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Lamont HC, Wright AW, Devrie K, Okur KE, Jones M, Masood I, Hill LJ, Nazhat SN, Grover LM, Haj AJE, Metcalfe AD. Trabecular meshwork cell differentiation in response to collagen and TGFβ-2 spatial interactions. Acta Biomater 2024:S1742-7061(24)00490-2. [PMID: 39218278 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.08.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is currently the most prevalent cause of irreversible blindness globally. To date, there are few in vitro models that can faithfully recapitulate the complex architecture of the trabecular meshwork (TM) and the specialized trabecular meshwork cell (TMC) characteristics that are local to structurally opposing regions. This study aimed to investigate the parameters that govern TMC phenotype by adapting the extracellular matrix structure to mimic the juxtacanalicular tissue (JCT) region of the TM. Initially, TMC phenotypic characteristics were investigated within type I collagen matrices of controlled fiber density and anisotropy, generated through confined plastic compression (PC). Notably, PC-collagen presented biophysical cues that induced JCT cellular characteristics (elastin, α-β-Crystallin protein expression, cytoskeletal remodeling and increased mesenchymal and JCT-specific genetic markers). In parallel, a pathological mesenchymal phenotype associated with POAG was induced through localized transforming growth factor -beta 2 (TGFβ-2) exposure. This resulted in a profile of alternative mesenchymal states (fibroblast/smooth muscle or myofibroblast) displayed by the TMC in vitro. Overall, the study provides an advanced insight into the biophysical cues that modulate TMC fate, demonstrating the induction of a JCT-specific TMC phenotype and transient mesenchymal characteristics that reflect both healthy or pathological scenarios. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Glaucoma is the most prevalent cause of blindness, with a lack of efficacy within current drug candidates. Reliable trabecular meshwork (TM) in vitro models will be critical for enhancing the fields understanding of healthy and disease states for pre-clinical testing. To date, trabecular meshwork cells (TMCs) display heterogeneity throughout the hierarchical TM, however our understanding into recapitulating these phenotypes in vitro, remains elusive. This study hypothesizes the importance of specific matrix/growth factor spatial stimuli in governing TMC phenotype. By emulating certain biophysical/biochemical in vivo parameters, we introduce an advanced profile of distinct TMC phenotypic states, reflecting healthy and disease scenarios. A notion that has not be stated prior and a fundamental consideration for future TM 3D in vitro modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C Lamont
- Healthcare Technologies Institute, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Abigail W Wright
- Healthcare Technologies Institute, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Kate Devrie
- Department of Mining and Materials Engineering, McGill University, Canada
| | - Kerime E Okur
- Healthcare Technologies Institute, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Michael Jones
- Cell Guidance Systems Ltd, Maia Building, Babraham Bioscience Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Imran Masood
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Lisa J Hill
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Showan N Nazhat
- Department of Mining and Materials Engineering, McGill University, Canada
| | - Liam M Grover
- Healthcare Technologies Institute, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Alicia J El Haj
- Healthcare Technologies Institute, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Anthony D Metcalfe
- Healthcare Technologies Institute, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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2
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Doyle C, Callaghan B, Roodnat AW, Armstrong L, Lester K, Simpson DA, Atkinson SD, Sheridan C, McKenna DJ, Willoughby CE. The TGFβ Induced MicroRNAome of the Trabecular Meshwork. Cells 2024; 13:1060. [PMID: 38920689 PMCID: PMC11201560 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121060] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a progressive optic neuropathy with a complex, multifactorial aetiology. Raised intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most important clinically modifiable risk factor for POAG. All current pharmacological agents target aqueous humour dynamics to lower IOP. Newer therapeutic agents are required as some patients with POAG show a limited therapeutic response or develop ocular and systemic side effects to topical medication. Elevated IOP in POAG results from cellular and molecular changes in the trabecular meshwork driven by increased levels of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) in the anterior segment of the eye. Understanding how TGFβ affects both the structural and functional changes in the outflow pathway and IOP is required to develop new glaucoma therapies that target the molecular pathology in the trabecular meshwork. In this study, we evaluated the effects of TGF-β1 and -β2 treatment on miRNA expression in cultured human primary trabecular meshwork cells. Our findings are presented in terms of specific miRNAs (miRNA-centric), but given miRNAs work in networks to control cellular pathways and processes, a pathway-centric view of miRNA action is also reported. Evaluating TGFβ-responsive miRNA expression in trabecular meshwork cells will further our understanding of the important pathways and changes involved in the pathogenesis of glaucoma and could lead to the development of miRNAs as new therapeutic modalities in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsey Doyle
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (C.D.); (A.W.R.); (L.A.); (S.D.A.); (D.J.M.)
| | - Breedge Callaghan
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (C.D.); (A.W.R.); (L.A.); (S.D.A.); (D.J.M.)
| | - Anton W. Roodnat
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (C.D.); (A.W.R.); (L.A.); (S.D.A.); (D.J.M.)
| | - Lee Armstrong
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (C.D.); (A.W.R.); (L.A.); (S.D.A.); (D.J.M.)
| | - Karen Lester
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (C.D.); (A.W.R.); (L.A.); (S.D.A.); (D.J.M.)
| | - David A. Simpson
- Wellcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queens’ University, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK;
| | - Sarah D. Atkinson
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (C.D.); (A.W.R.); (L.A.); (S.D.A.); (D.J.M.)
| | - Carl Sheridan
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK;
| | - Declan J. McKenna
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (C.D.); (A.W.R.); (L.A.); (S.D.A.); (D.J.M.)
| | - Colin E. Willoughby
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (C.D.); (A.W.R.); (L.A.); (S.D.A.); (D.J.M.)
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3
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Choy DMY, Ang BCH, Adav SS, Zheng YB, Goh CJS, Wei J, Kumaran A, Chua CH, Gan NY, Sze SK, Yip LWL. Aqueous humour protein dysregulation in Asian eyes with primary open angle glaucoma. Exp Eye Res 2024; 243:109887. [PMID: 38609044 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) remains poorly understood. Through proteomic analysis of aqueous humour (AH) from POAG patients, we aim to identify changes in protein composition of these samples compared to control samples. High resolution mass spectrometry-based TMT6plex quantitative proteomics analysis is performed on AH samples collected from POAG patients, and compared against a control group of patients with cataracts. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD033153. 1589 proteins were quantified from the aqueous samples using Proteome Discoverer version 2.2 software. Among these proteins, 210 were identified as unique master proteins. The proteins which were up or down-regulated by ±3 fold-change were considered significant. Human neuroblastoma full-length cDNA clone CS0DD006YL02 was significantly upregulated in patients with severe POAG on >2 medications, while actin, cytoplasmic 1, V2-7 protein (fragment), immunoglobulin-like polypeptide 1 and phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein 4 were only present in these patients with severe POAG on >2 medications. Beta-crystallin B1 and B2, Gamma-crystallin C, D and S were significantly downregulated in the severe POAG ≤2 glaucoma medications group. Beta-crystallin B2, Gamma-crystallin D and GCT-A9 light chain variable region (fragment) were significantly downregulated in the non-severe POAG group. Actin, cytoplasmic 1 was significantly upregulated in subjects with severe POAG who required more than 2 glaucoma medications. Crystallins (Beta-crystallin B1 and B2, Gamma-crystallin C, D and S) were significantly downregulated in subjects with severe POAG who required less than 2 glaucoma medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren Mun Yoong Choy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, 308433, Singapore
| | - Bryan Chin Hou Ang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, 308433, Singapore; Department of Ophthalmology, Woodlands Health, National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Singapore; Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, USA
| | - Sunil S Adav
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
| | - Yu Bo Zheng
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Caius Jun Shyan Goh
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jin Wei
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
| | - Arjunan Kumaran
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, 308433, Singapore
| | - Chun Hau Chua
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, 308433, Singapore
| | - Nicola Yian Gan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, 308433, Singapore
| | - Siu Kwan Sze
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore; Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Leonard Wei Leon Yip
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, 308433, Singapore; Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
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4
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Huang X, Zhou X, Zhang F, Wang X, Duan X, Liu K. DDX58 variant triggers IFN-β-induced autophagy in trabecular meshwork and influences intraocular pressure. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23651. [PMID: 38752537 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302265rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Singleton-Merten syndrome (SMS) is a rare immunogenetic disorder affecting multiple systems, characterized by dental dysplasia, aortic calcification, glaucoma, skeletal abnormalities, and psoriasis. Glaucoma, a key feature of both classical and atypical SMS, remains poorly understood in terms of its molecular mechanism caused by DDX58 mutation. This study presented a novel DDX58 variant (c.1649A>C [p.Asp550Ala]) in a family with childhood glaucoma. Functional analysis showed that DDX58 variant caused an increase in IFN-stimulated gene expression and high IFN-β-based type-I IFN. As the trabecular meshwork (TM) is responsible for controlling intraocular pressure (IOP), we examine the effect of IFN-β on TM cells. Our study is the first to demonstrate that IFN-β significantly reduced TM cell viability and function by activating autophagy. In addition, anterior chamber injection of IFN-β remarkably increased IOP level in mice, which can be attenuated by treatments with autophagy inhibitor chloroquine. To uncover the specific mechanism underlying IFN-β-induced autophagy in TM cells, we performed microarray analysis in IFN-β-treated and DDX58 p.Asp550Ala TM cells. It showed that RSAD2 is necessary for IFN-β-induced autophagy. Knockdown of RSAD2 by siRNA significantly decreased autophagy flux induced by IFN-β. Our findings suggest that DDX58 mutation leads to the overproduction of IFN-β, which elevates IOP by modulating autophagy through RSAD2 in TM cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinting Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Glaucoma Institute, Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xuanchu Duan
- Glaucoma Institute, Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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5
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Bou Ghanem GO, Wareham LK, Calkins DJ. Addressing neurodegeneration in glaucoma: Mechanisms, challenges, and treatments. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 100:101261. [PMID: 38527623 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally. The disease causes vision loss due to neurodegeneration of the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) projection to the brain through the optic nerve. Glaucoma is associated with sensitivity to intraocular pressure (IOP). Thus, mainstay treatments seek to manage IOP, though many patients continue to lose vision. To address neurodegeneration directly, numerous preclinical studies seek to develop protective or reparative therapies that act independently of IOP. These include growth factors, compounds targeting metabolism, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents, and neuromodulators. Despite success in experimental models, many of these approaches fail to translate into clinical benefits. Several factors contribute to this challenge. Firstly, the anatomic structure of the optic nerve head differs between rodents, nonhuman primates, and humans. Additionally, animal models do not replicate the complex glaucoma pathophysiology in humans. Therefore, to enhance the success of translating these findings, we propose two approaches. First, thorough evaluation of experimental targets in multiple animal models, including nonhuman primates, should precede clinical trials. Second, we advocate for combination therapy, which involves using multiple agents simultaneously, especially in the early and potentially reversible stages of the disease. These strategies aim to increase the chances of successful neuroprotective treatment for glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazi O Bou Ghanem
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Lauren K Wareham
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - David J Calkins
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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6
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Seleem AA, Badr AH. Comparative study of the ciliary body and iris morphology in the anterior eye chamber of five different vertebrate classes. Anat Histol Embryol 2024; 53:e13052. [PMID: 38735035 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.13052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
One crucial component of the optical system is the ciliary body (CB). This body secretes the aqueous humour, which is essential to maintain the internal eye pressure as well as the clearness of the lens and cornea. The histological study was designed to provide the morphological differences of CB and iris in the anterior eye chambers of the following vertebrate classes: fish (grass carp), amphibians (Arabian toad), reptiles (semiaquatic turtle, fan-footed gecko, ocellated skink, Egyptian spiny-tailed lizard, Arabian horned viper), birds (common pigeon, common quail, common kestrel), and mammals (BALB/c mouse, rabbit, golden hamster, desert hedgehog, lesser Egyptian jerboa, Egyptian fruit bat). The results showed distinct morphological appearances of the CB and iris in each species, ranging from fish to mammals. The present comparative study concluded that the morphological structure of the CB and iris is the adaptation of species to either their lifestyle or survival in specific habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin A Seleem
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Taibah University, Al Madinah Almunawwarah, Saudi Arabia
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Amira H Badr
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
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7
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Kluge N, Reinehr S. Two become one: combination of two risk factors in a new glaucoma animal model. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:982-983. [PMID: 37862198 PMCID: PMC10749588 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.385289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nils Kluge
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sabrina Reinehr
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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8
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Reinehr S, Wulf J, Theile J, Schulte KK, Peters M, Fuchshofer R, Dick HB, Joachim SC. In a novel autoimmune and high-pressure glaucoma model a complex immune response is induced. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1296178. [PMID: 38515755 PMCID: PMC10955086 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1296178] [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: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The neurodegenerative processes leading to glaucoma are complex. In addition to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), an involvement of immunological mechanisms is most likely. In the new multifactorial glaucoma model, a combination of high IOP and optic nerve antigen (ONA) immunization leads to an enhanced loss of retinal ganglion cells accompanied by a higher number of microglia/macrophages in the inner retina. Here, we aimed to evaluate the immune response in this new model, especially the complement activation and the number of T-cells, for the first time. Further, the microglia/macrophage response was examined in more detail. Methods Six-week-old wildtype (WT+ONA) and βB1-connective tissue growth factor high-pressure mice (CTGF+ONA) were immunized with 1 mg ONA. A wildtype control (WT) and a CTGF group (CTGF) received NaCl instead. Six weeks after immunization, retinae from all four groups were processed for immunohistology, RT-qPCR, and flow cytometry, while serum was used for microarray analyses. Results We noticed elevated numbers of C1q+ cells (classical complement pathway) in CTGF and CTGF+ONA retinae as well as an upregulation of C1qa, C1qb, and C1qc mRNA levels in these groups. While the complement C3 was only increased in CTGF and CTGF+ONA retinae, enhanced numbers of the terminal membrane attack complex were noted in all three glaucoma groups. Flow cytometry and RT-qPCR analyses revealed an enhancement of different microglia/macrophages markers, including CD11b, especially in CTGF and CTGF+ONA retinae. Interestingly, increased retinal mRNA as well as serum levels of the tumor necrosis factor α were found throughout the different glaucoma groups. Lastly, more T-cells could be observed in the ganglion cell layer of the new CTGF+ONA model. Conclusion These results emphasize an involvement of the complement system, microglia/macrophages, and T-cells in glaucomatous disease. Moreover, in the new multifactorial glaucoma model, increased IOP in combination with autoimmune processes seem to enforce an additional T-cell response, leading to a more persistent pathology. Hence, this new model mimics the pathomechanisms occurring in human glaucoma more accurately and could therefore be a helpful tool to find new therapeutic approaches for patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Reinehr
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Julien Wulf
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Janine Theile
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Kim K. Schulte
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Marcus Peters
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Rudolf Fuchshofer
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - H. Burkhard Dick
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Stephanie C. Joachim
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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9
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Loo Y, Chan ASY, Khor CC, Aung T, Wang Z. Rodent genetically modified models of glaucoma. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 95:101229. [PMID: 38039744 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, is a complex and heterogenous disease. While environmental factors are important, it is well-recognized that the disease has a strong heritable component. With the advent of large-cohort genome wide association studies, a myriad of genetic risk loci has been linked to different forms of glaucoma. Animal models have been an indispensable tool in characterizing these loci, especially if they lie within coding regions in the genome. Not only do these models connect genotype to phenotype, advancing our understanding of glaucoma pathogenesis in the process, they also have valuable utility as a platform for the pre-clinical testing of potential therapies. In this review, we will outline genetic models used for studying the major forms of glaucoma, including primary open angle glaucoma, normal tension glaucoma, primary angle closure glaucoma, pigmentary glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, and early onset glaucoma, including congenital and developmental glaucoma, and how studying these models have helped shed light on human glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhua Loo
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - Anita Sook Yee Chan
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - Chiea Chuen Khor
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - Tin Aung
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - Zhenxun Wang
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.
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10
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Li H, Kuhn M, Kelly RA, Singh A, Palanivel KK, Salama I, De Ieso ML, Stamer WD, Ganapathy PS, Herberg S. Targeting YAP/TAZ mechanosignaling to ameliorate stiffness-induced Schlemm's canal cell pathobiology. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 326:C513-C528. [PMID: 38105758 PMCID: PMC11192480 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00438.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Pathological alterations in the biomechanical properties of the Schlemm's canal (SC) inner wall endothelium and its immediate vicinity are strongly associated with ocular hypertension in glaucoma due to decreased outflow facility. Specifically, the underlying trabecular meshwork is substantially stiffer in glaucomatous eyes compared with that from normal eyes. This raises the possibility of a critical involvement of mechanotransduction processes in driving SC cell dysfunction. Yes-associated protein (YAP) has emerged as a key contributor to glaucoma pathogenesis. However, the molecular underpinnings of SC cell mechanosignaling via YAP and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in response to glaucomatous extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffening are not well understood. Using a novel biopolymer hydrogel that facilitates dynamic and reversible stiffness tuning, we investigated how ECM stiffening modulates YAP/TAZ activity in primary human SC cells, and whether disruption of YAP/TAZ mechanosignaling attenuates SC cell pathobiology and increases ex vivo outflow facility. We demonstrated that ECM stiffening drives pathologic YAP/TAZ activation and cytoskeletal reorganization in SC cells, which was fully reversible by matrix softening in a distinct time-dependent manner. Furthermore, we showed that pharmacologic or genetic disruption of YAP/TAZ mechanosignaling abrogates stiffness-induced SC cell dysfunction involving altered cytoskeletal and ECM remodeling. Finally, we found that perfusion of the clinically used, small molecule YAP/TAZ inhibitor verteporfin (without light activation) increases ex vivo outflow facility in normal mouse eyes. Collectively, our data provide new evidence for a pathologic role of aberrant YAP/TAZ mechanosignaling in SC cell dysfunction and suggest that YAP/TAZ inhibition has therapeutic value for treating ocular hypertension in glaucoma.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Pathologically altered biomechanical properties of the Schlemm's canal (SC) inner wall microenvironment were recently validated as the cause for increased outflow resistance in ocular hypertensive glaucoma. However, the involvement of specific mechanotransduction pathways in these disease processes is largely unclear. Here, we demonstrate that Yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are central regulators of glaucoma-like SC cell dysfunction in response to extracellular matrix stiffening and that targeted disruption of YAP/TAZ mechanosignaling attenuates SC cell pathobiology and enhances outflow function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, United States
| | - Megan Kuhn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Ruth A Kelly
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Ayushi Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, United States
| | - Kavipriya Kovai Palanivel
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
| | - Izzy Salama
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
| | - Michael L De Ieso
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - W Daniel Stamer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Preethi S Ganapathy
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
| | - Samuel Herberg
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, United States
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11
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Das A, Kashyap O, Pandey DP, Bodakhe SH. Oxymatrine impedes the progression of endotoxin-induced glaucoma via redox system modulations. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23631. [PMID: 38229309 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to provide irrefutable evidence of the preventive effects of oxymatine (OMT) on a model of endotoxin induced glaucoma in Wistar rats which can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and TNF-α antagonistic properties. To assess the impact of OMT on uveitic glaucoma, the normal group received 100 μL distilled water topically for 15 days, while the glaucoma control group was induced with uveitic glaucoma by applying 10 μL of 10 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) topically for 3 consecutive days. The treatment groups were then given OMT solution at a volume of 50 μL with varying doses of 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% once a day via topical administration for 15 days. In addition, as a standard, the animals were also given 100 μL of 1% dorzolamide topically for 15 days. All ophthalmic dosing was carried out by pulling the lower eye-lid of the experimental animals and administration of the respective solutions. The study uses cutting-edge real-time imaging of the retinal vasculature in anesthetized animals, postsacrifice lenticular picturization and biochemical evidence to support the changes in the retinal layers. LPS induced animals demonstrated increased IOP, disrupted antioxidant systems, massive lipid damage, enhanced TNF-α activity and changes in intracellular ATPase and ionic activities. The damaged retinal vasculature and lenticular opacification further supported the biochemical evidence. However, using OMT at a 1% dosage effectively enhanced the antioxidant levels, regulated intracellular ion concentration and ATPases, decreased TNF-α activity, and counteracted mechanobiological changes in the visual front and retina. Moreover, OMT can successfully normalize intraocular pressure, making it a highly beneficial treatment option for glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashmita Das
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Onkar Kashyap
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Devi P Pandey
- Government Degree College, Dehradun City, Dehradun, India
| | - Surendra H Bodakhe
- Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India
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12
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Agarwal R, Iezhitsa I. Genetic rodent models of glaucoma in representing disease phenotype and insights into the pathogenesis. Mol Aspects Med 2023; 94:101228. [PMID: 38016252 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Genetic rodent models are widely used in glaucoma related research. With vast amount of information revealed by human studies about genetic correlations with glaucoma, use of these models is relevant and required. In this review, we discuss the glaucoma endophenotypes and importance of their representation in an experimental animal model. Mice and rats are the most popular animal species used as genetic models due to ease of genetic manipulations in these animal species as well as the availability of their genomic information. With technological advances, induction of glaucoma related genetic mutations commonly observed in human is possible to achieve in rodents in a desirable manner. This approach helps to study the pathobiology of the disease process with the background of genetic abnormalities, reveals potential therapeutic targets and gives an opportunity to test newer therapeutic options. Various genetic manipulation leading to appearance of human relevant endophenotypes in rodents indicate their relevance in glaucoma pathology and the utility of these rodent models for exploring various aspects of the disease related to targeted mutation. The molecular pathways involved in the pathophysiology of glaucoma leading to elevated intraocular pressure and the disease hallmark, apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve degeneration, have been extensively explored in genetic rodent models. In this review, we discuss the consequences of various genetic manipulations based on the primary site of pathology in the anterior or the posterior segment. We discuss how these genetic manipulations produce features in rodents that can be considered a close representation of disease phenotype in human. We also highlight several molecular mechanisms revealed by using genetic rodent models of glaucoma including those involved in increased aqueous outflow resistance, loss of retinal ganglion cells and optic neuropathy. Lastly, we discuss the limitations of the use of genetic rodent models in glaucoma related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renu Agarwal
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Malaysia.
| | - Igor Iezhitsa
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Malaysia
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13
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Faralli JA, Filla MS, Peters DM. Role of integrins in the development of fibrosis in the trabecular meshwork. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2023; 3:1274797. [PMID: 38983065 PMCID: PMC11182094 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2023.1274797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a progressive and chronic disease exhibiting many of the features of fibrosis. The extracellular matrix (ECM) in the trabecular meshwork (TM) undergoes extensive remodeling and enhanced rigidity, resembling fibrotic changes. In addition, there are changes associated with myofibroblast activation and cell contractility that further drives tissue fibrosis and stiffening. This review discusses what is known about the integrins in the TM and their involvement in fibrotic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Faralli
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Mark S Filla
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Donna M Peters
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
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14
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Li H, Kuhn M, Kelly RA, Singh A, Palanivel KK, Salama I, De Ieso ML, Stamer WD, Ganapathy PS, Herberg S. Targeting YAP mechanosignaling to ameliorate stiffness-induced Schlemm's canal cell pathobiology. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.08.556840. [PMID: 37781615 PMCID: PMC10541092 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.08.556840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Pathologic alterations in the biomechanical properties of the Schlemm's canal (SC) inner wall endothelium and its immediate vicinity are strongly associated with ocular hypertension in glaucoma due to decreased outflow facility. Specifically, the underlying trabecular meshwork is substantially stiffer in glaucomatous eyes compared to that from normal eyes. This raises the possibility of a critical involvement of mechanotransduction processes in driving SC cell dysfunction. Yes-associated protein (YAP) has emerged as a key contributor to glaucoma pathogenesis. However, the molecular underpinnings of SC cell YAP mechanosignaling in response to glaucomatous extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffening are not well understood. Using a novel biopolymer hydrogel that facilitates dynamic and reversible stiffness tuning, we investigated how ECM stiffening modulates YAP activity in primary human SC cells, and whether disruption of YAP mechanosignaling attenuates SC cell pathobiology and increases ex vivo outflow facility. We demonstrated that ECM stiffening drives pathologic YAP activation and cytoskeletal reorganization in SC cells, which was fully reversible by matrix softening in a distinct time-dependent manner. Furthermore, we showed that pharmacologic or genetic disruption of YAP mechanosignaling abrogates stiffness-induced SC cell dysfunction involving altered cytoskeletal and ECM remodeling. Lastly, we found that perfusion of the clinically-used, small molecule YAP inhibitor verteporfin (without light activation) increases ex vivo outflow facility in normal mouse eyes. Collectively, our data provide new evidence for a pathologic role of aberrant YAP mechanosignaling in SC cell dysfunction and suggest that YAP inhibition has therapeutic value for treating ocular hypertension in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Megan Kuhn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Ruth A. Kelly
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Ayushi Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Kavipriya Kovai Palanivel
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Izzy Salama
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Michael L. De Ieso
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - W. Daniel Stamer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Preethi S. Ganapathy
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Samuel Herberg
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
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15
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Qin M, Yu-Wai-Man C. Glaucoma: Novel antifibrotic therapeutics for the trabecular meshwork. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 954:175882. [PMID: 37391006 PMCID: PMC10804937 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175882] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells and visual field defects, and currently affects around 1% of the world's population. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the best-known modifiable risk factor and a key therapeutic target in hypertensive glaucoma. The trabecular meshwork (TM) is the main site of aqueous humor outflow resistance and therefore a critical regulator of IOP. Fibrosis, a reparative process characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix components and contractile myofibroblasts, can impair TM function and contribute to the pathogenesis of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) as well as the failure of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) devices. This paper provides a detailed overview of the current anti-fibrotic therapeutics targeting the TM in glaucoma, along with their anti-fibrotic mechanisms, efficacy as well as the current research progress from pre-clinical to clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Qin
- King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
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16
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Dixon A, Shim MS, Nettesheim A, Coyne A, Su CC, Gong H, Liton PB. Autophagy deficiency protects against ocular hypertension and neurodegeneration in experimental and spontanous glaucoma mouse models. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:554. [PMID: 37620383 PMCID: PMC10449899 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06086-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that leads to chronic degeneration of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons and progressive loss of RGCs, resulting in vision loss. While aging and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) have been identified as the main contributing factors to glaucoma, the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways triggering RGC death and axonal degeneration are not fully understood. Previous studies in our laboratory found that overactivation of autophagy in DBA/2J::GFP-LC3 mice led to RGC death and optic nerve degeneration with glaucomatous IOP elevation. We found similar findings in aging GFP-LC3 mice subjected to chronic IOP elevation. Here, we further investigated the impact of autophagy deficiency on autophagy-deficient DBA/2J-Atg4bko and DBA/2J-Atg4b+/- mice, generated in our laboratory via CRISPR/Cas9 technology; as well as in Atg4bko mice subjected to the experimental TGFβ2 chronic ocular hypertensive model. Our data shows that, in contrast to DBA/2J and DBA/2J-Atg4b+/- littermates, DBA/2J-Atg4bko mice do not develop glaucomatous IOP elevation. Atg4b deficiency also protected against glaucomatous IOP elevation in the experimental TGFβ2 chronic ocular hypertensive model. Atg4 deletion did not compromise RGC or optic nerve survival in Atg4bko mice. Moreover, our results indicate a protective role of autophagy deficiency against RGC death and ON atrophy in the hypertensive DBA/2J-Atg4b+/- mice. Together, our data suggests a pathogenic role of autophagy activation in ocular hypertension and glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Dixon
- Department of Ophthalmology & Pathology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - Myoung Sup Shim
- Department of Ophthalmology & Pathology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - April Nettesheim
- Department of Ophthalmology & Pathology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - Aislyn Coyne
- Department of Ophthalmology & Pathology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - Chien-Chia Su
- Department of Ophthalmology & Pathology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - Haiyan Gong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Paloma B Liton
- Department of Ophthalmology & Pathology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27705, USA.
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17
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Hassan MDS, Razali N, Abu Bakar AS, Abu Hanipah NF, Agarwal R. Connective tissue growth factor: Role in trabecular meshwork remodeling and intraocular pressure lowering. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:1425-1436. [PMID: 37873757 PMCID: PMC10657592 DOI: 10.1177/15353702231199466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a distinct signaling molecule modulating many physiological and pathophysiological processes. This protein is upregulated in numerous fibrotic diseases that involve extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. It mediates the downstream effects of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and is regulated via TGF-β SMAD-dependent and SMAD-independent signaling routes. Targeting CTGF instead of its upstream regulator TGF-β avoids the consequences of interfering with the pleotropic effects of TGF-β. Both CTGF and its upstream mediator, TGF-β, have been linked with the pathophysiology of glaucomatous optic neuropathy due to their involvement in the regulation of ECM homeostasis. The excessive expression of these growth factors is associated with glaucoma pathogenesis via elevation of the intraocular pressure (IOP), the most important risk factor for glaucoma. The raised in the IOP is due to dysregulation of ECM turnover resulting in excessive ECM deposition at the site of aqueous humor outflow. It is therefore believed that CTGF could be a potential therapeutic target in glaucoma therapy. This review highlights the CTGF biology and structure, its regulation and signaling, its association with the pathophysiology of glaucoma, and its potential role as a therapeutic target in glaucoma management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Norhafiza Razali
- Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology (IMMB), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 47000 Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 47000 Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
- Center for Neuroscience Research (NeuRon), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 47000 Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
| | - Amy Suzana Abu Bakar
- Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology (IMMB), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 47000 Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
- Center for Neuroscience Research (NeuRon), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 47000 Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
| | - Noor Fahitah Abu Hanipah
- Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology (IMMB), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 47000 Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 47000 Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
| | - Renu Agarwal
- School of Medicine, International Medical University (IMU), 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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18
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Tran MN, Medveczki T, Besztercei B, Torok G, Szabo AJ, Gasull X, Kovacs I, Fekete A, Hodrea J. Sigma-1 Receptor Activation Is Protective against TGFβ2-Induced Extracellular Matrix Changes in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1581. [PMID: 37511956 PMCID: PMC10381521 DOI: 10.3390/life13071581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The trabecular meshwork (TM) route is the principal outflow egress of the aqueous humor. Actin cytoskeletal remodeling in the TM and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition increase TM stiffness, outflow resistance, and elevate intraocular pressure (IOP). These alterations are strongly linked to transforming growth factor-β2 (TGFβ2), a known profibrotic cytokine that is markedly elevated in the aqueous humor of glaucomatous eyes. Sigma-1 receptor (S1R) has been shown to have neuroprotective effects in the retina, but data are lacking about its role in the TM. In this study, we identified the presence of S1R in mouse TM tissue and investigated the effect of an S1R agonist fluvoxamine (FLU) on TGFβ2-induced human TM cells regarding cell proliferation; ECM-related functions, including F-actin reorganization; and the accumulation of ECM elements. TGFβ2 increased the proliferation, cytoskeletal remodeling, and protein levels of fibronectin, collagen type IV, and connective tissue growth factor, and decreased the level of matrix metalloproteinase-2. Most importantly, FLU reversed all these effects of TGFβ2, suggesting that S1R agonists could be potential candidates for preserving TM function and thus maintaining normal IOP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Ngoc Tran
- MTA-SE Lendület "Momentum" Diabetes Research Group, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
- Semmelweis University Pediatric Center, MTA Center of Excellence, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City 72712, Vietnam
| | - Timea Medveczki
- MTA-SE Lendület "Momentum" Diabetes Research Group, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
- Semmelweis University Pediatric Center, MTA Center of Excellence, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balazs Besztercei
- Institute of Clinical Experimental Research, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gyorgy Torok
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila J Szabo
- Semmelweis University Pediatric Center, MTA Center of Excellence, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Xavier Gasull
- Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Illes Kovacs
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Andrea Fekete
- MTA-SE Lendület "Momentum" Diabetes Research Group, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
- Semmelweis University Pediatric Center, MTA Center of Excellence, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Judit Hodrea
- MTA-SE Lendület "Momentum" Diabetes Research Group, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
- Semmelweis University Pediatric Center, MTA Center of Excellence, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
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19
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Dillinger AE, Kuespert S, Seleem AA, Neuendorf J, Schneider M, Fuchshofer R. CCN2/CTGF tip the balance of growth factors towards TGF-β2 in primary open-angle glaucoma. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1045411. [PMID: 37251082 PMCID: PMC10210157 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1045411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
TGF-β2 is the predominant TGF-β isoform within the eye. One function of TGF-β2 is to provide the eye with immune protection against intraocular inflammation. The beneficial function of TGF-β2 within the eye must be under tight control of a network of different factors. A disbalance of the network can result in different eye diseases. In Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG), one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, TGF-β2 is significantly elevated in the aqueous humor and antagonistic molecules like BMPs are reduced. The changes provoke an altering of the quantity and quality of the extracellular matrix and the actin cytoskeleton in the outflow tissues, leading to an increased outflow resistance and thereby to an increased intraocular pressure (IOP), the major risk factor for primary open-angle glaucoma. The pathologic effect of TGF-β2 in primary open-angle glaucoma is mainly meditated by CCN2/CTGF. CCN2/CTGF can modulate TGF-β and BMP signaling by direct binding. The eye specific overexpression of CCN2/CTGF caused an increase in IOP and led to a loss of axons, the hallmark of primary open-angle glaucoma. CCN2/CTGF appears to play a critical role in the homeostatic balance of the eye, so we investigated if CCN2/CTGF can modulate BMP and TGF-β signaling pathways in the outflow tissues. To this end, we analyzed the direct effect of CCN2/CTGF on both signaling pathways in two transgenic mouse models with a moderate (βB1-CTGF1) and a high CCN2/CTGF (βB1-CTGF6) overexpression and in immortalized human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells. Additionally, we investigate whether CCN2/CTGF mediates TGF-β effects via different pathways. We observed developmental malformations in the ciliary body in βB1-CTGF6 caused by an inhibition of the BMP signaling pathway. In βB1-CTGF1, we detected a dysregulation of the BMP and TGF-β signaling pathways, with reduced BMP activity and increased TGF-β signaling. A direct CCN2/CTGF effect on BMP and TGF-β signaling was shown in immortalized HTM cells. Finally, CCN2/CTGF mediated its effects on TGF-β via the RhoA/ROCK and ERK signaling in immortalized HTM cells. We conclude that CCN2/CTGF functions as a modulator of the homeostatic balance of BMP and TGF-β signaling pathways, which is shifted in primary open-angle glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea E. Dillinger
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Kuespert
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Amin A. Seleem
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science and Arts, Al Ula, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jakob Neuendorf
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Magdalena Schneider
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Rudolf Fuchshofer
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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20
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Yang Z, Zhang Z, Zhu Y, Yuan G, Yang J, Yu W. Mendelian Randomization and Transcriptome-Wide Association Analysis Identified Genes That Were Pleiotropically Associated with Intraocular Pressure. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14051027. [PMID: 37239387 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major modifiable risk factor for glaucoma. However, the mechanisms underlying the controlling of IOP remain to be elucidated. OBJECTIVE To prioritize genes that are pleiotropically associated with IOP. METHODS We adopted a two-sample Mendelian randomization method, named summary-based Mendelian randomization (SMR), to examine the pleiotropic effect of gene expression on IOP. The SMR analyses were based on summarized data from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on IOP. We conducted separate SMR analyses using Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) and Consortium for the Architecture of Gene Expression (CAGE) expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data. Additionally, we performed a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) to identify genes whose cis-regulated expression levels were associated with IOP. RESULTS We identified 19 and 25 genes showing pleiotropic association with IOP using the GTEx and CAGE eQTL data, respectively. RP11-259G18.3 (PSMR = 2.66 × 10-6), KANSL1-AS1 (PSMR = 2.78 × 10-6), and RP11-259G18.2 (PSMR = 2.91 × 10-6) were the top three genes using the GTEx eQTL data. LRRC37A4 (PSMR = 1.19 × 10-5), MGC57346 (PSMR = 1.19 × 10-5), and RNF167 (PSMR = 1.53 × 10-5) were the top three genes using the CAGE eQTL data. Most of the identified genes were found in or near the 17q21.31 genomic region. Additionally, our TWAS analysis identified 18 significant genes whose expression was associated with IOP. Of these, 12 and 4 were also identified by the SMR analysis using the GTEx and CAGE eQTL data, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the 17q21.31 genomic region may play a critical role in the regulation of IOP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhikun Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Zhewei Zhang
- Department of Statistics, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16802, USA
| | - Yining Zhu
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Guangwei Yuan
- College of Professional Studies, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jingyun Yang
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Weihong Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
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21
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Hakim A, Guido B, Narsineni L, Chen DW, Foldvari M. Gene therapy strategies for glaucoma from IOP reduction to retinal neuroprotection: progress towards non-viral systems. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 196:114781. [PMID: 36940751 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is the result of the gradual death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) whose axons form the optic nerve. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factors thatcontributes to RGC apoptosis and axonal loss at the lamina cribrosa, resulting in progressive reduction and eventual anterograde-retrograde transport blockade of neurotrophic factors. Current glaucoma management mainly focuses on pharmacological or surgical lowering of IOP, to manage the only modifiable risk factor. Although IOP reduction delays disease progression, it does not address previous and ongoing optic nerve degeneration. Gene therapy is a promising direction to control or modify genes involved in the pathophysiology of glaucoma. Both viral and non-viral gene therapy delivery systems are emerging as promising alternatives or add-on therapies to traditional treatments for improving IOP control and provide neuroprotection. The specific spotlight on non-viral gene delivery systems shows further progress towards improving the safety of gene therapy and implementing neuroprotection by targeting specific tissues and cells in the eye and specifically in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Hakim
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, Canada N2L 3G1
| | - Benjamin Guido
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, Canada N2L 3G1
| | - Lokesh Narsineni
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, Canada N2L 3G1
| | - Ding-Wen Chen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, Canada N2L 3G1
| | - Marianna Foldvari
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, Canada N2L 3G1; Waterloo Institute of Nanotechnology and Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, Canada N2L 3G1.
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22
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Abstract
Glaucoma is a progressive, age-related optic neuropathy, whereby the prevalence increases sharply over the age of 60 and is associated with increased systemic tissue stiffness. On a molecular basis, this is associated with increased deposition of collagen and loss of elastin structure, resulting in aberrant biomechanical compliance and reduced tissue elasticity. Increased tissue stiffness is a known driver of myofibroblast activation and persistence, especially in chronic cellular injuries via mechanotransduction pathways mediated by integrins and focal adhesion kinases. Evidence from histological and imaging studies plus force measurements of glaucomatous eyes show that several ocular tissues are stiffer than normal, healthy age-matched controls including the trabecular meshwork, Schlemm's canal, cornea, sclera and the lamina cribrosa. This is associated with increased extracellular matrix deposition and fibrosis. This review reports on the evidence to support the concept that glaucoma represents 'a stiff eye in a stiff body' and addresses potential mechanisms to attenuate this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Powell
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Catherine McAuley Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mustapha Irnaten
- Catherine McAuley Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Colm O'Brien
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Catherine McAuley Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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23
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Reinehr S, Girbig RM, Schulte KK, Theile J, Asaad MA, Fuchshofer R, Dick H, Joachim SC. Enhanced glaucomatous damage accompanied by glial response in a new multifactorial mouse model. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1017076. [PMID: 36733392 PMCID: PMC9887307 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1017076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Glaucoma is a complex, multifactorial neurodegenerative disease, which can lead to blindness if left untreated. It seems that, among others, immune processes, elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), or a combination of these factors are responsible for glaucomatous damage. Here, we combined two glaucoma models to examine if a combination of risk factors (IOP and immune response) results in a more severe damage of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and the optic nerves as well as an additional glia activation. Methods Six-week-old wildtype (WT+ONA) and βB1-Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) mice (CTGF+ONA) were immunized with 1 mg ONA (optic nerve antigen). A WT and a CTGF control group (CTGF) received sodium chloride instead. IOP was measured before and every two weeks after immunization. After six weeks, electroretinogram (ERG) measurements were performed. Then, retinae and optic nerves were processed for (immuno-) histology. Further, mRNA levels of corresponding genes in optic nerve and retina were analyzed via RT-qPCR. Results Six weeks after immunization, the IOP in CTGF and CTGF+ONA mice was increased. The optic nerve of CTGF+ONA animals displayed the most severe cell inflammation, demyelination, and macroglia activation. Fewer numbers of oligodendrocytes were only observed in WT+ONA optic nerves, while more apoptotic cells triggered by the extrinsic pathway could be revealed in all three glaucoma groups. The number of microglia/macrophages was not altered within the optic nerves of all groups. The loss of neuronal cells, especially RGCs was most pronounced in CTGF+ONA retinae in the central part and this was accompanied by an enhanced activation of microglia/macrophages. Also, Müller cell activation could be noted in CTGF and CTGF+ONA retinae. Discussion In this new model, an additive degeneration could be noted in optic nerves as well as in the number of RGCs. These results suggest a potential additive role of high IOP and immune factors in glaucoma development, which will aid for understanding this multifactorial disease more precisely in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Reinehr
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany,*Correspondence: Sabrina Reinehr,
| | - Renée M. Girbig
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Kim K. Schulte
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Janine Theile
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - M. Ali Asaad
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Rudolf Fuchshofer
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - H. Burkhard Dick
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Stephanie C. Joachim
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Abstract
Viral transduction of the mouse trabecular meshwork using a variety of transgenes associated with glaucoma generates an inducible and reproducible method for generating ocular hypertension due to increased aqueous humor outflow resistance of the conventional outflow pathway. Both adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) and lentiviruses have selective tropism for the mouse trabecular meshwork with intraocular injections. Accurate intraocular pressures are easily measured using a rebound tonometer, and aqueous humor outflow facilities can be measured in anesthetized live mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Cameron Millar
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Yogapriya Sundaresan
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gaven Herbert Eye Institute, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Gulab S Zode
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gaven Herbert Eye Institute, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Abbot F Clark
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA.
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Reinehr S, Mueller-Buehl A. Apoptotic retinal ganglion cell loss is accompanied by complement and cytokine response in the βB1-CTGF primary open-angle glaucoma mouse model. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:337-338. [PMID: 35900424 PMCID: PMC9396493 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.343911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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26
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TIPARP is involved in the regulation of intraocular pressure. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1386. [PMID: 36536086 PMCID: PMC9763400 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04346-0] [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: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the major risk factor for glaucoma. The molecular mechanism of elevated IOP is unclear, which impedes glaucoma therapy. 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-inducible Poly-ADP-ribose Polymerase (TIPARP), a member of the PARP family, catalyses mono-ADP-ribosylation. Here we showed that TIPARP was widely expressed in the cornea, trabecular meshwork, iris, retina, optic nerve, sclera, and choroid of human eyes. The expression of TIPARP was significantly upregulated in the blood and trabecular meshwork of patients with primary open angle glaucoma compared with that of healthy controls. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the expression of genes related to extracellular matrix deposition and cell adhesion was decreased in TIPARP-upregulated human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells. Moreover, western blot analysis showed that collagen types I and IV, fibronectin, and α-SMA were increased in TIPARP-downregulated or TIPARP-inhibited HTM cells. In addition, cross-linked actin networks were produced, and vinculin was upregulated in these cells. Subconjunctival injection of the TIPARP inhibitor RBN-2397 increased the IOP in Sprague-Dawley rats. Therefore, we identified TIPARP as a regulator of IOP through modulation of extracellular matrix and cell cytoskeleton proteins in HTM cells. These results indicate that TIPARP is a potential therapeutic target for ocular hypertension and glaucoma.
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27
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Gomes FE, Casanova MI, Mouttham L, Bannasch DL, Park S, Kim S, Young LJ, Daley NL, Thomasy SM, Castelhano MG, Ledbetter EC, Holmberg B, Boyd R, Van Der Woerdt A, McDonald J, Hayward JJ. A genome-wide association study to investigate genetic loci associated with primary glaucoma in American Cocker Spaniels. Am J Vet Res 2022; 83:1-8. [PMID: 36170212 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.22.07.0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify genetic associations with primary glaucoma (PG) in American Cocker Spaniels using a genome-wide association study (GWAS). ANIMALS A nationwide ambidirectional case-control cohort study was performed in American Cocker Spaniels that had an ophthalmic examination performed by a veterinarian. Ninety-four dogs with PG (cases) and 111 dogs without glaucoma (controls) met phenotypic criteria and had a blood sample collected after receiving informed owner consent. PROCEDURES Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood samples and genotyped (CanineHD BeadChip, Illumina Inc). A case-control GWAS using a linear mixed model was performed, and 3 significance thresholds were calculated (1) using a Bonferroni correction on all single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) included in the GWAS, (2) using a Bonferroni correction on only the unlinked SNPs from a pruned data set, and (3) using 10,000 random phenotype permutations. RESULTS Following genotype data quality control, 89 cases and 93 controls were included in the GWAS. We identified an association on canine chromosome (CFA10); however, it did not reach statistical significance. Potential candidate genes within the surrounding linkage disequilibrium interval include coiled-coil domain containing 85A (CCDC85A) and extracellular growth factor containing fibulin extracellular matrix protein 1 (EFEMP1). CLINICAL RELEVANCE Primary glaucoma in the American Cocker Spaniel is a complex heterogeneous disease that may be influenced by a locus on CFA10. The candidate genes CCDC85A and EFEMP1 within the identified linkage disequilibrium interval have been shown to be involved in human open-angle glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Espinheira Gomes
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.,Small Animal Specialist Hospital, North Ryde, Australia
| | - Maria Isabel Casanova
- Department of Surgical & Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Lara Mouttham
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.,Cornell Veterinary Biobank, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Danika L Bannasch
- Department of Population Health & Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Sangwan Park
- Department of Surgical & Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Soohyun Kim
- Department of Surgical & Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Laura J Young
- Department of Surgical & Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Nicole L Daley
- Department of Surgical & Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Sara M Thomasy
- Department of Surgical & Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA.,Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Marta G Castelhano
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.,Cornell Veterinary Biobank, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Eric C Ledbetter
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | | | - Ryan Boyd
- South Texas Veterinary Ophthalmology, San Antonio, TX
| | | | | | - Jessica J Hayward
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
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28
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Grundy TJ, Orcheston-Findlay L, de Silva E, Jegathees T, Prior V, Sarker FA, O'Neill GM. Mechanosensitive expression of the mesenchymal subtype marker connective tissue growth factor in glioblastoma. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14982. [PMID: 36056123 PMCID: PMC9440209 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19175-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical forces created by the extracellular environment regulate biochemical signals that modulate the inter-related cellular phenotypes of morphology, proliferation, and migration. A stiff microenvironment induces glioblastoma (GBM) cells to develop prominent actin stress fibres, take on a spread morphology and adopt trapezoid shapes, when cultured in 2D, which are phenotypes characteristic of a mesenchymal cell program. The mesenchymal subtype is the most aggressive among the molecular GBM subtypes. Recurrent GBM have been reported to transition to mesenchymal. We therefore sought to test the hypothesis that stiffer microenvironments-such as those found in different brain anatomical structures and induced following treatment-contribute to the expression of markers characterising the mesenchymal subtype. We cultured primary patient-derived cell lines that reflect the three common GBM subtypes (mesenchymal, proneural and classical) on polyacrylamide (PA) hydrogels with controlled stiffnesses spanning the healthy and pathological tissue range. We then assessed the canonical mesenchymal markers Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) and yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) expression, via immunofluorescence. Replating techniques and drug-mediated manipulation of the actin cytoskeleton were utilised to ascertain the response of the cells to differing mechanical environments. We demonstrate that CTGF is induced rapidly following adhesion to a rigid substrate and is independent of actin filament formation. Collectively, our data suggest that microenvironmental rigidity can stimulate expression of mesenchymal-associated molecules in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas James Grundy
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Louise Orcheston-Findlay
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Eshana de Silva
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Thuvarahan Jegathees
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia
| | - Victoria Prior
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia
| | - Farhana Amy Sarker
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia
| | - Geraldine Margaret O'Neill
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia.
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29
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MiR-18a-5p Targets Connective Tissue Growth Factor Expression and Inhibits Transforming Growth Factor β2-Induced Trabecular Meshwork Cell Contractility. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13081500. [PMID: 36011411 PMCID: PMC9408287 DOI: 10.3390/genes13081500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased trabecular meshwork (TM) cell and tissue contractility is a driver of the reduced outflow facility and elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) associated with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is an established mediator of TM cell contractility, and its expression is increased in POAG due to transforming growth factor β 2 (TGFβ2) signalling. Inhibiting CTGF upregulation using microRNA (miRNA) mimetics could represent a new treatment option for POAG. A combination of in silico predictive tools and a literature review identified a panel of putative CTGF-targeting miRNAs. Treatment of primary human TM cells with 5 ng/mL TGFβ2 for 24 h identified miR-18a-5p as a consistent responder, being upregulated in cells from five different human donors. Transfection of primary donor TM cells with 20 nM synthetic miR-18a-5p mimic reduced TGFβ2-induced CTGF protein expression, and stable lentiviral-mediated overexpression of this miRNA reduced TGFβ2-induced contraction of collagen gels. Together, these findings identify miR-18a-5p as a mediator of the TGFβ2 response and a candidate therapeutic agent for glaucoma via its ability to inhibit CTGF-associated increased TM contractility.
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30
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Strickland RG, Garner MA, Gross AK, Girkin CA. Remodeling of the Lamina Cribrosa: Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutic Approaches for Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158068. [PMID: 35897642 PMCID: PMC9329908 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucomatous optic neuropathy is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. The chronic disease is characterized by optic nerve degeneration and vision field loss. The reduction of intraocular pressure remains the only proven glaucoma treatment, but it does not prevent further neurodegeneration. There are three major classes of cells in the human optic nerve head (ONH): lamina cribrosa (LC) cells, glial cells, and scleral fibroblasts. These cells provide support for the LC which is essential to maintain healthy retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons. All these cells demonstrate responses to glaucomatous conditions through extracellular matrix remodeling. Therefore, investigations into alternative therapies that alter the characteristic remodeling response of the ONH to enhance the survival of RGC axons are prevalent. Understanding major remodeling pathways in the ONH may be key to developing targeted therapies that reduce deleterious remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan G. Strickland
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (R.G.S.); (M.A.G.); (A.K.G.)
| | - Mary Anne Garner
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (R.G.S.); (M.A.G.); (A.K.G.)
| | - Alecia K. Gross
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (R.G.S.); (M.A.G.); (A.K.G.)
| | - Christopher A. Girkin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-205-325-8620
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31
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Callaghan B, Lester K, Lane B, Fan X, Goljanek-Whysall K, Simpson DA, Sheridan C, Willoughby CE. Genome-wide transcriptome profiling of human trabecular meshwork cells treated with TGF-β2. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9564. [PMID: 35689009 PMCID: PMC9187693 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13573-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a complex neurodegenerative disease resulting in progressive optic neuropathy and is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is the predominant form affecting 65.5 million people globally. Despite the prevalence of POAG and the identification of over 120 glaucoma related genetic loci, the underlaying molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signalling pathway is implicated in the molecular pathology of POAG. To gain a better understanding of the role TGF-β2 plays in the glaucomatous changes to the molecular pathology in the trabecular meshwork, we employed RNA-Seq to delineate the TGF-β2 induced changes in the transcriptome of normal primary human trabecular meshwork cells (HTM). We identified a significant number of differentially expressed genes and associated pathways that contribute to the pathogenesis of POAG. The differentially expressed genes were predominantly enriched in ECM regulation, TGF-β signalling, proliferation/apoptosis, inflammation/wound healing, MAPK signalling, oxidative stress and RHO signalling. Canonical pathway analysis confirmed the enrichment of RhoA signalling, inflammatory-related processes, ECM and cytoskeletal organisation in HTM cells in response to TGF-β2. We also identified novel genes and pathways that were affected after TGF-β2 treatment in the HTM, suggesting additional pathways are activated, including Nrf2, PI3K-Akt, MAPK and HIPPO signalling pathways. The identification and characterisation of TGF-β2 dependent differentially expressed genes and pathways in HTM cells is essential to understand the patho-physiology of glaucoma and to develop new therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breedge Callaghan
- Genomic Medicine Group, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Karen Lester
- Genomic Medicine Group, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, UK.,Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
| | - Brian Lane
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK.,Translational Radiobiology Group, Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Christie NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK
| | - Xiaochen Fan
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
| | - Katarzyna Goljanek-Whysall
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK.,School of Medicine, Physiology, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, H91 W5P7, Ireland
| | - David A Simpson
- The Wellcome - Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
| | - Carl Sheridan
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
| | - Colin E Willoughby
- Genomic Medicine Group, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, UK. .,Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK.
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32
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Mavlyutov TA, Myrah JJ, Chauhan AK, Liu Y, McDowell CM. Fibronectin extra domain A (FN-EDA) causes glaucomatous trabecular meshwork, retina, and optic nerve damage in mice. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:72. [PMID: 35619185 PMCID: PMC9137085 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00800-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor for the development and progression of primary open angle glaucoma and is due to trabecular meshwork (TM) damage. Here, we investigate the role of an endogenous Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) ligand, FN-EDA, in the development of glaucoma utilizing a transgenic mouse strain (B6.EDA+/+) that constitutively expresses only FN containing the EDA isoform. METHODS Eyes from C57BL6/J (wild-type), B6.EDA+/+ (constitutively active EDA), B6.EDA-/- (EDA null) mice were processed for electron microscopy and consecutive images of the entire length of the TM and Schlemm's canal (SC) from anterior to posterior were collected and montaged into a single image. ECM accumulation, basement membrane length, and size and number of giant vacuoles were quantified by ImageJ analysis. Tlr4 and Iba1 expression in the TM and ONH cells was conducted using RNAscope in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry protocols. IOP was measured using a rebound tonometer, ON damage assessed by PPD stain, and RGC loss quantified in RBPMS labeled retina flat mounts. RESULTS Ultrastructure analyses show the TM of B6.EDA+/+ mice have significantly increased accumulation of ECM between TM beams with few empty spaces compared to C57BL/6 J mice (p < 0.05). SC basement membrane is thicker and more continuous in B6.EDA+/+ mice compared to C57BL/6 J. No significant structural differences are detected in the TM of EDA null mice. Tlr4 and Iba1 expression is increased in the TM of B6.EDA+/+ mice compared to C57BL/6 J eyes (p < 0.05). IOP is significantly higher in B6.EDA+/+ mice compared to C57BL/6 J eyes (p < 0.001), and significant ON damage (p < 0.001) and RGC loss (p < 0.05) detected at 1 year of age. Tlr4 mRNA is expressed in mouse ONH cells, and is present in ganglion cell axons, microglia, and astrocytes. There is a significant increase in the area occupied by Iba-1 positive microglia cells in the ONH of B6.EDA+/+ mice compared to C57BL/6 J control eyes (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS B6.EDA+/+ mice have increased ECM accumulation in the TM, elevated IOP, enhanced proinflammatory changes in the ONH, loss of RGCs, and ONH damage. These data suggest B6.EDA+/+ mice recapitulate many aspects of glaucomatous damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timur A. Mavlyutov
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Justin J. Myrah
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Anil K. Chauhan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX USA
| | - Colleen M. McDowell
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
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Dillinger AE, Weber GR, Mayer M, Schneider M, Göppner C, Ohlmann A, Shamonin M, Monkman GJ, Fuchshofer R. CCN2/CTGF—A Modulator of the Optic Nerve Head Astrocyte. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:864433. [PMID: 35493079 PMCID: PMC9047870 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.864433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), a neurodegenerative disease of the optic nerve (ON) and leading cause of blindness, the optic nerve head (ONH) undergoes marked structural extracellular matrix (ECM) changes, which contribute to its permanent deformation and to degeneration of ON axons. The remodeling process of the ECM causes changes in the biomechanical properties of the ONH and the peripapillary sclera, which is accompanied by an increased reactivity of the resident astrocytes. The molecular factors involved in the remodeling process belong to the Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily, especially TGF-β2. In previous publications we showed that TGF-β2 induced ECM alterations are mediated by Cellular Communication Network Factor (CCN)2/Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) and recently we showed that CCN2/CTGF is expressed by astrocytes of the ON under normal conditions. In this study we wanted to get a better understanding of the function of CCN2/CTGF under normal and pathologic conditions. To this end, we analyzed the glial lamina and peripapillary sclera of CCN2/CTGF overexpressing mice and studied the effect of CCN2/CTGF and increasing substratum stiffness on murine ON astrocytes in vitro. We observed enhanced astrocyte reactivity in the ONH, increased ECM protein synthesis in the peripapillary sclera and increased Ccn2/Ctgf expression in the ONH during the pathologic development in situ. CCN2/CTGF treatment of primary murine ON astrocytes induced a higher migration rate, and increase of ECM proteins including fibronectin, elastin and collagen type III. Furthermore, the astrocytes responded to stiffer substratum with increased glial fibrillary acidic protein, vimentin, actin and CCN2/CTGF synthesis. Finally, we observed the reinforced appearance of CCN2/CTGF in the lamina cribrosa of glaucomatous patients. We conclude that reactive changes in ONH astrocytes, induced by the altered biomechanical characteristics of the region, give rise to a self-amplifying process that includes increased TGF-β2/CCN2/CTGF signaling and leads to the synthesis of ECM molecules and cytoskeleton proteins, a process that in turn augments the stiffness at the ONH. Such a scenario may finally result in a vicious circle in the pathogenesis of POAG. The transgenic CTGF-overexpressing mouse model might be an optimal model to study the chronic pathological POAG changes in the ONH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea E. Dillinger
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gregor R. Weber
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Mayer
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Magdalena Schneider
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Corinna Göppner
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Ohlmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mikhail Shamonin
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gareth J. Monkman
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Rudolf Fuchshofer
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Rudolf Fuchshofer,
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A Monoclonal Anti-HMGB1 Antibody Attenuates Neurodegeneration in an Experimental Animal Model of Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084107. [PMID: 35456925 PMCID: PMC9028318 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a crucial process for the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGC), a major characteristic of glaucoma. High expression of high-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) plays a detrimental role in inflammatory processes and is elevated in the retinas of glaucoma patients. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of the intravitreal injection of an anti-HMGB1 monoclonal antibody (anti-HMGB1 Ab) in an experimental animal model of glaucoma. Two groups of Spraque Dawley rats received episcleral vein occlusion to chronically elevate intraocular pressure (IOP): (1) the IgG group, intravitreal injection of an unspecific IgG as a control, n = 5, and (2) the HMGB1 group, intravitreal injection of an anti-HMGB1 Ab, n = 6. IOP, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT), and the retinal flash response were monitored longitudinally. Post-mortem examinations included immunohistochemistry, microarray, and mass spectrometric analysis. RNFLT was significantly increased in the HMGB1 group compared with the IgG group (p < 0.001). RGC density showed improved neuronal cell survival in the retina in HMGB1 compared with the IgG group (p < 0.01). Mass spectrometric proteomic analysis of retinal tissue showed an increased abundance of RNA metabolism-associated heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs), such as hnRNP U, D, and H2, in animals injected with the anti-HMGB1 Ab, indicating that the application of the antibody may cause increased gene expression. Microarray analysis showed a significantly decreased expression of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8, p < 0.05) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF, p < 0.01) in the HMGB1 group. Thus, these data suggest that intravitreal injection of anti-HMGB1 Ab reduced HMGB1-dependent inflammatory signaling and mediated RGC neuroprotection.
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Oxidative Stress, Vascular Endothelium, and the Pathology of Neurodegeneration in Retina. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11030543. [PMID: 35326193 PMCID: PMC8944517 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11030543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) is an imbalance between free radicals/ROS and antioxidants, which evokes a biological response and is an important risk factor for diseases, in both the cardiovascular system and central nervous system (CNS). The underlying mechanisms driving pathophysiological complications that arise from OS remain largely unclear. The vascular endothelium is emerging as a primary target of excessive glucocorticoid and catecholamine action. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) has been implicated to play a crucial role in the development of neurodegeneration in the CNS. The retina is known as an extension of the CNS. Stress and endothelium dysfunction are suspected to be interlinked and associated with neurodegenerative diseases in the retina as well. In this narrative review, we explore the role of OS-led ED in the retina by focusing on mechanistic links between OS and ED, ED in the pathophysiology of different retinal neurodegenerative conditions, and how a better understanding of the role of endothelial function could lead to new therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases in the retina.
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Li H, Raghunathan V, Stamer WD, Ganapathy PS, Herberg S. Extracellular Matrix Stiffness and TGFβ2 Regulate YAP/TAZ Activity in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:844342. [PMID: 35300422 PMCID: PMC8923257 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.844342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary open-angle glaucoma progression is associated with increased human trabecular meshwork (HTM) stiffness and elevated transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGFβ2) levels in the aqueous humor. Increased transcriptional activity of Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), central players in mechanotransduction, are implicated in glaucomatous HTM cell dysfunction. Yet, the detailed mechanisms underlying YAP/TAZ modulation in HTM cells in response to alterations in extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness and TGFβ2 levels are not well understood. Using biomimetic ECM hydrogels with tunable stiffness, here we show that increased ECM stiffness elevates YAP/TAZ nuclear localization potentially through modulating focal adhesions and cytoskeletal rearrangement. Furthermore, TGFβ2 increased nuclear YAP/TAZ in both normal and glaucomatous HTM cells, which was prevented by inhibiting extracellular-signal-regulated kinase and Rho-associated kinase signaling pathways. Filamentous (F)-actin depolymerization reversed TGFβ2-induced YAP/TAZ nuclear localization. YAP/TAZ depletion using siRNA or verteporfin decreased focal adhesions, ECM remodeling and cell contractile properties. Similarly, YAP/TAZ inactivation with verteporfin partially blocked TGFβ2-induced hydrogel contraction and stiffening. Collectively, our data provide evidence for a pathologic role of aberrant YAP/TAZ signaling in glaucomatous HTM cell dysfunction, and may help inform strategies for the development of novel multifactorial approaches to prevent progressive ocular hypertension in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - VijayKrishna Raghunathan
- Department of Basic Sciences, The Ocular Surface Institute, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - W. Daniel Stamer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Preethi S. Ganapathy
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Samuel Herberg
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
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Das A, Kashyap O, Singh A, Shree J, Namdeo KP, Bodakhe SH. Oxymatrine Protects TGFβ1-Induced Retinal Fibrosis in an Animal Model of Glaucoma. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:750342. [PMID: 35252223 PMCID: PMC8894676 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.750342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma has engulfed a huge population of the world into its claws of blindness as it remains asymptomatic until nearly 40% of the neurons are lost and the only option left is for patients to be subjected to symptomatic treatments or surgical methods, neither of which is completely effective in curing the disease as they do not restore the physiological dimensions at the neuronal level. Among the several factors that drive the pathophysiology of glaucoma, one is the involvement of fibrogenic factors, such as transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) which remodels the extracellular matrix (ECM) and, thus, the deposition of fibrotic material in the retina, resulting in the progression of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The primary objectives of this study were to evaluate the protective effects of oxymatrine (OMT) in the steroid-induced glaucoma model in experimental rats and to determine the role of transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) in the pathogenesis of glaucoma and its consequent inhibition due to the antioxidant and the antiinflammatory, and also the TGFβ1 antagonistic, behavior of OMT. To that end, we experimentally elucidated the role of OMT, a TGFβ1 antagonist, that is known to play antiinflammatory and antioxidant roles in the steroid-induced glaucoma model in experimental rats, and using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we observed a direct inhibitory effect of OMT on the pathogenesis of glaucoma. The antioxidant and the antiinflammatory potentials of OMT were determined using several biochemical methods to determine the major antioxidants in the retinal layers, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH), along with the nitrite and the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration levels. As a result, OMT was found to reduce the total protein content in the retinal layers, a correlation that has not been previously reported. Moreover, the impacts of OMT on the major governing ATPases, namely Na+/K+ ATPase and Ca2+ATPase, along with its impacts on the intracellular ionic concentrations of Na+, K+, and Ca2+, were determined and were found to point toward OMT, restoring homeostasis in glaucomatous animals. A clearer picture of the changes during the treatment was obtained using retinal images of the live animals and of the lenticular changes in the sacrificed animal; these images provided data on the pathological pathways leading to glaucoma inception and its consequent inhibition by OMT. The data reported in this study clearly indicate that OMT has a possible role in inhibiting the pathogenesis of glaucoma, and the data also permit the quantification of several biochemical parameters of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashmita Das
- Department of Pharmacology, SLT Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Bilaspur, India
| | - Onkar Kashyap
- Department of Pharmacology, SLT Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Bilaspur, India
| | | | - Jaya Shree
- Rungta Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Bhilai, India
| | - Kamta P. Namdeo
- Department of Pharmacology, SLT Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Bilaspur, India
| | - Surendra H. Bodakhe
- Department of Pharmacology, SLT Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Bilaspur, India
- *Correspondence: Surendra H. Bodakhe
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McDowell CM, Kizhatil K, Elliott MH, Overby DR, van Batenburg-Sherwood J, Millar JC, Kuehn MH, Zode G, Acott TS, Anderson MG, Bhattacharya SK, Bertrand JA, Borras T, Bovenkamp DE, Cheng L, Danias J, De Ieso ML, Du Y, Faralli JA, Fuchshofer R, Ganapathy PS, Gong H, Herberg S, Hernandez H, Humphries P, John SWM, Kaufman PL, Keller KE, Kelley MJ, Kelly RA, Krizaj D, Kumar A, Leonard BC, Lieberman RL, Liton P, Liu Y, Liu KC, Lopez NN, Mao W, Mavlyutov T, McDonnell F, McLellan GJ, Mzyk P, Nartey A, Pasquale LR, Patel GC, Pattabiraman PP, Peters DM, Raghunathan V, Rao PV, Rayana N, Raychaudhuri U, Reina-Torres E, Ren R, Rhee D, Chowdhury UR, Samples JR, Samples EG, Sharif N, Schuman JS, Sheffield VC, Stevenson CH, Soundararajan A, Subramanian P, Sugali CK, Sun Y, Toris CB, Torrejon KY, Vahabikashi A, Vranka JA, Wang T, Willoughby CE, Xin C, Yun H, Zhang HF, Fautsch MP, Tamm ER, Clark AF, Ethier CR, Stamer WD. Consensus Recommendation for Mouse Models of Ocular Hypertension to Study Aqueous Humor Outflow and Its Mechanisms. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:12. [PMID: 35129590 PMCID: PMC8842499 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.2.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to their similarities in anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology to humans, mice are a valuable model system to study the generation and mechanisms modulating conventional outflow resistance and thus intraocular pressure. In addition, mouse models are critical for understanding the complex nature of conventional outflow homeostasis and dysfunction that results in ocular hypertension. In this review, we describe a set of minimum acceptable standards for developing, characterizing, and utilizing mouse models of open-angle ocular hypertension. We expect that this set of standard practices will increase scientific rigor when using mouse models and will better enable researchers to replicate and build upon previous findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen M. McDowell
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | | | - Michael H. Elliott
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Darryl R. Overby
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | | | - J. Cameron Millar
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, and North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Markus H. Kuehn
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa; Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Gulab Zode
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, and North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Ted S. Acott
- Ophthalmology and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Michael G. Anderson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa; Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | | | - Jacques A. Bertrand
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Terete Borras
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
| | | | - Lin Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - John Danias
- SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York, United States
| | - Michael Lucio De Ieso
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Jennifer A. Faralli
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Rudolf Fuchshofer
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Preethi S. Ganapathy
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
| | - Haiyan Gong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Samuel Herberg
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
| | | | - Peter Humphries
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Simon W. M. John
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Paul L. Kaufman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Kate E. Keller
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Mary J. Kelley
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Integrative Biosciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Ruth A. Kelly
- Ocular Genetics Unit, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David Krizaj
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Brian C. Leonard
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States
| | - Raquel L. Lieberman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Paloma Liton
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Pathology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Yutao Liu
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, James & Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, United States
| | - Katy C. Liu
- Duke Eye Center, Duke Health, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Navita N. Lopez
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Weiming Mao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - Timur Mavlyutov
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Fiona McDonnell
- Duke Eye Center, Duke Health, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Gillian J. McLellan
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Philip Mzyk
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Andrews Nartey
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Louis R. Pasquale
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States
| | - Gaurang C. Patel
- Ophthalmology Research, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarreytown, New York, United States
| | | | - Donna M. Peters
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | | | - Ponugoti Vasantha Rao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Naga Rayana
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - Urmimala Raychaudhuri
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Ester Reina-Torres
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ruiyi Ren
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Douglas Rhee
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Uttio Roy Chowdhury
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - John R. Samples
- Washington State University, Floyd Elson College of Medicine, Spokane, Washington, United States
| | | | - Najam Sharif
- Santen Inc., Emeryville, California, United States
| | - Joel S. Schuman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York University, New York, New York, United States; Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, New York, United States; Center for Neural Science, College of Arts and Science, New York University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Val C. Sheffield
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Cooper H. Stevenson
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, and North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Avinash Soundararajan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | | | - Chenna Kesavulu Sugali
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - Yang Sun
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States
| | - Carol B. Toris
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | | | - Amir Vahabikashi
- Cell and Developmental Biology Department, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Janice A. Vranka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - Colin E. Willoughby
- Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Chen Xin
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongmin Yun
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Hao F. Zhang
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States
| | - Michael P. Fautsch
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States
| | | | - Abbot F. Clark
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - C. Ross Ethier
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology; Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - W. Daniel Stamer
- Duke Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
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Keller KE, Peters DM. Pathogenesis of glaucoma: Extracellular matrix dysfunction in the trabecular meshwork-A review. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022; 50:163-182. [PMID: 35037377 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The trabecular meshwork regulates aqueous humour outflow from the anterior chamber of the eye. It does this by establishing a tunable outflow resistance, defined by the interplay between cells and their extracellular matrix (ECM) milieu, and the molecular interactions between ECM proteins. During normal tissue homeostasis, the ECM is remodelled and trabecular cell behaviour is modified, permitting increased aqueous fluid outflow to maintain intraocular pressure (IOP) within a relatively narrow physiological pressure. Dysfunction in the normal homeostatic process leads to increased outflow resistance and elevated IOP, which is a primary risk factor for glaucoma. This review delineates some of the changes in the ECM that lead to gross as well as some more subtle changes in the structure and function of the ECM, and their impact on trabecular cell behaviour. These changes are discussed in the context of outflow resistance and glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate E Keller
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health &Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Donna M Peters
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Auler N, Tonner H, Pfeiffer N, Grus FH. Antibody and Protein Profiles in Glaucoma: Screening of Biomarkers and Identification of Signaling Pathways. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10121296. [PMID: 34943212 PMCID: PMC8698915 DOI: 10.3390/biology10121296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease that is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Currently, the only therapeutic option is to lower intraocular pressure. The onset of the disease is often delayed because patients do not notice visual impairment until very late, which is why glaucoma is also known as “the silent thief of sight”. Therefore, early detection and definition of specific markers, the so-called biomarkers, are immensely important. For the methodical implementation, high-throughput methods and omic-based methods came more and more into focus. Thus, interesting targets for possible biomarkers were already suggested by clinical research and basic research, respectively. This review article aims to join the findings of the two disciplines by collecting overlaps as well as differences in various clinical studies and to shed light on promising candidates concerning findings from basic research, facilitating conclusions on possible therapy options. Abstract Glaucoma represents a group of chronic neurodegenerative diseases, constituting the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. To date, chronically elevated intraocular pressure has been identified as the main risk factor and the only treatable symptom. However, there is increasing evidence in the recent literature that IOP-independent molecular mechanisms also play an important role in the progression of the disease. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that glaucoma has an autoimmune component. The main focus nowadays is elucidating glaucoma pathogenesis, finding early diagnostic options and new therapeutic approaches. This review article summarizes the impact of different antibodies and proteins associated with glaucoma that can be detected for example by microarray and mass spectrometric analyzes, which (i) provide information about expression profiles and associated molecular signaling pathways, (ii) can possibly be used as a diagnostic tool in future and, (iii) can identify possible targets for therapeutic approaches.
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Mathew DJ, Livne-Bar I, Sivak JM. An inducible rodent glaucoma model that exhibits gradual sustained increase in intraocular pressure with distinct inner retina and optic nerve inflammation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22880. [PMID: 34819548 PMCID: PMC8613281 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02057-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease of the optic nerve resulting in loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and vision. The most prominent glaucoma risk factor is increased intraocular pressure (IOP), and most models focus on reproducing this aspect to study disease mechanisms and targets. Yet, current models result in IOP profiles that often do not resemble clinical glaucoma. Here we introduce a new model that results in a gradual and sustained IOP increase over time. This approach modifies a circumlimbal suture method, taking care to make the sutures 'snug' instead of tight, without inducing an initial IOP spike. This approach did not immediately affect IOPs, but generated gradual ocular hypertension (gOHT) as the sutures tighten over time, in comparison to loosely sutured control eyes (CON), resulting in an average 12.6 mmHg increase in IOP at 17 weeks (p < 0.001). Corresponding characterization revealed relevant retinal and optic nerve pathology, such as thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer, decreased optokinetic response, RGC loss, and optic nerve head remodeling. Yet, angles remained open, with no evidence of inflammation. Corresponding biochemical profiling indicated significant increases in TGF-β2 and 3, and IL-1 family cytokines in gOHT optic nerve tissues compared to CON, with accompanying microglial reactivity, consistent with active tissue injury and repair mechanisms. Remarkably, this signature was absent from optic nerves following acute ocular hypertension (aOHT) associated with intentionally tightened sutures, although the resulting RGC loss was similar in both methods. These results suggest that the pattern of IOP change has an important impact on underlying pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Mathew
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Lab Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Izhar Livne-Bar
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Lab Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jeremy M Sivak
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Lab Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Reinehr S, Doerner JD, Mueller-Buehl AM, Koch D, Fuchshofer R, Dick HB, Joachim SC. Cytokine and Complement Response in the Glaucomatous βB1-CTGF Mouse Model. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:718087. [PMID: 34867198 PMCID: PMC8637215 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.718087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a complex neurodegenerative disease leading to a loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and optic nerve axons. An activation of the complement system seems to contribute to cell loss in this disease. Hence, we investigated a possible initiation of the complement system and the cytokine response in the βB1-CTGF glaucoma model. In these mice, intraocular pressure is elevated, which is the main glaucoma risk factor in patients, and RGC loss occurs at 15 weeks of age. Therefore, quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistological experiments were performed in 5-, 10-, and 15-week-old βB1-CTGF animals and their corresponding wildtypes (WT) to analyze the expression of several complement system factors. We could show that mRNA levels of the terminal complement pathway components C3 and C5 (Hc) were upregulated at 10 weeks. In accordance, more C3+ and membrane attack complex+ cells were observed in transgenic retinae. Further, the C5a receptor anaphylatoxin receptor (C5ar) and the complement component C5a receptor 1 (C5ar1; CD88) mRNA levels were upregulated in 10- and 15-week-old βB1-CTGF mice. Interestingly, all three activation routes of the complement system were elevated in βB1-CTGF mice at some age. Especially C1q, as a marker of the classical pathway, was significantly increased at all investigated ages. Furthermore, mRNA expression levels of interferon-γ (Infg) were upregulated at 5 weeks, while Cxcl1 and Cxcl2 mRNA levels were upregulated at 10 and 15 weeks. The mRNA levels of the chemokines Cxcl10 were increased at all ages in βB1-CTGF mice. These results lead to the assumption that in these transgenic mice, a complement activation mainly through the classical pathway as well as a cytokine response plays a major role in cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Reinehr
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Johanna D. Doerner
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ana M. Mueller-Buehl
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Dennis Koch
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Rudolf Fuchshofer
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - H. Burkhard Dick
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Stephanie C. Joachim
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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The effects of exosomes derived from trabecular meshwork cells on Schlemm's canal endothelial cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21942. [PMID: 34754027 PMCID: PMC8578291 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01450-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Trabecular meshwork (TM) and Schlemm’s canal (SC) are the main structures within the conventional outflow pathway, and TM cells and SC endothelial (SCE) cells are essential for controlling intraocular pressure. To examine the interaction between TM cells and SCE cells, we investigated whether exosomes contribute to intercellular communication. Additionally, TM cells in glaucoma acquire mesenchymal characteristics in response to transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2 and extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen type 1 (Col-1); these changes result in increased resistance of aqueous outflow. In this study, we stimulated TM cells with TGF-β2 and Col-1 and characterized the exosomal miRNAs (exomiRs) released in response to each stimulus. Isolated exosomes were rich in miRNAs, with downregulated miR-23a-5p and upregulated miR-3942-5p and miR-7515 levels following Col-1 or TGF-β2 stimulation. Next, a miRNA-mRNA network under TGF-β2 stimulation was constructed. There were no connections among the 3 miRNAs and predicted genes under Col-1 stimulation. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that the identified miRNAs were associated with various signaling pathways, including the inflammatory response. Interestingly, SCE cells treated with miR-7515 mimic showed increased VEGFA, VEGFR2, PECAM, and Tie2 expression. Ultrastructures typical of exosomes and positive staining for exosomal markers were observed in human TM cells. Our data showed that TM cells may communicate with SCE cells via exomiRs and that miR-7515 may be important for SCE cell reprogramming.
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Soundararajan A, Ghag SA, Vuda SS, Wang T, Pattabiraman PP. Cathepsin K Regulates Intraocular Pressure by Modulating Extracellular Matrix Remodeling and Actin-Bundling in the Trabecular Meshwork Outflow Pathway. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112864. [PMID: 34831087 PMCID: PMC8616380 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The homeostasis of extracellular matrix (ECM) and actin dynamics in the trabecular meshwork (TM) outflow pathway plays a critical role in intraocular pressure (IOP) regulation. We studied the role of cathepsin K (CTSK), a lysosomal cysteine protease and a potent collagenase, on ECM modulation and actin cytoskeleton rearrangements in the TM outflow pathway and the regulation of IOP. Initially, we found that CTSK was negatively regulated by pathological stressors known to elevate IOP. Further, inactivating CTSK using balicatib, a pharmacological cell-permeable inhibitor of CTSK, resulted in IOP elevation due to increased levels and excessive deposition of ECM-like collagen-1A in the TM outflow pathway. The loss of CTSK activity resulted in actin-bundling via fascin and vinculin reorganization and by inhibiting actin depolymerization via phospho-cofilin. Contrarily, constitutive expression of CTSK decreased ECM and increased actin depolymerization by decreasing phospho-cofilin, negatively regulated the availability of active TGFβ2, and reduced the levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), indicating an antifibrotic action of CTSK. In conclusion, these observations, for the first time, demonstrate the significance of CTSK in IOP regulation by maintaining the ECM homeostasis and actin cytoskeleton-mediated contractile properties of the TM outflow pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash Soundararajan
- Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1160 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5209, USA; (A.S.); (S.A.G.); (S.S.V.); (T.W.)
| | - Sachin Anil Ghag
- Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1160 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5209, USA; (A.S.); (S.A.G.); (S.S.V.); (T.W.)
| | - Sai Supriya Vuda
- Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1160 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5209, USA; (A.S.); (S.A.G.); (S.S.V.); (T.W.)
| | - Ting Wang
- Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1160 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5209, USA; (A.S.); (S.A.G.); (S.S.V.); (T.W.)
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, 320 West 15th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-2266, USA
| | - Padmanabhan Paranji Pattabiraman
- Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1160 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5209, USA; (A.S.); (S.A.G.); (S.S.V.); (T.W.)
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, 320 West 15th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-2266, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-317-274-2652
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Fibrotic Changes to Schlemm's Canal Endothelial Cells in Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179446. [PMID: 34502356 PMCID: PMC8431431 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that glaucomatous Schlemm’s canal endothelial cells (gSCECs) are stiffer and associated with reduced porosity and increased extracellular matrix (ECM) material compared to SCECs from healthy individuals. We hypothesised that Schlemm’s canal (SC) cell stiffening was a function of fibrotic changes occurring at the inner wall of SC in glaucoma. This study was performed in primary cell cultures isolated from the SC lumen of human donor eyes. RNA and protein quantification of both fibrotic and endothelial cell markers was carried out on both healthy and gSCECs. Functional assays to assess cell density, size, migration, proliferation, and mitochondrial function of these cells were also carried out. Indeed, we found that gSCECs deviate from typical endothelial cell characteristics and exhibit a more fibrotic phenotype. For example, gSCECs expressed significantly higher protein levels of the fibrotic markers α-SMA, collagen I-α1, and fibronectin, as well as significantly increased protein expression of TGFβ-2, the main driver of fibrosis, compared to healthy SCECs. Interestingly, we observed a significant increase in protein expression of endothelial marker VE-cadherin in gSCECs, compared to healthy SCECs. gSCECs also appeared to be significantly larger, and surprisingly proliferate and migrate at a significantly higher rate, as well as showing significantly reduced mitochondrial activity, compared to healthy SCECs.
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Gao K, Song S, Johnstone MA, Zhang Q, Xu J, Zhang X, Wang RK, Wen JC. Reduced Pulsatile Trabecular Meshwork Motion in Eyes With Primary Open Angle Glaucoma Using Phase-Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:21. [PMID: 33326017 PMCID: PMC7745620 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.14.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in pulsatile trabecular meshwork (TM) motion between normal and eyes with POAG using phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PhS-OCT). Methods In this cross-sectional study, eight healthy subjects (16 eyes) and nine patients with POAG (18 eyes) were enrolled. A laboratory-based prototype PhS-OCT system was used to measure pulsatile TM motion. PhS-OCT images were analyzed to obtain parameters of pulsatile TM motion (i.e. maximum velocity [MV] and cumulative displacement [CDisp]). Outflow facility and ocular pulse amplitude were measured using pneumotonography. Detection sensitivity was compared among various parameters by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs). Results A pulsatile TM motion waveform synchronous with digital pulse was observed using PhS-OCT in both healthy and POAG eyes. The mean MV in eyes with glaucoma was significantly lower than healthy eyes (P < 0.001). The mean CDisp in POAG eyes was also significantly lower than healthy eyes (P < 0.001). CDisp showed a significant correlation (r = 0.46; P = 0.0088) with ocular pulse amplitude in the study. Compared with the outflow facility, both the MV and CDisp were found to have a better discrimination of glaucoma (P < 0.001 and P = 0.0074, respectively). Conclusions Pulsatile TM motion was reduced in patients with POAG compared to healthy subjects. The underlying mechanism may be due to the altered tissue stiffness or other biomechanical properties of the TM in POAG eyes. Our evidence suggests that the measurement of pulsatile TM motion with PhS-OCT may help in characterizing outflow pathway abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Gao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaozhen Song
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Murray A Johnstone
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Qinqin Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Jingjiang Xu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Xiulan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruikang K Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Joanne C Wen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States.,Duke Eye Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States
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Yemanyi F, Raghunathan V. Lysophosphatidic Acid and IL-6 Trans-signaling Interact via YAP/TAZ and STAT3 Signaling Pathways in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:29. [PMID: 33216119 PMCID: PMC7683860 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.13.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and soluble interleukin-6 receptor (sIL6R) are elevated in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). LPA and IL6 modulate in response to biomechanical stimuli and converge on similar fibrotic phenotypes. Thus, we determined whether LPA and IL6 trans-signaling (IL6/sIL6R) interact via Yes-associated protein (YAP)/Transcriptional coactivator with a PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) or Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathways in human trabecular meshwork (hTM) cells. Methods Confluent primary hTM cells were serum starved for 24 hours, and treated with vehicle, LPA (20 µM), IL6 (100 ng/mL)/sIL6R (200 ng/mL), or both (LPA + IL6/sIL6R) for 24 hours, with or without a YAP inhibitor (verteporfin; 2 µM) or STAT3 inhibitor (2 µM). Expression of key receptors and ligands, signaling mediators, actomyosin machinery, cell contractility, and extracellular matrix (ECM) targets of both signaling pathways was determined by immunocytochemistry, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting. Results LPA and IL6 trans-signaling coupling overexpressed/activated receptors and ligands, glycoprotein-130, IL6, and autotaxin; signaling mediators, YAP, TAZ, Pan-TEAD, and phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3); actomyosin and contractile machinery components, myosin light chain 2 (MLC2), phosphorylated MLC2, rho-associated protein kinase 1, filamentous actin, and α-smooth muscle actin; and fibrotic ECM proteins, collagen I and IV, fibronectin, laminin, cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61, and connective tissue growth factor in hTM cells; mostly beyond LPA or IL6 trans-signaling alone. Verteporfin inhibited YAP, TAZ, and pSTAT3, with concomitant abrogation of aforementioned fibrotic targets; the STAT3 inhibitor was only partially effective. Conclusions These data suggest synergistic crosstalk between LPA and IL6 trans-signaling, mediated by YAP, TAZ, and pSTAT3. By completely inhibiting these mediators, verteporfin may be more efficacious in ameliorating LPA and/or IL6 trans-signaling–induced ocular hypertensive phenotypes in hTM cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Yemanyi
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States
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48
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Lakk M, Križaj D. TRPV4-Rho signaling drives cytoskeletal and focal adhesion remodeling in trabecular meshwork cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2021; 320:C1013-C1030. [PMID: 33788628 PMCID: PMC8285634 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00599.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Intraocular pressure (IOP) is dynamically regulated by the trabecular meshwork (TM), a mechanosensitive tissue that protects the eye from injury through dynamic regulation of aqueous humor flow. TM compensates for mechanical stress impelled by chronic IOP elevations through increased actin polymerization, tissue stiffness, and contractility. This process has been associated with open angle glaucoma; however, the mechanisms that link mechanical stress to pathological cytoskeletal remodeling downstream from the mechanotransducers remain poorly understood. We used fluorescence imaging and biochemical analyses to investigate cytoskeletal and focal adhesion remodeling in human TM cells stimulated with physiological strains. Mechanical stretch promoted F-actin polymerization, increased the number and size of focal adhesions, and stimulated the activation of the Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK). Stretch-induced activation of the small GTPase Ras homolog family member A (RhoA), and tyrosine phosphorylations of focal adhesion proteins paxillin, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), vinculin, and zyxin were time dependently inhibited by ROCK inhibitor trans-4-[(1R)-1-aminoethyl]-N-4-pyridinylcyclohexanecarboxamide dihydrochloride (Y-27632), and by HC-067047, an antagonist of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channels. Both TRPV4 and ROCK activation were required for zyxin translocation and increase in the number/size of focal adhesions in stretched cells. Y-27632 blocked actin polymerization without affecting calcium influx induced by membrane stretch and the TRPV4 agonist GSK1016790A. These results reveal that mechanical tuning of TM cells requires parallel activation of TRPV4, integrins, and ROCK, with chronic stress leading to sustained remodeling of the cytoskeleton and focal complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Lakk
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - David Križaj
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
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Li G, Lee C, Read AT, Wang K, Ha J, Kuhn M, Navarro I, Cui J, Young K, Gorijavolu R, Sulchek T, Kopczynski C, Farsiu S, Samples J, Challa P, Ethier CR, Stamer WD. Anti-fibrotic activity of a rho-kinase inhibitor restores outflow function and intraocular pressure homeostasis. eLife 2021; 10:60831. [PMID: 33783352 PMCID: PMC8009676 DOI: 10.7554/elife.60831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are widely used as an ophthalmic medication. A common, sight-threatening adverse event of glucocorticoid usage is ocular hypertension, caused by dysfunction of the conventional outflow pathway. We report that netarsudil, a rho-kinase inhibitor, decreased glucocorticoid-induced ocular hypertension in patients whose intraocular pressures were poorly controlled by standard medications. Mechanistic studies in our established mouse model of glucocorticoid-induced ocular hypertension show that netarsudil both prevented and reduced intraocular pressure elevation. Further, netarsudil attenuated characteristic steroid-induced pathologies as assessed by quantification of outflow function and tissue stiffness, and morphological and immunohistochemical indicators of tissue fibrosis. Thus, rho-kinase inhibitors act directly on conventional outflow cells to prevent or attenuate fibrotic disease processes in glucocorticoid-induced ocular hypertension in an immune-privileged environment. Moreover, these data motivate the need for a randomized prospective clinical study to determine whether netarsudil is indeed superior to first-line anti-glaucoma drugs in lowering steroid-induced ocular hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guorong Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, United States
| | - Chanyoung Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory University, Atlanta, United States
| | - A Thomas Read
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory University, Atlanta, United States
| | - Ke Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory University, Atlanta, United States
| | - Jungmin Ha
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, United States
| | - Megan Kuhn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, United States
| | - Iris Navarro
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, United States
| | - Jenny Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, United States
| | - Katherine Young
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory University, Atlanta, United States
| | - Rahul Gorijavolu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, United States
| | - Todd Sulchek
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, United States
| | | | - Sina Farsiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, United States
| | - John Samples
- Washington State University Floyd Elson School of Medicine, Spokane, United States
| | - Pratap Challa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, United States
| | - C Ross Ethier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory University, Atlanta, United States.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, United States
| | - W Daniel Stamer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, United States
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50
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Komáromy AM, Koehl KL, Park SA. Looking into the future: Gene and cell therapies for glaucoma. Vet Ophthalmol 2021; 24 Suppl 1:16-33. [PMID: 33411993 PMCID: PMC7979454 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a complex group of optic neuropathies that affects both humans and animals. Intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation is a major risk factor that results in the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons. Currently, lowering IOP by medical and surgical methods is the only approved treatment for primary glaucoma, but there is no cure, and vision loss often progresses despite therapy. Recent technologic advances provide us with a better understanding of disease mechanisms and risk factors; this will permit earlier diagnosis of glaucoma and initiation of therapy sooner and more effectively. Gene and cell therapies are well suited to target these mechanisms specifically with the potential to achieve a lasting therapeutic effect. Much progress has been made in laboratory settings to develop these novel therapies for the eye. Gene and cell therapies have already been translated into clinical application for some inherited retinal dystrophies and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Except for the intravitreal application of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) by encapsulated cell technology for RGC neuroprotection, there has been no other clinical translation of gene and cell therapies for glaucoma so far. Possible application of gene and cell therapies consists of long-term IOP control via increased aqueous humor drainage, including inhibition of fibrosis following filtration surgery, RGC neuroprotection and neuroregeneration, modification of ocular biomechanics for improved IOP tolerance, and inhibition of inflammation and neovascularization to prevent the development of some forms of secondary glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- András M. Komáromy
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Kristin L. Koehl
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Shin Ae Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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