taxa have been investigated and as recent work found contradicting patterns, the diversity in meotropical cichlids might be greatly underestimated. Here, we survey patterns of opsin gene expression in 35 representative species of Neotropical cichlids, revealing much more variation than previously known. This diversity can be attributed to two main mechanisms: (i) differential expression of the blue-sensitive sws2a, the green-sensitive rh2a, and the red-sensitive lws opsin genes, and (ii) simultaneous expression of up to five opsin genes, instead of only three as commonly found, in a striking dorsoventral pattern across the retina. This intraretinal variation in opsin genes expression results in steep gradients in visual sensitivity that may represent a convergent adaptation to clear waters with broad light environments. These results highlight the role and flexibility of gene expression in generating adaptive phenotypic diversification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián Torres-Dowdall
- Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Nidal Karagic
- Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Andreas Härer
- Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Axel Meyer
- Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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7
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Girsang W, Sari DCR, Srigutomo W, Gondhowiardjo TD, Sasongko MB. Concept and application of relaxing radial retinectomy for retinal detachment with advanced proliferative vitreo-retinopathy. Int J Retina Vitreous 2020; 6:46. [PMID: 33014425 PMCID: PMC7528480 DOI: 10.1186/s40942-020-00251-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To revisit the concept of retinectomy and the theory of mechanical forces on the retina occurring in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and to describe the potential application of radial retinectomy in RRD with advanced proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Methods A literature search was performed to identify all English language articles reporting the use of retinectomy for the management of RRD with PVR. We reviewed the theoretical background of mechanical forces occurring in RRD. Results Detachment of the retina from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroid is influenced by disequilibrium of several physical forces: tangential forces on the epiretinal membrane \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$F_{R}$$\end{document}FR exceeding the retinal adhesion force to the RPE \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$\left( {T_{1} \;\text{ + }F_{R} \;\text{ > }\;F_{A} } \right)\,\,$$\end{document}T1+FR>FA. PVR may exaggerate the amounts of tangential and radial forces (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$\left( {T_{1} } \right)$$\end{document}T1 and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$F_{R}$$\end{document}FR) that pull the retina off. Relaxing radial retinectomy, by the nature of its cutting pattern, may theoretically decrease the amounts of both forces, therefore restoring the equilibrium between tensile and adhesive forces on the retinal surface \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$\left( {T_{1} \;\text{ + }F_{R} \;\text{ = }\;F_{A} } \right)\,\,$$\end{document}T1+FR=FA. Conclusion Relaxing radial retinectomy may potentially be applied in RRD with advanced PVR but has rarely been reported to date. Future studies are needed to evaluate its outcomes and long-term complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waldensius Girsang
- Jakarta Eye Center Eye Hospitals and Clinics, Jakarta, Indonesia.,Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada - Sardjito Eye Center, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Jalan Farmako Sekip Utara, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Dwi C R Sari
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Wahyu Srigutomo
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Bandung Institute of Technology, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Tjahjono D Gondhowiardjo
- Jakarta Eye Center Eye Hospitals and Clinics, Jakarta, Indonesia.,Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia/Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad B Sasongko
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada - Sardjito Eye Center, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Jalan Farmako Sekip Utara, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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8
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Abstract
A retina completely devoid of topographic variations would be homogenous, encoding any given feature uniformly across the visual field. In a naive view, such homogeneity would appear advantageous. However, it is now clear that retinal topographic variations exist across mammalian species in a variety of forms and patterns. We briefly review some of the more established topographic variations in retinas of different mammalian species and focus on the recent discovery that cells belonging to a single neuronal subtype may exhibit distinct topographic variations in distribution, morphology, and even function. We concentrate on the mouse retina-originally viewed as homogenous-in which genetic labeling of distinct neuronal subtypes and other advanced techniques have revealed unexpected anatomical and physiological topographic variations. Notably, different subtypes reveal different patterns of nonuniformity, which may even be opposite or orthogonal to one another. These topographic variations in the encoding of visual space should be considered when studying visual processing in the retina and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Sophie Heukamp
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; , ,
| | - Rebekah Anne Warwick
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; , ,
| | - Michal Rivlin-Etzion
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; , ,
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9
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Abstract
Abstract
Knowledge of a species’ visual system has far reaching implications that affect our understanding of a species’ ecology and evolutionary history. As a model taxon, the heteromyid rodent genus Dipodomys has been valuable in elucidating patterns and mechanisms in biomechanics, ecology, adaptive physiology, biogeography, and more. Although studied extensively, the visual system of Dipodomys has not been described beyond anecdotal mention of their large eyes. Here, the transmittance parameters of the cornea and lens of Ord’s kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ordii) were analyzed and photoreceptor proteins (opsins) expressed in the retina were identified with immunohistochemical (IHC) labeling. Retina maps were constructed to illustrate the relative densities of photoreceptor cells expressing short wavelength (SWS1) opsins, middle/long wavelength (MW/LW) opsins, and rhodopsin (RH1). The retina of D. ordii has variable densities of SWS1 opsin with the highest density being ventral to the optic nerve, high density of MW/LW opsin, and uniform distribution and high density of RH1 across the retina. Our results suggest that D. ordii has a UV-sensitive visual system. Composition and densities of MW/LW- and SWS1-expressing cells resemble that of a crepuscular/diurnal species thereby supporting previous authors who have reported such activity patterns. Uniform retinal distribution of RH1 indicates visual acuity at night, also confirming the paradigm of D. ordii as primarily a nocturnal species and suggesting visual acuity at all times of the day in the species. These results demonstrate not only that the species is capable of UV vision and has a retina characteristic of a diurnal mammal, but that many previously unknown photic niche selective advantages likely have shaped the evolution and ecology of this model taxon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon McDonald
- Cameron University, Department of Agriculture, Biology, and Health Sciences, Lawton, OK, USA
| | - Bryce Geiger
- Cameron University, Department of Agriculture, Biology, and Health Sciences, Lawton, OK, USA
| | - Sarah Vrla
- Cameron University, Department of Agriculture, Biology, and Health Sciences, Lawton, OK, USA
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10
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Broschard MB, Kim J, Love BC, Freeman JH. Category learning in rodents using touchscreen‐based tasks. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 20:e12665. [DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B. Broschard
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences University of Iowa Iowa City Iowa USA
| | - Jangjin Kim
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences University of Iowa Iowa City Iowa USA
| | - Bradley C. Love
- Department of Experimental Psychology and The Alan Turing Institute University College London London UK
| | - John H. Freeman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences University of Iowa Iowa City Iowa USA
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11
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El-Mansi AA, Al-Kahtani MA, Al-Sayyad KM, Ahmed EA, Gad AR. Visual adaptability and retinal characterization of the Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus, Pteropodidae): New insights into photoreceptors spatial distribution and melanosomal activity. Micron 2020; 137:102897. [PMID: 32563026 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2020.102897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Our study was conducted to characterize the retinal structure of the Egyptian fruit bat, Rousettus aegyptiacus to determine the distribution of photoreceptors and melanosomal populations in various retinal zones. Also, we paid attention to the specific structural and functional adaptations related to their nocturnal habits. We analyzed the retinae of 12 adult male Egyptian fruit bats using morphometrical, histological, ultrastructural, and immunoblotting standard techniques. Histological findings revealed that the retinal cells have variations in geometrical architecture and different retinal thickness together with their corresponding layers bearing specific choroidal papillae projecting towards the inner retina. Immunoblotting and ultrastructure results showed that the microstructure of the retina conforms to that pattern found in mammalian species. The retinal photoreceptors are rod-dominant; alternatively, possess two spectral types of cones: SWS and LW/MWS cones as evidence for the basis for dichromatic vision. In addition, the outer retina showed densely-distributed melanin granules with a significant increase in the number of pigment epithelium cells in the eccentric retina. Furthermore, the asymmetric distribution among the retinal quadrants for the visual pigments of both rods and cones coinciding with neuronal cells such as bipolar and ganglion cells confers instructive information about their visual perception and orientation. In conclusion, our findings indicate that R. aegyptiacus efficiently discriminates colors with complex visual adaptations to mediate increased visual acuity coopted for the nocturnal niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A El-Mansi
- Biology Dept., Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia; Zoology Dept., Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
| | - M A Al-Kahtani
- Biology Dept., Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - K M Al-Sayyad
- Biology Dept., Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - E A Ahmed
- Biology Dept., Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia; Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - A R Gad
- Biology Dept., Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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12
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Carter SP, Moran AL, Matallanas D, McManus GJ, Blacque OE, Kennedy BN. Genetic Deletion of Zebrafish Rab28 Causes Defective Outer Segment Shedding, but Not Retinal Degeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:136. [PMID: 32258030 PMCID: PMC7092623 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The photoreceptor outer segment is the canonical example of a modified and highly specialized cilium, with an expanded membrane surface area in the form of disks or lamellae for efficient light detection. Many ciliary proteins are essential for normal photoreceptor function and cilium dysfunction often results in retinal degeneration leading to impaired vision. Herein, we investigate the function and localization of the ciliary G-protein RAB28 in zebrafish cone photoreceptors. CRISPR-Cas9 generated rab28 mutant zebrafish display significantly reduced shed outer segment material/phagosomes in the RPE at 1 month post fertilization (mpf), but otherwise normal visual function up to 21 dpf and retinal structure up to 12 mpf. Cone photoreceptor-specific transgenic reporter lines show Rab28 localizes almost exclusively to outer segments, independently of GTP/GDP nucleotide binding. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrates tagged Rab28 interacts with components of the phototransduction cascade, including opsins, phosphodiesterase 6C and guanylate cyclase 2D. Our data shed light on RAB28 function in cones and provide a model for RAB28-associated cone-rod dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen P Carter
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ailís L Moran
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David Matallanas
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gavin J McManus
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Microscopy Facility, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Oliver E Blacque
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Breandán N Kennedy
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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13
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Li C, Tian Y, Yao A, Zha X, Zhang J, Tao Y. Intravitreal Delivery of Melatonin Is Protective Against the Photoreceptor Loss in Mice: A Potential Therapeutic Strategy for Degenerative Retinopathy. Front Pharmacol 2020; 10:1633. [PMID: 32116667 PMCID: PMC7028754 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is a circadian hormone with potent cytoprotective effects. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) comprises a heterogeneous group of inherent retinopathies that characterized by the photoreceptor death in bilateral eyes. The N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) administered mouse is a type of chemically induced RP model with rapid progressive rate. We intend to study the melatonin mediated effects on the MNU administered mice. Melatonin was delivered into the vitreous body of the MNU administered mice. Subsequently, the melatonin treated mice were subjected to histological analysis, optokinetic behavior tests, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and electroretinogram (ERG) examination. Multi-electrodes array (MEA) was used to analyze the status of visual signal transmission within retinal circuits. Biochemical analysis was performed to quantify the expression levels of antioxidative enzymes, oxidative stress markers, and apoptotic factors in the retinas. The intravitreal injection of melatonin ameliorated effectively the MNU induced photoreceptor degeneration. Melatonin therapy mitigated the spontaneous firing response, and preserved the basic configurations of visual signal pathway in MNU administered mice. MEA is effective to evaluate the pharmacological effects on retina. Of note, the cone photoreceptors in degenerative retinas were rescued efficiently by melatonin therapy. Melatonin afforded these protective effects by modulating the apoptotic cascades and alleviating the oxidative stress. These findings suggest that melatonin could act as an alternative treatment for degenerative retinopathy. Melatonin might be used in combination with other therapeutic approaches to alleviate the photoreceptor loss and preserve the visual function of RP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Tian
- Department of Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Anhui Yao
- Department of Neurosurgery, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaobing Zha
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianbin Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ye Tao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou University, People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
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14
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Benten A, Balkenhol N, Vor T, Ammer C. Wildlife warning reflectors do not alter the behavior of ungulates to reduce the risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-019-1312-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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15
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Tao Y, He M, Yang Q, Ma Z, Qu Y, Chen W, Peng G, Teng D. Systemic taurine treatment provides neuroprotection against retinal photoreceptor degeneration and visual function impairments. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2019; 13:2689-2702. [PMID: 31496648 PMCID: PMC6689665 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s194169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Objective Retinitis pigmentosa causes progressive photoreceptor degeneration in the subjects while no clinical therapy exists. The present study sought to evaluate the potential protective effects of taurine on a pharmacologically induced RP animal model. Methods Photoreceptor degeneration in mice was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU). The MNU-administrated mouse received taurine treatment and then they were examined by electroretinography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, optokinetic test, and histological and immunohistochemistry assay. Results Prominent taurine deficiency was found in the retinas of MNU-administered mice. Intravenous taurine treatment increased significantly the retinal taurine level. Morphological studies showed that taurine could alleviate the retinal disorganizations in the MNU-induced mice. Taurine also ameliorated the visual impairments in the MNU-induced mice as evidenced by functional examinations. Immunostaining experiments demonstrated that both the M-cone and S-cone populations in the degenerative retinas are rescued by taurine. In particular, the M-cone photoreceptors in superior-temporal quadrant and the S-cone photoreceptors in inferior-nasal quadrant were preferentially rescued. Mechanism study showed that the photoreceptor apoptosis and oxidative stress in the degenerative retina were effectively alleviated by taurine treatment. Conclusion Taurine is protective against the MNU-induced photoreceptor degeneration. Systemic taurine administration may act as a promising therapeutic potion for retinopathies with chronic cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Tao
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, People's Republic of China.,Lab of Visual Cell Differentiation, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430014, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinghua Yang
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430014, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingxin Qu
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430014, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanghua Peng
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Dengke Teng
- Department of Ultrasound, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
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16
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McClinton KJ, Aliani M, Kuny S, Sauvé Y, Suh M. Differential effect of a carotenoid-rich diet on retina function in non-diabetic and diabetic rats. Nutr Neurosci 2019; 23:838-848. [PMID: 30632938 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2018.1563664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Objective: This study was designed to examine the supplementation of a carotenoid-rich carrot powder, on retina function and carotenoid metabolism in non-diabetic control and type 1 diabetic animals. Methods: Male Wistar rats (n = 30) were randomly assigned to diets supplemented with (n = 15) or without (n = 15) carrot powder enriched diets (150 g/kg diet). After 3 weeks of diet adaptation, 8 rats in each group were treated with streptozotocin (iv) to induce type 1 diabetes and fed for a further 9 wk. Retinal function was assessed with the electroretinogram (ERG). Hepatic and plasma retinoids and carotenoids were measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography. Results: Non-diabetic control rats fed the carrot diet had significantly (p < 0.02) higher rod- and cone- driven post-synaptic b-wave amplitudes, respectively, compared to those fed the control diet. These functional changes correlated with higher (p < 0.05) liver levels of carotenoids (α- and β- carotene) and retinoids. In diabetic rats, carrot diet exacerbated retina dysfunction; the amplitudes for most of rod- and cone-driven ERG components were the lowest amplitudes among all groups (p < 0.02). Diabetic rats fed the carrot diet had lower hepatic retinol and retinyl palmitate, while having higher α- and β-carotene levels, indicating diminished hepatic conversion of carotenoids into retinoids. Discussion: Dietary supplementation of high dose dietary carotenoids plays a beneficial role on healthy rat retina function, but exerts a detrimental effect in diabetes, which warrants undertaking detailed mechanistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen J McClinton
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Michel Aliani
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St. Boniface Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Sharee Kuny
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Yves Sauvé
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Miyoung Suh
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St. Boniface Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada.,Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine, St. Boniface Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada
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17
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Mowat FM. Naturally Occurring Inherited Forms of Retinal Degeneration in Vertebrate Animal Species: A Comparative and Evolutionary Perspective. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1185:239-243. [PMID: 31884618 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-27378-1_39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
The ability to noninvasively monitor retinal abnormalities using imaging and cognitive and electrophysiological assessment has made it possible to carefully characterize genetic influences on retinal health. Because genetic retinal traits in animal species are not commonly detrimental to survival beyond birth, it is possible to document the natural history of retinal disease. Human quality of life is greatly impacted by retinal disease, and blindness carries a significant financial burden to society. Because of these compelling reasons, there is an ongoing medical need to study the effect of genetic mutations on retinal health and to develop therapies to address them. Transgenic animal models have aided in these missions, but there are opportunities for novel gene discovery and a development of greater understanding of retinal physiology using animal models that develop naturally occurring heritable retinal disorders. In this chapter, the advantages and disadvantages of transgenic and spontaneous vertebrate animal models of human inherited retinal disease are debated, in particular those of carnivore species, and the potential resource of spontaneous heritable retinal disorders in inbred nondomestic carnivore species is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freya M Mowat
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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18
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Henning Y, Osadnik C, Malkemper EP. EyeCi: Optical clearing and imaging of immunolabeled mouse eyes using light-sheet fluorescence microscopy. Exp Eye Res 2018; 180:137-145. [PMID: 30578790 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2018] [Revised: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Immunofluorescent imaging is an indispensable technique to study morphology and molecular aspects in tissues. Classical approaches make it necessary to cut physical sections of tissue samples to overcome the limited penetration depth of light, restricting the available information to two dimensions. Recent advances in tissue-clearing techniques enable imaging of fluorescently labeled organs and entire organisms on a cellular level in three dimensions without the need of sectioning. Volume imaging of immunolabeled and cleared tissues started a new era of systems biology, because these techniques provide information on connectivity and circuits, especially in structures with projections in three dimensions such as vascular or nervous systems. The variety of published clearing protocols allows the imaging of every organ with a single exception: the eye. Whole-eye clearing approaches were unsuccessful so far due to the strong pigmentation of the retinal pigment epithelium. Here, we present a new protocol that combines a highly effective melanin bleaching step with solvent-based clearing, termed EyeCi. The protocol is compatible with immunolabeling as demonstrated by the visualization of ocular and retinal vasculature in the intact mouse eye by means of light-sheet fluorescence microscopy. This novel protocol is rapid (1 week) and inexpensive, hence allowing high-throughput, high resolution analysis of vascular architecture of healthy and diseased eyes, in its native, three-dimensional organization within intact eyeballs. Volume imaging of whole cleared eyeballs further enables three-dimensional surface reconstruction and automated quantification of choroidal and retinal vasculature extending ocular imaging to a global level. Thus, EyeCi represents an extension to state-of-the-art light microscopy techniques and is potentially suitable for the investigation of vascular leakage or neovascularization processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiyuki Henning
- Institute of Physiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany; Dept. of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141, Essen, Germany.
| | - Christin Osadnik
- Dept. of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141, Essen, Germany
| | - Erich Pascal Malkemper
- Dept. of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141, Essen, Germany; Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
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19
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Benten A, Hothorn T, Vor T, Ammer C. Wildlife warning reflectors do not mitigate wildlife-vehicle collisions on roads. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2018; 120:64-73. [PMID: 30096449 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Wildlife-vehicle collisions cause human fatalities and enormous economic and ecological losses on roads worldwide. A variety of mitigation measures have been developed over the past decades to separate traffic and wildlife, warn humans, or prevent wildlife from entering a road while vehicles are passing by, but only few are economical enough to be applied comprehensively. One such measure, wildlife warning reflectors, has been implemented over the past five decades. However, their efficacy is questioned because of contradictory study results and the variety of applied study designs and reflector models. We used a prospective, randomized non-superiority cross-over study design to test our hypothesis of the inefficacy of modern wildlife warning reflectors. We analyzed wildlife-vehicle collisions on 151 testing sites of approximately 2 km in length each. During the 24-month study period, 1984 wildlife-vehicle collisions were recorded. Confirmatory primary and exploratory secondary analyses using a log-link Poisson mixed model with normal nested random intercepts of observation year in road segment, involved species, and variables of the road segment and the surrounding environment showed that reflectors did not lower the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions by a relevant amount. In addition, variables of the road segment and the surrounding environment did not indicate differential effects of wildlife warning reflectors. Based on our results, we conclude that wildlife warning reflectors are not an effective tool for mitigating wildlife-vehicle collisions on roads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Benten
- Silviculture and Forest Ecology of the Temperate Zones, Forest Sciences, University of Göttingen, Büsgenweg 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Torsten Hothorn
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zürich, Hirschengraben 84, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Torsten Vor
- Silviculture and Forest Ecology of the Temperate Zones, Forest Sciences, University of Göttingen, Büsgenweg 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christian Ammer
- Silviculture and Forest Ecology of the Temperate Zones, Forest Sciences, University of Göttingen, Büsgenweg 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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20
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Albanna W, Kotliar K, Lüke JN, Alpdogan S, Conzen C, Lindauer U, Clusmann H, Hescheler J, Vilser W, Schneider T, Schubert GA. Non-invasive evaluation of neurovascular coupling in the murine retina by dynamic retinal vessel analysis. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204689. [PMID: 30286110 PMCID: PMC6171857 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Impairment of neurovascular coupling (NVC) was recently reported in the context of subarachnoid hemorrhage and may correlate with disease severity and outcome. However, previous techniques to evaluate NVC required invasive procedures. Retinal vessels may represent an alternative option for non-invasive assessment of NVC. Methods A prototype of an adapted retinal vessel analyzer was used to assess retinal vessel diameter in mice. Dynamic vessel analysis (DVA) included an application of monochromatic flicker light impulses in predefined frequencies for evaluating NVC. All retinae were harvested after DVA and electroretinograms were performed. Results A total of 104 retinal scans were conducted in 21 male mice (90 scans). Quantitative arterial recordings were feasible only in a minority of animals, showing an emphasized reaction to flicker light impulses (8 mice; 14 scans). A characteristic venous response to flicker light, however, could observed in the majority of animals. Repeated measurements resulted in a significant decrease of baseline venous diameter (7 mice; 7 scans, p < 0.05). Ex-vivo electroretinograms, performed after in-vivo DVA, demonstrated a significant reduction of transretinal signaling in animals with repeated DVA (n = 6, p < 0.001). Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first non-invasive study assessing murine retinal vessel response to flicker light with characteristic changes in NVC. The imaging system can be used for basic research and enables the investigation of retinal vessel dimension and function in control mice and genetically modified animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walid Albanna
- Institute for Neurophysiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Konstantin Kotliar
- Department of Medical Engineering and Technomathematics, FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jan Niklas Lüke
- Institute for Neurophysiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Serdar Alpdogan
- Institute for Neurophysiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Catharina Conzen
- Department of Neurosurgery, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ute Lindauer
- Department of Neurosurgery, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Tranlational Neurosurgery and Neurobiology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Hans Clusmann
- Department of Neurosurgery, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Hescheler
- Institute for Neurophysiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Toni Schneider
- Institute for Neurophysiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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21
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The topography of rods, cones and intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells in the retinas of a nocturnal (Micaelamys namaquensis) and a diurnal (Rhabdomys pumilio) rodent. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202106. [PMID: 30092025 PMCID: PMC6084985 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We used immunocytochemistry to determine the presence and topographical density distributions of rods, cones, and intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) in the four-striped field mouse (Rhabdomys pumilio) and the Namaqua rock mouse (Micaelamys namaquensis). Both species possessed duplex retinas that were rod dominated. In R. pumilio, the density of both cones and rods were high (cone to rod ratio: 1:1.23) and reflected the species' fundamentally diurnal, but largely crepuscular lifestyle. Similarly, the ratio of cones to rods in M. namaquensis (1:12.4) reflected its nocturnal lifestyle. Similar rod density peaks were observed (R. pumilio: ~84467/mm2; M. namaquensis: ~81088/mm2), but a density gradient yielded higher values in the central (~56618/mm2) rather than in the peripheral retinal region (~32689/mm2) in R. pumilio. Two separate cone types (S-cones and M/L-cones) were identified implying dichromatic color vision in the study species. In M. namaquensis, both cone populations showed a centro-peripheral density gradient and a consistent S- to M/L-cone ratio (~1:7.8). In R. pumilio, S cones showed a centro-peripheral gradient (S- to M/L-cone ratio; central: 1:7.8; peripheral: 1:6.8) which appeared to form a visual streak, and a specialized area of M/L-cones (S- to M/L-cone ratio: 1:15) was observed inferior to the optic nerve. The number of photoreceptors per linear degree of visual angle, estimated from peak photoreceptor densities and eye size, were four cones and 15 rods per degree in M. namaquensis and 11 cones and 12 rods per degree in R. pumilio. Thus, in nocturnal M. namaquensis rods provide much finer image sampling than cones, whereas in diurnal/crepuscular R. pumilio both photoreceptor types provide fine image sampling. IpRGCs were comparably sparse in R. pumilio (total = 1012) and M. namaquensis (total = 862), but were homogeneously distributed in M. namaquensis and densest in the dorso-nasal quadrant in R. pumilio. The adaptive significance of the latter needs further investigation.
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22
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Malkemper EP, Peichl L. Retinal photoreceptor and ganglion cell types and topographies in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes
) and Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus
). J Comp Neurol 2018; 526:2078-2098. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.24493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Erich Pascal Malkemper
- Department of General Zoology; Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen; Essen Germany
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences; Czech University of Life Sciences; Praha 6 Czech Republic
| | - Leo Peichl
- Max Planck Institute for Brain Research; Frankfurt am Main Germany
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Anatomy, Dr. Senckenbergische Anatomie, Goethe University Frankfurt; Frankfurt am Main Germany
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23
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Benten A, Annighöfer P, Vor T. Wildlife Warning Reflectors' Potential to Mitigate Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions—A Review on the Evaluation Methods. Front Ecol Evol 2018. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2018.00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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24
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Johnson EN, Westbrook T, Shayesteh R, Chen EL, Schumacher JW, Fitzpatrick D, Field GD. Distribution and diversity of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells in tree shrew. J Comp Neurol 2017; 527:328-344. [PMID: 29238991 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2017] [Revised: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) mediate the pupillary light reflex, circadian entrainment, and may contribute to luminance and color perception. The diversity of ipRGCs varies from rodents to primates, suggesting differences in their contributions to retinal output. To further understand the variability in their organization and diversity across species, we used immunohistochemical methods to examine ipRGCs in tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri). Tree shrews share membership in the same clade, or evolutionary branch, as rodents and primates. They are highly visual, diurnal animals with a cone-dominated retina and a geniculo-cortical organization resembling that of primates. We identified cells with morphological similarities to M1 and M2 cells described previously in rodents and primates. M1-like cells typically had somas in the ganglion cell layer, with 23% displaced to the inner nuclear layer (INL). However, unlike M1 cells, they had bistratified dendritic fields ramifying in S1 and S5 that collectively tiled space. M2-like cells had dendritic fields restricted to S5 that were smaller and more densely branching. A novel third type of melanopsin immunopositive cell was identified. These cells had somata exclusively in the INL and monostratified dendritic fields restricted to S1 that tiled space. Surprisingly, these cells immunolabeled for tyrosine hydroxylase, a key component in dopamine synthesis. These cells immunolabeled for an RGC marker, not amacrine cell markers, suggesting that they are dopaminergic ipRGCs. We found no evidence for M4 or M5 ipRGCs, described previously in rodents. These results identify some organizational features of the ipRGC system that are canonical versus species-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth N Johnson
- Neurobiology Department, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina.,Wharton Neuroscience Initiative, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Teleza Westbrook
- Neurobiology Department, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Rod Shayesteh
- Neurobiology Department, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Emily L Chen
- Neurobiology Department, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | | | - Greg D Field
- Neurobiology Department, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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25
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Mechanisms of Photoreceptor Patterning in Vertebrates and Invertebrates. Trends Genet 2017; 32:638-659. [PMID: 27615122 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Across the animal kingdom, visual systems have evolved to be uniquely suited to the environments and behavioral patterns of different species. Visual acuity and color perception depend on the distribution of photoreceptor (PR) subtypes within the retina. Retinal mosaics can be organized into three broad categories: stochastic/regionalized, regionalized, and ordered. We describe here the retinal mosaics of flies, zebrafish, chickens, mice, and humans, and the gene regulatory networks controlling proper PR specification in each. By drawing parallels in eye development between these divergent species, we identify a set of conserved organizing principles and transcriptional networks that govern PR subtype differentiation.
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Tao Y, Wang Y, Ma Z, Wang L, Qin L, Wang L, Huang YF, Zhang S. Subretinal delivery of erythropoietin alleviates the N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced photoreceptor degeneration and visual functional impairments: an in vivo and ex vivo study. Drug Deliv 2017; 24:1273-1283. [PMID: 28891332 PMCID: PMC8241182 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2017.1370620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 08/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a heterogeneous group hereditary retinal disease that is characterized by photoreceptor degeneration. The present study sought to explore the therapeutic effects of erythropoietin (EPO) on the N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced photoreceptor degeneration. The MNU-administered mouse or normal control received a subretinal injection of EPO (at the dose of 10U). Twenty-four hours after EPO injection, the retinal EPO levels of experimental animals were quantified. Subsequently, the experimental animals were subjected to optokinetic tests, ERG examination, SD-OCT examination, histology assessment, and immunohistochemistry evaluation. The retinal superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and expression levels of several apoptotic factors were also quantified. The subretinal injection of EPO up-regulated the retinal EPO level in the retinas of MNU-administered mice. The optokinetic tests and ERG examination suggested the visual functional impairments in MNU-administered mice were ameliorated after EPO treatment. The SD-OCT and histological examination suggested the morphological devastations in MNU-administered mice were alleviated after EPO treatment. The cone photoreceptors in MNU-administered mice were protected from the MNU-induced detrimental effects. Moreover, the EPO treatment rectified the apoptotic abnormalities in MNU-administered mice, and enhanced the expression level of Foxo3, a critical mediator of autophagy. The EPO treatment also mitigated the MDA concentration and enhanced the retinal SOD activity, thereby counteracting the retinal oxidative stress in MNU administered mice. In ophthalmological practice, the subretinal delivery of EPO is a feasible therapeutic strategy to alleviate photoreceptor degeneration. These findings would enrich our pharmacological knowledge about EPO and shed light on the development of an effective therapy against RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Tao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yue Wang
- The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Zhao Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Liqiang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Limin Qin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Yi Fei Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Shizhong Zhang
- The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
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Tao Y, Yang Z, Fang W, Ma Z, Huang YF, Li Z. Adeno-associated virus-mediated neuroglobin overexpression ameliorates the N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced retinal impairments: a novel therapeutic strategy against photoreceptor degeneration. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2017; 13:1379-1389. [PMID: 29075122 PMCID: PMC5648317 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s144822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration (RD) is a heterogeneous group of inherited dystrophies leading to blindness. The N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-administered mouse is used as a pharmacologically induced RD animal model in various therapeutic investigations. The present study found the retinal neuroglobin (NGB) expression in the MNU-administered mice was significantly lower than in normal controls, suggesting NGB was correlated with RD. Subsequently, an adeno-associated virus (AAV)-2-mCMV-NGB vector was delivered into the subretinal space of the MNU-administered mice. The retinal NGB expression of the treated eye was upregulated significantly in both protein and mRNA levels. Further, we found NGB overexpression could alleviate visual impairments and morphological devastations in MNU-administered mice. NGB overexpression could rectify apoptotic abnormalities and ameliorate oxidative stress in MNU-administered mice, thereby promoting photoreceptor survival. The cone photoreceptors in MNU-administered mice were also sensitive to AAV-mediated NGB overexpression. Taken together, our findings suggest that manipulating NGB bioactivity via gene therapy may represent a novel therapeutic strategy against RD. Future elucidation of the exact role of NGB would advance our knowledge about the pathological mechanisms underlying RD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Tao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing
| | - Zhen Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute for Functional Brain Disorders, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an
| | - Wei Fang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute for Functional Brain Disorders, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an
| | - Zhao Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
| | - Yi Fei Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing
| | - Zhengwei Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
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Tao Y, Ma Z, Liu B, Fang W, Qin L, Huang YF, Wang L, Gao Y. Hemin supports the survival of photoreceptors injured by N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea: The contributory role of neuroglobin in photoreceptor degeneration. Brain Res 2017; 1678:47-55. [PMID: 29038003 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Retina is a critical component of the central nerve system that is responsible for the conversion of light stimulus into electrical spikes. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) comprises a heterogeneous group of inherited retinal dystrophies leading to blindness. We examined retinal neuroglobin (Ngb) expression in a pharmacologically induced RP animal model, the N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) administered mice. The retinal Ngb expression in MNU administered mice attenuated following a time dependent manner, suggesting Ngb was involved in the photoreceptor degeneration. Conversely, the intravenous delivery of Hemin, a Ngb up-regulator, enhanced the Ngb expressions in the retinas of MNU administered mice. Optokinetic behavioral tests and Electroretinogram (ERG) examination suggested that the Hemin treatment could improve the visual function of MNU administered mice. The retinal morphology of the Hemin treated group was much more intact than the MNU group as evidenced by retinal sections and optical coherence tomography (OCT) examinations. Moreover, immunostaining experiments showed the cone photoreceptors in the MNU administered mice were also rescued by Hemin treatment. Furthermore, mechanism studies suggested the Hemin treatment not only alleviated the oxidative stress, but also rectified the apoptotic changes in the retinas of MNU administered mice. In conclusion, the intraperitoneally delivery of Hemin can enhance the Ngb expressions in the MNU administered retinas, thereby ameliorating the photoreceptor degeneration and associated visual impairments. These findings would shed light on the opportunity to develop Ngb into a therapeutic molecular against RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Tao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, PR China
| | - Zhao Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wu Han, 430014, PR China
| | - Bei Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute for Functional Brain Disorders, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Wei Fang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute for Functional Brain Disorders, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Limin Qin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, PR China
| | - Yi Fei Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, PR China.
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wu Han, 430014, PR China.
| | - Yanling Gao
- Department of Human Resource Research Center, 371 Hospital of Chinese PLA, Xinxiang 453000, PR China.
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Roy S, Kim D, Lim R. Cell-cell communication in diabetic retinopathy. Vision Res 2017; 139:115-122. [PMID: 28583293 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2017.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In diabetic retinopathy, high glucose (HG)-mediated breakdown in cell-cell communication promotes disruption of retinal homeostasis. Several studies indicate that HG condition alters expression of connexin genes and subsequent gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) in retinal vascular cells and non-vascular cells. A serious consequence of disrupted cell-cell communication is apoptosis and breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB). More recently, studies suggest adverse effects from HG on retinal Müller cells. This article focuses on HG-mediated changes in connexin expression and GJIC and their subsequent effects on the breakdown of retinal homeostasis, cell death, compromised vascular permeability, and interactions between endothelial cells, pericytes and retinal Müller cells in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, options for rectifying disrupted homeostasis under HG condition associated with diabetic retinopathy are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayon Roy
- Department of Medicine and Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Dongjoon Kim
- Department of Medicine and Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Remington Lim
- Department of Medicine and Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
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Aghaizu ND, Kruczek K, Gonzalez-Cordero A, Ali RR, Pearson RA. Pluripotent stem cells and their utility in treating photoreceptor degenerations. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2017; 231:191-223. [PMID: 28554397 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration and inherited retinal degenerations represent the leading causes of blindness in industrialized countries. Despite different initiating causes, they share a common final pathophysiology, the loss of the light sensitive photoreceptors. Replacement by transplantation may offer a potential treatment strategy for both patient populations. The last decade has seen remarkable progress in our ability to generate retinal cell types, including photoreceptors, from a variety of murine and human pluripotent stem cell sources. Driven in large part by the requirement for renewable cell sources, stem cells have emerged not only as a promising source of replacement photoreceptors but also to provide in vitro systems with which to study retinal development and disease processes and to test therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kamil Kruczek
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Robin R Ali
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
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Hilgen G, Pirmoradian S, Pamplona D, Kornprobst P, Cessac B, Hennig MH, Sernagor E. Pan-retinal characterisation of Light Responses from Ganglion Cells in the Developing Mouse Retina. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42330. [PMID: 28186129 PMCID: PMC5301206 DOI: 10.1038/srep42330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We have investigated the ontogeny of light-driven responses in mouse retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Using a large-scale, high-density multielectrode array, we recorded from hundreds to thousands of RGCs simultaneously at pan-retinal level, including dorsal and ventral locations. Responses to different contrasts not only revealed a complex developmental profile for ON, OFF and ON-OFF responses, but also unveiled differences between dorsal and ventral RGC responses. At eye-opening, dorsal RGCs of all types were more responsive to light, perhaps indicating an environmental priority to nest viewing for pre-weaning pups. The developmental profile of ON and OFF responses exhibited antagonistic behaviour, with the strongest ON responses shortly after eye-opening, followed by an increase in the strength of OFF responses later on. Further, we found that with maturation receptive field (RF) center sizes decrease, spike-triggered averaged responses to white noise become stronger, and centers become more circular while maintaining differences between RGC types. We conclude that the maturation of retinal functionality is not spatially homogeneous, likely reflecting ecological requirements that favour earlier maturation of the dorsal retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerrit Hilgen
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Sahar Pirmoradian
- Institute for Adaptive and Neural Computation, University of Edinburgh EH8 9AB, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Daniela Pamplona
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inria, Biovision team, 06902 Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Pierre Kornprobst
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inria, Biovision team, 06902 Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Bruno Cessac
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inria, Biovision team, 06902 Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Matthias H. Hennig
- Institute for Adaptive and Neural Computation, University of Edinburgh EH8 9AB, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Evelyne Sernagor
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
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The Degeneration and Apoptosis Patterns of Cone Photoreceptors in rd11 Mice. J Ophthalmol 2017; 2017:9721362. [PMID: 28168050 PMCID: PMC5266847 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9721362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal degeneration 11 (rd11) mouse is a new animal model with rapid photoreceptor degeneration. The long-term efficacy of gene therapy has a direct relationship with the onset of photoreceptor degeneration or apoptosis, whereas the degeneration or apoptosis patterns of photoreceptors are still unclear in rd11 mice. The distribution patterns of cone function-related L- and S-opsin were examined by immunofluorescence staining, and the apoptosis was performed by TUNEL assay in rd11 mice. The expression pattern of L-opsin or S-opsin in rd11 retina at postnatal day (P) 14 was similar to the pattern observed in wildtype retina. With increasing age, the expression of L-opsin and S-opsin, especially S-opsin, decreased significantly in rd11 mice. The degeneration of L-opsin began around the optic nerve and expanded to the periphery of the retina, from the ventral/nasal to dorsal/temporal retina, whereas the expression of S-opsin gradually decreased from the dorsal/temporal to ventral/nasal retina. Apoptotic signal appeared at P14 and was strongest at P28 of rd11 mice. The key genes associated with apoptosis confirmed those changes. These indicated that the degeneration and apoptosis of cone photoreceptors began at P14 of rd11 mice, which was a key point for gene therapy.
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Boije H, Shirazi Fard S, Edqvist PH, Hallböök F. Horizontal Cells, the Odd Ones Out in the Retina, Give Insights into Development and Disease. Front Neuroanat 2016; 10:77. [PMID: 27486389 PMCID: PMC4949263 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2016.00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Thorough investigation of a neuronal population can help reveal key aspects regarding the nervous system and its development. The retinal horizontal cells have several extraordinary features making them particularly interesting for addressing questions regarding fate assignment and subtype specification. In this review we discuss and summarize data concerning the formation and diversity of horizontal cells, how morphology is correlated to molecular markers, and how fate assignment separates the horizontal lineage from the lineages of other retinal cell types. We discuss the novel and unique features of the final cell cycle of horizontal cell progenitors and how they may relate to retinoblastoma carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Boije
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Per-Henrik Edqvist
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Finn Hallböök
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
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AAV-mediated Gene Therapy Halts Retinal Degeneration in PDE6β-deficient Dogs. Mol Ther 2016; 24:867-76. [PMID: 26857842 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2016.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously reported that subretinal injection of AAV2/5 RK.cpde6β allowed long-term preservation of photoreceptor function and vision in the rod-cone dysplasia type 1 (rcd1) dog, a large animal model of naturally occurring PDE6β deficiency. The present study builds on these earlier findings to provide a detailed assessment of the long-term effects of gene therapy on the spatiotemporal pattern of retinal degeneration in rcd1 dogs treated at 20 days of age. We analyzed the density distribution of the retinal layers and of particular photoreceptor cells in 3.5-year-old treated and untreated rcd1 dogs. Whereas no rods were observed outside the bleb or in untreated eyes, gene transfer halted rod degeneration in all vector-exposed regions. Moreover, while gene therapy resulted in the preservation of cones, glial cells and both the inner nuclear and ganglion cell layers, no cells remained in vector-unexposed retinas, except in the visual streak. Finally, the retinal structure of treated 3.5-year-old rcd1 dogs was identical to that of unaffected 4-month-old rcd1 dogs, indicating near complete preservation. Our findings indicate that gene therapy arrests the degenerative process even if intervention is initiated after the onset of photoreceptor degeneration, and point to significant potential of this therapeutic approach in future clinical trials.
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Tao Y, Chen T, Fang W, Peng G, Wang L, Qin L, Liu B, Fei Huang Y. The temporal topography of the N-Methyl- N-nitrosourea induced photoreceptor degeneration in mouse retina. Sci Rep 2015; 5:18612. [PMID: 26685797 PMCID: PMC4685653 DOI: 10.1038/srep18612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the progressive photoreceptors apoptosis. The N-Methyl- N-nitrosourea (MNU) is an alkylating toxicant which could induce photoreceptor apoptosis resembling that of the hereditary RP. However, the detailed process pattern of this degeneration remains poorly characterized. We systemically explored the topography of the photoreceptor degeneration in the MNU treated mouse, and related these spatial data with the time-dependent characteristics of retinal pathology. These temporal topographic data delineated sequential scenes of the progressive photoreceptor degeneration in the MNU treated retinas: focal photoreceptors showed different vulnerabilities to the MNU toxicity and displayed a distinctive spatial- and time-dependent progression. Moreover, the positional asymmetry between the retinal quadrants firstly provided instructive information about the unique toxicology properties of the MNU. Further mechanism study suggested that the up-regulation of Bax and Calpain-2, rather than the Caspase-3, should be responsible for the asymmetry in the MNU induced photoreceptor degeneration. Together with the comparative sensitivities to the neurotoxicity of MNU between two photoreceptor populations, these topographic data would facilitate the standardization of analytic parameters related to the MNU induced RP model, and enhance its application in the therapeutic explorations of human RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Tao
- Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Chinese PLA, Ophthalmology &Visual Science Key Lab of PLA, Beijing, 100853, PR China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Clinical Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032. PR China
| | - Wei Fang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute for Functional Brain Disorders, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, PR China
| | - Guanghua Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Chinese PLA, Ophthalmology &Visual Science Key Lab of PLA, Beijing, 100853, PR China
| | - Liqiang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Chinese PLA, Ophthalmology &Visual Science Key Lab of PLA, Beijing, 100853, PR China
| | - Limin Qin
- Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Chinese PLA, Ophthalmology &Visual Science Key Lab of PLA, Beijing, 100853, PR China
| | - Bei Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute for Functional Brain Disorders, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, PR China
| | - Yi Fei Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Chinese PLA, Ophthalmology &Visual Science Key Lab of PLA, Beijing, 100853, PR China
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Rax Homeoprotein Regulates Photoreceptor Cell Maturation and Survival in Association with Crx in the Postnatal Mouse Retina. Mol Cell Biol 2015; 35:2583-96. [PMID: 25986607 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00048-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Rax homeobox gene plays essential roles in multiple processes of vertebrate retina development. Many vertebrate species possess Rax and Rax2 genes, and different functions have been suggested. In contrast, mice contain a single Rax gene, and its functional roles in late retinal development are still unclear. To clarify mouse Rax function in postnatal photoreceptor development and maintenance, we generated conditional knockout mice in which Rax in maturing or mature photoreceptor cells was inactivated by tamoxifen treatment (Rax iCKO mice). When Rax was inactivated in postnatal Rax iCKO mice, developing photoreceptor cells showed a significant decrease in the level of the expression of rod and cone photoreceptor genes and mature adult photoreceptors exhibited a specific decrease in cone cell numbers. In luciferase assays, we found that Rax and Crx cooperatively transactivate Rhodopsin and cone opsin promoters and that an optimum Rax expression level to transactivate photoreceptor gene expression exists. Furthermore, Rax and Crx colocalized in maturing photoreceptor cells, and their coimmunoprecipitation was observed in cultured cells. Taken together, these results suggest that Rax plays essential roles in the maturation of both cones and rods and in the survival of cones by regulating photoreceptor gene expression with Crx in the postnatal mouse retina.
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Kung F, Wang J, Perez-Castillejos R, Townes-Anderson E. Position along the nasal/temporal plane affects synaptic development by adult photoreceptors, revealed by micropatterning. Integr Biol (Camb) 2015; 7:313-23. [PMID: 25616113 DOI: 10.1039/c4ib00213j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In retinal degeneration, death of photoreceptors causes blindness. Repair of the retina by transplanting photoreceptors has resulted in limited functional connectivity between transplanted and host neurons. We hypothesize that absence of appropriate biological cues, specifically positional (retinotopographic) cues, reduces synaptogenesis. Here we use micropatterning to test whether regional origin affects the early synaptic development of photoreceptors. Right and left retinas from salamanders were first labelled with dextran tetramethyl-rhodamine and fluorescein, respectively, bisected into nasal (N)/temporal (T) or dorsal (D)/ventral (V) halves, individually dissociated, mixed, and cultured for 1 week. Origin of cells was identified by the fluorescent label. Interactions between photoreceptors and neighboring (target) cells were assessed by the number of neuritic contacts with a presynaptic swelling (varicosity). Randomly-plated photoreceptors showed no preference for cellular origin, likely due to multiple potential interactions available to each cell. To reduce cell-cell interactions, culture substrate was patterned using a microfluidic device with 10 μm-wide channels separated by 200 μm, thus allowing only 1-2 targets per photoreceptor. In patterned cultures, 36.89% of N rod cells contacted T targets but only 27.42% of N rod cells contacted N targets; similarly 35.05% of T rod cells contacted N cells but only 17.08% contacted T cells. Thus, opposite regions were more permissive of contact. However, neither cone nor D/V rod cells showed preferences for positional origin of targets. In conclusion, micropatterning demonstrated that neuritic differentiation by rod cells depends on retinotopographic cues along the nasal/temporal plane, suggesting that transplanting rod cells of known positional origin will increase transplant success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Kung
- Rutgers Biomedical Health and Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Joint Program in Biomedical Engineering, 185 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
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Vlahos LM, Knott B, Valter K, Hemmi JM. Photoreceptor topography and spectral sensitivity in the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). J Comp Neurol 2014; 522:3423-36. [PMID: 24737644 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2013] [Revised: 04/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Marsupials are believed to be the only non-primate mammals with both trichromatic and dichromatic color vision. The diversity of color vision systems present in marsupials remains mostly unexplored. Marsupials occupy a diverse range of habitats, which may have led to considerable variation in the presence, density, distribution, and spectral sensitivity of retinal photoreceptors. In this study we analyzed the distribution of photoreceptors in the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Immunohistochemistry in wholemounts revealed three cone subpopulations recognized within two spectrally distinct cone classes. Long-wavelength sensitive (LWS) single cones were the largest cone subgroup (67-86%), and formed a weak horizontal visual streak (peak density 2,106 ± 435/mm2) across the central retina. LWS double cones were strongly concentrated ventrally (569 ± 66/mm2), and created a "negative" visual streak (134 ± 45/mm2) in the central retina. The strong regionalization between LWS cone topographies suggests differing visual functions. Short-wavelength sensitive (SWS) cones were present in much lower densities (3-10%), mostly located ventrally (179 ± 101/mm2). A minority population of cones (0-2.4%) remained unlabeled by both SWS- and LWS-specific antibodies, and may represent another cone population. Microspectrophotometry of LWS cone and rod visual pigments shows peak spectral sensitivities at 544 nm and 500 nm, respectively. Cone to ganglion cell convergences remain low and constant across the retina, thereby maintaining good visual acuity, but poor contrast sensitivity during photopic vision. Given that brushtail possums are so strongly nocturnal, we hypothesize that their acuity is set by the scotopic visual system, and have minimized the number of cones necessary to serve the ganglion cells for photopic vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Vlahos
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Vision Science, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia; Research School of Biology, College of Medicine, Biology and Environment, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
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Allen AE, Storchi R, Martial FP, Petersen RS, Montemurro MA, Brown TM, Lucas RJ. Melanopsin-driven light adaptation in mouse vision. Curr Biol 2014; 24:2481-90. [PMID: 25308073 PMCID: PMC4228053 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2014.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Revised: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In bright light, mammals use a distinct photopigment (melanopsin) to measure irradiance for centrally mediated responses such as circadian entrainment. We aimed to determine whether the information generated by melanopsin is also used by the visual system as a signal for light adaptation. To this end, we compared retinal and thalamic responses to a range of artificial and natural visual stimuli presented using spectral compositions that either approximate the mouse's experience of natural daylight ("daylight") or are selectively depleted of wavelengths to which melanopsin is most sensitive ("mel-low"). RESULTS We found reproducible and reversible changes in the flash electroretinogram between daylight and mel-low. Simultaneous recording in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) revealed that these reflect changes in feature selectivity of visual circuits in both temporal and spatial dimensions. A substantial fraction of units preferred finer spatial patterns in the daylight condition, while the population of direction-sensitive units became tuned to faster motion. The dLGN contained a richer, more reliable encoding of natural scenes in the daylight condition. These effects were absent in mice lacking melanopsin. CONCLUSIONS The feature selectivity of many neurons in the mouse dLGN is adjusted according to a melanopsin-dependent measure of environmental brightness. These changes originate, at least in part, within the retina. Melanopsin performs a role analogous to a photographer's light meter, providing an independent measure of irradiance that determines optimal setting for visual circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette E Allen
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Manchester University, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK.
| | - Riccardo Storchi
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Manchester University, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Franck P Martial
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Manchester University, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Rasmus S Petersen
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Manchester University, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Marcelo A Montemurro
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Manchester University, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Timothy M Brown
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Manchester University, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Robert J Lucas
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Manchester University, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK.
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Tran NM, Zhang A, Zhang X, Huecker JB, Hennig AK, Chen S. Mechanistically distinct mouse models for CRX-associated retinopathy. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004111. [PMID: 24516401 PMCID: PMC3916252 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cone-rod homeobox (CRX) protein is a “paired-like” homeodomain transcription factor that is essential for regulating rod and cone photoreceptor transcription. Mutations in human CRX are associated with the dominant retinopathies Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), Cone-Rod Dystrophy (CoRD) and Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), with variable severity. Heterozygous Crx Knock-Out (KO) mice (“+/−”) have normal vision as adults and fail to model the dominant human disease. To investigate how different mutant CRX proteins produce distinct disease pathologies, we generated two Crx Knock-IN (K-IN) mouse models: CrxE168d2 (“E168d2”) and CrxR90W (“R90W”). E168d2 mice carry a frameshift mutation in the CRX activation domain, Glu168del2, which is associated with severe dominant CoRD or LCA in humans. R90W mice carry a substitution mutation in the CRX homeodomain, Arg90Trp, which is associated with dominant mild late-onset CoRD and recessive LCA. As seen in human patients, heterozygous E168d2 (“E168d2/+”) but not R90W (“R90W/+”) mice show severely impaired retinal function, while mice homozygous for either mutation are blind and undergo rapid photoreceptor degeneration. E168d2/+ mice also display abnormal rod/cone morphology, greater impairment of CRX target gene expression than R90W/+ or +/− mice, and undergo progressive photoreceptor degeneration. Surprisingly, E168d2/+ mice express more mutant CRX protein than wild-type CRX. E168d2neo/+, a subline of E168d2 with reduced mutant allele expression, displays a much milder retinal phenotype, demonstrating the impact of Crx expression level on disease severity. Both CRX[E168d2] and CRX[R90W] proteins fail to activate transcription in vitro, but CRX[E168d2] interferes more strongly with the function of wild type (WT) CRX, supporting an antimorphic mechanism. E168d2 and R90W are mechanistically distinct mouse models for CRX-associated disease that will allow the elucidation of molecular mechanisms and testing of novel therapeutic approaches for different forms of CRX-associated disease. The transcription factor Cone-Rod Homeobox (CRX) plays a central role in regulating gene expression of rod and cone photoreceptors, the primary light sensing cells of the retina. Mutations in the human CRX gene have been associated with the retinal degeneration diseases Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), Cone-Rod Dystrophy (CoRD) and Leber Congential Amaurosis (LCA). These diseases cause progressive and permanent loss of vision, vary widely in age of onset and severity, and are currently untreatable. To understand how mutations in CRX cause distinct forms of retinal disease, we have genetically engineered mice to carry human disease-causing mutations in their Crx gene. These mouse lines accurately recapitulate distinct forms of CRX-associated disease, demonstrating that different classes of CRX mutations are responsible for phenotype variability in humans. We have characterized the pathology of these mice and identified critical mechanisms of disease. In addition, we have discovered that modifying the level of mutant protein had a dramatic effect on disease pathology in one mutant model, suggesting that targeted therapy against the mutant CRX could be an effective treatment strategy. These mouse models will allow for the testing of novel therapeutic strategies for retinal diseases caused by CRX mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M Tran
- Ph.D. program in Molecular Genetics and Genomics, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Alan Zhang
- College of Arts & Sciences, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Julie B Huecker
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Anne K Hennig
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Shiming Chen
- Ph.D. program in Molecular Genetics and Genomics, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America ; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America ; Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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Iwagawa T, Tanaka Y, Iida A, Itoh T, Watanabe S. Enhancer/promoter activities of the long/middle wavelength-sensitive opsins of vertebrates mediated by thyroid hormone receptor β2 and COUP-TFII. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72065. [PMID: 24058409 PMCID: PMC3751927 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cone photopigments (opsins) are crucial elements of, and the first detection module in, color vision. Individual opsins have different wavelength sensitivity patterns, and the temporal and spatial expression patterns of opsins are unique and stringently regulated. Long and middle wavelength-sensitive (L/M) opsins are of the same phylogenetic type. Although the roles of thyroid hormone/TRß2 and COUP-TFs in the transcriptional regulation of L/M opsins have been explored, the detailed mechanisms, including the target sequence in the enhancer of L/M opsins, have not been revealed. We aimed to reveal molecular mechanisms of L/M opsins in vertebrates. Using several human red opsin enhancer/promoter-luciferase reporter constructs, we found that TRß2 increased luciferase activities through the 5'-UTR and intron 3-4 region, whereas the presence of T3 affected only the intron 3-4 region-dependent luciferase activity. Furthermore, COUP-TFII suppressed intron 3-4 region-dependent luciferase activities. However, luciferase expression driven by the mouse M opsin intron 3-4 region was only slightly increased by TRß2, and rather enhanced by COUP-TFII. To determine whether these differential responses reflect differences between primates and rodents, we examined the enhancer/promoter region of the red opsin of the common marmoset. Interestingly, while TRß2 increased 5'-UTR- or intron 3-4 region-driven luciferase expression, as observed for the human red opsin, expression of the latter luciferase was not suppressed by COUP-TFII. In fact, immunostaining of common marmoset retinal sections revealed expression of COUP-TFII and red opsin in the cone cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiro Iwagawa
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yo Tanaka
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsumi Iida
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshio Itoh
- Marmoset Research Department, Central Institute for Experimental Animals, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Sumiko Watanabe
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Abstract
AbstractS cones expressing the short wavelength-sensitive type 1 (SWS1) class of visual pigment generally form only a minority type of cone photoreceptor within the vertebrate duplex retina. Hence, their primary role is in color vision, not in high acuity vision. In mammals, S cones may be present as a constant fraction of the cones across the retina, may be restricted to certain regions of the retina or may form a gradient across the retina, and in some species, there is coexpression of SWS1 and the long wavelength-sensitive (LWS) class of pigment in many cones. During retinal development, SWS1 opsin expression generally precedes that of LWS opsin, and evidence from genetic studies indicates that the S cone pathway may be the default pathway for cone development. With the notable exception of the cartilaginous fishes, where S cones appear to be absent, they are present in representative species from all other vertebrate classes. S cone loss is not, however, uncommon; they are absent from most aquatic mammals and from some but not all nocturnal terrestrial species. The peak spectral sensitivity of S cones depends on the spectral characteristics of the pigment present. Evidence from the study of agnathans and teleost fishes indicates that the ancestral vertebrate SWS1 pigment was ultraviolet (UV) sensitive with a peak around 360 nm, but this has shifted into the violet region of the spectrum (>380 nm) on many separate occasions during vertebrate evolution. In all cases, the shift was generated by just one or a few replacements in tuning-relevant residues. Only in the avian lineage has tuning moved in the opposite direction, with the reinvention of UV-sensitive pigments.
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Krysiak ME, Bankieris KR, Abid Q, Kui GH, Rodman HR. The effect of ecologically relevant variations in light level on the performance of Mongolian gerbils on two visual tasks. Behav Processes 2011; 88:135-41. [PMID: 21906663 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2011.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2010] [Revised: 08/08/2011] [Accepted: 08/09/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Tests of rodent visual capacities are typically performed under standard laboratory illumination. However, light level can have subtle and complex effects on behavior in rodents. We tested Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) - a species that shows individual differences in activity pattern - on visual tasks at three ecologically relevant levels of ambient illuminance: approximating moonlight (1 lx), dawn or dusk (10 lx), and low daylight (100 lx). A jumping task and a grating discrimination quantified depth perception and grating acuity, respectively. Illuminance variations had important effects on behavior. Gerbils jumped faster in lower light on the depth discrimination task, but were also less accurate than in bright light. Daytime activity levels (possibly reflecting variations in activity pattern) mediated these effects, with animals that were awake during a lower proportion of daytime hours exhibiting a trend toward jumping faster with lower light level as compared to more day-active gerbils. Moreover, while illuminance did not affect acuity overall, it interacted with activity levels in a complex way: in both the darkest and lowest light levels, animals that were awake during a greater proportion of daytime hours showed higher acuity levels than animals that were less active during the day. These results indicate that gerbils show behavioral profiles in vision tasks that represent an interaction between visual ability and illuminance-sensitive motivational or emotional actors, perhaps including chronotype. Thus, the most ecologically relevant assessments of the visual performance of rodents will likely be achieved by testing at species-specific preferred light levels.
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Why different regions of the retina have different spectral sensitivities: A review of mechanisms and functional significance of intraretinal variability in spectral sensitivity in vertebrates. Vis Neurosci 2011; 28:281-93. [DOI: 10.1017/s0952523811000113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AbstractVision is used in nearly all aspects of animal behavior, from prey and predator detection to mate selection and parental care. However, the light environment typically is not uniform in every direction, and visual tasks may be specific to particular parts of an animal’s field of view. These spatial differences may explain the presence of several adaptations in the eyes of vertebrates that alter spectral sensitivity of the eye in different directions. Mechanisms that alter spectral sensitivity across the retina include (but are not limited to) variations in: corneal filters, oil droplets, macula lutea, tapeta, chromophore ratios, photoreceptor classes, and opsin expression. The resultant variations in spectral sensitivity across the retina are referred to as intraretinal variability in spectral sensitivity (IVSS). At first considered an obscure and rare phenomenon, it is becoming clear that IVSS is widespread among all vertebrates, and examples have been found from every major group. This review will describe the mechanisms mediating differences in spectral sensitivity, which are in general well understood, as well as explore the functional significance of intraretinal variability, which for the most part is unclear at best.
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Temple S, Hart NS, Marshall NJ, Collin SP. A spitting image: specializations in archerfish eyes for vision at the interface between air and water. Proc Biol Sci 2010; 277:2607-15. [PMID: 20392734 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2010.0345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Archerfish are famous for spitting jets of water to capture terrestrial insects, a task that not only requires oral dexterity, but also the ability to detect small camouflaged prey against a visually complex background of overhanging foliage. Because detection of olfactory, auditory and tactile cues is diminished at air-water interfaces, archerfish must depend almost entirely on visual cues to mediate their sensory interactions with the aerial world. During spitting, their eyes remain below the water's surface and must adapt to the optical demands of both aquatic and aerial fields of view. These challenges suggest that archerfish eyes may be specially adapted to life at the interface between air and water. Using microspectrophotometry to characterize the spectral absorbance of photoreceptors, we find that archerfish have differentially tuned their rods and cones across their retina, correlated with spectral differences in aquatic and aerial fields of view. Spatial resolving power also differs for aquatic and aerial fields of view with maximum visual resolution (6.9 cycles per degree) aligned with their preferred spitting angle. These measurements provide insight into the functional significance of intraretinal variability in archerfish and infer intraretinal variability may be expected among surface fishes or vertebrates where different fields of view vary markedly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby Temple
- Sensory Neurobiology Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, , St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.
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Xiao Q, Hartzell HC, Yu K. Bestrophins and retinopathies. Pflugers Arch 2010; 460:559-69. [PMID: 20349192 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-010-0821-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2010] [Revised: 03/01/2010] [Accepted: 03/04/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Best vitelliform macular dystrophy (BVMD, also called Best's disease) is a dominantly inherited, juvenile-onset form of macular degeneration, which is characterized by abnormal accumulation of yellow pigment in the outer retina and a depressed electro-oculogram light peak (LP). Over 100 disease-causing mutations in human bestrophin-1 (hBest1) are closely linked to BVMD and several other retinopathies. However, the physiological role of hBest1 and the mechanisms of retinal pathology remain obscure partly because hBest1 has been described as a protein with multiple functions including a Ca2+-activated Cl- channel, a Ca2+ channel regulator, a volume-regulated Cl- channel, and a HCO3- channel. This review focuses on how dysfunction of hBest1 is related to the accumulation of yellow pigment and a decreased LP. The dysfunction of hBest1 as a HCO3- channel or a volume-regulated Cl- channel may be associated with defective regulation of the subretinal fluid or phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segments by retinal pigment epithelium cells, which may lead to fluid and pigment accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghuan Xiao
- Department of Cell Biology and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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Jacobs GH, Williams GA. Cone pigments in a North American marsupial, the opossum (Didelphis virginiana). J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2010; 196:379-84. [PMID: 20224889 PMCID: PMC2858275 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-010-0519-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2010] [Revised: 02/26/2010] [Accepted: 03/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Only two of the four cone opsin gene families found in vertebrates are represented in contemporary eutherian and marsupial species. Recent genetic studies of two species of South American marsupial detected the presence of representatives from two of the classes of cone opsin genes and the structures of these genes predicted cone pigments with respective peaks in the ultraviolet and long-wavelength portions of the spectrum. The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), a profoundly nocturnal animal, is the only marsupial species found in North America. The prospects for cone-based vision in this species were examined through recordings of the electroretinogram (ERG), a commonly examined retinal response to photic stimulation. Recorded under flickering-light conditions that elicit signals from cone photoreceptors, the spectral sensitivity of the opossum eye is well accounted for by contributions from the presence of a single cone pigment having peak absorption at 561–562 nm. A series of additional experiments that employed various chromatic adaptation paradigms were conducted in a search for possible contributions from a second (short-wavelength sensitive) cone pigment. We found no evidence that such a mechanism contributes to the ERG in this marsupial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald H Jacobs
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara, 93106, USA.
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Abstract
Cones with peak sensitivity to light at long (L), medium (M) and short (S) wavelengths are unequal in number on the human retina: S cones are rare (<10%) while increasing in fraction from center to periphery, and the L/M cone proportions are highly variable between individuals. What optical properties of the eye, and statistical properties of natural scenes, might drive this organization? We found that the spatial-chromatic structure of natural scenes was largely symmetric between the L, M and S sensitivity bands. Given this symmetry, short wavelength attenuation by ocular media gave L/M cones a modest signal-to-noise advantage, which was amplified, especially in the denser central retina, by long-wavelength accommodation of the lens. Meanwhile, total information represented by the cone mosaic remained relatively insensitive to L/M proportions. Thus, the observed cone array design along with a long-wavelength accommodated lens provides a selective advantage: it is maximally informative. Human color perception arises by comparing the signals from cones with peak sensitivities, at long (L), medium (M) and short (S) wavelengths. In dichromats, a characteristic distribution of S and M cones supports blue-yellow color vision: a few S and mostly M. When L cones are added, allowing red-green color vision, the S proportion remains low, increasing slowly with increasing retinal eccentricity, but the L/M proportion can vary 5-fold without affecting red-green color perception. We offer a unified explanation of these striking facts. First, we find that the spatial-chromatic statistics of natural scenes are largely symmetric between the L, M and S sensitivity bands. Thus, attenuation of blue light in the optical media, and chromatic aberration after long-wavelength accommodation of the lens, can give L/M cones an advantage. Quantitatively, information transmission by the cone array is maximized when the S proportion is low but increasing slowly with retinal eccentricity, accompanied by a lens accommodated to red light. After including blur by the lens, the optimum depends weakly on the red/green ratio, allowing large variations without loss of function. This explains the basic layout of the cone mosaic: for the resources invested, the organization maximizes information.
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Shinozaki A, Hosaka Y, Imagawa T, Uehara M. Topography of ganglion cells and photoreceptors in the sheep retina. J Comp Neurol 2010; 518:2305-15. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.22333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Carmona FD, Glösmann M, Ou J, Jiménez R, Collinson JM. Retinal development and function in a 'blind' mole. Proc Biol Sci 2009; 277:1513-22. [PMID: 20007180 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2009.1744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals adapted to dark ecotopes may experience selective pressure for retinal reduction. No previous studies have explicitly addressed the molecular basis of retinal development in any fossorial mammal. We studied retinal development and function in the Iberian mole Talpa occidentalis, which was presumed to be blind because of its permanently closed eyes. Prenatal retina development was relatively normal, with specification of all cell types and evidence of dorsoventral regionalization. Severe developmental defects occurred after birth, subsequent to lens abnormalities. 'Blind' Iberian moles had rods, cones and rod nuclear ultrastructure typical of diurnal mammals. DiI staining revealed only contralateral projections through the optic chiasm. Y-maze experiments demonstrated that moles retain a photoavoidance response. Over-representation of melanopsin-positive retinal ganglion cells that mediate photoperiodicity was observed. Hence, molecular pathways of eye development in Iberian moles retain the adaptive function of rod/cone primary vision and photoperiodicity, with no evidence that moles are likely to completely lose their eyes on an evolutionary time scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- F David Carmona
- School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK.
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