Energy Depletion Hypothesis for Retinitis Pigmentosa

The Adhesion GPCR VLGR1/ADGRV1 Regulates the Ca2+ Homeostasis at Mitochondria-Associated ER Membranes

The very large G protein-coupled receptor (VLGR1, ADGRV1) is the largest member of the adhesion GPCR family. Mutations in VLGR1 have been associated with the human Usher syndrome (USH), the most common form of inherited deaf-blindness as well as childhood absence epilepsy. VLGR1 was previously found as membrane–membrane adhesion complexes and focal adhesions. Affinity proteomics revealed that in the interactome of VLGR1, molecules are enriched that are associated with both the ER and mitochondria, as well as mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs), a compartment at the contact sites of both organelles. We confirmed the interaction of VLGR1 with key proteins of MAMs by pull-down assays in vitro complemented by in situ proximity ligation assays in cells. Immunocytochemistry by light and electron microscopy demonstrated the localization of VLGR1 in MAMs. The absence of VLGR1 in tissues and cells derived from VLGR1-deficient mouse models resulted in alterations in the MAM architecture and in the dysregulation of the Ca²⁺ transient from ER to mitochondria. Our data demonstrate the molecular and functional interaction of VLGR1 with components in MAMs and point to an essential role of VLGR1 in the regulation of Ca²⁺ homeostasis, one of the key functions of MAMs.

Functional expression of electron transport chain complexes in mouse rod outer segments

Rod photoreceptors efficiently carry out phototransduction cascade, an energetically costly process. Our recent data in bovine rod outer segment (OS) demonstrated that ATP for phototransduction is produced by an extramitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, thanks to the expression of the Electron Transport Chain (ETC) complexes and of F1Fo ATP synthase in disks. Here we have focused on mouse retinas, reporting the activity of ETC complexes I, II, IV assayed directly on unfixed mouse eye sections, as well as immunogold TEM analysis of fixed mouse eye sections to verify the presence of ND4L subunit of ETC complex I and subunit IV of ETC complex IV in rod OS. Data suggest the presence of functional ETC in mouse rod OS, like their bovine counterpart. The protocol here developed for in situ assay of the ETC complexes activity represents a reliable method for the detection of ETC dysfunction in mice models of retinal pathologies. In fact, the ETC is a major source of reactive oxygen intermediates, and oxidative stress, especially when ectopically expressed in the OS. In turn, oxidative stress contributes to many retinal pathologies, such as diabetic retinopathy, age related macular degeneration, photoreceptor death after retinal detachment and some forms of retinitis pigmentosa.

Theoretic, experimental, clinical bases of the water oscillator hypothesis in near-infrared photobiomodulation

The objective of this review is to propose and document a role for the water oscillator in near-infrared (NIR) photobiomodulation. Greater understanding of the role of the water oscillator may add to a more-coherent description of central effects of NIR light on redox centers and key transmembrane enzymes such as cytochrome c oxidase (CcO). In addition, water provides a complementary pathway for absorption and transportation of NIR energy in photobiomodulation. Because of its unexpected potential, we propose terming it the "water oscillator paradox." Photobiologic mechanisms involved in the treatment of complex diseases are discussed in light of the present state of the art.