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Johansson JK, Karema-Jokinen VI, Hakanen S, Jylhä A, Uusitalo H, Vihinen-Ranta M, Skottman H, Ihalainen TO, Nymark S. Sodium channels enable fast electrical signaling and regulate phagocytosis in the retinal pigment epithelium. BMC Biol 2019; 17:63. [PMID: 31412898 PMCID: PMC6694495 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-019-0681-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels have traditionally been considered a trademark of excitable cells. However, recent studies have shown the presence of Nav channels in several non-excitable cells, such as astrocytes and macrophages, demonstrating that the roles of these channels are more diverse than was previously thought. Despite the earlier discoveries, the presence of Nav channel-mediated currents in the cells of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) has been dismissed as a cell culture artifact. We challenge this notion by investigating the presence and possible role of Nav channels in RPE both ex vivo and in vitro. RESULTS Our work demonstrates that several subtypes of Nav channels are found in human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived and mouse RPE, most prominently subtypes Nav1.4, Nav1.6, and Nav1.8. Whole cell patch clamp recordings from the hESC-derived RPE monolayers showed that the current was inhibited by TTX and QX-314 and was sensitive to the selective blockers of the main Nav subtypes. Importantly, we show that the Nav channels are involved in photoreceptor outer segment phagocytosis since blocking their activity significantly reduces the efficiency of particle internalization. Consistent with this role, our electron microscopy results and immunocytochemical analysis show that Nav1.4 and Nav1.8 accumulate on phagosomes and that pharmacological inhibition of Nav channels as well as silencing the expression of Nav1.4 with shRNA impairs the phagocytosis process. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our study shows that Nav channels are present in RPE, giving this tissue the capacity of fast electrical signaling. The channels are critical for the physiology of RPE with an important role in photoreceptor outer segment phagocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia K Johansson
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Viivi I Karema-Jokinen
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Satu Hakanen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Antti Jylhä
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Hannu Uusitalo
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Tays Eye Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Maija Vihinen-Ranta
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Heli Skottman
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Teemu O Ihalainen
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Soile Nymark
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
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Ion channels and transporters of the retinal pigment epithelium. Exp Eye Res 2014; 126:27-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2014.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Revised: 05/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Sekiguchi-Tonosaki M, Obata M, Haruki A, Himi T, Kosaka J. Acetylcholine induces Ca2+ signaling in chicken retinal pigmented epithelial cells during dedifferentiation. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2009; 296:C1195-206. [PMID: 19244481 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00423.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Retinal pigmented epithelial cells exchange their cellular phenotypes into lens cells and neurons, via depigmented and non-epithelial-shaped dedifferentiated intermediates. Because these dedifferentiated cells can either revert to pigmented epithelial cells or transdifferentiate into lens cells and/or neurons, they are recognized as candidates for lens and retinal cell regeneration. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the signal transduction pathways between chicken retinal pigmented epithelial cells and their dedifferentiated intermediates. We monitored intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations using Fluo-4-based Ca(2+) optical imaging and focused on cellular responses to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Muscarinic Ca(2+) mobilization was observed both in retinal pigmented epithelial cells and in dedifferentiated cells, and was inhibited by atropine. The muscarine-dependent acetylcholine response depended on Ca(2+) release from intracellular Ca(2+) stores, which was completely blocked by thapsigargin. In contrast, the nicotine-dependent acetylcholine response that led to Ca(2+) influx through L-type Ca(2+) channels was inhibited by alpha-bungarotoxin and attenuated by nifedipine, and it was detected only in the dedifferentiated intermediates. Application of (S)-(-)-BayK8644 elevated intracellular Ca(2+) both in retinal pigmented epithelial cells and in dedifferentiated intermediates; however, the nicotinic response was not observed in pigmented epithelial cells. Another L-type Ca(2+) channel blocker, diltiazem, also blocked the nicotine-dependent acetylcholine response in dedifferentiated cells and maintained the epithelial-like morphology of retinal pigmented epithelial cells. Our results indicate that an alternative acetylcholine signaling pathway is used during the dedifferentiation process of retinal pigmented epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Sekiguchi-Tonosaki
- Dept. of Cytology and Histology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
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Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) lying distal to the retina regulates the extracellular environment and provides metabolic support to the outer retina. RPE abnormalities are closely associated with retinal death and it has been claimed several of the most important diseases causing blindness are degenerations of the RPE. Therefore, the study of the RPE is important in Ophthalmology. Although visualisation of the RPE is part of clinical investigations, there are a limited number of methods which have been used to investigate RPE function. One of the most important is a study of the current generated by the RPE. In this it is similar to other secretory epithelia. The RPE current is large and varies as retinal activity alters. It is also affected by drugs and disease. The RPE currents can be studied in cell culture, in animal experimentation but also in clinical situations. The object of this review is to summarise this work, to relate it to the molecular membrane mechanisms of the RPE and to possible mechanisms of disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey B Arden
- Department of Optometry and Visual Science, Henry Wellcome Laboratiories for Visual Sciences, City University, London, UK.
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5
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Abstract
Located between vessels of the choriocapillaris and light-sensitive outer segments of the photoreceptors, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) closely interacts with photoreceptors in the maintenance of visual function. Increasing knowledge of the multiple functions performed by the RPE improved the understanding of many diseases leading to blindness. This review summarizes the current knowledge of RPE functions and describes how failure of these functions causes loss of visual function. Mutations in genes that are expressed in the RPE can lead to photoreceptor degeneration. On the other hand, mutations in genes expressed in photoreceptors can lead to degenerations of the RPE. Thus both tissues can be regarded as a functional unit where both interacting partners depend on each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaf Strauss
- Bereich Experimentelle Ophthalmologie, Klinik und Poliklinik fuer Augenheilkunde, Universitaetsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
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Ramana KV, Chandra D, Wills NK, Bhatnagar A, Srivastava SK. Oxidative stress-induced up-regulation of the chloride channel and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger during cataractogenesis in diabetic rats. J Diabetes Complications 2004; 18:177-82. [PMID: 15145331 DOI: 10.1016/s1056-8727(03)00003-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2002] [Accepted: 01/03/2003] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
We have determined the abundance of the chloride channel, ClC-3, and Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger proteins in isolated rat lens cortex fiber cells by immunofluorescence method using polyclonal anti-ClC-3 antibodies and monoclonal antibodies against the canine cardiac Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger protein. These proteins were also quantified in the lens cortex of streptozotocin-injected rats by Western blots. Also, mRNA for ClC-3 was determined by Northern blot analysis. The isolated rat lens cortical fibers expressed basal levels of ClC-3 and Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger proteins. As compared to controls, the ClC-3 protein in the lens cortex of diabetic rats (blood glucose>400 mg%) increased by 2.5-fold in 7 days and 4.5-fold in 14 days. However, the ClC-3 protein decreased to near-normal values in 40 days. The changes in ClC-3 mRNA closely followed the protein levels. Similarly, as compared to controls, on Day 7, the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger protein in the diabetic rat lens cortex increased by 3.5-fold and on Day14 by 5.5-fold. Subsequently, it decreased to control levels on Day 40. Treatment with the antioxidant, Trolox (2 mg/kg body weight), prevented the initial increase in ClC-3 and Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger proteins. The up-regulation of ClC-3 and Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger proteins during the early stages of diabetes and its prevention by antioxidants suggests that the proteins regulating ion transport may have a pathophysiological role in the development of diabetic cataracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kota V Ramana
- Department of Human Biological Chemistry and Genetics, University of Texas Medical Branch, 6-644 Basic Science Building, Galveston, TX 77555-0647, USA
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Lavallee CR, Chalifoux JR, Moosally AJ, Balkema GW. Elevated free calcium levels in the subretinal space elevate the absolute dark-adapted threshold in hypopigmented mice. J Neurophysiol 2003; 90:3654-62. [PMID: 12954608 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00736.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abundant evidence spanning 25 years demonstrates that hypopigmentation is associated with sensory abnormalities manifested most clearly as elevated absolute dark-adapted thresholds in hypopigmented mice. Here we show that when ocular melanin is increased in the himalayan mouse via alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) injections, dark-adapted thresholds drop in proportion to the change in ocular melanin. We further measured free calcium concentration with calcium-sensitive microelectrodes in both albino and black mouse retinal eyecups in living subjects. The recordings were done in anesthetized animals as the defect is not present in isolated retinas or in the superfused eye preparation. A double-barreled electrode--pCa and Vref--was used to simultaneously record the calcium concentration and the electroretinogram (ERG) at each of many depths as the electrode was driven through the retina. The position of the electrode was confirmed with ERG and 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3, 3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate electrode tract reconstruction. Dark-adapted albinos (n = 6) had 1.4 +/- 0.015 mM calcium in the subretinal space compared with 0.80 +/- 0.025 mM in black mice (n = 6). The results of these experiments are consistent with the hypothesis that ocular hypopigmentation causes elevated calcium levels in the subretinal space that in turn mimic light adaptation in hypopigmented mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- C R Lavallee
- Biology Department, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, USA
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Weng TX, Godley BF, Jin GF, Mangini NJ, Kennedy BG, Yu ASL, Wills NK. Oxidant and antioxidant modulation of chloride channels expressed in human retinal pigment epithelium. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2002; 283:C839-49. [PMID: 12176741 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00445.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) possesses regulated chloride channels that are crucial for transepithelial fluid and ion transport. At present, little is known about the molecular nature of chloride channels in human adult RPE (haRPE) or the effects of oxidative stress on membrane conductance properties. In the present study, we assessed ClC channel and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) expression and membrane chloride conductance properties in haRPE cells. ClC-5, ClC-3, ClC-2, and CFTR mRNA expression was confirmed with RT-PCR analysis, and protein expression was detected with Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy. Whole cell recordings of primary cultures of haRPE showed an outwardly rectifying chloride current that was inhibited by the oxidant H(2)O(2). The inhibitory effects of H(2)O(2) were reduced in cultured human RPE cells that were incubated with precursors of glutathione synthesis or that were stably transfected to overexpress glutathione S-transferase. These findings indicate a possible role for ClC channels in haRPE cells and suggest possible redox modulation of human RPE chloride conductances.
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Affiliation(s)
- T X Weng
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555, USA
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Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelial ion transport activity, and consequent ATP consumption vary significantly as a function of photoreceptor activity. In a variety of cell types, ATP levels are maintained during high-energy usage by phosphocreatine hydrolysis, catalysed by the enzyme creatine kinase. The present work was designed to assess the importance of creatine kinase in retinal pigment epithelial cell metabolism. To this end, activity measurements, non-denaturing gel electrophoresis, Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry were used to characterize creatine kinase in retinal pigment epithelium. Total creatine kinase activity in the retinal pigment epithelium is approximately 0.05 micromol ATP mg protein(-1) min(-1). The bulk of this activity was mediated by the B-CK isoform. However, by immunoblotting, non-denaturing gel electrophoresis and immunohistochemistry, the presence of the M-CK isoform of creatine kinase was also detected. The M-CK isoform was plasma membrane associated and predominately localized to the apical surface. Creatine kinase in the retinal pigment epithelium could function in a spatial energy shuttle that helps to sustain apical plasma membrane ion transport activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- B G Kennedy
- Northwest Center for Medical Education, Indiana University School of Medicine, Gary, IN 46408, USA
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Kricka LJ, Stanley PE. Assays using digital fluorescence: 1985-1998. LUMINESCENCE 1999; 14:271-9. [PMID: 10512992 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1522-7243(199909/10)14:5<271::aid-bio549>3.0.co;2-o] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Luminescence continues to provide comprehensive literature surveys which will be published in most issues. These are a continuation of the literature surveys begun in 1986 in the Journal of Bioluminescence and Chemiluminescence which, up until 1998, encompassed more than 6000 references cited by year or specialized topic. With this newly named journal these searches are expanding to reflect the journal's wider scope. In future we will cover all fundamental and applied aspects of biological and chemical luminescence and include not only bioluminescence and chemiluminescence but also fluorescence, time resolved fluorescence, electrochemiluminescence, phosphorescence, sonoluminescence, lyoluminescence and triboluminescence. The compilers would be pleased to receive any comments from the readership. Contact by e-mail: L.J. Kricka: larry_kricka@path1a.med.upenn.edu or P.E. Stanley: Stanley@LUMIWEB.COM Copyright 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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