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Rao F, Cao J, Wang C, Xiang S, Wu K, Lin D, Lv J, Wang X, Wang M, Xiang L. Overexpression of miR-96 leads to retinal degeneration in mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 719:150048. [PMID: 38763044 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Double knockout of miR-183 and miR-96 results in retinal degeneration in mice; however, single knockout of miR-96 leads to developmental delay but not substantial retinal degeneration. To further explore the role of miR-96, we overexpressed this miRNA in mouse retinas. Interestingly, we found that overexpression of miR-96 at a safe dose results in retinal degeneration in the mouse retina. The retinal photoreceptors dramatically degenerated in the miR-96-overexpressing group, as shown by OCT, ERG and cryosectioning at one month after subretinal injection. Degenerative features such as TUNEL signals and reactive gliosis were observed in the miR-96-overexpressing retina. RNA-seq data revealed that immune responses and microglial activation occurred in the degenerating retina. Further qRT‒PCR and immunostaining experiments verified the microglial activation. Moreover, the number of microglia in the miR-96-overexpressing retinas was significantly increased. Our findings demonstrate that appropriate miR-96 expression is required for mouse retinal homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengqin Rao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, China; Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; College of Nursing, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Jianbin Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, China
| | - Chenyu Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health & Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shengjin Xiang
- Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Kunchao Wu
- Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The First People's Hospital of Guiyang, China
| | - Dan Lin
- Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Jineng Lv
- Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
| | - Mingcang Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, China.
| | - Lue Xiang
- Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China.
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2
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Park HS, Bang JH, Jung WH, Yang JY, Shin HJ, Son JH, Han JW, Lee SH, Chung KH, Kim K, Chang HS, Park TK. Development of Non-Invasive miRNA Markers for Assessing the Quality of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Organoids. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8011. [PMID: 39125582 PMCID: PMC11312389 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Human retinal organoids (ROs) have emerged as valuable tools for studying retinal development, modeling human retinal diseases, and screening drugs. However, their application is limited primarily due to time-intensive generation, high costs, and low reproducibility. Quality assessment of RO differentiation is crucial for their application in research. However, traditional methods such as morphological evaluation and immunohistochemical analysis have limitations due to their lack of precision and invasiveness, respectively. This study aims to identify non-invasive biomarkers for RO differentiation quality using exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs), which are known to reflect cell-specific functions and development in the retina. We differentiated ROs from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and classified them into 'superior' and 'inferior' groups based on morphological and immunohistochemical criteria. Exosomes from the conditioned media were isolated and analyzed for miRNA content. Our findings revealed distinct miRNA profiles between superior and inferior ROs, with superior ROs exhibiting higher miRNA diversity and specifically up- or down-regulated miRNAs. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses indicated that the target genes of these miRNAs are involved in neuron proliferation and differentiation. The study suggests the potential of exosomal hsa-miR-654-3p and hsa-miR-451a as non-invasive biomarkers for real-time monitoring of RO quality, facilitating the development of standardized, efficient, and cost-effective culture methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo Song Park
- Divisions of Ophthalmology, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Bucheon 14584, Republic of Korea; (H.S.P.); (W.H.J.); (J.W.H.); (S.H.L.)
| | - Ji-Hong Bang
- Department of Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Science Major, Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Republic of Korea; (J.-H.B.); (H.J.S.)
| | - Wook Hyun Jung
- Divisions of Ophthalmology, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Bucheon 14584, Republic of Korea; (H.S.P.); (W.H.J.); (J.W.H.); (S.H.L.)
| | - Jin Young Yang
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapy for Retinal Degeneration, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon 31538, Republic of Korea; (J.Y.Y.); (K.H.C.)
| | - Hee Jeong Shin
- Department of Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Science Major, Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Republic of Korea; (J.-H.B.); (H.J.S.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapy for Retinal Degeneration, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon 31538, Republic of Korea; (J.Y.Y.); (K.H.C.)
| | - Ji-Hye Son
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 33151, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jung Woo Han
- Divisions of Ophthalmology, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Bucheon 14584, Republic of Korea; (H.S.P.); (W.H.J.); (J.W.H.); (S.H.L.)
| | - Si Hyung Lee
- Divisions of Ophthalmology, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Bucheon 14584, Republic of Korea; (H.S.P.); (W.H.J.); (J.W.H.); (S.H.L.)
| | - Kyung Hwun Chung
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapy for Retinal Degeneration, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon 31538, Republic of Korea; (J.Y.Y.); (K.H.C.)
| | - Kyunggon Kim
- Department of Digital Medicine, Brain Korea 21 plus, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan and Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hun Soo Chang
- Department of Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Science Major, Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Republic of Korea; (J.-H.B.); (H.J.S.)
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 33151, Republic of Korea;
| | - Tae Kwann Park
- Divisions of Ophthalmology, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Bucheon 14584, Republic of Korea; (H.S.P.); (W.H.J.); (J.W.H.); (S.H.L.)
- Department of Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Science Major, Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Republic of Korea; (J.-H.B.); (H.J.S.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapy for Retinal Degeneration, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon 31538, Republic of Korea; (J.Y.Y.); (K.H.C.)
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3
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Rajanala K, Upadhyay A. Epigenetic Switches in Retinal Homeostasis and Target for Drug Development. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2840. [PMID: 38474086 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinal homeostasis, a tightly regulated process maintaining the functional integrity of the retina, is vital for visual function. Emerging research has unveiled the critical role of epigenetic regulation in controlling gene expression patterns during retinal development, maintenance, and response to mutational loads and injuries. Epigenetic switches, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, play pivotal roles in orchestrating retinal gene expression and cellular responses through various intracellular, extracellular, and environmental modulators. This review compiles the current knowledge on epigenetic switches in retinal homeostasis, providing a deeper understanding of their impact on retinal structural integrity and function and using them as potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arun Upadhyay
- Ocugen Inc., 11 Great Valley Parkway, Malvern, PA 19355, USA
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4
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Dubaic M, Peskova L, Hampl M, Weissova K, Celiker C, Shylo NA, Hruba E, Kavkova M, Zikmund T, Weatherbee SD, Kaiser J, Barta T, Buchtova M. Role of ciliopathy protein TMEM107 in eye development: insights from a mouse model and retinal organoid. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302073. [PMID: 37863656 PMCID: PMC10589122 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary cilia are cellular surface projections enriched in receptors and signaling molecules, acting as signaling hubs that respond to stimuli. Malfunctions in primary cilia have been linked to human diseases, including retinopathies and ocular defects. Here, we focus on TMEM107, a protein localized to the transition zone of primary cilia. TMEM107 mutations were found in patients with Joubert and Meckel-Gruber syndromes. A mouse model lacking Tmem107 exhibited eye defects such as anophthalmia and microphthalmia, affecting retina differentiation. Tmem107 expression during prenatal mouse development correlated with phenotype occurrence, with enhanced expression in differentiating retina and optic stalk. TMEM107 deficiency in retinal organoids resulted in the loss of primary cilia, down-regulation of retina-specific genes, and cyst formation. Knocking out TMEM107 in human ARPE-19 cells prevented primary cilia formation and impaired response to Smoothened agonist treatment because of ectopic activation of the SHH pathway. Our data suggest TMEM107 plays a crucial role in early vertebrate eye development and ciliogenesis in the differentiating retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Dubaic
- Laboratory of Molecular Morphogenesis, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- https://ror.org/02j46qs45 Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Peskova
- https://ror.org/02j46qs45 Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Hampl
- Laboratory of Molecular Morphogenesis, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- https://ror.org/02j46qs45 Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kamila Weissova
- Laboratory of Molecular Morphogenesis, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- https://ror.org/02j46qs45 Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Canan Celiker
- https://ror.org/02j46qs45 Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Natalia A Shylo
- Department of Genetics, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Eva Hruba
- Laboratory of Molecular Morphogenesis, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Kavkova
- https://ror.org/03613d656 CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Zikmund
- https://ror.org/03613d656 CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Scott D Weatherbee
- Department of Genetics, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Biology Department, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT, USA
| | - Jozef Kaiser
- https://ror.org/03613d656 CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Barta
- Laboratory of Molecular Morphogenesis, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- https://ror.org/02j46qs45 Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marcela Buchtova
- Laboratory of Molecular Morphogenesis, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- https://ror.org/02j46qs45 Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
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5
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Nemergut M, Pluskal D, Horackova J, Sustrova T, Tulis J, Barta T, Baatallah R, Gagnot G, Novakova V, Majerova M, Sedlackova K, Marques SM, Toul M, Damborsky J, Prokop Z, Bednar D, Janin YL, Marek M. Illuminating the mechanism and allosteric behavior of NanoLuc luciferase. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7864. [PMID: 38030625 PMCID: PMC10687086 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43403-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
NanoLuc, a superior β-barrel fold luciferase, was engineered 10 years ago but the nature of its catalysis remains puzzling. Here experimental and computational techniques are combined, revealing that imidazopyrazinone luciferins bind to an intra-barrel catalytic site but also to an allosteric site shaped on the enzyme surface. Structurally, binding to the allosteric site prevents simultaneous binding to the catalytic site, and vice versa, through concerted conformational changes. We demonstrate that restructuration of the allosteric site can boost the luminescent reaction in the remote active site. Mechanistically, an intra-barrel arginine coordinates the imidazopyrazinone component of luciferin, which reacts with O2 via a radical charge-transfer mechanism, and then it also protonates the resulting excited amide product to form a light-emitting neutral species. Concomitantly, an aspartate, supported by two tyrosines, fine-tunes the blue color emitter to secure a high emission intensity. This information is critical to engineering the next-generation of ultrasensitive bioluminescent reporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Nemergut
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Bld. C13, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Pekarska 53, 656 91, Brno, Czech Republic
- Center for Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Technology and Innovation Park, P. J. Safarik University in Kosice, Trieda SNP 1, 04011, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Daniel Pluskal
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Bld. C13, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Horackova
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Bld. C13, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Sustrova
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Bld. C13, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Tulis
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Bld. C13, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Barta
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Racha Baatallah
- Unité de Chimie et Biocatalyse, Institut Pasteur, UMR 3523, CNRS, 28 rue du Dr. Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, Paris, France
| | - Glwadys Gagnot
- Unité de Chimie et Biocatalyse, Institut Pasteur, UMR 3523, CNRS, 28 rue du Dr. Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, 12 rue de l'école de Médecine, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Veronika Novakova
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Bld. C13, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Pekarska 53, 656 91, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marika Majerova
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Bld. C13, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Pekarska 53, 656 91, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Karolina Sedlackova
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Bld. C13, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Pekarska 53, 656 91, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sérgio M Marques
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Bld. C13, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Pekarska 53, 656 91, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Toul
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Bld. C13, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Pekarska 53, 656 91, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Damborsky
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Bld. C13, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Pekarska 53, 656 91, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zbynek Prokop
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Bld. C13, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Pekarska 53, 656 91, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David Bednar
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Bld. C13, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Pekarska 53, 656 91, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Yves L Janin
- Structure et Instabilité des Génomes (StrInG), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, INSERM, CNRS, Alliance Sorbonne Université, 75005, Paris, France.
| | - Martin Marek
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Bld. C13, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Pekarska 53, 656 91, Brno, Czech Republic.
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6
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Vanova T, Sedmik J, Raska J, Amruz Cerna K, Taus P, Pospisilova V, Nezvedova M, Fedorova V, Kadakova S, Klimova H, Capandova M, Orviska P, Fojtik P, Bartova S, Plevova K, Spacil Z, Hribkova H, Bohaciakova D. Cerebral organoids derived from patients with Alzheimer's disease with PSEN1/2 mutations have defective tissue patterning and altered development. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113310. [PMID: 37864790 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
During the past two decades, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been widely used to study human neural development and disease. Especially in the field of Alzheimer's disease (AD), remarkable effort has been put into investigating molecular mechanisms behind this disease. Then, with the advent of 3D neuronal cultures and cerebral organoids (COs), several studies have demonstrated that this model can adequately mimic familial and sporadic AD. Therefore, we created an AD-CO model using iPSCs derived from patients with familial AD forms and explored early events and the progression of AD pathogenesis. Our study demonstrated that COs derived from three AD-iPSC lines with PSEN1(A246E) or PSEN2(N141I) mutations developed the AD-specific markers in vitro, yet they also uncover tissue patterning defects and altered development. These findings are complemented by single-cell sequencing data confirming this observation and uncovering that neurons in AD-COs likely differentiate prematurely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Vanova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St. Anne's University Hospital, 60200 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Sedmik
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Raska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St. Anne's University Hospital, 60200 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Amruz Cerna
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Taus
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Pospisilova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marketa Nezvedova
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Fedorova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sona Kadakova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Klimova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Capandova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Orviska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Fojtik
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St. Anne's University Hospital, 60200 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Simona Bartova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Karla Plevova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 61300 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenek Spacil
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Hribkova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dasa Bohaciakova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic; International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St. Anne's University Hospital, 60200 Brno, Czech Republic.
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7
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Celiker C, Weissova K, Cerna KA, Oppelt J, Dorgau B, Gambin FM, Sebestikova J, Lako M, Sernagor E, Liskova P, Barta T. Light-responsive microRNA molecules in human retinal organoids are differentially regulated by distinct wavelengths of light. iScience 2023; 26:107237. [PMID: 37485345 PMCID: PMC10362355 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells in the human retina must rapidly adapt to constantly changing visual stimuli. This fast adaptation to varying levels and wavelengths of light helps to regulate circadian rhythms and allows for adaptation to high levels of illumination, thereby enabling the rest of the visual system to remain responsive. It has been shown that retinal microRNA (miRNA) molecules play a key role in regulating these processes. However, despite extensive research using various model organisms, light-regulated miRNAs in human retinal cells remain unknown. Here, we aim to characterize these miRNAs. We generated light-responsive human retinal organoids that express miRNA families and clusters typically found in the retina. Using an in-house developed photostimulation device, we identified a subset of light-regulated miRNAs. Importantly, we found that these miRNAs are differentially regulated by distinct wavelengths of light and have a rapid turnover, highlighting the dynamic and adaptive nature of the human retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canan Celiker
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kamila Weissova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Amruz Cerna
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Oppelt
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Neuropathology, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Birthe Dorgau
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Francisco Molina Gambin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Sebestikova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Evelyne Sernagor
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Petra Liskova
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Barta
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
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8
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Davari M, Soheili ZS, Latifi-Navid H, Samiee S. Potential involvement of miR-183/96/182 cluster-gene target interactions in transdifferentiation of human retinal pigment epithelial cells into retinal neurons. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 663:87-95. [PMID: 37119770 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.04.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
miR-183/96/182 cluster plays a critical role in the developing retina by regulating many target genes involved in signaling pathways. This study aimed to survey the miR-183/96/182 cluster-target interactions that, potentially contribute to human retinal pigmented epithelial (hRPE) cell differentiation into photoreceptors. Target genes of the miR-183/96/182 cluster were obtained from miRNA-target databases and applied to construct miRNA-target networks. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway analysis was performed. miR-183/96/182 cluster sequence was cloned into an eGFP-intron splicing cassette in an AAV2 vector and overexpressed in hRPE cells. The expression level of target genes including HES1, PAX6, SOX2, CCNJ, and RORΒ was evaluated using qPCR. Our results showed that miR-183, miR-96, and miR-182 share 136 target genes that are involved in cell proliferation pathways such as PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathway. qPCR data indicated a 22-, 7-, and 4-fold overexpression of miR-183, miR-96, and miR-182, respectively, in infected hRPE cells. Consequently, the downregulation of several key targets such as PAX6, CCND2, CDK5R1, and CCNJ and upregulation of a few retina-specific neural markers such as Rhodopsin, red opsin, and CRX was detected. Our findings suggest that the miR-183/96/182 cluster may induce hRPE transdifferentiation by targeting key genes that involve in the cell cycle and proliferation pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maliheh Davari
- Molecular Medicine Department, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra-Soheila Soheili
- Molecular Medicine Department, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hamid Latifi-Navid
- Molecular Medicine Department, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Samiee
- Blood Transfusion Research Center High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
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9
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Navarro-Calvo J, Esquiva G, Gómez-Vicente V, Valor LM. MicroRNAs in the Mouse Developing Retina. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032992. [PMID: 36769311 PMCID: PMC9918188 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The retina is among the highest organized tissues of the central nervous system. To achieve such organization, a finely tuned regulation of developmental processes is required to form the retinal layers that contain the specialized neurons and supporting glial cells to allow precise phototransduction. MicroRNAs are a class of small RNAs with undoubtful roles in fundamental biological processes, including neurodevelopment of the brain and the retina. This review provides a short overview of the most important findings regarding microRNAs in the regulation of retinal development, from the developmental-dependent rearrangement of the microRNA expression program to the key roles of particular microRNAs in the differentiation and maintenance of retinal cell subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Navarro-Calvo
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, ISABIAL, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Gema Esquiva
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Violeta Gómez-Vicente
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Luis M. Valor
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, ISABIAL, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-965-913-988
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10
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Cittadini E, Brucculeri AM, Quartararo F, Vaglica R, Miceli V, Conaldi PG. Stem cell therapy in the treatment of organic and dysfunctional endometrial pathology. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2022; 74:504-515. [PMID: 34851073 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.21.04919-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrauterine adhesions caused by postpartum curettage, spontaneous abortions, interrupted pregnancies, endometrial ablations, infections and inflammations, can lead to a loss of endometrial function, with consequent hypomenorrhea and infertility in women of reproductive age. In a non-negligible percentage of cases, the available surgical methods and hormone therapy, with sequential administration of estrogen and progesterone, are ineffective. In fact, severe damage to the basal layer of the endometrium causes the loss of endometrial cell precursors and leads to the failure of regeneration of the functional layer to which the endometrium is cyclically exposed. Today, many researchers are evaluating the use of stem cells of different origins as a potential therapy to restore endometrial function. METHODS Our interest has been focused on adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ADSCs) obtained by collecting subcutaneous adipose tissue and subsequently treating it with the MilliGraft® method. This procedure produces a cell suspension, the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), which includes ADSCs and soluble factors such as proteins and extracellular vesicles (exosomes). The SVF thus obtained was characterized in its cellular composition and its functional factors. Our clinical protocol for the future use of adipose tissue in endometrial regeneration in its different phases is presented. RESULTS The data obtained, even though they still require further support and implementation, show the regenerative properties of SVF obtained from adipose tissue using a mechanical method. CONCLUSIONS These findings can contribute to the development of cell therapies using stem cells of different derivations which are increasingly being utilized in the treatment of endometrial lesions from adherent or dysfunctional pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ettore Cittadini
- Fondazione per gli Studi sulla Riproduzione Umana, Clinica Candela, Palermo, Italy -
| | - Anna M Brucculeri
- Fondazione per gli Studi sulla Riproduzione Umana, Clinica Candela, Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Quartararo
- Fondazione per gli Studi sulla Riproduzione Umana, Clinica Candela, Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberto Vaglica
- Fondazione per gli Studi sulla Riproduzione Umana, Clinica Candela, Palermo, Italy
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11
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Weissová K, Fafílek B, Radaszkiewicz T, Celiker C, Macháčková P, Čechová T, Šebestíková J, Hampl A, Bryja V, Krejčí P, Bárta T. LuminoCell: a versatile and affordable platform for real-time monitoring of luciferase-based reporters. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:5/8/e202201421. [PMID: 35440493 PMCID: PMC9018015 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Luciferase reporter assays represent a simple and sensitive experimental system in cell and molecular biology to study multiple biological processes. However, the application of these assays is often limited by the costs of conventional luminometer instruments and the versatility of their use in different experimental conditions. Therefore, we aimed to develop a small, affordable luminometer allowing continuous measurement of luciferase activity, designed for inclusion into various kinds of tissue culture incubators. Here, we introduce LuminoCell-an open-source platform for the construction of an affordable, sensitive, and portable luminometer capable of real-time monitoring in-cell luciferase activity. The LuminoCell costs $40, requires less than 1 h to assemble, and it is capable of performing real-time sensitive detection of both magnitude and duration of the activity of major signalling pathways in cell cultures, including receptor tyrosine kinases (EGF and FGF), WNT/β-catenin, and NF-κB. In addition, we show that the LuminoCell is suitable to be used in cytotoxicity assays as well as for monitoring periodic circadian gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Weissová
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Bohumil Fafílek
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomasz Radaszkiewicz
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Canan Celiker
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Macháčková
- Cellular Imaging Core Facility, Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tamara Čechová
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Šebestíková
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Hampl
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vítězslav Bryja
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Krejčí
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Bárta
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic .,Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
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12
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Eintracht J, Harding P, Lima Cunha D, Moosajee M. Efficient embryoid-based method to improve generation of optic vesicles from human induced pluripotent stem cells. F1000Res 2022; 11:324. [PMID: 35811797 PMCID: PMC9218590 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.108829.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal models have provided many insights into ocular development and disease, but they remain suboptimal for understanding human oculogenesis. Eye development requires spatiotemporal gene expression patterns and disease phenotypes can differ significantly between humans and animal models, with patient-associated mutations causing embryonic lethality reported in some animal models. The emergence of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technology has provided a new resource for dissecting the complex nature of early eye morphogenesis through the generation of three-dimensional (3D) cellular models. By using patient-specific hiPSCs to generate in vitro optic vesicle-like models, we can enhance the understanding of early developmental eye disorders and provide a pre-clinical platform for disease modelling and therapeutics testing. A major challenge of in vitro optic vesicle generation is the low efficiency of differentiation in 3D cultures. To address this, we adapted a previously published protocol of retinal organoid differentiation to improve embryoid body formation using a microwell plate. Established morphology, upregulated transcript levels of known early eye-field transcription factors and protein expression of standard retinal progenitor markers confirmed the optic vesicle/presumptive optic cup identity of in vitro models between day 20 and 50 of culture. This adapted protocol is relevant to researchers seeking a physiologically relevant model of early human ocular development and disease with a view to replacing animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Eintracht
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Philippa Harding
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Dulce Lima Cunha
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
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13
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Kandettu A, Adiga D, Devi V, Suresh PS, Chakrabarty S, Radhakrishnan R, Kabekkodu SP. Deregulated miRNA clusters in ovarian cancer: Imperative implications in personalized medicine. Genes Dis 2022; 9:1443-1465. [PMID: 36157483 PMCID: PMC9485269 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2021.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common and fatal types of gynecological cancer. OC is usually detected at the advanced stages of the disease, making it highly lethal. miRNAs are single-stranded, small non-coding RNAs with an approximate size ranging around 22 nt. Interestingly, a considerable proportion of miRNAs are organized in clusters with miRNA genes placed adjacent to one another, getting transcribed together to result in miRNA clusters (MCs). MCs comprise two or more miRNAs that follow the same orientation during transcription. Abnormal expression of the miRNA cluster has been identified as one of the key drivers in OC. MC exists both as tumor-suppressive and oncogenic clusters and has a significant role in OC pathogenesis by facilitating cancer cells to acquire various hallmarks. The present review summarizes the regulation and biological function of MCs in OC. The review also highlights the utility of abnormally expressed MCs in the clinical management of OC.
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14
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Fishman ES, Han JS, La Torre A. Oscillatory Behaviors of microRNA Networks: Emerging Roles in Retinal Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:831750. [PMID: 35186936 PMCID: PMC8847441 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.831750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A broad repertoire of transcription factors and other genes display oscillatory patterns of expression, typically ranging from 30 min to 24 h. These oscillations are associated with a variety of biological processes, including the circadian cycle, somite segmentation, cell cycle, and metabolism. These rhythmic behaviors are often prompted by transcriptional feedback loops in which transcriptional activities are inhibited by their corresponding gene target products. Oscillatory transcriptional patterns have been proposed as a mechanism to drive biological clocks, the molecular machinery that transforms temporal information into accurate spatial patterning during development. Notably, several microRNAs (miRNAs) -small non-coding RNA molecules-have been recently shown to both exhibit rhythmic expression patterns and regulate oscillatory activities. Here, we discuss some of these new findings in the context of the developing retina. We propose that miRNA oscillations are a powerful mechanism to coordinate signaling pathways and gene expression, and that addressing the dynamic interplay between miRNA expression and their target genes could be key for a more complete understanding of many developmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anna La Torre
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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15
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Rajool Dezfuly A, Safaee A, Salehi H. Therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles' miRNAs on retinal regeneration: a review. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:530. [PMID: 34620234 PMCID: PMC8499475 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02588-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which consist of microvesicles and exosomes, are secreted from all cells to transform vital information in the form of lipids, proteins, mRNAs and small RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs). Many studies demonstrated that EVs' miRNAs have effects on target cells. Numerous people suffer from the blindness caused by retinal degenerations. The death of retinal neurons is irreversible and creates permanent damage to the retina. In the absence of acceptable cures for retinal degenerative diseases, stem cells and their paracrine agents including EVs have become a promising therapeutic approach. Several studies showed that the therapeutic effects of stem cells are due to the miRNAs of their EVs. Considering the effects of microRNAs in retinal cells development and function and studies which provide the possible roles of mesenchymal stem cells-derived EVs miRNA content on retinal diseases, we focused on the similarities between these two groups of miRNAs that could be helpful for promoting new therapeutic techniques for retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rajool Dezfuly
- Department of Anatomical and Molecular Biology Sciences, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Azadeh Safaee
- Department of Anatomical and Molecular Biology Sciences, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hossein Salehi
- Department of Anatomical and Molecular Biology Sciences, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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16
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Afanasyeva TAV, Corral-Serrano JC, Garanto A, Roepman R, Cheetham ME, Collin RWJ. A look into retinal organoids: methods, analytical techniques, and applications. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:6505-6532. [PMID: 34420069 PMCID: PMC8558279 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03917-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) cause progressive loss of light-sensitive photoreceptors in the eye and can lead to blindness. Gene-based therapies for IRDs have shown remarkable progress in the past decade, but the vast majority of forms remain untreatable. In the era of personalised medicine, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) emerge as a valuable system for cell replacement and to model IRD because they retain the specific patient genome and can differentiate into any adult cell type. Three-dimensional (3D) iPSCs-derived retina-like tissue called retinal organoid contains all major retina-specific cell types: amacrine, bipolar, horizontal, retinal ganglion cells, Müller glia, as well as rod and cone photoreceptors. Here, we describe the main applications of retinal organoids and provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-art analysis methods that apply to this model system. Finally, we will discuss the outlook for improvements that would bring the cellular model a step closer to become an established system in research and treatment development of IRDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tess A V Afanasyeva
- Department of Human Genetics and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Alejandro Garanto
- Department of Pediatrics, Amalia Children's Hospital and Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics and Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald Roepman
- Department of Human Genetics and Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Michael E Cheetham
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.
| | - Rob W J Collin
- Department of Human Genetics and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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17
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Yao W, Wang S, Du X, Lin C, Zhang J, Pan Z, Li Q. SMAD4 Inhibits Granulosa Cell Apoptosis via the miR-183-96-182 Cluster and FoxO1 Axis. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:1577-1585. [PMID: 34287793 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00690-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The miR-183-96-182 cluster is a polycistronic miRNA cluster necessary for ovarian functions in mammals. However, its transcriptional regulation in the ovary is largely unclear. In this study, we characterized the promoter region of the porcine miR-183-96-182 cluster, and showed that SMAD4 may function as a transcriptional activator of the miR-183-96-182 cluster in GCs through direct binding to SBE motifs in its promoter. SMAD4 may inhibit GC apoptosis via suppression of FoxO1, an effector of GC apoptosis and a direct target of the miR-183-96-182 cluster, by inducing the miR-183-96-182 cluster, and this process may be regulated by the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway. Our findings uncovered the regulatory mechanism of miR-183-96-182 cluster expression in GCs and demonstrated that TGF-β1/SMAD4/miR-183-96-182 cluster/FoxO1 may be a potential pathway for regulating follicular atresia and female reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Yao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Siqi Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Xing Du
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Chenggang Lin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Jinbi Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Zengxiang Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Qifa Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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18
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Wagstaff EL, Heredero Berzal A, Boon CJF, Quinn PMJ, ten Asbroek ALMA, Bergen AA. The Role of Small Molecules and Their Effect on the Molecular Mechanisms of Early Retinal Organoid Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7081. [PMID: 34209272 PMCID: PMC8268497 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Early in vivo embryonic retinal development is a well-documented and evolutionary conserved process. The specification towards eye development is temporally controlled by consecutive activation or inhibition of multiple key signaling pathways, such as the Wnt and hedgehog signaling pathways. Recently, with the use of retinal organoids, researchers aim to manipulate these pathways to achieve better human representative models for retinal development and disease. To achieve this, a plethora of different small molecules and signaling factors have been used at various time points and concentrations in retinal organoid differentiations, with varying success. Additions differ from protocol to protocol, but their usefulness or efficiency has not yet been systematically reviewed. Interestingly, many of these small molecules affect the same and/or multiple pathways, leading to reduced reproducibility and high variability between studies. In this review, we make an inventory of the key signaling pathways involved in early retinogenesis and their effect on the development of the early retina in vitro. Further, we provide a comprehensive overview of the small molecules and signaling factors that are added to retinal organoid differentiation protocols, documenting the molecular and functional effects of these additions. Lastly, we comparatively evaluate several of these factors using our established retinal organoid methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie L. Wagstaff
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Andrea Heredero Berzal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.H.B.); (C.J.F.B.)
| | - Camiel J. F. Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.H.B.); (C.J.F.B.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter M. J. Quinn
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology & Cell Biology, Institute of Human Nutrition, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center—New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | | | - Arthur A. Bergen
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.H.B.); (C.J.F.B.)
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN-KNAW), 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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19
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Pawlick JS, Zuzic M, Pasquini G, Swiersy A, Busskamp V. MiRNA Regulatory Functions in Photoreceptors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:620249. [PMID: 33553155 PMCID: PMC7858257 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.620249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of gene expression. These small, non-coding RNAs post-transcriptionally silence messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in a sequence-specific manner. In this way, miRNAs control important regulatory functions, also in the retina. If dysregulated, these molecules are involved in several retinal pathologies. For example, several miRNAs have been linked to essential photoreceptor functions, including light sensitivity, synaptic transmission, and modulation of inflammatory responses. Mechanistic miRNA knockout and knockdown studies further linked their functions to degenerative retinal diseases. Of note, the type and timing of genetic manipulation before, during, or after retinal development, is important when studying specific miRNA knockout effects. Within this review, we focus on miR-124 and the miR-183/96/182 cluster, which have assigned functions in photoreceptors in health and disease. As a single miRNA can regulate hundreds of mRNAs, we will also discuss the experimental validation and manipulation approaches to study complex miRNA/mRNA regulatory networks. Revealing these networks is essential to understand retinal pathologies and to harness miRNAs as precise therapeutic and diagnostic tools to stabilize the photoreceptors’ transcriptomes and, thereby, function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Sophie Pawlick
- Universitäts-Augenklinik Bonn, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marta Zuzic
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Giovanni Pasquini
- Universitäts-Augenklinik Bonn, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anka Swiersy
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Volker Busskamp
- Universitäts-Augenklinik Bonn, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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20
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Carrella S, Banfi S, Karali M. Sophisticated Gene Regulation for a Complex Physiological System: The Role of Non-coding RNAs in Photoreceptor Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:629158. [PMID: 33537317 PMCID: PMC7848107 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.629158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptors (PRs) are specialized neuroepithelial cells of the retina responsible for sensory transduction of light stimuli. In the highly structured vertebrate retina, PRs have a highly polarized modular structure to accommodate the demanding processes of phototransduction and the visual cycle. Because of their function, PRs are exposed to continuous cellular stress. PRs are therefore under pressure to maintain their function in defiance of constant environmental perturbation, besides being part of a highly sophisticated developmental process. All this translates into the need for tightly regulated and responsive molecular mechanisms that can reinforce transcriptional programs. It is commonly accepted that regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), and in particular microRNAs (miRNAs), are not only involved but indeed central in conferring robustness and accuracy to developmental and physiological processes. Here we integrate recent findings on the role of regulatory ncRNAs (e.g., miRNAs, lncRNAs, circular RNAs, and antisense RNAs), and of their contribution to PR pathophysiology. We also outline the therapeutic implications of translational studies that harness ncRNAs to prevent PR degeneration and promote their survival and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Carrella
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sandro Banfi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Marianthi Karali
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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Xu S, Coku A, Muraleedharan CK, Harajli A, Mishulin E, Dahabra C, Choi J, Garcia WJ, Webb K, Birch D, Goetz K, Li W. Mutation Screening in the miR-183/96/182 Cluster in Patients With Inherited Retinal Dystrophy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:619641. [PMID: 33425925 PMCID: PMC7785829 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.619641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophy (IRD) is a heterogenous blinding eye disease and affects more than 200,000 Americans and millions worldwide. By far, 270 protein-coding genes have been identified to cause IRD when defective. However, only one microRNA (miRNA), miR-204, has been reported to be responsible for IRD when a point-mutation occurs in its seed sequence. Previously, we identified that a conserved, polycistronic, paralogous miRNA cluster, the miR-183/96/182 cluster, is highly specifically expressed in all photoreceptors and other sensory organs; inactivation of this cluster in mice resulted in syndromic IRD with multi-sensory defects. We hypothesized that mutations in the miR-183/96/182 cluster in human cause IRD. To test this hypothesis, we perform mutation screening in the pre-miR-183, -96, -182 in >1000 peripheral blood DNA samples of patients with various forms of IRD. We identified six sequence variants, three in pre-miR-182 and three in pre-miR-96. These variants are in the pre-miRNA-182 or -96, but not in the mature miRNAs, and are unlikely to be the cause of the IRD in these patients. In spite of this, the nature and location of these sequence variants in the pre-miRNAs suggest that some may have impact on the biogenesis and maturation of miR-182 or miR-96 and potential roles in the susceptibility to diseases. Although reporting on negative results so far, our study established a system for mutation screening in the miR-183/96/182 cluster in human for a continued effort to unravel and provides deeper insight into the potential roles of miR-183/96/182 cluster in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunbin Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Ardian Coku
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Chithra K. Muraleedharan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Ali Harajli
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Eric Mishulin
- College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Chafic Dahabra
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Joanne Choi
- Class of 2020, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - William J. Garcia
- College of Natural Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Kaylie Webb
- Retina Foundation of the Southwest, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - David Birch
- Retina Foundation of the Southwest, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Kerry Goetz
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Weifeng Li
- Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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