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Wei Z, Hao C, Radeen KR, Srinivasagan R, Chen JK, Sharma S, McGee-Lawrence ME, Hamrick MW, Monnier VM, Fan X. Prevention of age-related truncation of γ-glutamylcysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) delays cataract formation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl1088. [PMID: 38669339 PMCID: PMC11051666 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl1088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
A sharp drop in lenticular glutathione (GSH) plays a pivotal role in age-related cataract (ARC) formation. Despite recognizing GSH's importance in lens defense for decades, its decline with age remains puzzling. Our recent study revealed an age-related truncation affecting the essential GSH biosynthesis enzyme, the γ-glutamylcysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), at aspartate residue 499. Intriguingly, these truncated GCLC fragments compete with full-length GCLC in forming a heterocomplex with the modifier subunit (GCLM) but exhibit markedly reduced enzymatic activity. Crucially, using an aspartate-to-glutamate mutation knock-in (D499E-KI) mouse model that blocks GCLC truncation, we observed a notable delay in ARC formation compared to WT mice: Nearly 50% of D499E-KI mice remained cataract-free versus ~20% of the WT mice at their age of 20 months. Our findings concerning age-related GCLC truncation might be the key to understanding the profound reduction in lens GSH with age. By halting GCLC truncation, we can rejuvenate lens GSH levels and considerably postpone cataract onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongbo Wei
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Caili Hao
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Kazi Rafsan Radeen
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Ramkumar Srinivasagan
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Jian-Kang Chen
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Shruti Sharma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Meghan E. McGee-Lawrence
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Mark W. Hamrick
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Vincent M. Monnier
- Department of Pathology and Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Xingjun Fan
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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Fan C, Wang C, Wang Y, Jiang J. Transcriptome exploration of ferroptosis-related genes in TGFβ- induced lens epithelial to mesenchymal transition during posterior capsular opacification development. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:352. [PMID: 38594623 PMCID: PMC11003017 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10244-y] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is the main reason affecting the long-term postoperative result of cataract patient, and it is well accepted that fibrotic PCO is driven by transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling. Ferroptosis, closely related to various ocular diseases, but has not been explored in PCO. METHODS RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on both TGF-β2 treated and untreated primary lens epithelial cells (pLECs). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with ferroptosis were analyzed using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) to investigate their biological function. Additionally, protein-to-protein interactions among selected ferroptosis-related genes by PPI network and the top 10 genes with the highest score (MCC algorithm) were selected as the hub genes. The top 20 genes with significant fold change values were validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS Our analysis revealed 1253 DEGs between TGF-β2 treated and untreated pLECs, uncovering 38 ferroptosis-related genes between two groups. Among these 38 ferroptosis-related genes,the most prominent GO enrichment analysis process involved in the response to oxidative stress (BPs), apical part of cell (CCs),antioxidant activity (MFs). KEGG were mainly concentrated in fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, IL-17 and TNF signaling pathways, and validation of top 20 genes with significant fold change value were consistent with RNA-seq. CONCLUSIONS Our RNA-Seq data identified 38 ferroptosis-related genes in TGF-β2 treated and untreated pLECs, which is the first observation of ferroptosis related genes in primary human lens epithelial cells under TGF-β2 stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Fan
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, USA
| | - Jian Jiang
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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Chen Q, Jiang C, Li H. Indole-3-Carbinol Promotes Apoptosis and Inhibits the Metastasis of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Downregulating the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway. Nutr Cancer 2024; 76:543-551. [PMID: 38588526 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2024.2337159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The incidence and mortality rates of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have been significantly increasing in China. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a naturally occurring component in cruciferous vegetables, is an effective cancer therapy. Yet, its effect and action mechanism in ESCC are still not fully understood. This study explored the role of I3C in ESCC in vitro and in vivo by focusing on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. MTT and flow cytometry were used to assess cell viability and apoptosis in EC18 and TE1 cells, while wound healing and transwell assays were used to investigate cell migration and invasion in vitro. Expression of β-catenin, c-myc, and cyclin D1 was determined by Western blot; LiCl (an agonist of the canonical Wnt signaling that inhibits GSK3β activity) was used to assess the role of I3C on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. For in vivo experiments, nude BALB/c mice bearing EC18 xenografts were treated with I3C and/or LiCl. I3C promoted ESCC apoptosis and inhibited cell migration and invasion by downregulating β-catenin, c-myc, and cyclin D1 in vitro and decreased the tumor growth in vivo; this process was reversed by LiCl treatment. In summary, I3C inhibits ESCC malignant behavior by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, thus deeming it a promising drug for ESCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Chen
- Department of Nutrition, Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Congbo Jiang
- Beiqing Road Outpatient Department, Jingbei Medical District of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Nutrition, Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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VanSlyke JK, Boswell BA, Musil LS. Tonic ErbB signaling underlies TGFβ-induced activation of ERK and is required for lens cell epithelial to myofibroblast transition. Mol Biol Cell 2024; 35:ar35. [PMID: 38170570 PMCID: PMC10916858 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e23-07-0294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a major, but incompletely understood, component of many diseases. The most common vision-disrupting complication of cataract surgery involves differentiation of residual lens cells into myofibroblasts. In serum-free primary cultures of lens epithelial cells (DCDMLs), inhibitors of either ERK or of ErbB signaling prevent TGFβ from upregulating both early (fibronectin) and late (αSMA) markers of myofibroblast differentiation. TGFβ stimulates ERK in DCDMLs within 1.5 h. Kinase inhibitors of ErbBs, but not of several other growth factor receptors in lens cells, reduce phospho ERK to below basal levels in the absence or presence of TGFβ. This effect is attributable to constitutive ErbB activity playing a major role in regulating the basal levels pERK. Additional studies support a model in which TGFβ-generated reactive oxygen species serve to indirectly amplify ERK signaling downstream of tonically active ErbBs to mediate myofibroblast differentiation. ERK activity is in turn essential for expression of ErbB1 and ErbB2, major inducers of ERK signaling. By mechanistically linking TGFβ, ErbB, and ERK signaling to myofibroblast differentiation, our data elucidate a new role for ErbBs in fibrosis and reveal a novel mode by which TGFβ directs lens cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy K. VanSlyke
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Bruce A. Boswell
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Linda S. Musil
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
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Guo Z, Ma X, Chen X, Zhang RX, Yan H. Oxidative stress-induced temporal activation of ERK1/2 phosphorylates coreceptor of Wnt/β-catenin for myofibroblast formation in human lens epithelial cells. Mol Vis 2023; 29:206-216. [PMID: 38222447 PMCID: PMC10784218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is the most common complication postcataract surgery, and its underlying mechanisms involve epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of remnant lens epithelial cells (LECs) in response to drastic changes in stimuli in the intraocular environment, such as oxidative stress and growth factors. Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a major pathway mediating oxidative stress-induced EMT in LECs, but its interplay with other transduction pathways remains little known in the development of PCO. ERK1/2 signaling is the downstream component of a phosphorelay pathway in response to extracellular stimuli (e.g., reactive oxygen species), and its activation regulates multiple cellular processes, including proliferation and EMT. Thus, this study aimed to investigate how ERK1/2 signaling and Wnt/β-catenin pathway crosstalk in oxidative stress-induced EMT in LECs. Methods Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at 50 μM treatment for 48 h was used to establish a moderate oxidative stress-induced EMT model in LECs. ERK1/2 signaling was inhibited using MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 at 20 μM. Western blotting was used to quantify protein expression of various biomarkers of EMT and phosphorylated components in ERK1/2 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. LEC proliferation was determined using an EdU staining assay and expression of proliferating cellular nuclear antigen (PCNA). Subcellular localization of biomarker proteins was visualized with immunofluorescent staining. Results Under the moderate level of H2O2-induced EMT in LECs, ERK1/2 signaling was activated, as evidenced by a marked increase in the ratio of phosphorylated ERK1/2 to total ERK1/2 at early (i.e., 5-15 min) and late time points (i.e., 12 h); the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway was activated by H2O2 at 48 h. LECs exposed to H2O2 exhibited hyperproliferation and EMT; however, these were restored by inhibition of ERK1/2 signaling demonstrated by reduced DNA synthesis and PCNA expression for cellular proliferation and altered expression of various EMT protein markers, including E-cadherin, α-SMA, and vimentin. More importantly, inhibition of ERK1/2 signaling reduced β-catenin accumulation in the activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade. Specifically, there was significant downregulation in the phosphorylation level of LRP6 at Ser 1490 and GSK-3β at Ser 9, the key coreceptor of Wnt and regulator of β-catenin, respectively. Conclusions ERK1/2 signaling plays a crucial role in the moderate level of oxidative stress-induced EMT in LECs. Pharmacologically blocking ERK1/2 signaling significantly inhibited LEC proliferation and EMT. Mechanistically, ERK1/2 signaling regulated Wnt/β-catenin cascade by phosphorylating Wnt coreceptor LRP6 at Ser 1490 in the plasma membrane. These results shed light on a potential molecular switch of ERK1/2 and Wnt/β-catenin crosstalk underlying the development of PCO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaoxia Guo
- Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi'an People’s Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Affiliated People’s Hospital of Northwest University, Xi' an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaopan Ma
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi'an People’s Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Affiliated People’s Hospital of Northwest University, Xi' an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rui Xue Zhang
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hong Yan
- Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi'an People’s Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Affiliated People’s Hospital of Northwest University, Xi' an, Shaanxi, China
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
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Gao L, Zhou Y, Li N, Liu X, Cong F. Lens Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition and Long-Term Chronic Inflammation After Cataract Surgery. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2023; 31:1724-1726. [PMID: 35708475 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2022.2088567] [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: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report the potential effect of lens epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) following lens capsular reopening in three patients with long term chronic intraocular inflammation and mildly elevated intraocular pressure. METHODS Observational study. RESULTS Although the three patients had different histories of eye surgery and had experienced a long process of diagnosis and treatment, they had the following similarities: 1) They had undergone cataract surgery; 2) All of them had capsular bag opening or reopening and unexplained intraocular inflammation and elevated intraocular pressure for a long time, even up to more than one year; 3) The inflammation was eventually disappeared following complete clearance of the EMT derived material. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the critical role of EMT derived material and capsular bag reopening in long-term post cataract surgery inflammation and pseudophakic ocular hypertension, and complete clearance of EMT derived material with surgical intervention should be considered if necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Gao
- Zhengda Guangming Eye Group, Weifang Eye Hospital, Weifang, P.R. China
- Zhengda Guangming International Eye Research Center, Qingdao University, Qingdao, P.R. China
| | - Yujuan Zhou
- Zhengda Guangming Eye Group, Weifang Eye Hospital, Weifang, P.R. China
| | - Na Li
- Zhengda Guangming Eye Group, Weifang Eye Hospital, Weifang, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoqian Liu
- Zhengda Guangming Eye Group, Weifang Eye Hospital, Weifang, P.R. China
| | - Fei Cong
- Zhengda Guangming Eye Group, Weifang Eye Hospital, Weifang, P.R. China
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Chen X, Chen Y, Li C, Li J, Zhang S, Liang C, Deng Q, Guo Z, Guo C, Yan H. Glutaredoxin 2 protects lens epithelial cells from epithelial-mesenchymal transition by suppressing mitochondrial oxidative stress-related upregulation of integrin-linked kinase. Exp Eye Res 2023; 234:109609. [PMID: 37541331 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109609] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Glutaredoxin 2 (Grx2), a mitochondrial glutathione-dependent oxidoreductase, is crucial for maintaining redox homeostasis and cellular functions in the lens. The oxidative stress-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lens epithelial cells (LECs) is related to posterior capsule opacification. In this study, we investigated the effects of Grx2 on oxidative stress-induced EMT in LECs during posterior capsule opacification. We found that Grx2 expression was substantially decreased during the EMT of LECs and in a mouse model of cataract surgery. Deletion of Grx2 aggravated the generation of reactive oxygen species, including those that are mitochondria-derived, and promoted the proliferation and EMT of the LECs. This was reversed by Grx2 overexpression. In vivo, proteomic liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that integrin-linked kinase (ILK) was significantly upregulated in the lens posterior capsule of a Grx2 knockout (KO) mouse model. Compared with that of the wild-type group, the expression of ILK and EMT markers was increased in the Grx2 KO group which was reversed in the Grx2 knock-in group. Inhibition of ILK partially blocked Grx2 knockdown-induced EMT and prevented the increased phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β and the nuclear translocation of β-catenin in the Grx2 KO group. Finally, inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway partially blocked the Grx2 knockdown-induced EMT. In conclusion, we demonstrated that Grx2 protects LECs from oxidative stress-related EMT by regulating the ILK/Akt/GSK-3β axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Affiliated People's Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China; Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710068, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Affiliated People's Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chenshuang Li
- Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Affiliated People's Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiankui Li
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, NO. 960 Hospital of PLA, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China
| | - Siqi Zhang
- Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Affiliated People's Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chen Liang
- Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Affiliated People's Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qi Deng
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710068, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zaoxia Guo
- Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Affiliated People's Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chenjun Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hong Yan
- Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Affiliated People's Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China; Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710068, Shaanxi, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China.
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Li C, Chen X, Zhang S, Liang C, Ma X, Zhang R, Yan H. Glutaredoxin 1 protects lens epithelial cells from epithelial-mesenchymal transition by preventing casein kinase 1α S-glutathionylation during posterior capsular opacification. Redox Biol 2023; 62:102676. [PMID: 36989576 PMCID: PMC10074848 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress drives protein S-glutathionylation, which regulates the structure and function of target proteins and is implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Glutaredoxin 1 (Grx1), a cytoplasmic deglutathionylating enzyme, maintains a reducing environment within the cell under various conditions by reversing S-glutathionylation. Grx1 performs a wide range of antioxidant activities in the lens and prevents protein-thiol mixed disulfide accumulation, reducing protein-protein aggregation, insolubilization, and apoptosis of lens epithelial cells. Oxidative stress is related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during posterior capsular opacification (PCO). However, whether Grx1-regulated protein S-glutathionylation plays an essential role in PCO remains unclear. In this study, we revealed that Grx1 expression was decreased in mice following cataract surgery. Furthermore, the absence of Grx1 elevated oxidative stress and protein S-glutathionylation and aggravated EMT in both in vitro and in vivo models. Concurrently, these results could be reversed by Grx1 overexpression. Notably, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry results showed that casein kinase 1α (CK1α) was susceptible to S-glutathionylation under oxidative stress, and CK1α S-glutathionylation (CK1α-SSG) was mediated at Cys249. The absence of Grx1 upregulated CK1α-SSG, subsequently decreasing the CK1α-induced phosphorylation of β-catenin at Ser45. The consequential downregulation of degradative β-catenin and upregulation of its nuclear translocation activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and aggravated EMT. In conclusion, the downregulated expression of Grx1 in mice following cataract surgery aggravated EMT by upregulating the extent of CK1α-SSG. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to report how S-glutathionylation regulates CK1α activity under oxidative stress.
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Li X, Liang C, Guo Y, Su J, Chen X, Macgregor RB, Zhang RX, Yan H. Clinical Translation of Long-Acting Drug Delivery Systems for Posterior Capsule Opacification Prophylaxis. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041235. [PMID: 37111720 PMCID: PMC10143098 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) remains the most common cause of vision loss post cataract surgery. The clinical management of PCO formation is limited to either physical impedance of residual lens epithelial cells (LECs) by implantation of specially designed intraocular lenses (IOL) or laser ablation of the opaque posterior capsular tissues; however, these strategies cannot fully eradicate PCO and are associated with other ocular complications. In this review, we critically appraise recent advances in conventional and nanotechnology-based drug delivery approaches to PCO prophylaxis. We focus on long-acting dosage forms, including drug-eluting IOL, injectable hydrogels, nanoparticles and implants, highlighting analysis of their controlled drug-release properties (e.g., release duration, maximum drug release, drug-release half-life). The rational design of drug delivery systems by considering the intraocular environment, issues of initial burst release, drug loading content, delivery of drug combination and long-term ocular safety holds promise for the development of safe and effective pharmacological applications in anti-PCO therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Li
- Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Northwest University, 21 Jiefang Road, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Chen Liang
- Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Northwest University, 21 Jiefang Road, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Yexuan Guo
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Jing Su
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Northwest University, 21 Jiefang Road, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Robert B Macgregor
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Rui Xue Zhang
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Hong Yan
- Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Northwest University, 21 Jiefang Road, Xi'an 710004, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an 710072, China
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Shu DY, Chaudhary S, Cho KS, Lennikov A, Miller WP, Thorn DC, Yang M, McKay TB. Role of Oxidative Stress in Ocular Diseases: A Balancing Act. Metabolites 2023; 13:187. [PMID: 36837806 PMCID: PMC9960073 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13020187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Redox homeostasis is a delicate balancing act of maintaining appropriate levels of antioxidant defense mechanisms and reactive oxidizing oxygen and nitrogen species. Any disruption of this balance leads to oxidative stress, which is a key pathogenic factor in several ocular diseases. In this review, we present the current evidence for oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in conditions affecting both the anterior segment (e.g., dry eye disease, keratoconus, cataract) and posterior segment (age-related macular degeneration, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma) of the human eye. We posit that further development of therapeutic interventions to promote pro-regenerative responses and maintenance of the redox balance may delay or prevent the progression of these major ocular pathologies. Continued efforts in this field will not only yield a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of ocular diseases but also enable the identification of novel druggable redox targets and antioxidant therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Y. Shu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Suman Chaudhary
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Kin-Sang Cho
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Anton Lennikov
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - William P. Miller
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - David C. Thorn
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Menglu Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Tina B. McKay
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Wei Z, Hao C, Chen JK, Gan L, Fan X. A tamoxifen-inducible Cre knock-in mouse for lens-specific gene manipulation. Exp Eye Res 2023; 226:109306. [PMID: 36372215 PMCID: PMC9839650 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Mouse models are valuable tools in studying lens biology and biochemistry, and the Cre-loxP system is the most used technology for gene targeting in the lens. However, numerous genes are indispensable in lens development. The conventional knockout method either prevents lens formation or causes simultaneous cataract formation, hindering the studies of their roles in lens structure, growth, metabolism, and cataractogenesis during lens aging. An inducible Cre-loxP mouse line is an excellent way to achieve such a purpose. We established a lens-specific Cre ERT2 knock-in mouse (LCEK), an inducible mouse model for lens-specific gene targeting in a spatiotemporal manner. LCEK mice were created by in-frame infusion of a P2A-CreERT2 at the C-terminus of the last coding exon of the gene alpha A crystallin (Cryaa). LCEK mice express tamoxifen-inducible Cre recombinase uniquely in the lens. Through ROSAmT/mG and two endogenous genes (Gclc and Rbpj) targeting, we found no Cre recombinase leakage in the lens epithelium, but 50-80% leakage was observed in the lens cortex and nucleus. Administration of tamoxifen almost completely abolished target gene expression in both lens epithelium and cortex but only mildly enhanced gene deletion in the lens nucleus. Notably, no overt leakage of Cre activity was detected in developing LCEK lens when bred with mice carrying loxP floxed genes that are essential for lens development. This newly generated LCEK line will be a powerful tool to target genes in the lens for gene functions study in lens aging, posterior capsule opacification (PCO), and other areas requiring precision gene targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongbo Wei
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Caili Hao
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Jian-Kang Chen
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Lin Gan
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Xingjun Fan
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
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12
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Augmented cellular uptake and homologous targeting of exosome-based drug loaded IOL for posterior capsular opacification prevention and biosafety improvement. Bioact Mater 2022; 15:469-481. [PMID: 35386342 PMCID: PMC8958386 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.02.019] [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: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Posterior capsular opacification (PCO), the most common complication after cataract surgery, is caused by the proliferation, migration and differentiation of residual lens epithelial cells (LECs) on the surface of the intraocular lens (IOL). Although drug-loaded IOLs have been successfully developed, the PCO prevention efficacy is still limited due to the lack of targeting and low bioavailability. In this investigation, an exosome-functionalized drug-loaded IOL was successfully developed for effective PCO prevention utilizing the homologous targeting and high biocompatibility of exosome. The exosomes derived from LECs were collected to load the anti-proliferative drug doxorubicin (Dox) through electroporation and then immobilized on the aminated IOLs surface through electrostatic interaction. In vitro experiments showed that significantly improved cellular uptake of Dox@Exos by LECs was achieved due to the targeting ability of exosome, compared with free Dox, thus resulting in superior anti-proliferation effect. In vivo animal investigations indicated that Dox@Exos-IOLs effectively inhibited the development of PCO and showed excellent intraocular biocompatibility. We believe that this work will provide a targeting strategy for PCO prevention through exosome-functionalized IOL.
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13
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Wei Z, Gordon P, Hao C, Huangfu J, Fan E, Zhang X, Yan H, Fan X. Aged Lens Epithelial Cells Suppress Proliferation and Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition-Relevance for Posterior Capsule Opacification. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132001. [PMID: 35805085 PMCID: PMC9265589 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is a frequent complication after cataract surgery, and advanced PCO requires YAG laser (Nd: YAG) capsulotomy, which often gives rise to more complications. Lens epithelial cell (LEC) proliferation and transformation (i.e., epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)) are two critical elements in PCO initiation and progression pathogenesis. While PCO marginally impacts aged cataract surgery patients, PCO incidences are exceptionally high in infants and children undergoing cataract surgery. The gene expression of lens epithelial cell aging and its role in the discrepancy of PCO prevalence between young and older people have not been fully studied. Here, we conducted a comprehensive differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis of a cell aging model by comparing the early and late passage FHL124 lens epithelial cells (LECs). In vitro, TGFβ2, cell treatment, and in vivo mouse cataract surgical models were used to validate our findings. We found that aged LECs decelerated rates of cell proliferation accompanied by dysregulation of cellular immune response and cell stress response. Surprisingly, we found that LECs systematically downregulated epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-promoting genes. The protein expression of several EMT hallmark genes, e.g., fibronectin, αSMA, and cadherin 11, were gradually decreased during LECs aging. We then confirmed these findings in vitro and found that aged LECs markedly alleviated TGFβ2-mediated EMT. Importantly, we explicitly confirmed the in vitro findings from the in vivo mouse cataract surgery studies. We propose that both the high proliferation rate and EMT-enriched young LECs phenotypic characteristics contribute to unusually high PCO incidence in infants and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongbo Wei
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, 1460 Laney Walker Blvd., CB Building, Room CB1119, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (Z.W.); (C.H.); (J.H.)
| | - Pasley Gordon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
| | - Caili Hao
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, 1460 Laney Walker Blvd., CB Building, Room CB1119, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (Z.W.); (C.H.); (J.H.)
| | - Jingru Huangfu
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, 1460 Laney Walker Blvd., CB Building, Room CB1119, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (Z.W.); (C.H.); (J.H.)
| | - Emily Fan
- Lakeside High School at Columbia County, Evans, GA 30809, USA;
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Genomics, Epigenomics and Sequencing Core, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA;
| | - Hong Yan
- Xi’an Fourth Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China;
| | - Xingjun Fan
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, 1460 Laney Walker Blvd., CB Building, Room CB1119, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (Z.W.); (C.H.); (J.H.)
- Correspondence:
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14
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Xie W, Yu Q, Wang L, Shao Y, Bo Q, Wu G. Toll-like receptor 3 gene regulates cataract-related mechanisms via the Jagged-1/Notch signaling pathway. Bioengineered 2022; 13:14357-14367. [PMID: 35758265 PMCID: PMC9342145 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2085391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-melancholy transition (EMT) is the main cause of organ fibrosis and a common pathogenetic mechanism in most cataracts. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-3 in the occurrence and development of post-cataract EMT and to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of posterior capsule opacification (PCO). In the presence or absence of TLR3, the human lens epithelial cell (LEC) line, SRA01/04, was treated with the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and Transwell assays were used to analyze the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The expression levels of proteins and RNAs were detected by western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) experiments. Functional gain and loss studies showed that TLR3 regulates the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LECs and EMT induced by TGF-β2. Moreover, TLR3 regulates the expression of Jagged-1, Notch-1, and Notch-3 These findings indicate that TLR3 prevents the progression of lens fibrosis by targeting the Jagged-1/Notch signaling pathway to regulate the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LECs, and TGF-β2-induced EMT. Therefore, the TLR3-Jagged-1/Notch signaling axis may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of fibrotic cataracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Ningbo Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qihua Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Ningbo Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Layi Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Ningbo Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongqing Shao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Ningbo Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qingyun Bo
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Ningbo Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guohai Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Ningbo Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
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15
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Zhang L, Wang L, Hu X, Hou M, Xiao Y, Xiang J, Xie J, Chen Z, Yang T, Nie Q, Fu J, Wang Y, Zheng S, Liu Y, Gan Y, Gao Q, Bai Y, Wang J, Qi R, Zou M, Ke Q, Zhu X, Gong L, Liu Y, Li DW. MYPT1/PP1-Mediated EZH2 Dephosphorylation at S21 Promotes Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Fibrosis through Control of Multiple Families of Genes. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2105539. [PMID: 35293697 PMCID: PMC9108659 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202105539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The methyltransferase EZH2 plays an important role in regulating chromatin conformation and gene transcription. Phosphorylation of EZH2 at S21 by AKT kinase suppresses its function. However, protein phosphatases responsible for the dephosphorylation of EZH2-S21 remain elusive. Here, it is demonstrated that EZH2 is highly expressed in the ocular lens, and AKT-EZH2 axis is important in TGFβ-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). More importantly, it is identified that MYPT1/PP1 dephosphorylates EZH2-S21 and thus modulates its functions. MYPT1 knockout accelerates EMT, but expression of the EZH2-S21A mutant suppresses EMT through control of multiple families of genes. Furthermore, the phosphorylation status and gene expression modulation of EZH2 are implicated in control of anterior subcapsular cataracts (ASC) in human and mouse eyes. Together, the results identify the specific phosphatase for EZH2-S21 and reveal EZH2 dephosphorylation control of several families of genes implicated in lens EMT and ASC pathogenesis. These results provide important novel information in EZH2 function and regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University#54 Xianlie South RoadGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Ling Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University#54 Xianlie South RoadGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Xue‐Bin Hu
- The State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University#54 Xianlie South RoadGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Min Hou
- The State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University#54 Xianlie South RoadGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Yuan Xiao
- The State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University#54 Xianlie South RoadGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Jia‐Wen Xiang
- The State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University#54 Xianlie South RoadGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Jie Xie
- The State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University#54 Xianlie South RoadGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Zhi‐Gang Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University#54 Xianlie South RoadGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Tian‐Heng Yang
- The State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University#54 Xianlie South RoadGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Qian Nie
- The State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University#54 Xianlie South RoadGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Jia‐Ling Fu
- The State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University#54 Xianlie South RoadGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Yan Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University#54 Xianlie South RoadGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Shu‐Yu Zheng
- The State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University#54 Xianlie South RoadGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Yun‐Fei Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University#54 Xianlie South RoadGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Yu‐Wen Gan
- The State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University#54 Xianlie South RoadGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Qian Gao
- The State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University#54 Xianlie South RoadGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Yue‐Yue Bai
- The State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University#54 Xianlie South RoadGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Jing‐Miao Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University#54 Xianlie South RoadGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Rui‐Li Qi
- The State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University#54 Xianlie South RoadGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Ming Zou
- The State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University#54 Xianlie South RoadGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Qin Ke
- The State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University#54 Xianlie South RoadGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Xing‐Fei Zhu
- The State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University#54 Xianlie South RoadGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Lili Gong
- The State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University#54 Xianlie South RoadGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Yizhi Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University#54 Xianlie South RoadGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - David Wan‐Cheng Li
- The State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University#54 Xianlie South RoadGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
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16
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Thompson B, Davidson EA, Chen Y, Orlicky DJ, Thompson DC, Vasiliou V. Oxidative stress induces inflammation of lens cells and triggers immune surveillance of ocular tissues. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 355:109804. [PMID: 35123994 PMCID: PMC9136680 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.109804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports have challenged the notion that the lens is immune-privileged. However, these studies have not fully identified the molecular mechanism(s) that promote immune surveillance of the lens. Using a mouse model of targeted glutathione (GSH) deficiency in ocular surface tissues, we have investigated the role of oxidative stress in upregulating cytokine expression and promoting immune surveillance of the eye. RNA-sequencing of lenses from postnatal day (P) 1-aged Gclcf/f;Le-CreTg/- (KO) and Gclcf/f;Le-Cre-/- control (CON) mice revealed upregulation of many cytokines (e.g., CCL4, GDF15, CSF1) and immune response genes in the lenses of KO mice. The eyes of KO mice had a greater number of cells in the aqueous and vitreous humors at P1, P20 and P50 than age-matched CON and Gclcw/w;Le-CreTg/- (CRE) mice. Histological analyses revealed the presence of innate immune cells (i.e., macrophages, leukocytes) in ocular structures of the KO mice. At P20, the expression of cytokines and ROS content was higher in the lenses of KO mice than in those from age-matched CRE and CON mice, suggesting that oxidative stress may induce cytokine expression. In vitro administration of the oxidant, hydrogen peroxide, and the depletion of GSH (using buthionine sulfoximine (BSO)) in 21EM15 lens epithelial cells induced cytokine expression, an effect that was prevented by co-treatment of the cells with N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), a antioxidant. The in vivo and ex vivo induction of cytokine expression by oxidative stress was associated with the expression of markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), α-SMA, in lens cells. Given that EMT of lens epithelial cells causes posterior capsule opacification (PCO), we propose that oxidative stress induces cytokine expression, EMT and the development of PCO in a positive feedback loop. Collectively these data indicate that oxidative stress induces inflammation of lens cells which promotes immune surveillance of ocular structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Thompson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Emily A. Davidson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - David J. Orlicky
- Department of Pathology, Anschutz School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - David C. Thompson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Vasilis Vasiliou
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, USA.
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17
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Wei Z, Hao C, Srinivasagan R, Wu H, Chen JK, Fan X. Mitotic Activation Around Wound Edges and Epithelialization Repair in UVB-Induced Capsular Cataracts. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:29. [PMID: 34967856 PMCID: PMC8727316 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.15.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Ultraviolet B (UVB) has been well documented to induce capsular cataracts; however, the mechanism of the lens epithelial cell-mediated repair process after UVB irradiation is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to better understand lens epithelial cell repair after UVB-induced epithelium damage. Method C57BL/6J mice were irradiated by various doses of UVB. Lens morphology and lens capsule opacity were monitored by slit lamp, darkfield microscopy, and phase-contrast microscopy. Lens epithelial cell mitotic activation and cell apoptosis were measured by immunohistochemistry. Lens epithelial ultrastructure was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. Results UVB irradiation above a dose of 2.87 kJ/m2 triggered lens epithelial cell apoptosis and subcapsular cataract formation, with a ring-shaped structure composed of multilayered epithelial cell clusters manifesting a dense ring-shaped capsular cataract. The epithelial cells immediately outside the edge of the ring-shaped aggregates transitioned to mitotically active cells and performed wound healing through the epithelialization process. However, repairs ceased when lens epithelial cells made direct contact, and scar-like tissue in the center of the anterior capsule remained even by 6 months after UVB irradiation. Conclusions Our present study demonstrates that normally quiescent lens epithelial cells can be reactivated for epithelialization repair in response to UV-induced damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongbo Wei
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, United States
| | - Caili Hao
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, United States
| | - Ramkumar Srinivasagan
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Hongli Wu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States.,North Texas Eye Research Institute, Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Jian-Kang Chen
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, United States
| | - Xingjun Fan
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, United States
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18
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Thompson B, Chen Y, Davidson EA, Garcia-Milian R, Golla JP, Apostolopoulos N, Orlicky DJ, Schey K, Thompson DC, Vasiliou V. Impaired GSH biosynthesis disrupts eye development, lens morphogenesis and PAX6 function. Ocul Surf 2021; 22:190-203. [PMID: 34425299 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2021.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role and molecular consequences of impaired glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis on eye development. METHODS GSH biosynthesis was impaired in surface ectoderm-derived ocular tissues by crossing Gclcf/f mice with hemizygous Le-Cre transgenic mice to produce Gclcf/f/Le-CreTg/- (KO) mice. Control mice included Gclcf/fand Gclcwt/wt/Le-CreTg/- mice (CRE). Eyes from all mice (at various stages of eye development) were subjected to histological, immunohistochemical, Western blot, RT-qPCR, RNA-seq, and subsequent Gene Ontology, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis and TRANSFAC analyses. PAX6 transactivation activity was studied using a luciferase reporter assay in HEK293T cells depleted of GSH using buthionine sulfoximine (BSO). RESULTS Deletion of Gclc diminished GSH levels, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), and caused an overt microphthalmia phenotype characterized by malformation of the cornea, iris, lens, and retina that is distinct from and much more profound than the one observed in CRE mice. In addition, only the lenses of KO mice displayed reduced crystallin (α, β), PITX3 and Foxe3 expression. RNA-seq analyses at postnatal day 1 revealed 1552 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the lenses of KO mice relative to those from Gclcf/f mice, with Crystallin and lens fiber cell identity genes being downregulated while lens epithelial cell identity and immune response genes were upregulated. Bioinformatic analysis of the DEGs implicated PAX6 as a key upstream regulator. PAX6 transactivation activity was impaired in BSO-treated HEK293T cells. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that impaired ocular GSH biosynthesis may disrupt eye development and PAX6 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Thompson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Emily A Davidson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rolando Garcia-Milian
- Bioinformatics Support Program, Cushing/Whitney Medical Library, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jaya Prakash Golla
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - David J Orlicky
- Department of Pathology, Anschutz School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kevin Schey
- Department of Biochemistry and Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - David C Thompson
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Vasilis Vasiliou
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, USA.
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19
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Zhu M, Cui S, Hao Z, Wang W, Yang Q, Chen C, Wang J, Zhou Q. [Curcumin induces human lens epithelial cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2021; 41:722-728. [PMID: 34134960 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2021.05.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of curcumin on cell cycle and apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells and the possible molecular mechanism. OBJECTIVE Cultured human lens epithelial cell line HLEC-SRA01/04 was treated with 20, 40 and 60 μmol/L curcumin for 24 or 48 h. The cell proliferation inhibition rate was determined using MTT assay, and the changes in cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis rate were analyzed with flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of caspase-9, caspase-3, Bcl-2, Bax, cyclin B1, CDK1, β-catenin, c-myc, and cyclin D1 in the cells. OBJECTIVE Curcumin concentration- and time-dependently inhibited the proliferation of in HLEC-SRA01/04 cells as compared with the control cells (P < .05). Flow cytometric analysis showed that curcumin significantly increased apoptosis rate and cell percentage in G2/M phase and lowered mitochondrial membrane potential of HLEC-SRA01/04 cells in a concentrationdependent manner (P < 0.05). The results of Western blotting showed that curcumin also concentration-dependently increased the cellular expressions of caspase-3, caspase-9 and Bax and lowered the expressions of Bcl-2, cyclin B1, CDK1 and β-catenin along with the downstream proteins cyclin D1 and c-myc in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway (P < 0.05). OBJECTIVE Curcumin inhibits the proliferation of HLEC-SRA01/04 cells possibly by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and causing cell cycle arrest to induce cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - S Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - Z Hao
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, China
| | - W Wang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - Q Yang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - C Chen
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - J Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, China
| | - Q Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, China
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20
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Wei Z, Hao C, Huangfu J, Srinivasagan R, Zhang X, Fan X. Aging lens epithelium is susceptible to ferroptosis. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 167:94-108. [PMID: 33722625 PMCID: PMC8096685 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Age-related cataracts (ARC) are the primary cause of blindness worldwide, and oxidative stress is considered the central pathogenesis of age-related cataractogenesis. Interestingly, ample evidence suggests that there is no remarkable apoptosis present in aged and cataractous human lenses despite the profound disruption of redox homeostasis, raising an essential question regarding the existence of other cell death mechanisms. Here we sought to explore the lens epithelial cell's (LEC) susceptibility to ferroptosis after documentation has concluded that aged and cataractous human lenses manifest with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, elevated lipid peroxidation, and accumulative intracellular redox-active iron, constituting the three hallmarks of ferroptosis during aging and cataractogenesis. Here we show that very low concentrations of system Xc- inhibitor Erastin (0.5 μM) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) inhibitor RSL3 (0.1 μM) can drastically induce human LEC (FHL124) ferroptosis in vitro and mouse lens epithelium ferroptosis ex vivo. Depletion of intracellular glutathione (GSH) in human LECs and mouse lens epithelium significantly sensitizes ferroptosis, particularly under RSL3 challenge. Intriguingly, both human LECs and the mouse lens epithelium demonstrate an age-related sensitization of ferroptosis. Transcriptome analysis indicates that clusters of genes are up-or down-regulated in aged LECs, impacting cellular redox and iron homeostases, such as downregulation of both cystine/glutamate antiporter subunits SLC7A11 and SLC3A2 and iron exporter ferroportin (SLC40A1). Here, for the first time, we are suggesting that LECs are highly susceptible to ferroptosis. Moreover, aged and cataractous human lenses may possess more pro-ferroptotic criteria than any other organ in the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongbo Wei
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Caili Hao
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Jingru Huangfu
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia; Department of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ramkumar Srinivasagan
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Genomics, Epigenomics and Sequencing Core, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Xingjun Fan
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia.
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21
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Sreekumar PG, Ferrington DA, Kannan R. Glutathione Metabolism and the Novel Role of Mitochondrial GSH in Retinal Degeneration. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:661. [PMID: 33923192 PMCID: PMC8146950 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10050661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutathione (GSH) is present ubiquitously, and its role as a crucial cellular antioxidant in tissues, including the retina, is well established. GSH's antioxidant function arises from its ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species or to serve as an essential cofactor for GSH S-transferases and peroxidases. This review summarizes the general functions, retinal distribution, disorders linked to GSH deficiency, and the emerging role for mitochondrial GSH (mGSH) in retinal function. Though synthesized only in the cytosol, the presence of GSH in multiple cell organelles suggests the requirement for its active transport across organellar membranes. The localization and distribution of 2-oxoglutarate carrier (OGC) and dicarboxylate carrier (DIC), two recently characterized mitochondrial carrier proteins in RPE and retina, show that these transporters are highly expressed in human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and retinal layers, and their expression increases with RPE polarity in cultured cells. Depletion of mGSH levels via inhibition of the two transporters resulted in reduced mitochondrial bioenergetic parameters (basal respiration, ATP production, maximal respiration, and spare respiratory capacity) and increased RPE cell death. These results begin to reveal a critical role for mGSH in maintaining RPE bioenergetics and cell health. Thus, augmentation of mGSH pool under GSH-deficient conditions may be a valuable tool in treating retinal disorders, such as age-related macular degeneration and optic neuropathies, whose pathologies have been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parameswaran G. Sreekumar
- The Stephen J. Ryan Initiative for Macular Research (RIMR), Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA;
| | - Deborah A. Ferrington
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences and Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Ram Kannan
- The Stephen J. Ryan Initiative for Macular Research (RIMR), Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA;
- Stein Eye Institute, Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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22
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Qin C, Liu S, Wen S, Han Y, Chen S, Qie J, Chen H, Lin Q. Enhanced PCO prevention of drug eluting IOLs via endocytosis and autophagy effects of a PAMAM dendrimer. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:793-800. [PMID: 33336672 DOI: 10.1039/d0tb02530e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Drug-loaded intraocular lenses (IOLs) have received considerable attention in treating complications that arise after cataract surgery, especially posterior capsular opacification (PCO). However, for a better therapeutic effect, the drug concentration in IOLs usually needs to be increased. Herein, we developed multilayer (doxorubicin (DOX)@polyaminoamide (PAMAM) (D@P)/heparin sodium (HEP))5 modified IOLs, which efficiently enhance the inhibitory effect on PCO using the enhanced autophagy effect of a cationic PAMAM. The chemotherapeutic drug DOX was encapsulated in PAMAM to formulate cationic DOX@PAMAM nanoparticles. Subsequently, negatively charged HEP and D@P nanoparticles (NPs) were assembled on the aminated artificial IOL surface using the layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly technique. The (D@P/HEP)5 IOLs were implanted into rabbit eyes to evaluate the prevention of PCO. In vitro and in vivo research studies showed that the D@P NPs exhibited enhanced cellular uptake owing to the cell-penetrating cationic characteristics, while demonstrating enhanced autophagy. D@P NPs are more effective at the same DOX concentration when compared to free DOX. Multilayer-modified (D@P/HEP)5 IOLs can efficiently inhibit PCO after cataract surgery. This study provides a strategy for improving the therapeutic effect of antiproliferative drug DOX by using a cationic dendrimer, which, in turn, increases the level of autophagy of cells. These LBL-based multilayer IOLs have broad application prospects in the treatment of complications after cataract surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Qin
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, China.
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23
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Chen X, Yan H, Chen Y, Li G, Bin Y, Zhou X. Moderate oxidative stress promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the lens epithelial cells via the TGF-β/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:1631-1642. [PMID: 33417163 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-020-04034-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a significant role in fibrosis and migration of lens epithelial cells (LECs), and eventually induces posterior capsule opacification (PCO). In the past, it was generally believed that the TGF-β/Smad pathway regulates lens EMT. A recent study found that attenuated glutathione level promotes LECs EMT via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which suggests a more complex pathogenesis of PCO. To test the hypothesis, we used the mouse cataract surgery PCO model and tested both canonical Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways. The results showed that both TGF-β/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin pathways were activated during the lens capsule fibrosis. Compared with the freshly isolated posterior capsule, the expression level of phosphorylated Smad2 was highest at day3 and then slightly decreased, but the expression level of Wnt10a gradually increased from day0 to day7. It shows that these two pathways are involved in the lens epithelium's fibrotic process and may play different roles in different periods. Subsequently, we established oxidative stress-induced EMT model in primary porcine lens epithelial cells and found that both the TGF-β/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin pathways were activated. Further study suggests that block Wnt/β-catenin pathway using XAV939 alone or block TGF-β/Smad pathway using LY2109761 could partially block pLECs fibrosis, but blocking Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β/Smad pathway using combined XAV939 and LY2109761 could completely block pLECs fibrosis. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that both TGF-β/Smad and canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathways play a significant role in regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of lens epithelial cells but might be in a different stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Hong Yan
- Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Affiliated Xi'an Fourth Hospital, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Affiliated Xi'an Fourth Hospital, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Guo Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Yue Bin
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xiyuan Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
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24
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Di Gregorio J, Robuffo I, Spalletta S, Giambuzzi G, De Iuliis V, Toniato E, Martinotti S, Conti P, Flati V. The Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition as a Possible Therapeutic Target in Fibrotic Disorders. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:607483. [PMID: 33409282 PMCID: PMC7779530 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.607483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a chronic and progressive disorder characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, which leads to scarring and loss of function of the affected organ or tissue. Indeed, the fibrotic process affects a variety of organs and tissues, with specific molecular background. However, two common hallmarks are shared: the crucial role of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and the involvement of the inflammation process, that is essential for initiating the fibrotic degeneration. TGF-β in particular but also other cytokines regulate the most common molecular mechanism at the basis of fibrosis, the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). EMT has been extensively studied, but not yet fully explored as a possible therapeutic target for fibrosis. A deeper understanding of the crosstalk between fibrosis and EMT may represent an opportunity for the development of a broadly effective anti-fibrotic therapy. Here we report the evidences of the relationship between EMT and multi-organ fibrosis, and the possible therapeutic approaches that may be developed by exploiting this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Di Gregorio
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Iole Robuffo
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council, Section of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Sonia Spalletta
- Department of Clinical Pathology, E. Profili Hospital, Fabriano, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giulia Giambuzzi
- Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Iuliis
- Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
| | - Elena Toniato
- Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano Martinotti
- Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
| | - Pio Conti
- Postgraduate Medical School, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Flati
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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25
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A Positive Feed Forward Loop between Wnt/ β-Catenin and NOX4 Promotes Silicon Dioxide-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Lung Epithelial Cells. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:3404168. [PMID: 33376577 PMCID: PMC7744200 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3404168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Silicosis is a chronic fibrotic lung disease caused by the accumulation of silica dust in the distal lung. Canonical Wnt signaling and NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) have been demonstrated to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis including silicosis. However, the underlying mechanisms of crosstalk between these two signalings are not fully understood. In the present study, we aimed to explore the interaction of Wnt/β-catenin and NOX4 of human epithelial cells in response to an exposure of silica dust. Results demonstrated an elevated expression of key components of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and NOX4 in the lungs of silicon dioxide- (SiO2-) induced silicosis mice. Furthermore, the activated Wnt/β-catenin and NOX4 signaling are accompanied by an inhibition of cell proliferation, an increase of ROS production and cell apoptosis, and an upregulation of profibrogenic factors in BEAS-2B human lung epithelial cells exposed to SiO2. A mechanistic study further demonstrated that the Wnt3a-mediated activation of canonical Wnt signaling could augment the SiO2-induced NOX4 expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production but reduced glutathione (GSH), while Wnt inhibitor DKK1 exhibited an opposite effect to Wnt3a. Vice versa, an overexpression of NOX4 further activated SiO2-induced Wnt/β-catenin signaling and NFE2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) antioxidant response along with a reduction of GSH, whereas the shRNA-mediated knockdown of NOX4 showed an opposite effect to NOX4 overexpression. These results imply a positive feed forward loop between Wnt/β-catenin and NOX4 signaling that may promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lung epithelial cells in response to an exposure of silica dust, which may thus provide an insight into the profibrogenic role of Wnt/β-catenin and NOX4 crosstalk in lung epithelial cell injury and pathogenesis of silicosis.
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26
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Seo Y, Kim S, Lee HS, Park J, Lee K, Jun I, Seo H, Kim YJ, Yoo Y, Choi BC, Seok HK, Kim YC, Ok MR, Choi J, Joo CK, Jeon H. Femtosecond laser induced nano-textured micropatterning to regulate cell functions on implanted biomaterials. Acta Biomater 2020; 116:138-148. [PMID: 32890750 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is the most common complication of cataract surgery. PCO is due to the proliferation, migration, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of the residual lens epithelial cells (LECs) within the lens capsule. As surface topography influences cellular response, we investigated the effect of modulating the dimensions of periodic nano-textured patterns on the surface of an intraocular lens material to regulate lens epithelial cell functions such as cell adhesion, migration, orientation, and proliferation. Patterned poly(HEMA) samples were prepared by a femtosecond laser microfabrication, and the behaviors of human B-3 LECs were observed on groove/ridge patterns with widths varying from 5 to 40 µm. In the presence of ridge and groove patterns, the adherent cells elongated along the direction of the patterns, and f-actin of the cells was spread to a lesser extent on the nano-textured groove surfaces. Both single and collective cell migrations were significantly inhibited in the perpendicular direction of the patterns on the nano-textured micro-patterned samples. We also fabricated the patterns on the curved surface of a commercially available intraocular lens for in vivo evaluation. In vivo results showed that a patterned IOL could help suppress the progression of PCO by inhibiting cell migration from the edge to the center of the IOL. Our reports demonstrate that nano- and microscale topographical patterns on a biomaterial surface can regulate cellular behavior when it is implanted into animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngmin Seo
- Center for Biomaterials, Korea Institute of Science & Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Saeromi Kim
- Center for Biomaterials, Korea Institute of Science & Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Soo Lee
- Catholic Institute of Visual Science, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; Department of Ophthalmology, Catholic Institute for Visual Science, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeho Park
- Center for Biomaterials, Korea Institute of Science & Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungwoo Lee
- Center for Biomaterials, Korea Institute of Science & Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Indong Jun
- Environmental Safety Group, Korea Institute of Science and Technology Europe Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, Saarbrucken 66123, Germany
| | - Hyunseon Seo
- Center for Biomaterials, Korea Institute of Science & Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Jin Kim
- Public Problem Research Team, National Institute of Mathematical and Sciences, Daejeon 34037, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngsik Yoo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Hyun-Kwang Seok
- Center for Biomaterials, Korea Institute of Science & Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, Korea Institute of Science and Technology School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Chan Kim
- Center for Biomaterials, Korea Institute of Science & Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, Korea Institute of Science and Technology School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung-Ryul Ok
- Center for Biomaterials, Korea Institute of Science & Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Jonghoon Choi
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Choun-Ki Joo
- CK Saint Mary's Eye Center, Seoul 06531, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hojeong Jeon
- Center for Biomaterials, Korea Institute of Science & Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, Korea Institute of Science and Technology School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
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27
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Wormstone IM, Wormstone YM, Smith AJO, Eldred JA. Posterior capsule opacification: What's in the bag? Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 82:100905. [PMID: 32977000 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cataract, a clouding of the lens, is the most common cause of blindness in the world. It has a marked impact on the wellbeing and productivity of individuals and has a major economic impact on healthcare providers. The only means of treating cataract is by surgical intervention. A modern cataract operation generates a capsular bag, which comprises a proportion of the anterior capsule and the entire posterior capsule. The bag remains in situ, partitions the aqueous and vitreous humours, and in the majority of cases, houses an intraocular lens (IOL). The production of a capsular bag following surgery permits a free passage of light along the visual axis through the transparent intraocular lens and thin acellular posterior capsule. Lens epithelial cells, however, remain attached to the anterior capsule, and in response to surgical trauma initiate a wound-healing response that ultimately leads to light scatter and a reduction in visual quality known as posterior capsule opacification (PCO). There are two commonly-described forms of PCO: fibrotic and regenerative. Fibrotic PCO follows classically defined fibrotic processes, namely hyperproliferation, matrix contraction, matrix deposition and epithelial cell trans-differentiation to a myofibroblast phenotype. Regenerative PCO is defined by lens fibre cell differentiation events that give rise to Soemmerring's ring and Elschnig's pearls and becomes evident at a later stage than the fibrotic form. Both fibrotic and regenerative forms of PCO contribute to a reduction in visual quality in patients. This review will highlight the wealth of tools available for PCO research, provide insight into our current knowledge of PCO and discuss putative management of PCO from IOL design to pharmacological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- I M Wormstone
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.
| | - Y M Wormstone
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - A J O Smith
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - J A Eldred
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
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28
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Richardson RB, Ainsbury EA, Prescott CR, Lovicu FJ. Etiology of posterior subcapsular cataracts based on a review of risk factors including aging, diabetes, and ionizing radiation. Int J Radiat Biol 2020; 96:1339-1361. [DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2020.1812759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard B. Richardson
- Radiobiology and Health Branch, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Chalk River, Canada
- McGill University’s Medical Physics Unit, Cedars Cancer Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Elizabeth A. Ainsbury
- Public Health England’s Centre for Chemical, Radiological and Environmental Hazards, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Frank J. Lovicu
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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29
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Matadamas-Guzman M, Zazueta C, Rojas E, Resendis-Antonio O. Analysis of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Metabolism Identifies Possible Cancer Biomarkers Useful in Diverse Genetic Backgrounds. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1309. [PMID: 32850411 PMCID: PMC7406688 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) relates to many molecular and cellular alterations that occur when epithelial cells undergo a switch in differentiation generating mesenchymal-like cells with newly acquired migratory and invasive properties. In cancer cells, EMT leads to drug resistance and metastasis. Moreover, differences in genetic backgrounds, even between patients with the same type of cancer, also determine resistance to some treatments. Metabolic rewiring is essential to induce EMT, hence it is important to identify key metabolic elements for this process, which can be later used to treat cancer cells with different genetic backgrounds. Here we used a mathematical modeling approach to determine which are the metabolic reactions altered after induction of EMT, based on metabolomic and transcriptional data of three non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. The model suggested that the most affected pathways were the Krebs cycle, amino acid metabolism, and glutathione metabolism. However, glutathione metabolism had many alterations either on the metabolic reactions or at the transcriptional level in the three cell lines. We identified Glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL), a key enzyme of glutathione synthesis, as an important common feature that is dysregulated after EMT. Analyzing survival data of men with lung cancer, we observed that patients with mutations in GCL catalytic subunit (GCLC) or Glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) genes survived less time than people without mutations on these genes. Besides, patients with low expression of ANPEP, GPX3 and GLS genes also survived less time than those with high expression. Hence, we propose that glutathione metabolism and glutathione itself could be good targets to delay or potentially prevent EMT induction in NSCLC cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meztli Matadamas-Guzman
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico.,Human Systems Biology Lab, National Institute of Genomic Medicine, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Cecilia Zazueta
- Departamento de Biomedicina Cardiovascular, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología-Ignacio Chávez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Emilio Rojas
- Department of Genomic Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, Institute of Biomedical Research, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Osbaldo Resendis-Antonio
- Human Systems Biology Lab, National Institute of Genomic Medicine, Mexico City, Mexico.,Coordinación de la Investigación Científica-Red de Apoyo a la Investigación, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
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30
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Huang X, Wang Y, Zhang P, Zou H. A HGF‑derived peptide suppresses EMT in human lens epithelial cells via the TGF‑β/Smad and Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:551-558. [PMID: 32377724 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) as a result of proliferation and fibrogenesis of lens epithelial cells (LECs) is the most frequent long‑term complication of modern cataract surgery. LECs may undergo epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) that resembles the morphological and molecular characteristics of PCO. A pre‑identified novel, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)‑derived peptide H‑RN, was reported to exhibit anti‑angiogenic activity and anti‑inflammatory effects in ocular cells both in vitro and in vivo. However, the role of H‑RN in the promotion of the development of EMT in LECs is unknown. In the present study, the effects of H‑RN on the development of EMT induced by transforming growth factor (TGF)‑β in human LECs, and the possible signaling pathways participating in this process were investigated. The results showed that H‑RN promoted the expression of the EMT‑associated markers, α‑smooth muscle actin and fibronectin, whereas the expression of E‑cadherin and connexin 43 were reduced. The morphological changes typically associated with EMT seen in LECs induced by TGF‑β2 were inhibited by H‑RN, which was consistent with the effects of a TGF‑β2 inhibitor, SB431542. Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylation induced by TGF‑β2 were reduced by H‑RN, and phosphorylation of Akt, mTOR and P70S6K induced by TGF‑β2 were also notably reduced by H‑RN in LECs. Therefore, the results of the present study showed that H‑RN treatment significantly suppressed the development of EMT induced by TGF‑β2, at least partially through the TGF‑β/Smad and Akt/mTOR signaling pathways in human LECs. The present study highlights that H‑RN, a novel HGF‑derived peptide, may be a novel therapeutic agent for prevention and treatment of PCO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Yulan Wang
- Department of Preventative Ophthalmology, Shanghai Eye Disease Prevention and Treatment Center, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Pei Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Gonghui Hospital, Shanghai 200041, P.R. China
| | - Haidong Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai 200080, P.R. China
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Di Lollo V, Canciello A, Orsini M, Bernabò N, Ancora M, Di Federico M, Curini V, Mattioli M, Russo V, Mauro A, Cammà C, Barboni B. Transcriptomic and computational analysis identified LPA metabolism, KLHL14 and KCNE3 as novel regulators of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Sci Rep 2020; 10:4180. [PMID: 32144311 PMCID: PMC7060278 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61017-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex biological program between physiology and pathology. Here, amniotic epithelial cells (AEC) were used as in vitro model of transiently inducible EMT in order to evaluate the transcriptional insights underlying this process. Therefore, RNA-seq was used to identify the differentially expressed genes and enrichment analyses were carried out to assess the intracellular pathways involved. As a result, molecules exclusively expressed in AEC that experienced EMT (GSTA1-1 and GSTM3) or when this process is inhibited (KLHL14 and KCNE3) were identified. Lastly, the network theory was used to obtain a computational model able to recognize putative controller genes involved in the induction and in the prevention of EMT. The results suggested an opposite role of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) synthesis and degradation enzymes in the regulation of EMT process. In conclusion, these molecules may represent novel EMT regulators and also targets for developing new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Di Lollo
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy. .,Molecular biology and genomic Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy.
| | - A Canciello
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.
| | - M Orsini
- Molecular biology and genomic Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - N Bernabò
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - M Ancora
- Molecular biology and genomic Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - M Di Federico
- Molecular biology and genomic Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - V Curini
- Molecular biology and genomic Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - M Mattioli
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - V Russo
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - A Mauro
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - C Cammà
- Molecular biology and genomic Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - B Barboni
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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Das SJ, Wishart TFL, Jandeleit-Dahm K, Lovicu FJ. Nox4-mediated ROS production is involved, but not essential for TGFβ-induced lens EMT leading to cataract. Exp Eye Res 2020; 192:107918. [PMID: 31926131 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.107918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The reactive oxygen species (ROS) producing enzyme, NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4), is upregulated in response to TGFβ in lens epithelial cells in vitro, and its selective inhibition was shown to block aspects of TGFβ-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In the present in situ study we validate the role(s) of Nox4 in TGFβ-induced lens EMT leading to anterior subcapsular cataract (ASC) formation. Mice overexpressing TGFβ in the lens, that develop ASC, were crossed to Nox4-deficient mice. When comparing mice overexpressing TGFβ in lens, to mice that were also deficient for Nox4, we see the delayed onset of cataract, along with a delay in EMT protein markers normally associated with TGFβ-induced fibrotic cataracts. In the absence of Nox4, we also see elevated levels of ERK1/2 activity that was shown to be required for TGFβ/Smad2/3-signaling. qRT-PCR revealed upregulation of Nox2 and its regulatory subunit in TGFβ-overexpressing lens epithelial cells devoid of Nox4. Taken together, these findings provide an improved platform to delineate putative Nox4 (and ROS) interactions with Smad2/3 and/or ERK1/2, in particular in the development of fibrotic diseases, such as specific forms of cataract.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Das
- Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - T F L Wishart
- Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - K Jandeleit-Dahm
- Department of Diabetes, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - F J Lovicu
- Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Discipline of Clinical Ophthalmology & Eye Health, Save Sight Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Li J, Chen Y, Han C, Huang S, Chen S, Luo L, Liu Y. JNK1/β-catenin axis regulates H2O2-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in human lens epithelial cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 511:336-342. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.02.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Myofibroblasts in macular fibrosis secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration - the potential sources and molecular cues for their recruitment and activation. EBioMedicine 2018; 38:283-291. [PMID: 30473378 PMCID: PMC6306402 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly in developed countries. Neovascular AMD (nAMD) accounts for 90% of AMD-related vision loss. Although intravitreal injection of VEGF inhibitors can improve vision in nAMD, approximately 1/3 of patients do not benefit from the therapy due to macular fibrosis. The molecular mechanism underlying the transition of the neovascular lesion to a fibrovascular phenotype remains unknown. Here we discussed the clinical features and risk factors of macular fibrosis secondary to nAMD. Myofibroblasts are key cells in fibrosis development. However, fibroblasts do not exist in the macula. Potential sources of myofibroblast precursors, the molecular cues in the macular microenvironment that recruit them and the pathways that control their differentiation and activation in macular fibrosis were also discussed. Furthermore, we highlighted the challenges in macular fibrosis research and the urgent need for better animal models for mechanistic and therapeutic studies.
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Wang Y, Mahesh P, Wang Y, Novo SG, Shihan MH, Hayward-Piatkovskyi B, Duncan MK. Spatiotemporal dynamics of canonical Wnt signaling during embryonic eye development and posterior capsular opacification (PCO). Exp Eye Res 2018; 175:148-158. [PMID: 29932883 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The appropriate spatial and temporal regulation of canonical Wnt signaling is vital for eye development. However, the literature often conflicts on the distribution of canonical Wnt signaling in the eye. Here, using a sensitive mouse transgenic reporter line, we report a detailed re-evaluation of the spatiotemporal dynamics of canonical Wnt signaling in the developing eye. Canonical Wnt activity was dynamic in the optic vesicle and later in the retina, while it was absent from the ectodermal precursors of the lens and corneal epithelium. However, later in corneal development, canonical Wnt reporter activity was detected in corneal stroma and endothelium precursors as they form from the neural crest, although this was lost around birth. Interestingly, while no canonical Wnt signaling was detected in the corneal limbus or basal cells at any developmental stage, it was robust in adult corneal wing and squamous epithelial cells. While canonical Wnt reporter activity was also absent from the postnatal lens, upon lens injury intended to model cataract surgery, it upregulated within 12 h in remnant lens epithelial cells, and co-localized with alpha smooth muscle actin in fibrotic lens epithelial cells from 48 h post-surgery onward. This pattern correlated with downregulation of the inhibitor of canonical Wnt signaling, Dkk3. These data demonstrate that canonical Wnt signaling is dynamic within the developing eye and upregulates in lens epithelial cells in response to lens injury. As canonical Wnt signaling can collaborate with TGFβ to drive fibrosis in other systems, these data offer the first evidence in a lens-injury model that canonical Wnt may synergize with TGFβ signaling to drive fibrotic posterior capsular opacification (PCO).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | - Priyha Mahesh
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | - Samuel G Novo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | - Mahbubul H Shihan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States
| | | | - Melinda K Duncan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, United States.
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Whitson JA, Wilmarth PA, Klimek J, Monnier VM, David L, Fan X. Proteomic analysis of the glutathione-deficient LEGSKO mouse lens reveals activation of EMT signaling, loss of lens specific markers, and changes in stress response proteins. Free Radic Biol Med 2017; 113:84-96. [PMID: 28951044 PMCID: PMC5699945 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2017.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine global protein expression changes in the lens of the GSH-deficient LEGSKO mouse model of age-related cataract for comparison with recently published gene expression data obtained by RNA-Seq transcriptome analysis. METHODS Lenses were separated into epithelial and cortical fiber sections, digested with trypsin, and labeled with isobaric tags (10-plex TMTTM). Peptides were analyzed by LC-MS/MS (Orbitrap Fusion) and mapped to the mouse proteome for relative protein quantification. RESULTS 1871 proteins in lens epithelia and 870 proteins in lens fiber cells were quantified. 40 proteins in LEGSKO epithelia, 14 proteins in LEGSKO fiber cells, 22 proteins in buthionine sulfoximine (BSO)-treated LEGSKO epithelia, and 55 proteins in BSO-treated LEGSKO fiber cells had significantly (p<0.05, FDR<0.1) altered protein expression compared to WT controls. HSF4 and MAF transcription factors were the most common upstream regulators of the response to GSH-deficiency. Many detoxification proteins, including aldehyde dehydrogenases, peroxiredoxins, and quinone oxidoreductase, were upregulated but several glutathione S-transferases were downregulated. Several cellular stress response proteins showed regulation changes, including an upregulation of HERPUD1, downregulation of heme oxygenase, and mixed changes in heat shock proteins. NRF2-regulated proteins showed broad upregulation in BSO-treated LEGSKO fiber cells, but not in other groups. Strong trends were seen in downregulation of lens specific proteins, including β- and γ-crystallins, lengsin, and phakinin, and in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related changes. Western blot analysis of LEGSKO lens epithelia confirmed expression changes in several proteins. CONCLUSIONS This dataset confirms at the proteomic level many findings from the recently determined GSH-deficient lens transcriptome and provides new insight into the roles of GSH in the lens, how the lens adapts to oxidative stress, and how GSH affects EMT in the lens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy A Whitson
- Case Western Reserve University, Department of Pathology, 2301 Cornell Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Phillip A Wilmarth
- Oregon Health Sciences University, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 3181 Southwest Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - John Klimek
- Proteomics Shared Resource, Oregon Health & Sciences University, 3181 Southwest Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Vincent M Monnier
- Case Western Reserve University, Department of Pathology, 2301 Cornell Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Case Western Reserve University, Department of Biochemistry, 2109 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Larry David
- Oregon Health Sciences University, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 3181 Southwest Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Xingjun Fan
- Case Western Reserve University, Department of Pathology, 2301 Cornell Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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