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Dabouz R, Cheng CWH, Abram P, Omri S, Cagnone G, Sawmy KV, Joyal JS, Desjarlais M, Olson D, Weil AG, Lubell W, Rivera JC, Chemtob S. An allosteric interleukin-1 receptor modulator mitigates inflammation and photoreceptor toxicity in a model of retinal degeneration. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:359. [PMID: 33246504 PMCID: PMC7694438 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-02032-8] [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: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation and particularly interleukin-1β (IL-1β), a pro-inflammatory cytokine highly secreted by activated immune cells during early AMD pathological events, contribute significantly to retinal neurodegeneration. Here, we identify specific cell types that generate IL-1β and harbor the IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) and pharmacologically validate IL-1β's contribution to neuro-retinal degeneration using the IL-1R allosteric modulator composed of the amino acid sequence rytvela (as well as the orthosteric antagonist, Kineret) in a model of blue light-induced retinal degeneration. METHODS Mice were exposed to blue light for 6 h and sacrificed 3 days later. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with rytvela, Kineret, or vehicle twice daily for 3 days. The inflammatory markers F4/80, NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1β were assessed in the retinas. Single-cell RNA sequencing was used to determine the cell-specific expression patterns of retinal Il1b and Il1r1. Macrophage-induced photoreceptor death was assessed ex vivo using retinal explants co-cultured with LPS-activated bone marrow-derived macrophages. Photoreceptor cell death was evaluated by the TUNEL assay. Retinal function was assessed by flash electroretinography. RESULTS Blue light markedly increased the mononuclear phagocyte recruitment and levels of inflammatory markers associated with photoreceptor death. Co-localization of NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1β with F4/80+ mononuclear phagocytes was clearly detected in the subretinal space, suggesting that these inflammatory cells are the main source of IL-1β. Single-cell RNA sequencing confirmed the immune-specific expression of Il1b and notably perivascular macrophages in light-challenged mice, while Il1r1 expression was found primarily in astrocytes, bipolar, and vascular cells. Retinal explants co-cultured with LPS/ATP-activated bone marrow-derived macrophages displayed a high number of TUNEL-positive photoreceptors, which was abrogated by rytvela treatment. IL-1R antagonism significantly mitigated the inflammatory response triggered in vivo by blue light exposure, and rytvela was superior to Kineret in preserving photoreceptor density and retinal function. CONCLUSION These findings substantiate the importance of IL-1β in neuro-retinal degeneration and revealed specific sources of Il1b from perivascular MPs, with its receptor Ilr1 being separately expressed on surrounding neuro-vascular and astroglial cells. They also validate the efficacy of rytvela-induced IL-1R modulation in suppressing detrimental inflammatory responses and preserving photoreceptor density and function in these conditions, reinforcing the rationale for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabah Dabouz
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Departments of Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, and Pharmacology, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Research Center, 5415 Boul L'Assomption, Montreal, QC, H1T 2 M4, Canada.,Hôpital Sainte Justine Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Colin W H Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Departments of Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, and Pharmacology, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Research Center, 5415 Boul L'Assomption, Montreal, QC, H1T 2 M4, Canada.,Hôpital Sainte Justine Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Pénélope Abram
- Departments of Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, and Pharmacology, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Research Center, 5415 Boul L'Assomption, Montreal, QC, H1T 2 M4, Canada
| | - Samy Omri
- Departments of Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, and Pharmacology, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Research Center, 5415 Boul L'Assomption, Montreal, QC, H1T 2 M4, Canada
| | - Gael Cagnone
- Hôpital Sainte Justine Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Michel Desjarlais
- Departments of Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, and Pharmacology, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Research Center, 5415 Boul L'Assomption, Montreal, QC, H1T 2 M4, Canada
| | - David Olson
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Alexander G Weil
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hôpital Sainte Justine, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - William Lubell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - José Carlos Rivera
- Departments of Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, and Pharmacology, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Research Center, 5415 Boul L'Assomption, Montreal, QC, H1T 2 M4, Canada.,Hôpital Sainte Justine Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvain Chemtob
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada. .,Departments of Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, and Pharmacology, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Research Center, 5415 Boul L'Assomption, Montreal, QC, H1T 2 M4, Canada. .,Hôpital Sainte Justine Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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2
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Sui A, Chen X, Shen J, Demetriades AM, Yao Y, Yao Y, Zhu Y, Shen X, Xie B. Inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome with MCC950 ameliorates retinal neovascularization and leakage by reversing the IL-1β/IL-18 activation pattern in an oxygen-induced ischemic retinopathy mouse model. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:901. [PMID: 33093455 PMCID: PMC7582915 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03076-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays an important role in ocular neovascularization. In our study, we found that the expression and activation levels of NLRP3 inflammasome components, including NLRP3, an apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC) containing caspase activation and recruitment domain (CARD) and caspase-1 (CAS1), were significantly upregulated. In addition, we found interleukin (IL)-1β activity increased while IL-18 activity decreased in the retinas of oxygen-induced ischemic retinopathy (OIR) mice. MCC950, an inhibitor of NLRP3, reversed the IL-1β/IL-18 activation pattern, inhibited the formation of retinal neovascularization (RNV), decreased the number of acellular capillaries and reduced leakage of retinal vessels. Moreover, MCC950 could regulate the expression of endothelial cell- and pericyte function-associated molecules, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor (VEGFR)1, VEGFR2, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2, MMP9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)1, TIMP2, platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFR-β), platelet-derived growth factor-B (PDGF-B), and angiopoietin2 (Ang2). In vitro, recombinant human (r)IL-18 and rIL-1β regulated the expression of endothelial cell- and pericyte function-associated molecules and the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells and pericytes. We therefore determined that inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome with MCC950 can regulate the function of endothelial cells and pericytes by reversing the IL-1β/IL-18 activation pattern to ameliorate RNV and leakage; thereby opening new avenues to treat RNV-associated ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailing Sui
- The Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuping Chen
- The Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jikui Shen
- The Departments of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MA, USA
| | - Anna M Demetriades
- The Department of Ophthalmology, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yiyun Yao
- The Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yixuan Yao
- The Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanji Zhu
- The Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Shen
- The Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Bing Xie
- The Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Singh MS, Park SS, Albini TA, Canto-Soler MV, Klassen H, MacLaren RE, Takahashi M, Nagiel A, Schwartz SD, Bharti K. Retinal stem cell transplantation: Balancing safety and potential. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 75:100779. [PMID: 31494256 PMCID: PMC7056514 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.100779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell transplantation holds great promise as a potential treatment for currently incurable retinal degenerative diseases that cause poor vision and blindness. Recently, safety data have emerged from several Phase I/II clinical trials of retinal stem cell transplantation. These clinical trials, usually run in partnership with academic institutions, are based on sound preclinical studies and are focused on patient safety. However, reports of serious adverse events arising from cell therapy in other poorly regulated centers have now emerged in the lay and scientific press. While progress in stem cell research for blindness has been greeted with great enthusiasm by patients, scientists, doctors and industry alike, these adverse events have raised concerns about the safety of retinal stem cell transplantation and whether patients are truly protected from undue harm. The aim of this review is to summarize and appraise the safety of human retinal stem cell transplantation in the context of its potential to be developed into an effective treatment for retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandeep S Singh
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
| | - Susanna S Park
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California-Davis Eye Center, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Thomas A Albini
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - M Valeria Canto-Soler
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Research Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Henry Klassen
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute and Stem Cell Research Center, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford and Oxford University Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Aaron Nagiel
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA; USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90007, USA
| | - Steven D Schwartz
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; Edythe and Eli Broad Stem Cell Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Kapil Bharti
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 90892, USA
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Wooff Y, Man SM, Aggio-Bruce R, Natoli R, Fernando N. IL-1 Family Members Mediate Cell Death, Inflammation and Angiogenesis in Retinal Degenerative Diseases. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1618. [PMID: 31379825 PMCID: PMC6646526 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation underpins and contributes to the pathogenesis of many retinal degenerative diseases. The recruitment and activation of both resident microglia and recruited macrophages, as well as the production of cytokines, are key contributing factors for progressive cell death in these diseases. In particular, the interleukin 1 (IL-1) family consisting of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines has been shown to be pivotal in the mediation of innate immunity and contribute directly to a number of retinal degenerations, including Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). In this review, we will discuss the role of IL-1 family members and inflammasome signaling in retinal degenerative diseases, piecing together their contribution to retinal disease pathology, and identifying areas of research expansion required to further elucidate their function in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvette Wooff
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,ANU Medical School, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Si Ming Man
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Riemke Aggio-Bruce
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Riccardo Natoli
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,ANU Medical School, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Nilisha Fernando
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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Rocco ML, Balzamino BO, Esposito G, Petrella C, Aloe L, Micera A. NGF/anti-VEGF combined exposure protects RCS retinal cells and photoreceptors that underwent a local worsening of inflammation. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2016; 255:567-574. [PMID: 28013393 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-016-3567-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 11/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Our previous study highlighted the potential nerve growth factor (NGF) effect on damaged photoreceptors from a rat model of spontaneous Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). Herein, we tested the combined NGF/anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (αVEGF) effect on cultured retinal cells isolated from Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats receiving an intravitreal VEGF injection (iv-VEGF) to exacerbate retinal inflammation/neovascularization. METHODS RCS (n = 75) rats were equally grouped as untreated (n = 25), iv-saline (single saline intravitreal injection; n = 25) and iv-VEGF (single VEGF intravitreal injection; n = 25). Morphological and biochemical analysis or in vitro stimulations with the biomolecular investigation were carried out on explanted retinas. Isolated retinal cells were treated with NGF and αVEGF, either alone or in combination, for 6 days and cells were harvested for morphological and biomolecular analyses. RESULTS Infiltrating inflammatory cells were detected in iv-VEGF exposed RCS retinas, indicative of exacerbated inflammation and neovascularization. In cell cultures, NGF/αVEGF significantly increased retinal cell survival as well as rhodopsin expression and neurite outgrowth in photoreceptors. Particularly, NGF/αVEGF upregulated Bcl-2 mRNA, downregulated Bax mRNA, upregulated trkANGFR mRNA and finally upregulated both NGF mRNA and protein. CONCLUSIONS These data confirm and extend our previous findings on NGF-photoreceptor crosstalk, highlighting that the NGF/αVEGF combination might be an interesting approach for improving neuroprotection of RCS retinal cells and likewise photoreceptors in the presence of neovascularization. Further studies are required to translate this in vitro approach into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bijorn Omar Balzamino
- Research Laboratories in Ophthalmology, IRCCS-G.B. Bietti Foundation, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo, 6 I-00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Graziana Esposito
- Research Laboratories in Ophthalmology, IRCCS-G.B. Bietti Foundation, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo, 6 I-00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Aloe
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Micera
- Research Laboratories in Ophthalmology, IRCCS-G.B. Bietti Foundation, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo, 6 I-00184, Rome, Italy.
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Semo M, Haamedi N, Stevanato L, Carter D, Brooke G, Young M, Coffey P, Sinden J, Patel S, Vugler A. Efficacy and Safety of Human Retinal Progenitor Cells. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2016; 5:6. [PMID: 27486556 PMCID: PMC4959814 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.5.4.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We assessed the long-term efficacy and safety of human retinal progenitor cells (hRPC) using established rodent models. METHODS Efficacy of hRPC was tested initially in Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) dystrophic rats immunosuppressed with cyclosporine/dexamethasone. Due to adverse effects of dexamethasone, this drug was omitted from a subsequent dose-ranging study, where different hRPC doses were tested for their ability to preserve visual function (measured by optokinetic head tracking) and retinal structure in RCS rats at 3 to 6 months after grafting. Safety of hRPC was assessed by subretinal transplantation into wild type (WT) rats and NIH-III nude mice, with analysis at 3 to 6 and 9 months after grafting, respectively. RESULTS The optimal dose of hRPC for preserving visual function/retinal structure in dystrophic rats was 50,000 to 100,000 cells. Human retinal progenitor cells integrated/survived in dystrophic and WT rat retina up to 6 months after grafting and expressed nestin, vimentin, GFAP, and βIII tubulin. Vision and retinal structure remained normal in WT rats injected with hRPC and there was no evidence of tumors. A comparison between dexamethasone-treated and untreated dystrophic rats at 3 months after grafting revealed an unexpected reduction in the baseline visual acuity of dexamethasone-treated animals. CONCLUSIONS Human retinal progenitor cells appear safe and efficacious in the preclinical models used here. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE Human retinal progenitor cells could be deployed during early stages of retinal degeneration or in regions of intact retina, without adverse effects on visual function. The ability of dexamethasone to reduce baseline visual acuity in RCS dystrophic rats has important implications for the interpretation of preclinical and clinical cell transplant studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ma'ayan Semo
- Department of Ocular Biology and Therapeutics, UCL-Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Nasrin Haamedi
- Department of Ocular Biology and Therapeutics, UCL-Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | | | - David Carter
- Department of Ocular Biology and Therapeutics, UCL-Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | | | - Michael Young
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter Coffey
- Department of Ocular Biology and Therapeutics, UCL-Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | | | | | - Anthony Vugler
- Department of Ocular Biology and Therapeutics, UCL-Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
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PAX6 Expression and Retinal Cell Death in a Transgenic Mouse Model for Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma. J Glaucoma 2015; 24:426-32. [PMID: 25827297 DOI: 10.1097/ijg.0b013e318207069b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE PAX6 is a highly conserved protein essential for the control of eye development both in invertebrates and vertebrates. PAX6 expression persists in the adult inner retina, but little is known about its functions after completion of retinal differentiation. Therefore, we investigated PAX6 expression in wild-type and calcitonin receptor-like receptor transgenic (CLR(SMαA)) mice with angle-closure glaucoma. METHODS Intraocular pressure was measured by indentation tonometry in anesthetized mice. Eyes of mice of both genotypes were enucleated at various ages and retinas were processed for morphological analysis and PAX6 immunostaining. The content of PAX6 in retinal extracts was estimated by Western blot analysis. Retinal expression of glaucoma-related genes was analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Control mice showed normal retinal morphology between p22 and p428 with steady PAX6 expression in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) and the inner nuclear layer (INL). CLR(SMαA) mice examined between p22 and p82 exhibited increased intraocular pressure and a progressive decrease in cell number including PAX6-expressing cells in the GCL. The INL was not affected up to postnatal day 42. Later, a significant increase in PAX6-expressing cells concomitant with an overall loss of cells was observed in the INL of CLR(SMαA) as compared with control mice. Retinal up-regulation of glaucoma-related genes was furthermore observed. CONCLUSIONS Distinctive changes of PAX6 expression in the inner retina of CLR(SMαA) mice suggest a role in regulatory mechanisms involved in glaucoma-related retinal cell death. The selective increase of PAX6 expression in the degenerating INL of CLR(SMαA) mice may represent an attempt to preserve retinal cytoarchitecture.
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GM-CSF protects rat photoreceptors from death by activating the SRC-dependent signalling and elevating anti-apoptotic factors and neurotrophins. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2012; 250:699-712. [PMID: 22297538 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-012-1932-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2011] [Revised: 01/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/11/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The term retinitis pigmentosa (RP) comprises a heterogeneous group of hereditary and sporadic human retinal degenerative diseases. The molecular and cellular events still remain obscure, thus hiding effective therapies. Granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a hematopoietic factor which plays a crucial role in protecting neuronal cells. Binding of GM-CSF to its receptor induces several intracellular signaling pathways and kinases. Here we examined whether GM-CSF has a neuroprotective effect on photoreceptor degeneration in Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats. METHODS GM-CSF was injected into the vitreous body of RCS rats either once at the onset of photoreceptor degeneration at day 21, or twice at day 21 and day 42. At day 84, when photoreceptor degeneration is completed, the rats were sacrificed, their eyes enucleated and processed for histological staining and counting the surviving photoreceptor nuclei. The expression of apoptosis-related factors, such as BAD, APAF1 and BCL-2 was examined by Western blot analysis. The expression of neurotrophins such as ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and glia-derived neurotrophic actor (GDNF), as well as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was analysed by Western blots and immunohistochemistry. The expression of JAK/STAT, ERK1/2 and SRC pathway proteins was assessed by Western blot analysis. RESULTS GM-CSF protects significantly against photoreceptor degeneration in comparison to control group. After a single injection of GM-CSF at P21, a 4-fold increase of photoreceptors was observed, whereas eyes which received a repeated injection of GM-CSF at P42 showed a 10-fold increase of photoreceptors. Western blot analysis revealed a decreased BAD and an increased pBAD and BCL-2 expression, indicating changed expression profiles of apoptosis-related proteins. Neurotrophic factors examined are up-regulated, whereas GFAP was also modulated. At cell signalling levels, GM-CSF activates SRC-dependent STAT3 which is independent of JAK2, while proteins of the ERK1/2 pathway are not affected. CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that GM-CSF is a potent therapeutic agent in photoreceptor degeneration caused by mutation of the receptor tyrosine kinase gene (Mertk), and may be also effective in other photoreceptor degeneration.
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Wohl SG, Schmeer CW, Isenmann S. Neurogenic potential of stem/progenitor-like cells in the adult mammalian eye. Prog Retin Eye Res 2012; 31:213-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2012.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2011] [Revised: 02/04/2012] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Lavalette S, Raoul W, Houssier M, Camelo S, Levy O, Calippe B, Jonet L, Behar-Cohen F, Chemtob S, Guillonneau X, Combadière C, Sennlaub F. Interleukin-1β inhibition prevents choroidal neovascularization and does not exacerbate photoreceptor degeneration. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2011; 178:2416-23. [PMID: 21514452 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2011.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2010] [Revised: 12/20/2010] [Accepted: 01/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β has been shown to promote angiogenesis. It can have a neurotoxic or neuroprotective effect. Here, we have studied the expression of IL-1β in vivo and the effect of the IL-1 receptor antagonist on choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and retinal degeneration (RD). IL-1β expression significantly increased after laser injury (real time PCR) in C57BL/6 mice, in the C57BL/6 Cx3cr1(-/-) model of age-related macular degeneration (enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay), and in albino Wistar rats and albino BALB Cx3cr1(+/+) and Cx3cr1(-/-) mice (enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay) after light injury. IL-1β was localized to Ly6G-positive, Iba1-negative infiltrating neutrophils in laser-induced CNV as determined by IHC. IL-1 receptor antagonist treatment significantly inhibited CNV but did not affect Iba1-positive macrophage recruitment to the injury site. IL-1β significantly increased endothelial cell outgrowth in aortic ring assay independently of vascular endothelial growth factor, suggesting a direct effect of IL-1β on choroidal endothelial cell proliferation. Inhibition of IL-1β in light- and laser-induced RD models did not alter photoreceptor degeneration in Wistar rats, C57BL/6 mice, or RD-prone Cx3cr1(-/-) mice. Our results suggest that IL-1β inhibition might represent a valuable and safe alternative to inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor in the control of CNV in the context of concomitant photoreceptor degeneration as observed in age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Lavalette
- INSERM, UMR S 872, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
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Xue W, Cojocaru RI, Dudley VJ, Brooks M, Swaroop A, Sarthy VP. Ciliary neurotrophic factor induces genes associated with inflammation and gliosis in the retina: a gene profiling study of flow-sorted, Müller cells. PLoS One 2011; 6:e20326. [PMID: 21637858 PMCID: PMC3102695 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2011] [Accepted: 04/21/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), a member of the interleukin-6 cytokine family, has been implicated in the development, differentiation and survival of retinal neurons. The mechanisms of CNTF action as well as its cellular targets in the retina are poorly understood. It has been postulated that some of the biological effects of CNTF are mediated through its action via retinal glial cells; however, molecular changes in retinal glia induced by CNTF have not been elucidated. We have, therefore, examined gene expression dynamics of purified Müller (glial) cells exposed to CNTF in vivo. Methodology/Principal Findings Müller cells were flow-sorted from mgfap-egfp transgenic mice one or three days after intravitreal injection of CNTF. Microarray analysis using RNA from purified Müller cells showed differential expression of almost 1,000 transcripts with two- to seventeen-fold change in response to CNTF. A comparison of transcriptional profiles from Müller cells at one or three days after CNTF treatment showed an increase in the number of transcribed genes as well as a change in the expression pattern. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis showed that the differentially regulated genes belong to distinct functional types such as cytokines, growth factors, G-protein coupled receptors, transporters and ion channels. Interestingly, many genes induced by CNTF were also highly expressed in reactive Müller cells from mice with inherited or experimentally induced retinal degeneration. Further analysis of gene profiles revealed 20–30% overlap in the transcription pattern among Müller cells, astrocytes and the RPE. Conclusions/Significance Our studies provide novel molecular insights into biological functions of Müller glial cells in mediating cytokine response. We suggest that CNTF remodels the gene expression profile of Müller cells leading to induction of networks associated with transcription, cell cycle regulation and inflammatory response. CNTF also appears to function as an inducer of gliosis in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xue
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Feinberg Medical School, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Radu I. Cojocaru
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - V. Joseph Dudley
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Feinberg Medical School, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Matthew Brooks
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Vijay P. Sarthy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Feinberg Medical School, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Thumann G, Salz AK, Walter P, Johnen S. Preservation of photoreceptors in dystrophic RCS rats following allo- and xenotransplantation of IPE cells. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2008; 247:363-9. [PMID: 19034478 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-008-0998-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2008] [Accepted: 10/29/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine whether iris pigment epithelial (IPE) cells transplanted into the subretinal space of Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats have the ability to rescue photoreceptors. METHODS Rat IPE (rIPE) or human IPE (hIPE) cells were transplanted subretinally in 23-day-old RCS rats. Sham injection and transplantation of ARPE-19 cells served as controls. After 12 weeks, eyes were evaluated for photoreceptor survival by morphometric analysis and electron microscopy. RESULTS Morphometric analysis showed photoreceptor rescue in all transplanted and sham-injected animals (number of photoreceptors/300 microm retina+/-sd: rIPE 41.67 +/- 28; hIPE 29.50 +/- 16; ARPE-19 36.12 +/- 21; sham 16.56 +/- 6) compared to age-matched, control rats (number of photoreceptors/300 microm retina+/-sd: 9.71 +/- 4). Photoreceptor rescue was prominent in IPE cell-transplanted rats and was significantly greater than sham-injected eyes (p = 0.02 for rIPE and p = 0.04 for hIPE). CONCLUSION Since IPE cells transplanted into the subretinal space have the ability to rescue photoreceptors from degeneration in the RCS rat without any harmful effects, IPE cells may represent an ideal cell to genetically modify and thus carry essential genetic information for the repair of defects in the subretinal space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Thumann
- IZKF Biomat, RWTH University of Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
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Zamiri P, Masli S, Kitaichi N, Taylor AW, Streilein JW. Thrombospondin plays a vital role in the immune privilege of the eye. 2005. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2007; 15:279-94. [PMID: 17613842 DOI: 10.1080/09273940701382432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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14
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Yang J, Klassen H, Pries M, Wang W, Nissen MH. Aqueous Humor Enhances the Proliferation of Rat Retinal Precursor Cells in Culture, and This Effect Is Partially Reproduced by Ascorbic Acid. Stem Cells 2006; 24:2766-75. [PMID: 16902197 DOI: 10.1634/stemcells.2006-0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aqueous humor has been shown to influence the proliferation of various ocular cell types, but the effect on immature retinal cells is not known. Here, the effect of pig aqueous humor on the proliferation of rat retinal precursor cells (RPCs) was investigated. RPCs were prepared from embryonic day 19 Sprague-Dawley rats and cultured in the presence or absence of aqueous humor from healthy pigs along with a medium consisting of Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium:Ham's F-12 medium, N2 supplement, and epidermal growth factor. Proliferation was quantified by [(3)H]thymidine incorporation under different treatment conditions, and any associated morphological changes were noted. Potential active components of porcine aqueous humor were partially characterized by gel filtration chromatography, and the effect on RPC proliferation was determined. Results showed that adding 20% aqueous humor increased [(3)H]thymidine incorporation by as much as 317%, as compared with controls. Aqueous supplementation also increased both the number and size of RPC spherical aggregates ("spheres") over the first 4 days, consistent with increased proliferative activity. Using gel filtration and the in vitro proliferation assay, the growth-promoting activity of aqueous humor was localized to two different molecular mass ranges, namely, around 30 kDa and less than 1 kDa. Ascorbic acid was present in the lower molecular mass fraction, and use of this molecule reproduced some, but not all, of the proliferative activity present in aqueous humor. These results highlight the potential role of soluble factors present in the cellular microenvironment with respect to modulation of endogenous progenitor cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Medical Anatomy, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Bochinski D, Lin GT, Nunes L, Carrion R, Rahman N, Lin CS, Lue TF. The effect of neural embryonic stem cell therapy in a rat model of cavernosal nerve injury. BJU Int 2004; 94:904-9. [PMID: 15476533 DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-410x.2003.05057.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To isolate embryonic stem cells that have differentiated along the neuronal cell line, and to assess whether injecting these neural stem cells into the corpus cavernosum influences cavernosal nerve regeneration and functional status. MATERIALS AND METHODS Embryonic neural stem cells were obtained; 26 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: five had a sham operation; eight (controls) had a bilateral cavernosal nerve crush and injection of culture medium into the corpora cavernosa; four had an injection of neural embryonic stem (NES) cells into the major pelvic ganglion (MPG); and nine had bilateral cavernosal nerve crush and injection of NES cells into the corpora cavernosa. Erectile response was assessed by cavernosal nerve electrostimulation at 3 months, and penile tissue samples were evaluated histochemically for nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-containing fibres, tyrosine hydroxylase and neurofilament staining. RESULTS The groups injected with NES cells into the MPG and corpora cavernosa had significantly higher intracavernosal pressures than the control group. Immunohistochemical staining also revealed differences in the quality of the NOS-containing nerve fibres. Neurofilament staining was significantly better in the experimental groups injected with NES cells. CONCLUSION We were able to isolate embryonic stem cells that had differentiated along the neural cell line and, using these NES cells intracavernosally, showed improved erectile function in a rat model of neurogenic impotence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Bochinski
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Thomas BB, Seiler MJ, Sadda SR, Coffey PJ, Aramant RB. Optokinetic test to evaluate visual acuity of each eye independently. J Neurosci Methods 2004; 138:7-13. [PMID: 15325106 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2004.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2003] [Revised: 02/28/2004] [Accepted: 03/04/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
A previously described optokinetic testing apparatus [Nat. Neurosci. 5 (2002) 53] was modified to measure vision in each eye separately for evaluation of monocular treatments. This apparatus consists also of a striped rotating drum. Ca. 170 degrees of the drum are illuminated from outside and ca. 190 degrees of the drum move behind a stationary black wall. The rat sits unrestrained in the drum center in a tube so that one eye is unexposed to the rotating stripes. Normal pigmented and retinal degenerate transgenic S334ter-3 rats were tested with the original and the modified apparatus. The usefulness of this method was tested in retinal degenerate rats with retinal transplants in one eye. In retinal degenerate animals, the amount of time (seconds) spent for head-tracking tended to be higher with the original method, possibly due to simultaneous stimulation of both eyes. In rats with retinal transplants, visual responses were significantly preserved in transplanted eyes at late stages of retinal degeneration. In conclusion, contributions from the fellow eye to the optokinetic tracking response can be limited by this testing modification, which is useful for evaluation of treatment effects to one eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biju B Thomas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Doheny Retina Institute/DVRC 402, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, 1355 San Pablo St., Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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Klassen HJ, Imfeld KL, Kirov II, Tai L, Gage FH, Young MJ, Berman MA. Expression of cytokines by multipotent neural progenitor cells. Cytokine 2003; 22:101-6. [PMID: 12849709 DOI: 10.1016/s1043-4666(03)00120-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Recent work with mammalian neural stem cells has highlighted the role of cytokine signaling in the proliferation and differentiation of these multipotent cells. While the responsiveness of neural progenitors to exogenously applied growth factors has been demonstrated in vivo as well as in vitro, little attention has been given to the production of cytokines by these cells. Here we use immunocytochemistry, RT-PCR, and ELISA to show that under standard growth conditions multipotent neural progenitor cells from humans express multiple cytokines including IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, TNF-alpha, but not IL-2, IL-4, or IFN-gamma. Neural progenitor cells from rat and mouse express some, but not all, of these cytokines under similar conditions. While the function of cytokine expression by neural progenitor cells remains to be elucidated, these signaling molecules are known to be involved in neural development and may play a role in the activation of quiescent stem cells by a variety of pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry J Klassen
- Stem Cell Research, Children's Hospital of Orange County, 455 South Main Street, Orange, CA 92868-3874, USA.
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