1
|
Conedera FM, Runnels JM, Stein JV, Alt C, Enzmann V, Lin CP. Assessing the role of T cells in response to retinal injury to uncover new therapeutic targets for the treatment of retinal degeneration. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:206. [PMID: 37689689 PMCID: PMC10492418 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02867-x] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinal degeneration is a disease affecting the eye, which is an immune-privileged site because of its anatomical and physiological properties. Alterations in retinal homeostasis-because of injury, disease, or aging-initiate inflammatory cascades, where peripheral leukocytes (PL) infiltrate the parenchyma, leading to retinal degeneration. So far, research on PL's role in retinal degeneration was limited to observing a few cell types at specific times or sectioning the tissue. This restricted our understanding of immune cell interactions and response duration. METHODS In vivo microscopy in preclinical mouse models can overcome these limitations enabling the spatio-temporal characterization of PL dynamics. Through in vivo imaging, we assessed structural and fluorescence changes in response to a focal injury at a defined location over time. We also utilized minimally invasive techniques, pharmacological interventions, and knockout (KO) mice to determine the role of PL in local inflammation. Furthermore, we investigated PL abundance and localization during retinal degeneration in human eyes by histological analysis to assess to which extent our preclinical study translates to human retinal degeneration. RESULTS We demonstrate that PL, especially T cells, play a detrimental role during retinal injury response. In mice, we observed the recruitment of helper and cytotoxic T cells in the parenchyma post-injury, and T cells also resided in the macula and peripheral retina in pathological conditions in humans. Additionally, we found that the pharmacological PL reduction and genetic depletion of T-cells reduced injured areas in murine retinas and rescued the blood-retina barrier (BRB) integrity. Both conditions promoted morphological changes of Cx3cr1+ cells, including microglial cells, toward an amoeboid phenotype during injury response. Interestingly, selective depletion of CD8+ T cells accelerated recovery of the BRB compared to broader depletions. After anti-CD8 treatment, the retinal function improved, concomitant to a beneficial immune response. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide novel insights into the adaptive immune response to retinal injury in mice and human retinal degeneration. Such information is fundamental to understanding retinal disorders and developing therapeutics to modulate immune responses to retinal degeneration safely.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica M Conedera
- Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Judith M Runnels
- Center for Systems Biology and Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jens V Stein
- Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Clemens Alt
- Center for Systems Biology and Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Volker Enzmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Charles P Lin
- Center for Systems Biology and Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xiao X, Liao Z, Zou J. Genetic and epigenetic regulators of retinal Müller glial cell reprogramming. ADVANCES IN OPHTHALMOLOGY PRACTICE AND RESEARCH 2023; 3:126-133. [PMID: 37846362 PMCID: PMC10577857 DOI: 10.1016/j.aopr.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Background Retinal diseases characterized with irreversible loss of retinal nerve cells, such as optic atrophy and retinal degeneration, are the main causes of blindness. Current treatments for these diseases are very limited. An emerging treatment strategy is to induce the reprogramming of Müller glial cells to generate new retinal nerve cells, which could potentially restore vision. Main text Müller glial cells are the predominant glial cells in retinae and play multiple roles to maintain retinal homeostasis. In lower vertebrates, such as in zebrafish, Müller glial cells can undergo cell reprogramming to regenerate new retinal neurons in response to various damage factors, while in mammals, this ability is limited. Interestingly, with proper treatments, Müller glial cells can display the potential for regeneration of retinal neurons in mammalian retinae. Recent studies have revealed that dozens of genetic and epigenetic regulators play a vital role in inducing the reprogramming of Müller glial cells in vivo. This review summarizes these critical regulators for Müller glial cell reprogramming and highlights their differences between zebrafish and mammals. Conclusions A number of factors have been identified as the important regulators in Müller glial cell reprogramming. The early response of Müller glial cells upon acute retinal injury, such as the regulation in the exit from quiescent state, the initiation of reactive gliosis, and the re-entry of cell cycle of Müller glial cells, displays significant difference between mouse and zebrafish, which may be mediated by the diverse regulation of Notch and TGFβ (transforming growth factor-β) isoforms and different chromatin accessibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xueqi Xiao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhiyong Liao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jian Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- The Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Enzmann V, Conedera F. Regenerative capacity of Müller cells and their modulation as a tool to treat retinal degenerations. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:139-140. [PMID: 35799533 PMCID: PMC9241422 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.340408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
|
4
|
Huang Y, Chen X, Jiang Z, Luo Q, Wan L, Hou X, Yu K, Zhuang J. Transcriptome Sequencing Reveals Tgf-β-Mediated Noncoding RNA Regulatory Mechanisms Involved in DNA Damage in the 661W Photoreceptor Cell Line. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:2140. [PMID: 36421815 PMCID: PMC9691224 DOI: 10.3390/genes13112140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (Tgf-β), a pleiotropic cytokine, can enhance DNA repair in various cells, including cancer cells and neurons. The noncoding regulatory system plays an important role in Tgf-β-mediated biological activities, whereas few studies have explored its role in DNA damage and repair. In this study, we suggested that Tgf-β improved while its inhibitor LSKL impaired DNA repair and cell viability in UV-irradiated 661W cells. Moreover, RNA-seq was carried out, and a total of 106 differentially expressed (DE)-mRNAs and 7 DE-lncRNAs were identified between UV/LSKL and UV/ctrl 661W cells. Gene ontology and Reactome analysis confirmed that the DE-mRNAs were enriched in multiple DNA damaged- and repair-related biological functions and pathways. We then constructed a ceRNA network that included 3 lncRNAs, 19 miRNAs, and 29 mRNAs with a bioinformatics prediction. Through RT-qPCR and further functional verification, 2 Tgf-β-mediated ceRNA axes (Gm20559-miR-361-5p-Oas2/Gbp7) were further identified. Gm20559 knockout or miR-361-5p mimics markedly impaired DNA repair and cell viability in UV-irradiated 661W cells, which confirms the bioinformatics results. In summary, this study revealed that Tgf-β could reduce DNA damage in 661W cells, provided a Tgf-β-associated ceRNA network for DNA damage and repair, and suggested that the molecular signatures may be useful candidates as targets of treatment for photoreceptor pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuke Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xi 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
| | - Zhigao Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Qian Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Linxi Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xiangtao Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Keming Yu
- 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 Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Angileri KM, Bagia NA, Feschotte C. Transposon control as a checkpoint for tissue regeneration. Development 2022; 149:dev191957. [PMID: 36440631 PMCID: PMC10655923 DOI: 10.1242/dev.191957] [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: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Tissue regeneration requires precise temporal control of cellular processes such as inflammatory signaling, chromatin remodeling and proliferation. The combination of these processes forms a unique microenvironment permissive to the expression, and potential mobilization of, transposable elements (TEs). Here, we develop the hypothesis that TE activation creates a barrier to tissue repair that must be overcome to achieve successful regeneration. We discuss how uncontrolled TE activity may impede tissue restoration and review mechanisms by which TE activity may be controlled during regeneration. We posit that the diversification and co-evolution of TEs and host control mechanisms may contribute to the wide variation in regenerative competency across tissues and species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krista M. Angileri
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, 526 Campus Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Nornubari A. Bagia
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, 526 Campus Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Cedric Feschotte
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, 526 Campus Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sharma P, Ramachandran R. Retina regeneration: lessons from vertebrates. OXFORD OPEN NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 1:kvac012. [PMID: 38596712 PMCID: PMC10913848 DOI: 10.1093/oons/kvac012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Unlike mammals, vertebrates such as fishes and frogs exhibit remarkable tissue regeneration including the central nervous system. Retina being part of the central nervous system has attracted the interest of several research groups to explore its regenerative ability in different vertebrate models including mice. Fishes and frogs completely restore the size, shape and tissue structure of an injured retina. Several studies have unraveled molecular mechanisms underlying retina regeneration. In teleosts, soon after injury, the Müller glial cells of the retina reprogram to form a proliferating population of Müller glia-derived progenitor cells capable of differentiating into various neural cell types and Müller glia. In amphibians, the transdifferentiation of retinal pigment epithelium and differentiation of ciliary marginal zone cells contribute to retina regeneration. In chicks and mice, supplementation with external growth factors or genetic modifications cause a partial regenerative response in the damaged retina. The initiation of retina regeneration is achieved through sequential orchestration of gene expression through controlled modulations in the genetic and epigenetic landscape of the progenitor cells. Several developmental biology pathways are turned on during the Müller glia reprogramming, retinal pigment epithelium transdifferentiation and ciliary marginal zone differentiation. Further, several tumorigenic pathways and gene expression events also contribute to the complete regeneration cascade of events. In this review, we address the various retinal injury paradigms and subsequent gene expression events governed in different vertebrate species. Further, we compared how vertebrates such as teleost fishes and amphibians can achieve excellent regenerative responses in the retina compared with their mammalian counterparts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, Knowledge City, SAS Nagar, Sector 81, Manauli PO, 140306 Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Rajesh Ramachandran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, Knowledge City, SAS Nagar, Sector 81, Manauli PO, 140306 Mohali, Punjab, India
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen CW, Yao JY. RNA sequence analysis identified bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) as a biomarker underlying form deprivation myopia. Biochem Biophys Rep 2022; 30:101261. [PMID: 35494490 PMCID: PMC9043376 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2022.101261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Form deprivation myopia (FDM) is an urgent public issue characterized by pathological changes, but the underlying mechanism remained unclear. The aim was to investigate bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) utilizing the pathogenesis of FDM. Material and methods Gene expression omnibus (GEO) database was used to analyze one mRNA profile (GSE89325) of FDM. Sixteen retina samples (8 FDM and 8 controls) were randomly divided into seven groups for differential gene expression analysis in R. software. The gene pathway and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis were performed by the DAVID and STRING databases. Cytoscape was used to draw the PPI network. The gene ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were determined to achieve gene annotation and visualization. Results A total of 18420 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified associated with FDM. The only non-significant gene (BEND6) was separately analyzed between two groups. Thirteen hub genes were discovered, ACVR1, ACVR2A, ACVR2B, RGMB, BMPR2, BMPR1A, BMP2, BMPR1B, CHRD, PTH, PTH1R, PTHLH, and WNT9A. The expression alteration in FDM were mainly enriched in cytokine-cytokine, and neuroactive ligand receptor interaction pathways. BMP2 was the key gene in myopia progression. Conclusions Of clinical perspective, our findings reveal that expression of BMP2 as an underlying mechanism of FDM, providing an insight for therapeutic interventions. BMP2 is a novel biomarker of myopia. Neuroactive ligand receptor interaction has some potential clinical applications. Estimating gene changes could become one of methods for myopia prevention.
Collapse
|
8
|
Chen Y, Xia Q, Zeng Y, Zhang Y, Zhang M. Regulations of Retinal Inflammation: Focusing on Müller Glia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:898652. [PMID: 35573676 PMCID: PMC9091449 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.898652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal inflammation underlies multiple prevalent retinal diseases. While microglia are one of the most studied cell types regarding retinal inflammation, growing evidence shows that Müller glia play critical roles in the regulation of retinal inflammation. Müller glia express various receptors for cytokines and release cytokines to regulate inflammation. Müller glia are part of the blood-retinal barrier and interact with microglia in the inflammatory responses. The unique metabolic features of Müller glia in the retina makes them vital for retinal homeostasis maintenance, regulating retinal inflammation by lipid metabolism, purine metabolism, iron metabolism, trophic factors, and antioxidants. miRNAs in Müller glia regulate inflammatory responses via different mechanisms and potentially regulate retinal regeneration. Novel therapies are explored targeting Müller glia for inflammatory retinal diseases treatment. Here we review new findings regarding the roles of Müller glia in retinal inflammation and discuss the related novel therapies for retinal diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Research Laboratory of Macular Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qinghong Xia
- Operating Room of Anesthesia Surgery Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Zeng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Research Laboratory of Macular Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Research Laboratory of Macular Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Meixia Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Research Laboratory of Macular Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Meixia Zhang,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Increased Complement-Associated Inflammation in Cytomegalovirus-Positive Hypertensive Anterior Uveitis Patients Based on the Aqueous Humor Proteomics Analysis. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11092337. [PMID: 35566463 PMCID: PMC9101446 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11092337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Herpetic anterior uveitis-associated ocular inflammation is commonly manifested with ocular hypertension and glaucoma. Relative to other viruses, cytomegalovirus (CMV) positive hypertensive anterior uveitis is associated with high recurrences of uveitis, as well as with uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) and a subsequent higher requirement for future glaucoma surgery. To gain novel insights into the pathogenesis of ocular hypertension in these patients, we investigated the proteome changes of the aqueous humor (AH) derived from the CMV hypertensive anterior uveitis (CMV-HAU; n = 10) patients and non-glaucoma (cataract; n = 10) patients using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Among a total of 562 proteins identified, fifty and fifteen proteins were significantly elevated and decreased, respectively, in the AH of CMV-HAU patients compared to the control subjects by ≥2 fold. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment and network analyses of elevated proteins revealed that the enrichment of protein was involved in the complement activation, the humoral immune response mediated by the circulating immunoglobulins, proteolysis, and platelet degranulation. In the AH of CMV-HAU, GDF (growth/differentiation factor)-15, the inflammatory marker belonging to the TGF-β superfamily proteins, was significantly increased, while vasorin, an anti-TGF-β protein, levels were decreased. The trabecular meshwork cells infected with CMV exhibited a significantly increased expression of inflammatory markers. Collectively, these data indicate increased complement factor associated inflammation and humoral immunity in CMV-HAU associated ocular hypertension.
Collapse
|
10
|
Becker T, Becker CG. Regenerative neurogenesis: the integration of developmental, physiological and immune signals. Development 2022; 149:275248. [PMID: 35502778 PMCID: PMC9124576 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In fishes and salamanders, but not mammals, neural stem cells switch back to neurogenesis after injury. The signalling environment of neural stem cells is strongly altered by the presence of damaged cells and an influx of immune, as well as other, cells. Here, we summarise our recently expanded knowledge of developmental, physiological and immune signals that act on neural stem cells in the zebrafish central nervous system to directly, or indirectly, influence their neurogenic state. These signals act on several intracellular pathways, which leads to changes in chromatin accessibility and gene expression, ultimately resulting in regenerative neurogenesis. Translational approaches in non-regenerating mammals indicate that central nervous system stem cells can be reprogrammed for neurogenesis. Understanding signalling mechanisms in naturally regenerating species show the path to experimentally promoting neurogenesis in mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Becker
- Center for Regenerative Therapies at the TU Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany.,Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Science, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, Scotland
| | - Catherina G Becker
- Center for Regenerative Therapies at the TU Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany.,Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Science, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, Scotland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Palazzo I, Todd LJ, Hoang TV, Reh TA, Blackshaw S, Fischer AJ. NFkB-signaling promotes glial reactivity and suppresses Müller glia-mediated neuron regeneration in the mammalian retina. Glia 2022; 70:1380-1401. [PMID: 35388544 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Müller glia (MG) in mammalian retinas are incapable of regenerating neurons after damage, whereas the MG in lower vertebrates regenerate functional neurons. Identification of cell signaling pathways and gene regulatory networks that regulate MG-mediated regeneration is key to harnessing the regenerative potential of MG. Here, we study how NFkB-signaling influences glial responses to damage and reprogramming of MG into neurons in the rodent retina. We find activation of NFkB and dynamic expression of NFkB-associated genes in MG after damage, however damage-induced NFkB activation is inhibited by microglia ablation. Knockout of NFkB in MG suppressed the accumulation of immune cells after damage. Inhibition of NFkB following NMDA-damage significantly enhanced the reprogramming of Ascl1-overexpressing MG into neuron-like cells. scRNA-seq of retinal glia following inhibition of NFkB reveals coordination with signaling via TGFβ2 and suppression of NFI and Id transcription factors. Inhibition of Smad3 signal transducer or Id transcription factors increased numbers of neuron-like cells produced by Ascl1-overexpressing MG. We conclude that NFkB is a key signaling hub that is activated in MG after damage, mediates the accumulation of immune cells, and suppresses the neurogenic potential of MG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Palazzo
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Levi J Todd
- Department of Biological Structure, College of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Thanh V Hoang
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, College of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andy J Fischer
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Martins RR, Zamzam M, Tracey-White D, Moosajee M, Thummel R, Henriques CM, MacDonald RB. Müller Glia maintain their regenerative potential despite degeneration in the aged zebrafish retina. Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13597. [PMID: 35315590 PMCID: PMC9009236 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ageing is a significant risk factor for degeneration of the retina. Müller glia cells (MG) are key for neuronal regeneration, so harnessing the regenerative capacity of MG in the retina offers great promise for the treatment of age-associated blinding conditions. Yet, the impact of ageing on MG regenerative capacity is unclear. Here, we show that the zebrafish retina undergoes telomerase-independent, age-related neurodegeneration but that this is insufficient to stimulate MG proliferation and regeneration. Instead, age-related neurodegeneration is accompanied by MG morphological aberrations and loss of vision. Mechanistically, yes-associated protein (Yap), part of the Hippo signalling, has been shown to be critical for the regenerative response in the damaged retina, and we show that Yap expression levels decline with ageing. Despite this, morphologically and molecularly altered aged MG retain the capacity to regenerate neurons after acute light damage, therefore, highlighting key differences in the MG response to high-intensity acute damage versus chronic neuronal loss in the zebrafish retina.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel R Martins
- The Bateson Centre, Healthy Lifespan Institute, MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated research into Musculoskeletal Ageing and Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield Medical School, Sheffield, UK
| | - Mazen Zamzam
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Mariya Moosajee
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, 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
| | - Ryan Thummel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Catarina M Henriques
- The Bateson Centre, Healthy Lifespan Institute, MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated research into Musculoskeletal Ageing and Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield Medical School, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ryan B MacDonald
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Schmalen A, Lorenz L, Grosche A, Pauly D, Deeg CA, Hauck SM. Proteomic Phenotyping of Stimulated Müller Cells Uncovers Profound Pro-Inflammatory Signaling and Antigen-Presenting Capacity. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:771571. [PMID: 34776983 PMCID: PMC8585775 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.771571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Müller cells are the main macroglial cells of the retina exerting a wealth of functions to maintain retinal homoeostasis. Upon pathological changes in the retina, they become gliotic with both protective and detrimental consequences. Accumulating data also provide evidence for a pivotal role of Müller cells in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). While microglial cells, the resident immune cells of the retina are considered as main players in inflammatory processes associated with DR, the implication of activated Müller cells in chronic retinal inflammation remains to be elucidated. In order to assess the signaling capacity of Müller cells and their role in retinal inflammation, we performed in-depth proteomic analysis of Müller cell proteomes and secretomes after stimulation with INFγ, TNFα, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, VEGF, TGFβ1, TGFβ2 and TGFβ3. We used both, primary porcine Müller cells and the human Müller cell line MIO-M1 for our hypothesis generating approach. Our results point towards an intense signaling capacity of Müller cells, which reacted in a highly discriminating manner upon treatment with different cytokines. Stimulation of Müller cells resulted in a primarily pro-inflammatory phenotype with secretion of cytokines and components of the complement system. Furthermore, we observed evidence for mitochondrial dysfunction, implying oxidative stress after treatment with the various cytokines. Finally, both MIO-M1 cells and primary porcine Müller cells showed several characteristics of atypical antigen-presenting cells, as they are capable of inducing MHC class I and MHC class II with co-stimulatory molecules. In line with this, they express proteins associated with formation and maturation of phagosomes. Thus, our findings underline the importance of Müller cell signaling in the inflamed retina, indicating an active role in chronic retinal inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Schmalen
- Research Unit Protein Science and Metabolomics and Proteomics Core, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany.,Chair of Physiology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Lea Lorenz
- Chair of Physiology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Antje Grosche
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, LMU Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Diana Pauly
- Experimental Ophthalmology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.,Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Cornelia A Deeg
- Chair of Physiology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Stefanie M Hauck
- Research Unit Protein Science and Metabolomics and Proteomics Core, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Conedera FM, Pousa AMQ, Mercader N, Tschopp M, Enzmann V. The TGFβ/Notch axis facilitates Müller cell-to-epithelial transition to ultimately form a chronic glial scar. Mol Neurodegener 2021; 16:69. [PMID: 34593012 PMCID: PMC8482586 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-021-00482-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Contrasting with zebrafish, retinal regeneration from Müller cells (MCs) is largely limited in mammals, where they undergo reactive gliosis that consist of a hypertrophic response and ultimately results in vision loss. Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is essential for wound healing, including both scar formation and regeneration. However, targeting TGFβ may affect other physiological mechanisms, owing its pleiotropic nature. The regulation of various cellular activities by TGFβ relies on its interaction with other pathways including Notch. Here, we explore the interplay of TGFβ with Notch and how this regulates MC response to injury in zebrafish and mice. Furthermore, we aimed to characterize potential similarities between murine and human MCs during chronic reactive gliosis. Methods Focal damage to photoreceptors was induced with a 532 nm diode laser in TgBAC (gfap:gfap-GFP) zebrafish (ZF) and B6-Tg (Rlbp1-GFP) mice. Transcriptomics, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry were employed for a comparative analysis of MC response to laser-induced injury between ZF and mouse. The laser-induced injury was paired with pharmacological treatments to inhibit either Notch (DAPT) or TGFβ (Pirfenidone) or TGFβ/Notch interplay (SIS3). To determine if the murine laser-induced injury model translates to the human system, we compared the ensuing MC response to human donors with early retinal degeneration. Results Investigations into injury-induced changes in murine MCs revealed TGFβ/Notch interplay during reactive gliosis. We found that TGFβ1/2 and Notch1/2 interact via Smad3 to reprogram murine MCs towards an epithelial lineage and ultimately to form a glial scar. Similar to what we observed in mice, we confirmed the epithelial phenotype of human Müller cells during gliotic response. Conclusion The study indicates a pivotal role for TGFβ/Notch interplay in tuning MC stemness during injury response and provides novel insights into the remodeling mechanism during retinal degenerative diseases. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13024-021-00482-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Maria Conedera
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Advanced Microscopy Program, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ana Maria Quintela Pousa
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nadia Mercader
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Markus Tschopp
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Ophthalmology, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Volker Enzmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. .,Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lee MS, Wan J, Goldman D. Tgfb3 collaborates with PP2A and notch signaling pathways to inhibit retina regeneration. eLife 2020; 9:55137. [PMID: 32396062 PMCID: PMC7250569 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55137] [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: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal degeneration in the zebrafish retina stimulates Müller glia (MG) to proliferate and generate multipotent progenitors for retinal repair. Controlling this proliferation is critical to successful regeneration. Previous studies reported that retinal injury stimulates pSmad3 signaling in injury-responsive MG. Contrary to these findings, we report pSmad3 expression is restricted to quiescent MG and suppressed in injury-responsive MG. Our data indicates that Tgfb3 is the ligand responsible for regulating pSmad3 expression. Remarkably, although overexpression of either Tgfb1b or Tgfb3 can stimulate pSmad3 expression in the injured retina, only Tgfb3 inhibits injury-dependent MG proliferation; suggesting the involvement of a non-canonical Tgfb signaling pathway. Furthermore, inhibition of Alk5, PP2A or Notch signaling rescues MG proliferation in Tgfb3 overexpressing zebrafish. Finally, we report that this Tgfb3 signaling pathway is active in zebrafish MG, but not those in mice, which may contribute to the different regenerative capabilities of MG from fish and mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Sun Lee
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute and Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Jin Wan
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute and Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Daniel Goldman
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute and Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| |
Collapse
|