1
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Ji Y, Zhao M, Qiao X, Peng GH. Decitabine improves MMS-induced retinal photoreceptor cell damage by targeting DNMT3A and DNMT3B. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 15:1057365. [PMID: 36704326 PMCID: PMC9872157 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1057365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of neurodegenerative retinopathies causing blindness due to progressive and irreversible photoreceptor cell death. The alkylating agent methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) can induce selective photoreceptor cell death, which is used to establish RP animal models. MMS induces DNA base damage by adding alkyl groups to DNA, and epigenetic modifications influence DNA damage response. Here, we aimed to explore the relationship between DNA methylation and DNA damage response in dying photoreceptors of RP. Methods The mouse RP model was established by a single intraperitoneal injection of MMS. The retinal structure and function were assessed by H&E, OCT, TUNEL, and ERG at several time points. The expression of DNA methylation regulators was assessed by qPCR and Western blot. DNMT inhibitor 5-aza-dC was applied to inhibit the activity of DNA methyltransferases and improve the retinal photoreceptor damage. Results The outer nuclear layer (ONL) and IS/OS layer were significantly thinner and the retinal function was impaired after MMS treatment. The cell death was mainly located in the ONL. The retinal damage induced by MMS was accompanied by hyperexpression of DNMT3A/3B. The application of DNMT inhibitor 5-aza-dC could suppress the expression level of DNMT3A/3B, resulting in the remission of MMS-induced photoreceptor cell damage. The ONL and IS/OS layers were thicker than that of the control group, and the retinal function was partially restored. This protective effect of 5-aza-dC was associated with the down-regulated expression of DNMT3A/3B. Conclusion These findings identified a functional role of DNMT3A/3B in MMS-induced photoreceptor cell damage and provided novel evidence to support DNMTs as potential therapeutic targets in retinal degenerative diseases.Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Ji
- Laboratory of Visual Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Meng Zhao
- Laboratory of Visual Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaomeng Qiao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guang-Hua Peng
- Laboratory of Visual Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,*Correspondence: Guang-Hua Peng, ✉
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2
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Grisé KN, Coles BLK, Bautista NX, van der Kooy D. Activation of adult mammalian retinal stem cells in vivo via antagonism of BMP and sFRP2. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:560. [PMID: 34717744 PMCID: PMC8557620 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02630-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The adult mammalian retina does not have the capacity to regenerate cells lost due to damage or disease. Therefore, retinal injuries and blinding diseases result in irreversible vision loss. However, retinal stem cells (RSCs), which participate in retinogenesis during development, persist in a quiescent state in the ciliary epithelium (CE) of the adult mammalian eye. Moreover, RSCs retain the ability to generate all retinal cell types when cultured in vitro, including photoreceptors. Therefore, it may be possible to activate endogenous RSCs to induce retinal neurogenesis in vivo and restore vision in the adult mammalian eye. Methods To investigate if endogenous RSCs can be activated, we performed combinatorial intravitreal injections of antagonists to BMP and sFRP2 proteins (two proposed mediators of RSC quiescence in vivo), with or without growth factors FGF and Insulin. We also investigated the effects of chemically-induced N-methyl-N-Nitrosourea (MNU) retinal degeneration on RSC activation, both alone and in combination withthe injected factors. Further, we employed inducible Msx1-CreERT2 genetic lineage labeling of the CE followed by stimulation paradigms to determine if activated endogenous RSCs could migrate into the retina and differentiate into retinal neurons. Results We found that in vivo antagonism of BMP and sFRP2 proteins induced CE cells in the RSC niche to proliferate and expanded the RSC population. BMP and sFRP2 antagonism also enhanced CE cell proliferation in response to exogenous growth factor stimulation and MNU-induced retinal degeneration. Furthermore, Msx1-CreERT2 genetic lineage tracing revealed that CE cells migrated into the retina following stimulation and/or injury, where they expressed markers of mature photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells. Conclusions Together, these results indicate that endogenous adult mammalian RSCs may have latent regenerative potential that can be activated by modulating the RSC niche and hold promise as a means for endogenous retinal cell therapy to repair the retina and improve vision. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02630-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth N Grisé
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Donnelly Centre Rm 1110, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada.
| | - Brenda L K Coles
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Donnelly Centre Rm 1110, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Nelson X Bautista
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Donnelly Centre Rm 1110, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Derek van der Kooy
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Donnelly Centre Rm 1110, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
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3
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Photoreceptor protection by mesenchymal stem cell transplantation identifies exosomal MiR-21 as a therapeutic for retinal degeneration. Cell Death Differ 2020; 28:1041-1061. [PMID: 33082517 PMCID: PMC7937676 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-00636-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptor apoptosis is recognized as one key pathogenesis of retinal degeneration, the counteraction of which represents a promising approach to safeguard visual function. Recently, mesenchymal stem cell transplantation (MSCT) has demonstrated immense potential to treat ocular disorders, in which extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly exosomes, have emerged as effective ophthalmological therapeutics. However, whether and how MSCT protects photoreceptors against apoptotic injuries remains largely unknown. Here, we discovered that intravitreal MSCT counteracted photoreceptor apoptosis and alleviated retinal morphological and functional degeneration in a mouse model of photoreceptor loss induced by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU). Interestingly, effects of MSCT were inhibited after blockade of exosomal generation by GW4869 preconditioning. Furthermore, MSC-derived exosomal transplantation (EXOT) effectively suppressed MNU-provoked photoreceptor injury. Notably, therapeutic efficacy of MSCT and EXOT on MNU-induced retinal degeneration was long-lasting as photoreceptor preservance and retinal maintenance were detected even after 1–2 months post to injection for only once. More importantly, using a natural occurring retinal degeneration model caused by a nonsense mutation of Phosphodiesterase 6b gene (Pde6bmut), we confirmed that MSCT and EXOT prevented photoreceptor loss and protected long-term retinal function. In deciphering therapeutic mechanisms regarding potential exosome-mediated communications, we identified that miR-21 critically maintained photoreceptor viability against MNU injury by targeting programmed cell death 4 (Pdcd4) and was transferred from MSC-derived exosomes in vivo for functional regulation. Moreover, miR-21 deficiency aggravated MNU-driven retinal injury and was restrained by EXOT. Further experiments revealed that miR-21 mediated therapeutic effects of EXOT on MNU-induced photoreceptor apoptosis and retinal dysfunction. These findings uncovered the efficacy and mechanism of MSCT-based photoreceptor protection, indicating exosomal miR-21 as a therapeutic for retinal degeneration.
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4
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Liang C, Chen Y, Jiang X, Zou M, Yang Z, Li H, Peng L. Pikachurin Is Partially Involved in the Synaptic Connection Between Donor and Host Cells in Late-Stage rd1 Mice Following Conspecific Photoreceptor Transplantation. Stem Cells Dev 2020; 29:786-794. [PMID: 32178579 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2019.0268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptor transplantation can rescue the retinal function of late-stage rd1 mice. Many studies have used synaptic markers to suggest that there are synaptic connections after transplantation, but how donor and host cells are connected remains unknown. Many molecules are needed for triad ribbon synapse formation in wild-type mice. Among them, pikachurin is an important extracellular matrix protein that bridges the pre- and postsynaptic components. To investigate the mechanism of the synaptic connection between donor photoreceptor and host retina, we studied the expression of pikachurin in late-stage rd1 mice before and after transplantation. The results showed that the full-length form of pikachurin could still be detected in the degenerated retina. After photoreceptors were transplanted to the subretinal space of rd1 or wild-type mice, pikachurin was detected in the cytoplasm of most donor photoreceptor cells. Pikachurin puncta may represent the cleaved form of the protein and may indicate synapse generation, but it was barely observed in the donor mass of wild-type mice (3.83 ± 3.17 puncta per 100 donor cells). In contrast, pikachurin puncta could be found in the graft of the rd1 mouse retina, but the number was low (21.35 ± 9.48 puncta per 100 donor cells). In addition, 54.12 ± 8.45% of bassoon puncta were paired with pikachurin puncta and 45.5 ± 6.33% were not, indicating that there were fewer pikachurin puncta than bassoon. These results suggest that pikachurin is involved in only a portion of the synaptic connection between the donor photoreceptor and host retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Liang
- Department of Ophthalmology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Research Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - YingYing Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - XiaoShuang Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ming Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Research Core Facility, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - HuiFang Li
- Research Core Facility, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - LanYa Peng
- Department of Medical, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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5
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Yan W, Long P, Wei D, Yan W, Zheng X, Chen G, Wang J, Zhang Z, Chen T, Chen M. Protection of retinal function and morphology in MNU-induced retinitis pigmentosa rats by ALDH2: an in-vivo study. BMC Ophthalmol 2020; 20:55. [PMID: 32070320 PMCID: PMC7027227 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-020-1330-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a kind of inherited retinal degenerative diseases characterized by the progressive loss of photoreceptors. RP has been a conundrum without satisfactory countermeasures in clinic until now. Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), a major enzyme involved in aldehyde detoxification, has been demonstrated to be beneficial for a growing number of human diseases, such as cardiovascular dysfunction, diabetes mellitus and neurodegeneration. However, its protective effect against RP remains unknown. Our study explored the impact of ALDH2 on retinal function and structure in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced RP rats. Methods Rats were gavaged with 5 mg/kg Alda-1, an ALDH2 agonist, 5 days before and 3 days after MNU administration. Assessments of retinal function and morphology as well as measurement of specific proteins expression level were conducted. Results Electroretinogram recordings showed that Alda-1 administration alleviated the decrease in amplitude caused by MNU, rendering protection of retinal function. Mitigation of photoreceptor degeneration in MNU-treated retinas was observed by optical coherence tomography and retinal histological examination. In addition, Western blotting results revealed that ALDH2 protein expression level was upregulatedwith increased expression of SIRT1 protein after the Alda-1 intervention. Besides, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) was reduced according to the significant downregulation of GRP78 protein, while apoptosis was ameliorated as shown by the decreased expression of PARP1 protein. Conclusions Together, our data demonstrated that ALDH2 could provide preservation of retinal function and morphology against MNU-induced RP, with the underlying mechanism at least partly related to the modulation of SIRT1, ERS and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiming Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA (Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Dongfang Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University), Fuzhou, 350025, China.,Center of Clinical Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Pan Long
- Department of Ophthalmology, The West General Hospital of Chinese PLA, Chendu, 610083, China
| | - Dongyu Wei
- Center of Clinical Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Weihua Yan
- Tong'an No.1 High School of Fujian Province, Xiamen, 361100, China
| | - Xiangrong Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA (Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Dongfang Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University), Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Guocang Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA (Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Dongfang Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University), Fuzhou, 350025, China
| | - Jiancong Wang
- BeiJing HealthOLight Technology Co. Ltd, Beijing, 10010, China
| | - Zuoming Zhang
- Center of Clinical Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Tao Chen
- Center of Clinical Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Meizhu Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, PLA (Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Dongfang Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University), Fuzhou, 350025, China.
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Marquioni-Ramella MD, Cubilla MA, Bermúdez V, Tate PS, Marazita MC, Suburo AM. Glucocorticoid and progesterone mechanisms in photoreceptor survival. Exp Eye Res 2019; 190:107854. [PMID: 31669405 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Death of retinal photoreceptors is the basis of prevalent blinding diseases. Since steroids might have a therapeutic role in retinal degenerations, we compared the protective effects of dexamethasone and progesterone on photoreceptor death induced by mifepristone and light exposure. Therefore, we studied the effective protection doses for each steroid in the two models. In addition, we analyzed changes in the levels of pro- and antiapoptotic molecules, glucocorticoid receptors α and β (GRα and GRβ), and rhodopsin under conditions of successful protection and photoreceptor survival. Mifepristone and light exposure selectively damaged photoreceptors. In light exposed retinas, photoreceptors mainly disappeared in the dorsotemporal region, while mifepristone produced a uniform damage. Dexamethasone and progesterone, at the same dose of 4 mg/kg/day for 2 days, preserved over 88% photoreceptor nuclei in both models. Assessment of cell death regulators showed that, in control retinas, both steroids activated BCL-XL, a prosurvival molecule, and decreased BID, a proapoptotic regulator. After steroid treatment of damaged retinas, BCL-XL, BCL2 and BAX showed characteristic patterns depending on the use of dexamethasone or progesterone on mifepristone or light exposed retinas. By contrast, BID decreased with any injury-steroid combination. Changes in GRα or GRβ levels did not correlate with survival but were consistent with a mechanism of ligand induced downregulation of receptor expression. GRβ might be upregulated by progesterone. Both dexamethasone and progesterone increased retinal rhodopsin stores, suggesting a link between photoreceptor protection and transduction pathways. Results show that dexamethasone and progesterone induced comparable but not identical protection responses in each model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melisa D Marquioni-Ramella
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Translational (IIMT), Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, CONICET, Pilar, B1629AHJ, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marisa A Cubilla
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Translational (IIMT), Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, CONICET, Pilar, B1629AHJ, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vicente Bermúdez
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Translational (IIMT), Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, CONICET, Pilar, B1629AHJ, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo S Tate
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Translational (IIMT), Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, CONICET, Pilar, B1629AHJ, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariela C Marazita
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Translational (IIMT), Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, CONICET, Pilar, B1629AHJ, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Angela M Suburo
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Translational (IIMT), Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, CONICET, Pilar, B1629AHJ, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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7
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Su F, Spee C, Araujo E, Barron E, Wang M, Ghione C, Hinton DR, Nusinowitz S, Kannan R, Reddy ST, Farias-Eisner R. A Novel HDL-Mimetic Peptide HM-10/10 Protects RPE and Photoreceptors in Murine Models of Retinal Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20194807. [PMID: 31569695 PMCID: PMC6801888 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in the developed world. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a critical site of pathology in AMD. Oxidative stress plays a key role in the development of AMD. We generated a chimeric high-density lipoprotein (HDL), mimetic peptide named HM-10/10, with anti-oxidant properties and investigated its potential for the treatment of retinal disease using cell culture and animal models of RPE and photoreceptor (PR) degeneration. Treatment with HM-10/10 peptide prevented human fetal RPE cell death caused by tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (tBH)-induced oxidative stress and sodium iodate (NaIO3), which causes RPE atrophy and is a model of geographic atrophy in mice. We also show that HM-10/10 peptide ameliorated photoreceptor cell death and significantly improved retinal function in a mouse model of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced PR degeneration. Our results demonstrate that HM-10/10 protects RPE and retina from oxidant injury and can serve as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Su
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Christine Spee
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Eduardo Araujo
- Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Eric Barron
- The Stephen J. Ryan Initiative for Macular Research, Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Mo Wang
- The Stephen J. Ryan Initiative for Macular Research, Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Caleb Ghione
- Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - David R Hinton
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Steven Nusinowitz
- Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Ram Kannan
- Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
- The Stephen J. Ryan Initiative for Macular Research, Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Srinivasa T Reddy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Robin Farias-Eisner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA.
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8
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Sauer L, Andersen KM, Dysli C, Zinkernagel MS, Bernstein PS, Hammer M. Review of clinical approaches in fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2018; 23:1-20. [PMID: 30182580 PMCID: PMC8357196 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.23.9.091415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Autofluorescence-based imaging techniques have become very important in the ophthalmological field. Being noninvasive and very sensitive, they are broadly used in clinical routines. Conventional autofluorescence intensity imaging is largely influenced by the strong fluorescence of lipofuscin, a fluorophore that can be found at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium. However, different endogenous retinal fluorophores can be altered in various diseases. Fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO) is an imaging modality to investigate the autofluorescence of the human fundus in vivo. It expands the level of information, as an addition to investigating the fluorescence intensity, and autofluorescence lifetimes are captured. The Heidelberg Engineering Spectralis-based fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscope is used to investigate a 30-deg retinal field centered at the fovea. It detects FAF decays in short [498 to 560 nm, short spectral channel (SSC) and long (560 to 720 nm, long spectral channel (LSC)] spectral channels, the mean fluorescence lifetimes (τm) are calculated using bi- or triexponential approaches. These are meant to be relatively independent of the fluorophore's intensity; therefore, fluorophores with less intense fluorescence can be detected. As an example, FLIO detects the fluorescence of macular pigment, retinal carotenoids that help protect the human fundus from light damages. Furthermore, FLIO is able to detect changes related to various retinal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, albinism, Alzheimer's disease, diabetic retinopathy, macular telangiectasia type 2, retinitis pigmentosa, and Stargardt disease. Some of these changes can already be found in healthy eyes and may indicate a risk to developing such diseases. Other changes in already affected eyes seem to indicate disease progression. This review article focuses on providing detailed information on the clinical findings of FLIO. This technique detects not only structural changes at very early stages but also metabolic and disease-related alterations. Therefore, it is a very promising tool that might soon be used for early diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Sauer
- University Hospital Jena, Jena, Thuringia, Germany
- University of Utah, John A. Moran Eye Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Karl M. Andersen
- University of Utah, John A. Moran Eye Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Chantal Dysli
- Bern University Hospital, Inselspital, Department of Ophthalmology, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin S. Zinkernagel
- Bern University Hospital, Inselspital, Department of Ophthalmology, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Paul S. Bernstein
- University of Utah, John A. Moran Eye Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Martin Hammer
- University Hospital Jena, Jena, Thuringia, Germany
- University of Jena, Center for Biomedical Optics and Photonics, Jena, Germany
- Address all correspondence to: Martin Hammer, E-mail:
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9
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Sadamoto K, Yamagiwa Y, Sakaki H, Kurata M. Absence of histopathological changes in the retina of zebrafish treated with sodium iodate. J Vet Med Sci 2018; 80:901-908. [PMID: 29643281 PMCID: PMC6021877 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.17-0613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In ophthalmological research, the use of zebrafish to investigate visual behaviors has
been increasing, but can produce misleading, false-positive results if compounds adversely
affect their motor functions or central nervous system. Therefore, histological analysis
to identify a target organ is important in zebrafish toxicity assay. We investigated the
retinal degeneration in zebrafish, using typical retinal toxicants, mainly sodium iodate
and N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU). No histopathological changes were found after sodium
iodate exposure at 1.0 mM for 5 or 7 days in the retina of larval, juvenile, and adult
zebrafish. There were also no obvious histopathological changes in the retina of adult
zebrafish at 0.1 mM, even after 30 days treatment with sodium iodate. In addition, many
proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells were found not only in the ciliary
marginal zone, but also in the outer nuclear layer, especially in larval and juvenile
zebrafish with or without sodium iodate exposure. However, the concentrations of iodine in
the blood and the eyeballs of adult zebrafish increased remarkably after the treatment.
General retinal damage emerged after MNU exposure at 150 mg/l for 60 min
in adult zebrafish, but first pyknotic cells appeared in the inner nuclear layer and the
ganglion cell layer. Our findings indicate that zebrafish retina have a different
reactivity pattern from mammalian animals against some retinal toxicants, and in them it
is difficult to detect histopathological changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuyo Sadamoto
- Research & Development Division, Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishiku, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2241, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Yamagiwa
- Research & Development Division, Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishiku, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2241, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Sakaki
- Research & Development Division, Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishiku, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2241, Japan
| | - Masaaki Kurata
- Research & Development Division, Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-5-4 Murotani, Nishiku, Kobe, Hyogo 651-2241, Japan
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Abstract
Retinal Müller glial cells have been shown to undergo reactive gliosis in a variety of retinal diseases. Upregulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is a hallmark of Müller cell activation. Reactive gliosis after retinal detachment or ischemia/reperfusion is characterized by hypertrophy and downregulation of inwardly rectifying K+ (Kir) currents. However, this kind of physiological alteration could not be detected in slowly progressing retinal degenerations. The photoreceptor toxin N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) leads to the rapid loss of cells in the outer nuclear layer and subsequent Müller cell activation. Here, we investigated whether Müller cells from MNU-treated mice exhibit reactive gliosis. We found that Müller cells showed increased GFAP expression and increased membrane capacitance, indicating hypertrophy. Membrane potential and Kir channel-mediated K+ currents were not significantly altered whereas Kir4.1 mRNA expression and Kir-mediated inward current densities were markedly decreased. This suggests that MNU-induced Müller cell gliosis is characterized by plasma membrane increase without alteration in the membrane content of Kir channels. Taken together, our findings show that Müller cells of MNU-treated mice are reactive and respond with a form of gliosis which is characterized by cellular hypertrophy but no changes in Kir current amplitudes.
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Tao Y, Yang Z, Fang W, Ma Z, Huang YF, Li Z. Adeno-associated virus-mediated neuroglobin overexpression ameliorates the N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced retinal impairments: a novel therapeutic strategy against photoreceptor degeneration. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2017; 13:1379-1389. [PMID: 29075122 PMCID: PMC5648317 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s144822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration (RD) is a heterogeneous group of inherited dystrophies leading to blindness. The N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-administered mouse is used as a pharmacologically induced RD animal model in various therapeutic investigations. The present study found the retinal neuroglobin (NGB) expression in the MNU-administered mice was significantly lower than in normal controls, suggesting NGB was correlated with RD. Subsequently, an adeno-associated virus (AAV)-2-mCMV-NGB vector was delivered into the subretinal space of the MNU-administered mice. The retinal NGB expression of the treated eye was upregulated significantly in both protein and mRNA levels. Further, we found NGB overexpression could alleviate visual impairments and morphological devastations in MNU-administered mice. NGB overexpression could rectify apoptotic abnormalities and ameliorate oxidative stress in MNU-administered mice, thereby promoting photoreceptor survival. The cone photoreceptors in MNU-administered mice were also sensitive to AAV-mediated NGB overexpression. Taken together, our findings suggest that manipulating NGB bioactivity via gene therapy may represent a novel therapeutic strategy against RD. Future elucidation of the exact role of NGB would advance our knowledge about the pathological mechanisms underlying RD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Tao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing
| | - Zhen Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute for Functional Brain Disorders, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an
| | - Wei Fang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute for Functional Brain Disorders, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an
| | - Zhao Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
| | - Yi Fei Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing
| | - Zhengwei Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
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Tappeiner C, Maurer E, Sallin P, Bise T, Enzmann V, Tschopp M. Inhibition of the TGFβ Pathway Enhances Retinal Regeneration in Adult Zebrafish. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167073. [PMID: 27880821 PMCID: PMC5120850 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In contrast to the mammalian retina, the zebrafish retina exhibits the potential for lifelong retinal neurogenesis and regeneration even after severe damage. Previous studies have shown that the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling pathway is activated during the regeneration of different tissues in the zebrafish and is needed for regeneration in the heart and the fin. In this study, we have investigated the role of the TGFβ pathway in the N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced chemical model of rod photoreceptor de- and regeneration in adult zebrafish. Immunohistochemical staining for phosphorylated Smad3 was elevated during retinal regeneration, and phosphorylated Smad3 co-localized with proliferating cell nuclear antigen and glutamine synthetase, indicating TGFβ pathway activation in proliferating Müller glia. Inhibiting the TGFβ signaling pathway using a small molecule inhibitor (SB431542) resulted in accelerated recovery from retinal degeneration. Accordingly, we observed increased cell proliferation in the outer nuclear layer at days 3 to 8 after MNU treatment. In contrast to the observations in the heart and the fin, the inhibition of the TGFβ signaling pathway resulted in increased proliferation after the induction of retinal degeneration. A better understanding of the underlying pathways with the possibility to boost retinal regeneration in adult zebrafish may potentially help to stimulate such proliferation also in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Tappeiner
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ellinor Maurer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pauline Sallin
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Bise
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Volker Enzmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Markus Tschopp
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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Photoreceptor degeneration by intravitreal injection of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) in rabbits: a pilot study. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2016; 255:317-331. [PMID: 27866331 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-016-3531-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pilot study on the attempt to induce selective photoreceptor degeneration in the rabbit eye by intravitreal injection of MNU, facing the difficulties of the evaluation of retinal degeneration by different in-vivo and in-vitro methods in such a large eye animal model. METHODS Eight pigmented Chinchilla Bastard rabbits were injected intravitreally with MNU (1 × 1mg/kg body weight (BW), 1 × 2mg/kg BW, 3 × 3mg/kg BW, 1 × 4mg/kg BW, 1 × 6mg/kg BW, and 1 × DMSO + PBS as control). One, 2, and 3 weeks after injection, the effects on the rabbit retina were examined in vivo using clinical observation (macroscopic images, funduscopy, weighing of the animals), measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP), full-field Electroretinography (ffERG), and spectral-domain Optical Coherence Tomography (sd-OCT). After 3 weeks follow-up, blood samples were taken to evaluate the general health status of the animals, and immunohistochemistry (IH) was performed on sections obtained from six different regions throughout the whole retina to evaluate MNU effects in more detail. RESULTS It was difficult to observe the effects of MNU on retinal structure by OCT in vivo. Only the temporal quadrant of the retina could be visualized. Therefore, it was indispensible to evaluate the effects of MNU on the retina in vitro by examining six areas of the retina using immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry plays a decisive role to evaluate the effects on retinal cells other than photoreceptors while in H&E staining, namely the cell count of the ONL can be observed. The results obtained in vivo and in vitro in this study mainly follow the results of a previous study in mice. The low doses of MNU (1, 2 mg/kg BW) had no effects on retinal function and morphology, while high doses (4, 6 mg/kg BW) led to retinal changes in combination with significant side-effects (e.g., cataractous changes). Injection of 3 mg/kg BW MNU induced selective photoreceptor degeneration. However, the degree of degeneration varied between different parts of the same retina and between retinae of different animals. In two of three animals, a complete loss of ERG potentials was observed. Negative effects on the contralateral eye or on general welfare of the animal were never observed. CONCLUSIONS In rabbits, the intravitreal injection of 3 mg/kg BW MNU leads to selective but inhomogeneous photoreceptor degeneration.
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Dysli C, Dysli M, Zinkernagel MS, Enzmann V. Effect of pharmacologically induced retinal degeneration on retinal autofluorescence lifetimes in mice. Exp Eye Res 2016; 153:178-185. [PMID: 27777124 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO) was used to investigate retinal autofluorescence lifetimes in mouse models of pharmacologically induced retinal degeneration over time. Sodium iodate (NaIO3, 35 mg/kg intravenously) was used to induce retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration with subsequent loss of photoreceptors (PR) whereas N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU, 45 mg/kg intraperitoneally) was employed for degeneration of the photoreceptor cell layer alone. All mice were measured at day 3, 7, 14, and 28 after the respective injection of NaIO3, MNU or NaCl (control). Fluorescence lifetime imaging was performed using a fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscope (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). Fluorescence was excited at 473 nm and fluorescence lifetimes were measured in a short and a long spectral channel (498-560 nm and 560-720 nm). Corresponding optical coherence tomography (OCT) images were consecutively acquired and histology was performed at the end of the experiments. Segmentation of OCT images and histology verified the cell type-specific degeneration process over time. Retinal autofluorescence lifetimes increased from day 3 to day 28 in mice after NaIO3 treatment. Finally, at day 28, fluorescence lifetimes were prolonged by 8% in the short and 61% in the long spectral channel compared to control animals (p = 0.21 and p = 0.004, respectively). In mice after MNU treatment, the mean retinal autofluorescence lifetimes were already decreased at day 3 and retinal lifetimes were finally shortened by 27% in the short and 51% in the long spectral channel at day 28 (p = 0.0028). In conclusion, degeneration of the RPE with subsequent photoreceptor degeneration by NaIO3 lead to longer mean fluorescence lifetimes of the retina compared to control mice, whereas during specific degeneration of the photoreceptor layer induced by MNU shorter lifetimes were measured. Therefore, short retinal fluorescence lifetimes may originate from the RPE and may be modified by the overlaying retinal layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Dysli
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Muriel Dysli
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin S Zinkernagel
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Volker Enzmann
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland.
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