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Buffault J, Reboussin É, Blond F, Guillonneau X, Bastelica P, Kessal K, Akkurt Arslan M, Melik-Parsadaniantz S, Réaux-le Goazigo A, Labbé A, Brignole-Baudouin F, Baudouin C. RNA-seq transcriptomic profiling of TGF-β2-exposed human trabecular meshwork explants: Advancing insights beyond conventional cell culture models. Exp Cell Res 2024; 442:114220. [PMID: 39214330 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114220] [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: 05/25/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), a leading cause of irreversible vision loss, is closely linked to increased intraocular pressure (IOP), with the trabecular meshwork (TM) playing a critical role in its regulation. The TM, located at the iridocorneal angle, acts as a sieve, filtering the aqueous humor from the eye into the collecting ducts, thus maintaining proper IOP levels. The transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-β2) signaling pathway has been implicated in the pathophysiology of primary open-angle glaucoma POAG particularly, in the dysfunction of the TM. This study utilizes human TM explants to closely mimic in vivo conditions, thereby minimizing transcriptional changes that could arise from cell culture enabling an exploration of the transcriptomic impacts of TGF-β2. Through bulk RNA sequencing and immunohistological analysis, we identified distinct gene expression patterns and morphological changes induced by TGF-β2 exposure (5 ng/ml for 48 h). Bulk RNA sequencing identified significant upregulation in genes linked to extracellular matrix (ECM) regulation and fibrotic signaling. Immunohistological analysis further elucidated the morphological alterations, including cytoskeletal rearrangements and ECM deposition, providing a visual confirmation of the transcriptomic data. Notably, the enrichment analysis unveils TGF-β2's influence on both bone morphogenic protein (BMP) and Wnt signaling pathways, suggesting a complex interplay of molecular mechanisms contributing to TM dysfunction in glaucoma. This characterization of the transcriptomic modifications on an explant model of TM obtained under the effect of this profibrotic cytokine involved in glaucoma is crucial in order to develop and test new molecules that can block their signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Buffault
- Department of Ophthalmology III, Quinze-Vingts National Ophthalmology Hospital, IHU Foresight, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, IHU Foresight, Institut de La Vision, Paris, France; Department of Ophthalmology, Ambroise Paré Hospital, APHP, Université de Paris Saclay, Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
| | - É Reboussin
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, IHU Foresight, Institut de La Vision, Paris, France
| | - F Blond
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, IHU Foresight, Institut de La Vision, Paris, France
| | - X Guillonneau
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, IHU Foresight, Institut de La Vision, Paris, France
| | - P Bastelica
- Department of Ophthalmology III, Quinze-Vingts National Ophthalmology Hospital, IHU Foresight, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, IHU Foresight, Institut de La Vision, Paris, France
| | - K Kessal
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, IHU Foresight, Institut de La Vision, Paris, France
| | - M Akkurt Arslan
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, IHU Foresight, Institut de La Vision, Paris, France
| | - S Melik-Parsadaniantz
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, IHU Foresight, Institut de La Vision, Paris, France
| | - A Réaux-le Goazigo
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, IHU Foresight, Institut de La Vision, Paris, France
| | - A Labbé
- Department of Ophthalmology III, Quinze-Vingts National Ophthalmology Hospital, IHU Foresight, Paris, France; Department of Ophthalmology, Ambroise Paré Hospital, APHP, Université de Paris Saclay, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - F Brignole-Baudouin
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, IHU Foresight, Institut de La Vision, Paris, France; Department of Biology, CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, IHU Foresight, Paris, France
| | - C Baudouin
- Department of Ophthalmology III, Quinze-Vingts National Ophthalmology Hospital, IHU Foresight, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, IHU Foresight, Institut de La Vision, Paris, France.
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2
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Li B, Xie T, Nawy S, Shen Y. The development and the genetic diseases of the ciliary body. CELL INSIGHT 2024; 3:100162. [PMID: 38595769 PMCID: PMC11002873 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellin.2024.100162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
The ciliary body, located at the junction of the choroid and iris, is crucial in the development of the embryonic eye. Notch2 signalling, Wnt signalling, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signalling, and Pax6 signalling are critical for coordinating the ciliary body formation. These signalling pathways are coordinated with each other and participate in the ciliary body development, ensuring the precise formation and optimal functioning of the eye structure. Although rare, ciliary body hypoplasia, ciliary tumours, and genetic-related iritis indicate the intricate nature of ciliary body development. Given the ciliary body's important biological significance and potential medical relevance, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the developmental molecular mechanisms governing ciliary body formation and function. Here, we focus on the intricate signalling pathways governing ciliary body development and corresponding genetic ciliary diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baige Li
- Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ting Xie
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
| | - Scott Nawy
- University of California Berkeley, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Yin Shen
- Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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3
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Zheng H, An M, Luo Y, Diao X, Zhong W, Pang M, Lin Y, Chen J, Li Y, Kong Y, Zhao Y, Yin Y, Ai L, Huang J, Chen C, Lin T. PDGFRα +ITGA11 + fibroblasts foster early-stage cancer lymphovascular invasion and lymphatic metastasis via ITGA11-SELE interplay. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:682-700.e12. [PMID: 38428409 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) exhibit considerable heterogeneity in advanced cancers; however, the functional annotation and mechanism of CAFs in early-stage cancers remain elusive. Utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomic, we identify a previously unknown PDGFRα+ITGA11+ CAF subset in early-stage bladder cancer (BCa). Multicenter clinical analysis of a 910-case cohort confirms that PDGFRα+ITGA11+ CAFs are associated with lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and poor prognosis in early-stage BCa. These CAFs facilitate LVI and lymph node (LN) metastasis in early-stage BCa, as evidenced in a PDGFRα+ITGA11+ CAFs-specific deficient mouse model. Mechanistically, PDGFRα+ITGA11+ CAFs promote lymphangiogenesis via recognizing ITGA11 surface receptor SELE on lymphatic endothelial cells to activate SRC-p-VEGFR3-MAPK pathway. Further, CHI3L1 from PDGFRα+ITGA11+ CAFs aligns the surrounding matrix to assist cancer cell intravasation, fostering early-stage BCa LVI and LN metastasis. Collectively, our study reveals the crucial role of PDGFRα+ITGA11+ CAFs in shaping metastatic landscape, informing the treatment of early-stage BCa LVI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanhao Zheng
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Mingjie An
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yuming Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Xiayao Diao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wenlong Zhong
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Mingrui Pang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Jiancheng Chen
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yuanlong Li
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yao Kong
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Tumor Intervention, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yina Yin
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Le Ai
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Changhao Chen
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.
| | - Tianxin Lin
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.
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Liu Z, Liu K, Shi S, Chen X, Gu X, Wang W, Mao K, Yibulayi R, Wu W, Zeng L, Zhou W, Lin X, Zhang F, Lou B. Alkali injury-induced pathological lymphangiogenesis in the iris facilitates the infiltration of T cells and ocular inflammation. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e175479. [PMID: 38587075 PMCID: PMC11128208 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.175479] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory lymphangiogenesis is intimately linked to immune regulation and tissue homeostasis. However, current evidence has suggested that classic lymphatic vessels are physiologically absent in intraocular structures. Here, we show that neolymphatic vessels were induced in the iris after corneal alkali injury (CAI) in a VEGFR3-dependent manner. Cre-loxP-based lineage tracing revealed that these lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) originate from existing Prox1+ lymphatic vessels. Notably, the ablation of iridial lymphangiogenesis via conditional deletion of VEGFR3 alleviated the ocular inflammatory response and pathological T cell infiltration. Our findings demonstrate that iridial neolymphatics actively participate in pathological immune responses following injury and suggest intraocular lymphangiogenesis as a valuable therapeutic target for the treatment of ocular inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Keli Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shunhua Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weifa Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Keli Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rukeye Yibulayi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanwen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weibin Zhou
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofeng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bingsheng Lou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
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5
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Gu X, Chen X, Zhang X, Liu K, Li JJ, Lv W, Zeng L, Wu M, Zhou W, Wang W, Shi S, Deng Y, Li Y, Gao X, Ju R, Dubrac A, Liu X, Zhang F. Macrophage-induced integrin signaling promotes Schlemm's canal formation to prevent intraocular hypertension and glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113799. [PMID: 38367239 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113799] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Schlemm's canal (SC) functions to maintain proper intraocular pressure (IOP) by draining aqueous humor and has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for glaucoma, the second-leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. However, our current understanding of the mechanisms governing SC development and functionality remains limited. Here, we show that vitronectin (VTN) produced by limbal macrophages promotes SC formation and prevents intraocular hypertension by activating integrin αvβ3 signaling. Genetic inactivation of this signaling system inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT and FOXO1 and reduced β-catenin activity and FOXC2 expression, thereby causing impaired Prox1 expression and deteriorated SC morphogenesis. This ultimately led to increased IOP and glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Intriguingly, we found that aged SC displayed downregulated integrin β3 in association with dampened Prox1 expression. Conversely, FOXO1 inhibition rejuvenated the aged SC by inducing Prox1 expression and SC regrowth, highlighting a possible strategy by targeting VTN/integrin αvβ3 signaling to improve SC functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Keli Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jing-Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Wenyu Lv
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Lei Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Mingjuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Weibin Zhou
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Weifa Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Shunhua Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yicheng Deng
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yunhua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xinbo Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Rong Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Alexandre Dubrac
- Centre de Recherche, CHU St. Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada; Département de Pathologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Xialin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China.
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Ahsanuddin S, Wu AY. Single-cell transcriptomics of the ocular anterior segment: a comprehensive review. Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:3334-3350. [PMID: 37138096 PMCID: PMC10156079 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02539-3] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Elucidating the cellular and genetic composition of ocular tissues is essential for uncovering the pathophysiology of ocular diseases. Since the introduction of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) in 2009, vision researchers have performed extensive single-cell analyses to better understand transcriptome complexity and heterogeneity of ocular structures. This technology has revolutionized our ability to identify rare cell populations and to make cross-species comparisons of gene expression in both steady state and disease conditions. Importantly, single-cell transcriptomic analyses have enabled the identification of cell-type specific gene markers and signalling pathways between ocular cell populations. While most scRNA-seq studies have been conducted on retinal tissues, large-scale transcriptomic atlases pertaining to the ocular anterior segment have also been constructed in the past three years. This timely review provides vision researchers with an overview of scRNA-seq experimental design, technical limitations, and clinical applications in a variety of anterior segment-related ocular pathologies. We review open-access anterior segment-related scRNA-seq datasets and illustrate how scRNA-seq can be an indispensable tool for the development of targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Ahsanuddin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Albert Y Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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