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Loiseau A, Raîche-Marcoux G, Maranda C, Bertrand N, Boisselier E. Animal Models in Eye Research: Focus on Corneal Pathologies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16661. [PMID: 38068983 PMCID: PMC10706114 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The eye is a complex sensory organ that enables visual perception of the world. The dysfunction of any of these tissues can impair vision. Conduction studies on laboratory animals are essential to ensure the safety of therapeutic products directly applied or injected into the eye to treat ocular diseases before eventually proceeding to clinical trials. Among these tissues, the cornea has unique homeostatic and regenerative mechanisms for maintaining transparency and refraction of external light, which are essential for vision. However, being the outermost tissue of the eye and directly exposed to the external environment, the cornea is particularly susceptible to injury and diseases. This review highlights the evidence for selecting appropriate animals to better understand and treat corneal diseases, which rank as the fifth leading cause of blindness worldwide. The development of reliable and human-relevant animal models is, therefore, a valuable research tool for understanding and translating fundamental mechanistic findings, as well as for assessing therapeutic potential in humans. First, this review emphasizes the unique characteristics of animal models used in ocular research. Subsequently, it discusses current animal models associated with human corneal pathologies, their utility in understanding ocular disease mechanisms, and their role as translational models for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Loiseau
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, CHU de Québec Research Center, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (G.R.-M.); (C.M.)
| | - Gabrielle Raîche-Marcoux
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, CHU de Québec Research Center, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (G.R.-M.); (C.M.)
| | - Cloé Maranda
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, CHU de Québec Research Center, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (G.R.-M.); (C.M.)
| | - Nicolas Bertrand
- Faculty of Pharmacy, CHU de Quebec Research Center, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada;
| | - Elodie Boisselier
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, CHU de Québec Research Center, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (G.R.-M.); (C.M.)
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Zhang Y, Chen C, Chen K. Combined exposure to microplastics and amitriptyline induced abnormal behavioral responses and oxidative stress in the eyes of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2023; 273:109717. [PMID: 37586580 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have demonstrated that microplastics (MPs) can combine with various coexisting chemical pollutants, increasing their bioavailability and changing the combined toxicity to organisms. However, information on the combined effects of MPs and amitriptyline (AMI, a widely used tricyclic antidepressant) on aquatic species is still limited. In this study, we exposed zebrafish to MPs (2-μm polystyrene beads, 0.44 mg/L), AMI (2.5 μg/L), and their mixture for 7 days and investigated the alternation in their behaviors and ocular oxidative stress. As a result, combined exposure to MPs and AMI could significantly elevate locomotor activity, increase the frequency and duration of shoaling behavior in zebrafish, and alter their post-stimulation behaviors. Although combined exposure to MPs and AMI exhibited stronger behavioral toxicity than individual exposure, no significant interactive effects on the behavioral traits were detected, suggesting that the combined behavioral toxicity appeared to be an additive effect. However, their combined exposure to MPs or AMI significantly decreased the ocular levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH in zebrafish, with significant interaction effects on the CAT activity and GSH content. Significant correlations between some post-stimulation behavioral traits and ocular levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH in zebrafish were detected, suggesting that ocular oxidative stress induced by combined exposure to MPs and AMI may play an important role in their behavioral toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- College of Ecology and Environment, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
| | - Kun Chen
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
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3
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An Overview towards Zebrafish Larvae as a Model for Ocular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065387. [PMID: 36982479 PMCID: PMC10048880 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the obvious morphological differences in the visual system, zebrafish share a similar architecture and components of the same embryonic origin as humans. The zebrafish retina has the same layered structure and cell types with similar metabolic and phototransduction support as humans, and is functional 72 h after fertilization, allowing tests of visual function to be performed. The zebrafish genomic database supports genetic mapping studies as well as gene editing, both of which are useful in the ophthalmological field. It is possible to model ocular disorders in zebrafish, as well as inherited retinal diseases or congenital or acquired malformations. Several approaches allow the evaluation of local pathological processes derived from systemic disorders, such as chemical exposure to produce retinal hypoxia or glucose exposure to produce hyperglycemia, mimicking retinopathy of prematurity or diabetic retinopathy, respectively. The pathogenesis of ocular infections, autoimmune diseases, or aging can also be assessed in zebrafish larvae, and the preserved cellular and molecular immune mechanisms can be assessed. Finally, the zebrafish model for the study of the pathologies of the visual system complements certain deficiencies in experimental models of mammals since the regeneration of the zebrafish retina is a valuable tool for the study of degenerative processes and the discovery of new drugs and therapies.
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Adhish M, Manjubala I. Effectiveness of zebrafish models in understanding human diseases-A review of models. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14557. [PMID: 36950605 PMCID: PMC10025926 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the detailed mechanism behind every human disease, disorder, defect, and deficiency is a daunting task concerning the clinical diagnostic tools for patients. Hence, a closely resembling living or simulated model is of paramount interest for the development and testing of a probable novel drug for rectifying the conditions pertaining to the various ailments. The animal model that can be easily genetically manipulated to suit the study of the therapeutic motive is an indispensable asset and within the last few decades, the zebrafish models have proven their effectiveness by becoming such potent human disease models with their use being extended to various avenues of research to understand the underlying mechanisms of the diseases. As zebrafish are explored as model animals in understanding the molecular basis and genetics of many diseases owing to the 70% genetic homology between the human and zebrafish genes; new and fascinating facts about the diseases are being surfaced, establishing it as a very powerful tool for upcoming research. These prospective research areas can be explored in the near future using zebrafish as a model. In this review, the effectiveness of the zebrafish as an animal model against several human diseases such as osteoporosis, atrial fibrillation, Noonan syndrome, leukemia, autism spectrum disorders, etc. has been discussed.
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Espinasa L, Pavie M, Rétaux S. Protocol for lens removal in embryonic fish and its application on the developmental effects of eye regression. SUBTERRANEAN BIOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.45.96963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The lens plays a central role in the development of the optic cup. In fish, regression of the eye early in development affects the development of the craniofacial skeleton, the size of the olfactory pits, the optic nerve, and the tectum. Lens removal further affects olfaction, prey capture, and aggression. The similarity of the fish eye to other vertebrates is the basis for its use as an excellent animal model of human defects. Questions regarding the effects of eye regression are specifically well-suited to be addressed by using fish from the genus Astyanax. The species has two morphs; an eyeless cave morph and an eyed, surface morph. In the cavefish, a lens initially develops in embryos, but then degenerates by apoptosis. The cavefish retina is subsequently disorganized, degenerates, and retinal growth is arrested. The same effect is observed in surface fish when the lens is removed or exchanged for a cavefish lens. While studies can greatly benefit from a control group of surface fish with regressed eyes brought through lensectomies, few studies include them because of technical difficulties and the low survivorship of embryos that undergo this procedure. Here we describe a technique with significant modification for improvement for conducting lensectomy in one-day-old Astyanax and other fish, including zebrafish. Yields of up to 30 live embryos were obtained using this technique from a single spawn, thus enabling studies that require large sample sizes.
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Maleski ALA, Rosa JGS, Bernardo JTG, Astray RM, Walker CIB, Lopes-Ferreira M, Lima C. Recapitulation of Retinal Damage in Zebrafish Larvae Infected with Zika Virus. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091457. [PMID: 35563763 PMCID: PMC9100881 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish are increasingly being utilized as a model to investigate infectious diseases and to advance the understanding of pathogen–host interactions. Here, we take advantage of the zebrafish to recapitulate congenital ZIKV infection and, for the first time, demonstrate that it can be used to model infection and reinfection and monitor anti-viral and inflammatory immune responses, as well as brain growth and eye abnormalities during embryonic development. By injecting a Brazilian strain of ZIKV into the yolk sac of one-cell stage embryos, we confirmed that, after 72 h, ZIKV successfully infected larvae, and the physical condition of the virus-infected hosts included gross morphological changes in surviving embryos (84%), with a reduction in larval head size and retinal damage characterized by increased thickness of the lens and inner nuclear layer. Changes in locomotor activity and the inability to perceive visual stimuli are a result of changes in retinal morphology caused by ZIKV. Furthermore, we demonstrated the ability of ZIKV to replicate in zebrafish larvae and infect new healthy larvae, impairing their visual and neurological functions. These data reinforce the deleterious activity of ZIKV in the brain and visual structures and establish the zebrafish as a model to study the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathology of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adolfo Luis Almeida Maleski
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (A.L.A.M.); (J.G.S.R.); (J.T.G.B.); (M.L.-F.)
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacological Studies (LABEN), Post-Graduation Program of Pharmaceutical Science, Federal University of Sergipe, São Paulo 05503-009, Brazil;
| | - Joao Gabriel Santos Rosa
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (A.L.A.M.); (J.G.S.R.); (J.T.G.B.); (M.L.-F.)
| | - Jefferson Thiago Gonçalves Bernardo
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (A.L.A.M.); (J.G.S.R.); (J.T.G.B.); (M.L.-F.)
| | | | - Cristiani Isabel Banderó Walker
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacological Studies (LABEN), Post-Graduation Program of Pharmaceutical Science, Federal University of Sergipe, São Paulo 05503-009, Brazil;
| | - Monica Lopes-Ferreira
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (A.L.A.M.); (J.G.S.R.); (J.T.G.B.); (M.L.-F.)
| | - Carla Lima
- Immunoregulation Unit of the Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (CeTICs/FAPESP), Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil; (A.L.A.M.); (J.G.S.R.); (J.T.G.B.); (M.L.-F.)
- Correspondence:
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Aragona M, Porcino C, Guerrera MC, Montalbano G, Laurà R, Cometa M, Levanti M, Abbate F, Cobo T, Capitelli G, Vega JA, Germanà A. The BDNF/TrkB Neurotrophin System in the Sensory Organs of Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052621. [PMID: 35269763 PMCID: PMC8910639 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was discovered in the last century, and identified as a member of the neurotrophin family. BDNF shares approximately 50% of its amino acid with other neurotrophins such as NGF, NT-3 and NT-4/5, and its linear amino acid sequences in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and human are 91% identical. BDNF functions can be mediated by two categories of receptors: p75NTR and Trk. Intriguingly, BDNF receptors were highly conserved in the process of evolution, as were the other NTs’ receptors. In this review, we update current knowledge about the distribution and functions of the BDNF-TrkB system in the sensory organs of zebrafish. In fish, particularly in zebrafish, the distribution and functions of BDNF and TrkB in the brain have been widely studied. Both components of the system, associated or segregated, are also present outside the central nervous system, especially in sensory organs including the inner ear, lateral line system, retina, taste buds and olfactory epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marialuisa Aragona
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.C.G.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (M.C.); (M.L.); (F.A.)
| | - Caterina Porcino
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.C.G.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (M.C.); (M.L.); (F.A.)
| | - Maria Cristina Guerrera
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.C.G.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (M.C.); (M.L.); (F.A.)
| | - Giuseppe Montalbano
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.C.G.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (M.C.); (M.L.); (F.A.)
| | - Rosaria Laurà
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.C.G.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (M.C.); (M.L.); (F.A.)
| | - Marzio Cometa
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.C.G.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (M.C.); (M.L.); (F.A.)
| | - Maria Levanti
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.C.G.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (M.C.); (M.L.); (F.A.)
| | - Francesco Abbate
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.C.G.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (M.C.); (M.L.); (F.A.)
| | - Teresa Cobo
- Departamento de Cirugía y Especialidades Médico-Quirúrgicas, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
| | - Gabriel Capitelli
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Viamonte 1053, CABA, Buenos Aires 1056, Argentina;
| | - José A. Vega
- Grupo SINPOS, Universidad de Oviedo, 33003 Oviedo, Spain;
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 7500912, Chile
| | - Antonino Germanà
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.A.); (C.P.); (M.C.G.); (G.M.); (R.L.); (M.C.); (M.L.); (F.A.)
- Correspondence:
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Alexandre-Moreno S, Bonet-Fernández JM, Atienzar-Aroca R, Aroca-Aguilar JD, Escribano J. Null cyp1b1 Activity in Zebrafish Leads to Variable Craniofacial Defects Associated with Altered Expression of Extracellular Matrix and Lipid Metabolism Genes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126430. [PMID: 34208498 PMCID: PMC8234340 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary CYP1B1 is a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase involved in oxidative metabolism of different endogenous lipids and drugs. The loss of function (LoF) of this gene underlies many cases of recessive primary congenital glaucoma (PCG), an infrequent disease and a common cause of infantile loss of vision in children. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to generate a cyp1b1 knockout zebrafish model. The zebrafish line did not exhibit glaucoma-related phenotypes; however, adult mutant zebrafish presented variable craniofacial alterations, including uni- or bilateral craniofacial alterations with incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity. Transcriptomic analyses of seven-dpf cyp1b1-KO zebrafish revealed differentially expressed genes related to extracellular matrix and cell adhesion, cell growth and proliferation, lipid metabolism and inflammation. Overall, this study provides evidence for the complexity of the phenotypes and molecular pathways associated with cyp1b1 LoF, as well as for the dysregulation of extracellular matrix gene expression as one of the mechanisms underlying cyp1b1 disruption-associated pathogenicity. Abstract CYP1B1 loss of function (LoF) is the main known genetic alteration present in recessive primary congenital glaucoma (PCG), an infrequent disease characterized by delayed embryonic development of the ocular iridocorneal angle; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. To model CYP1B1 LoF underlying PCG, we developed a cyp1b1 knockout (KO) zebrafish line using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. This line carries the c.535_667del frameshift mutation that results in the 72% mRNA reduction with the residual mRNA predicted to produce an inactive truncated protein (p.(His179Glyfs*6)). Microphthalmia and jaw maldevelopment were observed in 23% of F0 somatic mosaic mutant larvae (144 hpf). These early phenotypes were not detected in cyp1b1-KO F3 larvae (144 hpf), but 27% of adult (four months) zebrafish exhibited uni- or bilateral craniofacial alterations, indicating the existence of incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity. These phenotypes increased to 86% in the adult offspring of inbred progenitors with craniofacial defects. No glaucoma-related phenotypes were observed in cyp1b1 mutants. Transcriptomic analyses of the offspring (seven dpf) of cyp1b1-KO progenitors with adult-onset craniofacial defects revealed functionally enriched differentially expressed genes related to extracellular matrix and cell adhesion, cell growth and proliferation, lipid metabolism (retinoids, steroids and fatty acids and oxidation–reduction processes that include several cytochrome P450 genes) and inflammation. In summary, this study shows the complexity of the phenotypes and molecular pathways associated with cyp1b1 LoF, with species dependency, and provides evidence for the dysregulation of extracellular matrix gene expression as one of the mechanisms underlying the pathogenicity associated with cyp1b1 disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Alexandre-Moreno
- Área de Genética, Facultad de Medicina de Albacete, Instituto de Investigación en Discapacidades Neurológicas (IDINE), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02006 Albacete, Spain; (S.A.-M.); (J.-M.B.-F.); (R.A.-A.)
- Cooperative Research Network on Age-Related Ocular Pathology, Visual and Life Quality (OFTARED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan-Manuel Bonet-Fernández
- Área de Genética, Facultad de Medicina de Albacete, Instituto de Investigación en Discapacidades Neurológicas (IDINE), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02006 Albacete, Spain; (S.A.-M.); (J.-M.B.-F.); (R.A.-A.)
- Cooperative Research Network on Age-Related Ocular Pathology, Visual and Life Quality (OFTARED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Atienzar-Aroca
- Área de Genética, Facultad de Medicina de Albacete, Instituto de Investigación en Discapacidades Neurológicas (IDINE), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02006 Albacete, Spain; (S.A.-M.); (J.-M.B.-F.); (R.A.-A.)
- Cooperative Research Network on Age-Related Ocular Pathology, Visual and Life Quality (OFTARED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - José-Daniel Aroca-Aguilar
- Área de Genética, Facultad de Medicina de Albacete, Instituto de Investigación en Discapacidades Neurológicas (IDINE), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02006 Albacete, Spain; (S.A.-M.); (J.-M.B.-F.); (R.A.-A.)
- Cooperative Research Network on Age-Related Ocular Pathology, Visual and Life Quality (OFTARED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.-D.A.-A.); (J.E.)
| | - Julio Escribano
- Área de Genética, Facultad de Medicina de Albacete, Instituto de Investigación en Discapacidades Neurológicas (IDINE), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02006 Albacete, Spain; (S.A.-M.); (J.-M.B.-F.); (R.A.-A.)
- Cooperative Research Network on Age-Related Ocular Pathology, Visual and Life Quality (OFTARED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.-D.A.-A.); (J.E.)
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Harding P, Cunha DL, Moosajee M. Animal and cellular models of microphthalmia. THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN RARE DISEASE 2021; 2:2633004021997447. [PMID: 37181112 PMCID: PMC10032472 DOI: 10.1177/2633004021997447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Microphthalmia is a rare developmental eye disorder affecting 1 in 7000 births. It is defined as a small (axial length ⩾2 standard deviations below the age-adjusted mean) underdeveloped eye, caused by disruption of ocular development through genetic or environmental factors in the first trimester of pregnancy. Clinical phenotypic heterogeneity exists amongst patients with varying levels of severity, and associated ocular and systemic features. Up to 11% of blind children are reported to have microphthalmia, yet currently no treatments are available. By identifying the aetiology of microphthalmia and understanding how the mechanisms of eye development are disrupted, we can gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis. Animal models, mainly mouse, zebrafish and Xenopus, have provided extensive information on the genetic regulation of oculogenesis, and how perturbation of these pathways leads to microphthalmia. However, differences exist between species, hence cellular models, such as patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) optic vesicles, are now being used to provide greater insights into the human disease process. Progress in 3D cellular modelling techniques has enhanced the ability of researchers to study interactions of different cell types during eye development. Through improved molecular knowledge of microphthalmia, preventative or postnatal therapies may be developed, together with establishing genotype-phenotype correlations in order to provide patients with the appropriate prognosis, multidisciplinary care and informed genetic counselling. This review summarises some key discoveries from animal and cellular models of microphthalmia and discusses how innovative new models can be used to further our understanding in the future. Plain language summary Animal and Cellular Models of the Eye Disorder, Microphthalmia (Small Eye) Microphthalmia, meaning a small, underdeveloped eye, is a rare disorder that children are born with. Genetic changes or variations in the environment during the first 3 months of pregnancy can disrupt early development of the eye, resulting in microphthalmia. Up to 11% of blind children have microphthalmia, yet currently no treatments are available. By understanding the genes necessary for eye development, we can determine how disruption by genetic changes or environmental factors can cause this condition. This helps us understand why microphthalmia occurs, and ensure patients are provided with the appropriate clinical care and genetic counselling advice. Additionally, by understanding the causes of microphthalmia, researchers can develop treatments to prevent or reduce the severity of this condition. Animal models, particularly mice, zebrafish and frogs, which can also develop small eyes due to the same genetic/environmental changes, have helped us understand the genes which are important for eye development and can cause birth eye defects when disrupted. Studying a patient's own cells grown in the laboratory can further help researchers understand how changes in genes affect their function. Both animal and cellular models can be used to develop and test new drugs, which could provide treatment options for patients living with microphthalmia. This review summarises the key discoveries from animal and cellular models of microphthalmia and discusses how innovative new models can be used to further our understanding in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mariya Moosajee
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath
Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust,
London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS
Foundation Trust, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
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Abstract
For centuries, the eye has fascinated scientists and philosophers alike, and as a result the visual system has always been at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology in research. We are again at a turning point at which technical advances have expanded the range of organisms we can study developmentally and deepened what we can learn. In this new era, we are finally able to understand eye development in animals across the phylogenetic tree. In this Review, we highlight six areas in comparative visual system development that address questions that are important for understanding the developmental basis of evolutionary change. We focus on the opportunities now available to biologists to study the developmental genetics, cell biology and morphogenesis that underlie the incredible variation of visual organs found across the Metazoa. Although decades of important work focused on gene expression has suggested homologies and potential evolutionary relationships between the eyes of diverse animals, it is time for developmental biologists to move away from this reductive approach. We now have the opportunity to celebrate the differences and diversity in visual organs found across animal development, and to learn what it can teach us about the fundamental principles of biological systems and how they are built.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M Koenig
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- John Harvard Distinguished Science Fellowship Program, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Gross
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Developmental Biology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Covello G, Rossello FJ, Filosi M, Gajardo F, Duchemin A, Tremonti BF, Eichenlaub M, Polo JM, Powell D, Ngai J, Allende ML, Domenici E, Ramialison M, Poggi L. Transcriptome analysis of the zebrafish atoh7-/- Mutant, lakritz, highlights Atoh7-dependent genetic networks with potential implications for human eye diseases. FASEB Bioadv 2020; 2:434-448. [PMID: 32676583 PMCID: PMC7354691 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2020-00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of the bHLH transcription protein Atoh7 is a crucial factor conferring competence to retinal progenitor cells for the development of retinal ganglion cells. Several studies have emerged establishing ATOH7 as a retinal disease gene. Remarkably, such studies uncovered ATOH7 variants associated with global eye defects including optic nerve hypoplasia, microphthalmia, retinal vascular disorders, and glaucoma. The complex genetic networks and cellular decisions arising downstream of atoh7 expression, and how their dysregulation cause development of such disease traits remains unknown. To begin to understand such Atoh7-dependent events in vivo, we performed transcriptome analysis of wild-type and atoh7 mutant (lakritz) zebrafish embryos at the onset of retinal ganglion cell differentiation. We investigated in silico interplays of atoh7 and other disease-related genes and pathways. By network reconstruction analysis of differentially expressed genes, we identified gene clusters enriched in retinal development, cell cycle, chromatin remodeling, stress response, and Wnt pathways. By weighted gene coexpression network, we identified coexpression modules affected by the mutation and enriched in retina development genes tightly connected to atoh7. We established the groundwork whereby Atoh7-linked cellular and molecular processes can be investigated in the dynamic multi-tissue environment of the developing normal and diseased vertebrate eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Covello
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology ‐ CIBIOUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
- Present address:
Department of BiologyUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Fernando J. Rossello
- Australian Regenerative Medicine InstituteMonash University Clayton VICClaytonAustralia
- Present address:
University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer ResearchUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Michele Filosi
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology ‐ CIBIOUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Felipe Gajardo
- Center for Genome RegulationFacultad de Ciencias, SantiagoUniversidad de ChileSantiagoChile
| | | | - Beatrice F. Tremonti
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology ‐ CIBIOUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Michael Eichenlaub
- Australian Regenerative Medicine InstituteMonash University Clayton VICClaytonAustralia
| | - Jose M. Polo
- Australian Regenerative Medicine InstituteMonash University Clayton VICClaytonAustralia
- BDIMonash University Clayton VICClaytonAustralia
| | - David Powell
- Monash Bioinformatics PlatformMonash University Clayton VICClaytonAustralia
| | - John Ngai
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology & Helen Wills Neuroscience InstituteUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCAUSA
| | - Miguel L. Allende
- Center for Genome RegulationFacultad de Ciencias, SantiagoUniversidad de ChileSantiagoChile
| | - Enrico Domenici
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology ‐ CIBIOUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
- Fondazione The Microsoft Research ‐ University of Trento Centre for Computational and Systems BiologyTrentoItaly
| | - Mirana Ramialison
- Australian Regenerative Medicine InstituteMonash University Clayton VICClaytonAustralia
| | - Lucia Poggi
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology ‐ CIBIOUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
- Centre for Organismal StudyHeidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
- Department of PhysiologyDevelopment and NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
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Cytotoxic Evaluation and Anti-Angiogenic Effects of Two Furano-Sesquiterpenoids from Commiphora myrrh Resin. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25061318. [PMID: 32183153 PMCID: PMC7144466 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25061318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Commiphora myrrh resin (Myrrh) has been used in traditional Arabic medicine to treat various inflammatory diseases. Two furano-sesquiterpenoids, 2-methoxyfuranodiene (CM1) and 2-acetoxyfuranodiene (CM2), were isolated from the chloroform fraction of the ethanolic extract of Arabic Commiphora myrrh resin. The cytotoxicity of the compounds was evaluated using human liver carcinoma, breast cancer cells (HepG2 and MCF-7, respectively) and normal human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cell lines. The development toxicity and anti-angiogenic activity of both compounds were also evaluated using zebrafish embryos. Cell survival assays demonstrated that both compounds were highly cytotoxic in HepG2 and MCF7 cells, with IC50 values of 3.6 and 4.4 µM, respectively. Both compounds induced apoptosis and caused cell cycle arrest in treated HepG2 cells, which was observed using flow cytometric analysis. The development toxicity in zebrafish embryos showed the chronic toxicity of both compounds. The toxicity was only seen when the embryos remained exposed to the compounds for more than three days. The compound CM2 showed a significant level of anti-angiogenic activity in transgenic zebrafish embryos at sublethal doses. Thus, we demonstrated the cytotoxic properties of both compounds, suggesting that the molecular mechanism of these compounds should be further assessed.
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Calvas P, Traboulsi EI, Ragge N. Through the looking glass: eye anomalies in the age of molecular science. Hum Genet 2019; 138:795-798. [PMID: 31392423 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-019-02056-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Calvas
- INSERM U1056, Centre de Référence des Anomalies Rares en Génétique Ophtalmologique, Service de Génétique Médicale, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Elias I Traboulsi
- Center for Genetic Eye Diseases/i32, Cole Eye Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Nicola Ragge
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, OX3 0BP, UK. .,West Midlands Regional Clinical Genetics Service and Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, B15 2TG, UK.
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