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Parra-Sanchez A, Zorrilla-Muñoz V, Martinez-Navarrete G, Fernandez E. Technological Perception with Rural and Urban Differentiation and Its Influence on the Quality of Life of Older People with Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2024; 14:1470-1488. [PMID: 38785595 PMCID: PMC11119705 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe14050097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The past decade has seen a global increase in population age, especially in developed countries, where aging involves visual diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which severely affect quality of life (QoL) and mental health, as well as increase isolation and care costs. This study investigated how persons with AMD perceive the impact of technology use on their QoL, focusing on potential disparities between urban and rural contexts in Spain. Using a cross-sectional observational design, data from the 2020 National Statistics Institute's Disability, Personal Autonomy, and Dependency Situations Survey were analyzed, focusing on QoL aspects based on the WHO items of the WHOQOL-100 scale. The results revealed a generally positive perception of technology among participants, with urban residents perceiving technology's positive impact more favorably. Sex discrepancies in technology perception were also observed, as women exhibited a more positive outlook on technology's influence on QoL. The analysis of QoL aspects, such as 'Visibility', 'Learning', 'Mobility', and 'Domestic life', highlighted distinct challenges faced by rural and urban populations, underscoring the importance of context-specific approaches in technology interventions. However, these perceptions were intertwined with comorbidities, which can exacerbate AMD-related issues. Furthermore, this study explored the role of technology in enhancing QoL among older adults with AMD, examining how it influences daily activities and independence, particularly in the context of AMD management. This study concluded that developing more-inclusive policies tailored to the specific needs of persons with AMD, with special attention to environmental and sex differences, is imperative to enhance the positive impact of technology on their QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Parra-Sanchez
- Neuroprosthesis and Visual Rehabilitation Laboratory, Bioengineering Institute, University Miguel Hernández of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain; (A.P.-S.); (E.F.)
| | - Vanessa Zorrilla-Muñoz
- Bioengineering Institute, University Miguel Hernández of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
- Institute on Gender Studies, University Carlos III of Madrid, Getafe, 28903 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Martinez-Navarrete
- Neuroprosthesis and Visual Rehabilitation Laboratory, Bioengineering Institute, University Miguel Hernández of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain; (A.P.-S.); (E.F.)
| | - Eduardo Fernandez
- Neuroprosthesis and Visual Rehabilitation Laboratory, Bioengineering Institute, University Miguel Hernández of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain; (A.P.-S.); (E.F.)
- Biomedical Research Network Center (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Hector M, Langmann T, Wolf A. Translocator protein (18 kDa) (Tspo) in the retina and implications for ocular diseases. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 100:101249. [PMID: 38430990 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Translocator protein (18 kDa) (Tspo), formerly known as peripheral benzodiazepine receptor is a highly conserved transmembrane protein primarily located in the outer mitochondrial membrane. In the central nervous system (CNS), especially in glia cells, Tspo is upregulated upon inflammation. Consequently, Tspo was used as a tool for diagnostic in vivo imaging of neuroinflammation in the brain and as a potential therapeutic target. Several synthetic Tspo ligands have been explored as immunomodulatory and neuroprotective therapy approaches. Although the function of Tspo and how its ligands exert these beneficial effects is not fully clear, it became a research topic of interest, especially in ocular diseases in the past few years. This review summarizes state-of-the-art knowledge of Tspo expression and its proposed functions in different cells of the retina including microglia, retinal pigment epithelium and Müller cells. Tspo is involved in cytokine signaling, oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species production, calcium signaling, neurosteroid synthesis, energy metabolism, and cholesterol efflux. We also highlight recent developments in preclinical models targeting Tspo and summarize the relevance of Tspo biology for ocular and retinal diseases. We conclude that glial upregulation of Tspo in different ocular pathologies and the use of Tspo ligands as promising therapeutic approaches in preclinical studies underline the importance of Tspo as a potential disease-modifying protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Hector
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Thomas Langmann
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Centre for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Anne Wolf
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Centre for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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Naaman E, Qarawani A, Ben-Zvi Elimelech R, Harel M, Sigal-Dror S, Safuri S, Smirnovas V, Baronaite I, Romanova NV, Morozova-Roche LA, Zayit-Soudry S. The Surprising Nonlinear Effects of S100A9 Proteins in the Retina. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:735-744. [PMID: 38324770 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00650] [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] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex disease in which inflammation is implicated as a key factor but the precise molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. AMD lesions contain an excess of the pro-inflammatory S100A9 protein, but its retinal significance was yet unexplored. S100A9 was shown to be intrinsically amyloidogenic in vitro and in vivo. Here, we hypothesized that the retinal effects of S100A9 are related to its supramolecular conformation. ARPE-19 cultures were treated with native dimeric and fibrillar S100A9 preparations, and cell viability was determined. Wild-type rats were treated intravitreally with the S100A9 solutions in the right eye and with the vehicle in the left. Retinal function was assessed longitudinally by electroretinography (ERG), comparing the amplitudes and configurations for each intervention. Native S100A9 had no impact on cellular viability in vitro or on the retinal function in vivo. Despite dispersed intracellular uptake, fibrillar S100A9 did not decrease ARPE-19 cell viability. In contrast, S100A9 fibrils impaired retinal function in vivo following intravitreal injection in rats. Intriguingly, low-dose fibrillar S100A9 induced contrasting in vivo effects, significantly increasing the ERG responses, particularly over 14 days postinjection. The retinal effects of S100A9 were further characterized by glial and microglial cell activation. We provide the first indication for the retinal effects of S100A9, showing that its fibrils inflicted retinal dysfunction and glial activation in vivo, while low dose of the same assemblies resulted in an unpredicted enhancement of the ERG amplitudes. These nonlinear responses highlight the consequences of self-assembly of S100A9 and provide insight into its pathophysiological and possibly physiological roles in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efrat Naaman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
- Clinical Research Institute, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
| | - Amanda Qarawani
- Clinical Research Institute, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 69094, Israel
| | - Rony Ben-Zvi Elimelech
- Clinical Research Institute, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 69094, Israel
| | - Michal Harel
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 69094, Israel
| | - Shahaf Sigal-Dror
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 69094, Israel
| | - Shadi Safuri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
- Clinical Research Institute, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
| | - Vytautas Smirnovas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Ieva Baronaite
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Nina V Romanova
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, Umeå SE-90781, Sweden
| | | | - Shiri Zayit-Soudry
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
- Clinical Research Institute, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 69094, Israel
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Lapp T, Kammrath Betancor P, Schlunck G, Auw-Hädrich C, Maier P, Lange C, Reinhard T, Wolf J. Transcriptional profiling specifies the pathogen-specific human host response to infectious keratitis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 13:1285676. [PMID: 38274739 PMCID: PMC10808294 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1285676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Corneal infections are a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. Here we applied high-resolution transcriptomic profiling to assess the general and pathogen-specific molecular and cellular mechanisms during human corneal infection. Methods Clinical diagnoses of herpes simplex virus (HSV) (n=5) and bacterial/fungal (n=5) keratitis were confirmed by histology. Healthy corneas (n=7) and keratoconus (n=4) samples served as controls. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) human corneal specimens were analyzed using the 3' RNA sequencing method Massive Analysis of cDNA Ends (MACE RNA-seq). The cellular host response was investigated using comprehensive bioinformatic deconvolution (xCell and CYBERSORTx) analyses and by integration with published single cell RNA-seq data of the human cornea. Results Our analysis identified 216 and 561 genes, that were specifically overexpressed in viral or bacterial/fungal keratitis, respectively, and allowed to distinguish the two etiologies. The virus-specific host response was driven by adaptive immunity and associated molecular signaling pathways, whereas the bacterial/fungal-specific host response mainly involved innate immunity signaling pathways and cell types. We identified several genes and pathways involved in the host response to infectious keratitis, including CXCL9, CXCR3, and MMP9 for viral, and S100A8/A9, MMP9, and the IL17 pathway for bacterial/fungal keratitis. Conclusions High-resolution molecular profiling provides new insights into the human corneal host response to viral and bacterial/fungal infection. Pathogen-specific molecular profiles may provide the foundation for novel diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic approaches that target inflammation-induced damage to corneal host cells with the goal to improve the outcome of infectious keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thabo Lapp
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Paola Kammrath Betancor
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Claudia Auw-Hädrich
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Philip Maier
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Omics Laboratory, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
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Zhou Z, Zou M, Chen H, Zhu F, Wang T, Huang X. Forkhead box A1 induces angiogenesis through activation of the S100A8/p38 MAPK axis in cutaneous wound healing. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2023; 45:742-753. [PMID: 37459395 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2023.2233693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between S100 calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8) and angiogenesis has been reported in previous reports. This study focuses on the roles of S100A8 in the angiogenesis of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs) and in cutaneous wound healing in mice. METHODS Candidate genes related to angiogenesis activity were screened using a GSE83582 dataset. The overexpression DNA plasmid of S100A8 was transfected into HDMECs to analyze its effect on cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. Full-thickness skin wounds were induced on mice, followed by adenovirus treatments to analyze the function of gene alteration in wound healing and pathological changes. The upstream regulator of S100A8 was predicted by bioinformatics analysis and verified by luciferase and immunoprecipitation assays. The role of the forkhead box A1 (FOXA1)-S100A8 interaction in p38 MAPK activation and angiogenesis were validated by rescue experiments. RESULTS S100A8 was identified as a gene significantly correlated with angiogenesis. The S100A8 upregulation promoted the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of HDMECs, and it promoted p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Treatment of SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, blocked the promoting effect of S100A8. FOXA1 was identified as an upstream factor of S100A8 promoting its transcription. FOXA1 overexpression in HDMECs increased p38 MAPK phosphorylation and enhanced the activity of cells, which were blocked by the S100A8 inhibition. Similar results were reproduced in vivo where FOXA1 overexpression accelerated whereas the S100A8 knockdown retarded the cutaneous wound healing in mice. CONCLUSION FOXA1 mediates the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK through transcription activation of S100A8, thereby inducing angiogenesis and promoting cutaneous wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongzhi Zhou
- Department of Burn Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Meilin Zou
- Department of Burn Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Hongping Chen
- Department of Burn Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Furong Zhu
- Department of Burn Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Burn Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Xinling Huang
- Department of Burn Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
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6
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Pauleikhoff L, Boneva S, Boeck M, Schlecht A, Schlunck G, Agostini H, Lange C, Wolf J. Transcriptional Comparison of Human and Murine Retinal Neovascularization. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:46. [PMID: 38153746 PMCID: PMC10756240 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.15.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinal neovascularization (RNV) is the leading cause of vision loss in diseases like proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). A significant failure rate of current treatments indicates the need for novel treatment targets. Animal models are crucial in this process, but current diabetic retinopathy models do not develop RNV. Although the nondiabetic oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mouse model is used to study RNV development, it is largely unknown how closely it resembles human PDR. Methods We therefore performed RNA sequencing on murine (C57BL/6J) OIR retinas (n = 14) and human PDR RNV membranes (n = 7) extracted during vitrectomy, each with reference to control tissue (n=13/10). Differentially expressed genes (DEG) and associated biological processes were analyzed and compared between human and murine RNV to assess molecular overlap and identify phylogenetically conserved factors. Results In total, 213 murine- and 1223 human-specific factors were upregulated with a small overlap of 94 DEG (7% of human DEG), although similar biological processes such as angiogenesis, regulation of immune response, and extracellular matrix organization were activated in both species. Phylogenetically conserved mediators included ANGPT2, S100A8, MCAM, EDNRA, and CCR7. Conclusions Even though few individual genes were upregulated simultaneously in both species, similar biological processes appeared to be activated. These findings demonstrate the potential and limitations of the OIR model to study human PDR and identify phylogenetically conserved potential treatment targets for PDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurenz Pauleikhoff
- Eye Center, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Myriam Boeck
- Eye Center, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center at St. Franziskus Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Molecular Surgery Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States
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Corano Scheri K, Hsieh YW, Jeong E, Fawzi AA. Limited Hyperoxia-Induced Proliferative Retinopathy (LHIPR) as a Model of Retinal Fibrosis, Angiogenesis, and Inflammation. Cells 2023; 12:2468. [PMID: 37887312 PMCID: PMC10605514 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202468] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The progression to fibrosis and traction in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and other ischemic retinopathies remains an important clinical and surgical challenge, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its pathogenesis. Fibrosis is an unbalanced deposition of extracellular matrix components responsible for scar tissue formation with consequent tissue and organ impairment. Together with retinal traction, it is among the main causes of retinal detachment and vision loss. We capitalize on the Limited Hyperoxia Induced Retinopathy (LHIPR) model, as it reflects the more advanced pathological phenotypes seen in ROP and other ischemic retinopathies. To model LHIPR, we exposed wild-type C57Bl/6J mouse pups to 65% oxygen from P0 to P7. Then, the pups were returned to room air to recover until later endpoints. We performed histological and molecular analysis to evaluate fibrosis progression, angiogenesis, and inflammation at several time points, from 1.5 months to 9 months. In addition, we performed in vivo retinal imaging by optical coherence tomography (OCT) or OCT Angiography (OCTA) to follow the fibrovascular progression in vivo. Although the retinal morphology was relatively preserved, we found a progressive increase in preretinal fibrogenesis over time, up to 9 months of age. We also detected blood vessels in the preretinal space as well as an active inflammatory process, altogether mimicking advanced preretinal fibrovascular disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Amani A. Fawzi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (K.C.S.); (Y.-W.H.); (E.J.)
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Voigt AP, Mullin NK, Navratil EM, Flamme-Wiese MJ, Lin LC, Scheetz TE, Han IC, Stone EM, Tucker BA, Mullins RF. Gene Expression Within a Human Choroidal Neovascular Membrane Using Spatial Transcriptomics. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:40. [PMID: 37878301 PMCID: PMC10615143 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.13.40] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Macular neovascularization is a relatively common and potentially visually devastating complication of age-related macular degeneration. In macular neovascularization, pathologic angiogenesis can originate from either the choroid or the retina, but we have limited understanding of how different cell types become dysregulated in this dynamic process. Methods To study how gene expression is altered in focal areas of pathology, we performed spatial RNA sequencing on a human donor eye with macular neovascularization as well as a healthy control donor. We performed differential expression to identify genes enriched within the area of macular neovascularization and used deconvolution algorithms to predict the originating cell type of these dysregulated genes. Results Within the area of neovascularization, endothelial cells demonstrated increased expression of genes related to Rho family GTPase signaling and integrin signaling. Likewise, VEGF and TGFB1 were identified as potential upstream regulators that could drive the observed gene expression changes produced by endothelial and retinal pigment epithelium cells in the macular neovascularization donor. These spatial gene expression profiles were compared to previous single-cell gene expression experiments in human age-related macular degeneration as well as a model of laser-induced neovascularization in mice. As a secondary aim, we investigated regional gene expression patterns within the macular neural retina and between the macular and peripheral choroid. Conclusions Overall, this study spatially analyzes gene expression across the retina, retinal pigment epithelium, and choroid in health and describes a set of candidate molecules that become dysregulated in macular neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P. Voigt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Nathaniel K. Mullin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Emma M. Navratil
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Miles J. Flamme-Wiese
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Li-Chun Lin
- University of Iowa Neuroscience Institute, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Todd E. Scheetz
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Ian C. Han
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Edwin M. Stone
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Budd A. Tucker
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Robert F. Mullins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
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Boneva S, Haritoglou C, Schultheiss M, Binder S, Sebag J. [Role of vitreous in the pathogenesis of neovascular age-related macular degeneration]. DIE OPHTHALMOLOGIE 2023; 120:992-998. [PMID: 37801159 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-023-01934-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Age-related changes in vitreous molecular and anatomic morphology begin early in life and involve two major processes: vitreous liquefaction and weakening of vitreo-retinal adhesion. An imbalance in these two processes results in anomalous posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), which comprises, among other conditions, vitreo-macular adhesion (VMA) and traction (VMT). VMA is more common in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) than age-matched control patients, with the site of posterior vitreous adherence to the inner retina correlating with location of neovascular complexes. The pernicious effects of an attached posterior vitreous on age-related macular degeneration (AMD) progression involve mechanical forces, enhanced fluid influx and inflammation in and between the retinal layers, hypoxia leading to an accumulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and other stimulatory cytokines, and probably an infiltration of hyalocytes. It has been shown that vitrectomy not only mitigates progression to end-stage AMD, but existing choroidal neovascularization regresses after surgery. Thus, surgical PVD induction during vitrectomy or by pharmacologic vitreolysis may be considered in non-responders to anti-VEGF treatment with concomitant VMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefaniya Boneva
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland.
| | | | - Maximilian Schultheiss
- Augenklinik Herzog Carl Theodor, München, Deutschland
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Susanne Binder
- Lehrstuhl für Ophthalmologie, Sigmund Freud Universität, Wien, Österreich
| | - J Sebag
- VMR Institute for Vitreous Macula Retina, Huntington Beach, CA, USA
- Doheny Eye Institute, Pasadena, CA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Salas A, Badia A, Fontrodona L, Zapata M, García-Arumí J, Duarri A. Neovascular Progression and Retinal Dysfunction in the Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization Mouse Model. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2445. [PMID: 37760886 PMCID: PMC10525599 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The mouse model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (LI-CNV) has been widely used to study neovascular age-related macular degeneration; however, it still lacks a comprehensive characterization. Here, CNV was induced in the eyes of 12-week-old C57BL/6J male mice by argon laser irradiation. We studied the CNV lesion progression of an LI-CNV mouse cohort by using multimodal imaging (color fundus, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescence angiography, focal electroretinography features for 14 days, and related cytokines, angiogenic factors, and reactive gliosis for 5 days. CNV lesions involving the rupture of the Bruch's membrane were confirmed using funduscopy and OCT after laser photocoagulation. During the initial stage, from the CNV induction until day 7, CNV lesions presented leakage observed by using fluorescence angiography and a typical hyperreflective area with cell infiltration, subretinal leakage, and degeneration of photoreceptors observed through OCT. This correlated with decreased retinal responses to light. Moreover, inflammatory and angiogenic markers were reduced to basal levels in the first 5 days of CNV progression. In contrast, reactive gliosis and the VEGF expression in retinal sections were sustained, with infiltration of endothelial cells in the subretinal space. In the second stage, between days 7 and 14 post-induction, we observed stabilization of the CNV lesions, a hyperfluorescent area corresponding to the formation of fibrosis, and a partial rescue of retinal function. These findings suggest that the LI-CNV lesion development goes through an acute phase during the first seven days following induction, and then the CNV lesion stabilizes. According to these results, this model is suitable for screening anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic drugs in the early stages of LI-CNV. At the same time, it is more convenient for screening anti-fibrotic compounds in the later stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Salas
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Badia
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Fontrodona
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Zapata
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - José García-Arumí
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Duarri
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
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11
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Wu J, Jiang Y, Sun J, Sun X. Identification and Validation of an Aging-Associated circRNA-miRNA-mRNA Network in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Gerontology 2023; 69:1218-1231. [PMID: 37604141 PMCID: PMC10614246 DOI: 10.1159/000531287] [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: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NVAMD) is a leading cause of severe vision impairment in the elderly. Aging is one of the most pivotal underlying molecular mechanisms of NVAMD. METHODS In this study, we identified the potential aging-related genes involved in NVAMD. Considering that noncoding RNAs are vital regulators of NVAMD progression, we further explored and constructed an aging-originated circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network of NVAMD. Differential expression of 23 aging-associated genes was identified based on sequencing data and the Human Aging Genomic Resources tool at a threshold of p < 0.05, and log2|fold change| > 1. RESULTS We screened 12 microRNAs (miRNAs) using public datasets and miRNet database. A total of 13 circRNAs were subsequently mined using the starBase tool. Merging these 13 circRNAs, 12 miRNAs, and 15 genes together, we obtained 281 pairs of circRNA-miRNA and 30 pairs of miRNA-mRNA. CONCLUSION We created an aging-related circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network, which could be a promising target for future AMD treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Wu
- School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China,
- National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Diseases, Shanghai, China,
| | - Yuxin Jiang
- School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Junran Sun
- School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, China
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12
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Sun RX, Zhu HJ, Zhang YR, Wang JN, Wang Y, Cao QC, Ji JD, Jiang C, Yuan ST, Chen X, Liu QH. ALKBH5 causes retinal pigment epithelium anomalies and choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration via the AKT/mTOR pathway. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112779. [PMID: 37436898 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) dysfunction and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) are predominant features of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), with an unclear mechanism. Herein, we show that RNA demethylase α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase alkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5) is up-regulated in AMD. In RPE cells, ALKBH5 overexpression associates with depolarization, oxidative stress, disturbed autophagy, irregular lipid homeostasis, and elevated VEGF-A secretion, which subsequently promotes proliferation, migration, and tube formation of vascular endothelial cells. Consistently, ALKBH5 overexpression in mice RPE correlates with various pathological phenotypes, including visual impairments, RPE anomalies, choroidal neovascularization (CNV), and interrupted retinal homeostasis. Mechanistically, ALKBH5 regulates retinal features through its demethylation activity. It targets PIK3C2B and regulates the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway with YTHDF2 as the N6-methyladenosine reader. IOX1, an ALKBH5 inhibitor, suppresses hypoxia-induced RPE dysfunction and CNV progression. Collectively, we demonstrate that ALKBH5 induces RPE dysfunction and CNV progression in AMD via PIK3C2B-mediated activation of the AKT/mTOR pathway. Pharmacological inhibitors of ALKBH5, like IOX1, are promising therapeutic options for AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Xu Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Hong-Jing Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Ye-Ran Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jia-Nan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Qiu-Chen Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jiang-Dong Ji
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Chao Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Song-Tao Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Xue Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Qing-Huai Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
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13
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Voigt AP, Mullin NK, Navratil EM, Flamme-Wiese MJ, Lin LC, Scheetz TE, Han IC, Stone EM, Tucker BA, Mullins RF. GENE EXPRESSION WITHIN A HUMAN CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULAR MEMBRANE USING SPATIAL TRANSCRIPTOMICS. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.16.544770. [PMID: 37398429 PMCID: PMC10312719 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.16.544770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Macular neovascularization is a relatively common and potentially visually devastating complication of age-related macular degeneration. In macular neovascularization, pathologic angiogenesis can originate from either the choroid or the retina, but we have limited understanding of how different cell types become dysregulated in this dynamic process. In this study, we performed spatial RNA sequencing on a human donor eye with macular neovascularization as well as a healthy control donor. We identified genes enriched within the area of macular neovascularization and used deconvolution algorithms to predict the originating cell type of these dysregulated genes. Within the area of neovascularization, endothelial cells were predicted to increase expression of genes related to Rho family GTPase signaling and integrin signaling. Likewise, VEGF and TGFB1 were identified as potential upstream regulators that could drive the observed gene expression changes produced by endothelial and retinal pigment epithelium cells in the macular neovascularization donor. These spatial gene expression profiles were compared to previous single-cell gene expression experiments in human age-related macular degeneration as well as a model of laser-induced neovascularization in mice. As a secondary aim, we also investigated spatial gene expression patterns within the macular neural retina and between the macular and peripheral choroid. We recapitulated previously described regional-specific gene expression patterns across both tissues. Overall, this study spatially analyzes gene expression across the retina, retinal pigment epithelium, and choroid in health and describes a set of candidate molecules that become dysregulated in macular neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P. Voigt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242
| | - Nathaniel K. Mullin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242
| | - Emma M. Navratil
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242
| | - Miles J. Flamme-Wiese
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242
| | - Li-Chun Lin
- University of Iowa Neuroscience Institute, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242
| | - Todd E. Scheetz
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242
| | - Ian C. Han
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242
| | - Edwin M. Stone
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242
| | - Budd A. Tucker
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242
| | - Robert F. Mullins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242
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14
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Wolf J, Lapp T, Reinhard T, Agostini H, Schlunck G, Lange C. Web-based gene expression analysis-paving the way to decode healthy and diseased ocular tissue. DIE OPHTHALMOLOGIE 2023; 120:59-65. [PMID: 36098765 PMCID: PMC9469811 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-022-01721-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene expression analysis using RNA sequencing has helped to improve the understanding of many diseases. Databases, such as the Gene Expression Omnibus database of the National Center for Biotechnology Information provide RNA sequencing raw data from various diseased tissue types but their analysis requires advanced bioinformatics skills. Therefore, specific ocular databases provide the transcriptional profiles of different ocular tissues and in addition enable intuitive web-based data analysis. OBJECTIVE The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of ocular transcriptome databases and to compare them with the Human Eye Transcriptome Atlas newly established in Freiburg. METHODS PubMed literature search. RESULTS A total of nine ocular transcriptome databases focusing on different aspects were identified. The iSyTE and Express platforms specialize in gene expression during lens and retinal development in mice, whereas retina.tigem.it, Eye in a Disk, and Spectacle focus on selected ocular tissues such as the retina. Spectacle, UCSC Cell Browser and Single Cell Portal allow intuitive exploration of single cell RNA sequencing data derived from retinal, choroid, cornea, iris, trabecular meshwork and sclera specimens. The microarray profiles of a variety of healthy ocular tissues are included in the Ocular Tissue Database. The Human Eye Transcriptome Atlas provides the largest collection of different ocular tissue types, contains the highest number of ocular diseases and is characterized by a high level of quality achieved by methodological consistency. CONCLUSION Ocular transcriptome databases provide comprehensive and intuitive insights into the transcriptional profiles of a variety of healthy and diseased ocular tissues. Thus, they improve our understanding of the underlying molecular mediators, support hypothesis generation and help in the search for new diagnostic and therapeutic targets for various ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Thabo Lapp
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. .,Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital Muenster, Münster, Germany.
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15
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Wolf J, Lange C, Reinhard T, Schlunck G. [Next-generation sequencing in ophthalmology]. DIE OPHTHALMOLOGIE 2022; 119:1317-1328. [PMID: 36418561 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-022-01765-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
New methods for basic research are finding their way into ophthalmology and expand the options for research, diagnostics and treatment. This article centers on the study of gene activity in cells and tissues by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Following a brief introduction to the basic principles of NGS, this article focuses on transcriptome analysis by RNA sequencing using examples from ophthalmology. The RNA sequencing provides a comprehensive and unbiased overview of gene activity in cells and tissues and thus forms an important foundation for generating new testable scientific hypotheses. It thus contributes to the in-depth characterization of pathological changes and supports the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Wolf
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland.,Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland.,Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Clemens Lange
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland.,Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland.,Ophtha-Lab, Augenzentrum am St. Franziskus-Hospital, Münster, Deutschland
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland.,Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland. .,Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland.
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16
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Boneva SK, Wolf J, Wieghofer P, Sebag J, Lange CAK. Hyalocyte functions and immunology. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/17469899.2022.2100763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefaniya K Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Wieghofer
- Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - J Sebag
- Doheny Eye Institute, UCLA, Pasadena, CA, USA
- UCLA Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- VMR Institute for Vitreous Macula Retina, Huntington Beach, California, USA
| | - Clemens AK Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology at St. Franziskus Hospital, Muenster, Germany
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17
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Laich Y, Wolf J, Hajdu RI, Schlecht A, Bucher F, Pauleikhoff L, Busch M, Martin G, Faatz H, Killmer S, Bengsch B, Stahl A, Lommatzsch A, Schlunck G, Agostini H, Boneva S, Lange C. Single-Cell Protein and Transcriptional Characterization of Epiretinal Membranes From Patients With Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:17. [PMID: 35579905 PMCID: PMC9123517 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.5.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) remains an unresolved clinical challenge and can lead to frequent revision surgery and blindness vision loss. The aim of this study was to characterize the microenvironment of epiretinal PVR tissue, in order to shed more light on the complex pathophysiology and to unravel new treatment options. Methods A total of 44 tissue samples were analyzed in this study, including 19 epiretinal PVRs, 13 epiretinal membranes (ERMs) from patients with macular pucker, as well as 12 internal limiting membranes (ILMs). The cellular and molecular microenvironment was assessed by cell type deconvolution analysis (xCell), RNA sequencing data and single-cell imaging mass cytometry. Candidate drugs for PVR treatment were identified in silico via a transcriptome-based drug-repurposing approach. Results RNA sequencing of tissue samples demonstrated distinct transcriptional profiles of PVR, ERM, and ILM samples. Differential gene expression analysis revealed 3194 upregulated genes in PVR compared with ILM, including FN1 and SPARC, which contribute to biological processes, such as extracellular matrix (ECM) organization. The xCell and IMC analyses showed that PVR membranes were composed of macrophages, retinal pigment epithelium, and α-SMA-positive myofibroblasts, the latter predominantly characterized by the co-expression of immune cell signature markers. Finally, 13 drugs were identified as potential therapeutics for PVR, including aminocaproic acid and various topoisomerase-2A inhibitors. Conclusions Epiretinal PVR membranes exhibit a unique and complex transcriptional and cellular profile dominated by immune cells and myofibroblasts, as well as a variety of ECM components. Our findings provide new insights into the pathophysiology of PVR and suggest potential targeted therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannik Laich
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rozina Ida Hajdu
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius Maximilian University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Felicitas Bucher
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Laurenz Pauleikhoff
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Martin Busch
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Gottfried Martin
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Henrik Faatz
- Achim Wessing Institute for Imaging in Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology at St. Franziskus Hospital, Muenster, Germany
| | - Saskia Killmer
- Department of Medicine II (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, and Infectious Diseases), Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bertram Bengsch
- Department of Medicine II (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, and Infectious Diseases), Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Signaling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Stahl
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Albrecht Lommatzsch
- Achim Wessing Institute for Imaging in Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology at St. Franziskus Hospital, Muenster, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology at St. Franziskus Hospital, Muenster, Germany
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18
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Rosmus DD, Lange C, Ludwig F, Ajami B, Wieghofer P. The Role of Osteopontin in Microglia Biology: Current Concepts and Future Perspectives. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040840. [PMID: 35453590 PMCID: PMC9027630 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The innate immune landscape of the central nervous system (CNS), including the brain and the retina, consists of different myeloid cell populations with distinct tasks to fulfill. Whereas the CNS borders harbor extraparenchymal CNS-associated macrophages whose main duty is to build up a defense against invading pathogens and other damaging factors from the periphery, the resident immune cells of the CNS parenchyma and the retina, microglia, are highly dynamic cells with a plethora of functions during homeostasis and disease. Therefore, microglia are constantly sensing their environment and closely interacting with surrounding cells, which is in part mediated by soluble factors. One of these factors is Osteopontin (OPN), a multifunctional protein that is produced by different cell types in the CNS, including microglia, and is upregulated in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory conditions. In this review, we discuss the current literature about the interaction between microglia and OPN in homeostasis and several disease entities, including multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s and cerebrovascular diseases (AD, CVD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR), in the context of the molecular pathways involved in OPN signaling shaping the function of microglia. As nearly all CNS diseases are characterized by pathological alterations in microglial cells, accompanied by the disturbance of the homeostatic microglia phenotype, the emergence of disease-associated microglia (DAM) states and their interplay with factors shaping the DAM-signature, such as OPN, is of great interest for therapeutical interventions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Freiburg Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (C.L.); (F.L.)
- Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital, 48145 Muenster, Germany
| | - Franziska Ludwig
- Eye Center, Freiburg Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (C.L.); (F.L.)
| | - Bahareh Ajami
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
| | - Peter Wieghofer
- Institute of Anatomy, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
- Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Medical Faculty, Augsburg University, 86159 Augsburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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19
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Transcriptional and Distributional Profiling of Microglia in Retinal Angiomatous Proliferation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073443. [PMID: 35408803 PMCID: PMC8998238 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Macular neovascularization type 3, formerly known as retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP), is a hallmark of age-related macular degeneration and is associated with an accumulation of myeloid cells, such as microglia (MG) and infiltrating blood-derived macrophages (MAC). However, the contribution of MG and MAC to the myeloid cell pool at RAP sites and their exact functions remain unknown. In this study, we combined a microglia-specific reporter mouse line with a mouse model for RAP to identify the contribution of MG and MAC to myeloid cell accumulation at RAP and determined the transcriptional profile of MG using RNA sequencing. We found that MG are the most abundant myeloid cell population around RAP, whereas MAC are rarely, if ever, associated with late stages of RAP. RNA sequencing of RAP-associated MG showed that differentially expressed genes mainly contribute to immune-associated processes, including chemotaxis and migration in early RAP and proliferative capacity in late RAP, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Interestingly, MG upregulated only a few angiomodulatory factors, suggesting a rather low angiogenic potential. In summary, we showed that MG are the dominant myeloid cell population at RAP sites. Moreover, MG significantly altered their transcriptional profile during RAP formation, activating immune-associated processes and exhibiting enhanced proliferation, however, without showing substantial upregulation of angiomodulatory factors.
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Wolf J, Boneva S, Rosmus DD, Agostini H, Schlunck G, Wieghofer P, Schlecht A, Lange C. In-Depth Molecular Profiling Specifies Human Retinal Microglia Identity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:863158. [PMID: 35371110 PMCID: PMC8971200 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.863158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are the tissue-resident macrophages of the retina and brain, being critically involved in organ development, tissue homeostasis, and response to cellular damage. Until now, little is known about the molecular signature of human retinal microglia and how it differs from the one of brain microglia and peripheral monocytes. In addition, it is not yet clear to what extent murine retinal microglia resemble those of humans, which represents an important prerequisite for translational research. The present study applies fluorescence-activated cell sorting to isolate human retinal microglia from enucleated eyes and compares their transcriptional profile with the one of whole retinal tissue, human brain microglia as well as classical, intermediate and non-classical monocytes. Finally, human retinal microglia are compared to murine retinal microglia, isolated from Cx3cr1GFP/+ mice. Whereas human retinal microglia exhibited a high grade of similarity in comparison to their counterparts in the brain, several enriched genes were identified in retinal microglia when compared to whole retinal tissue, as well as classical, intermediate, and non-classical monocytes. In relation to whole retina sequencing, several risk genes associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) were preferentially expressed in retinal microglia, indicating their potential pathophysiological involvement. Although a high degree of similarity was observed between human and murine retinal microglia, several species-specific genes were identified, which should be kept in mind when employing mouse models to investigate retinal microglia biology. In summary, this study provides detailed insights into the molecular profile of human retinal microglia, identifies a plethora of tissue-specific and species-specific genes in comparison to human brain microglia and murine retinal microglia, and thus highlights the significance of retinal microglia in human retinal diseases and for translational research approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Wieghofer
- Institute of Anatomy, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius-Maximilians-University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology at St. Franziskus Hospital, Muenster, Germany
- *Correspondence: Clemens Lange,
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21
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Wolf J, Lapp T, Reinhard T, Agostini H, Schlunck G, Lange C. [Web-based gene expression analysis-paving the way to decode healthy and diseased ocular tissue]. Ophthalmologe 2022; 119:929-936. [PMID: 35194679 PMCID: PMC8863098 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-022-01592-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene expression analysis using RNA sequencing has helped to improve the understanding of many diseases. Databases, such as the Gene Expression Omnibus database of the National Center for Biotechnology Information provide RNA sequencing raw data from various diseased tissue types but their analysis requires advanced bioinformatics skills. Therefore, specific ocular databases provide the transcriptional profiles of different ocular tissues and in addition enable intuitive web-based data analysis. OBJECTIVE The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of ocular transcriptome databases and to compare them with the Human Eye Transcriptome Atlas newly established in Freiburg. METHODS PubMed literature search. RESULTS A total of nine ocular transcriptome databases focusing on different aspects were identified. The iSyTE and Express platforms specialize in gene expression during lens and retinal development in mice, whereas retina.tigem.it, Eye in a Disk, and Spectacle focus on selected ocular tissues such as the retina. Spectacle, UCSC Cell Browser and Single Cell Portal allow intuitive exploration of single cell RNA sequencing data derived from retinal, choroid, cornea, iris, trabecular meshwork and sclera specimens. The microarray profiles of a variety of healthy ocular tissues are included in the Ocular Tissue Database. The Human Eye Transcriptome Atlas provides the largest collection of different ocular tissue types, contains the highest number of ocular diseases and is characterized by a high level of quality achieved by methodological consistency. CONCLUSION Ocular transcriptome databases provide comprehensive and intuitive insights into the transcriptional profiles of a variety of healthy and diseased ocular tissues. Thus, they improve our understanding of the underlying molecular mediators, support hypothesis generation and help in the search for new diagnostic and therapeutic targets for various ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Wolf
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland.
| | - Thabo Lapp
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Clemens Lange
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland. .,Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital, Muenster, Muenster, Deutschland.
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22
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Wolf J, Boneva S, Schlecht A, Lapp T, Auw-Haedrich C, Lagrèze W, Agostini H, Reinhard T, Schlunck G, Lange C. The Human Eye Transcriptome Atlas: A searchable comparative transcriptome database for healthy and diseased human eye tissue. Genomics 2022; 114:110286. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2022.110286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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23
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Wolf J, Hajdu RI, Boneva S, Schlecht A, Lapp T, Wacker K, Agostini H, Reinhard T, Auw-Hädrich C, Schlunck G, Lange C. Characterization of the Cellular Microenvironment and Novel Specific Biomarkers in Pterygia Using RNA Sequencing. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:714458. [PMID: 35174178 PMCID: PMC8841401 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.714458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
With a worldwide prevalence of ~12%, pterygium is a common degenerative and environmentally triggered ocular surface disorder characterized by wing-shaped growth of conjunctival tissue onto the cornea that can lead to blindness if left untreated. This study characterizes the transcriptional profile and the cellular microenvironment of conjunctival pterygia and identifies novel pterygia-specific biomarkers. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded pterygia as well as healthy conjunctival specimens were analyzed using MACE RNA sequencing (n = 8 each) and immunohistochemistry (pterygia n = 7, control n = 3). According to the bioinformatic cell type enrichment analysis using xCell, the cellular microenvironment of pterygia was characterized by an enrichment of myofibroblasts, T-lymphocytes and various antigen-presenting cells, including dendritic cells and macrophages. Differentially expressed genes that were increased in pterygia compared to control tissue were mainly involved in autophagy (including DCN, TMBIM6), cellular response to stress (including TPT1, DDX5) as well as fibroblast proliferation and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (including CTNNB1, TGFBR1, and FN1). Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed a significantly increased FN1 stromal immunoreactivity in pterygia when compared to control tissue. In addition, a variety of factors involved in apoptosis were significantly downregulated in pterygia, including LCN2, CTSD, and NISCH. Furthermore, 450 pterygia-specific biomarkers were identified by including transcriptional data of different ocular surface pathologies serving as controls (training group), which were then validated using transcriptional data of cultured human pterygium cells. Among the most pterygia-specific factors were transcripts such as AHNAK, RTN4, TPT1, FSTL1, and SPARC. Immunohistochemical validation of SPARC revealed a significantly increased stromal immunoreactivity in pterygia when compared to controls, most notably in vessels and intravascular vessel wall-adherent mononuclear cells. Taken together, the present study provides new insights into the cellular microenvironment and the transcriptional profile of pterygia, identifies new and specific biomarkers and in addition to fibrosis-related genes, uncovers autophagy, stress response and apoptosis modulation as pterygium-associated processes. These findings expand our understanding of the pathophysiology of pterygia, provide new diagnostic tools, and may enable new targeted therapeutic options for this common and sight-threatening ocular surface disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Rozina Ida Hajdu
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Wuerzburg University, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Thabo Lapp
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Katrin Wacker
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Claudia Auw-Hädrich
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital, Münster, Germany
- *Correspondence: Clemens Lange
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24
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Brandli A, Khong FL, Kong RCK, Kelly DJ, Fletcher EL. Transcriptomic analysis of choroidal neovascularization reveals dysregulation of immune and fibrosis pathways that are attenuated by a novel anti-fibrotic treatment. Sci Rep 2022; 12:859. [PMID: 35039609 PMCID: PMC8764037 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-04845-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neovascular AMD (nAMD) leads to vision loss and is a leading cause of visual impairment in the industrialised world. Current treatments that target blood vessel growth have not been able to treat subretinal fibrosis and nAMD patients continue to lose vision. The molecular mechanisms involved in the development of fibrotic lesions in nAMD are not well understood. The aim of this study was to further understand subretinal fibrosis in the laser photocoagulation model of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) by studying the whole transcriptome of the RPE/choroid following CNV and the application of an anti-fibrotic following CNV. Seven days after laser induced CNV, RPE and choroid tissue was separated and underwent RNAseq. Differential expression analysis and pathway analysis revealed an over representation of immune signalling and fibrotic associated pathways in CNV compared to control RPE/choroid tissue. Comparisons between the mouse CNV model to human CNV revealed an overlap in upregulated expression for immune genes (Ccl2, Ccl8 and Cxcl9) and extracellular matrix remodeling genes (Comp, Lrcc15, Fndc1 and Thbs2). Comparisons between the CNV model and other fibrosis models showed an overlap of over 60% of genes upregulated in either lung or kidney mouse models of fibrosis. Treatment of CNV using a novel cinnamoyl anthranilate anti-fibrotic (OCX063) in the laser induced CNV model was selected as this class of drugs have previously been shown to target fibrosis. CNV lesion leakage and fibrosis was found to be reduced using OCX063 and gene expression of genes within the TGF-beta signalling pathway. Our findings show the presence of fibrosis gene expression pathways present in the laser induced CNV mouse model and that anti-fibrotic treatments offer the potential to reduce subretinal fibrosis in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Brandli
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Grattan St, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Fay L Khong
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
- Occurx Pty Ltd, 31 Queen St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Roy C K Kong
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
- Occurx Pty Ltd, 31 Queen St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Darren J Kelly
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
| | - Erica L Fletcher
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Grattan St, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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25
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Wolf J, Schlecht A, Rosmus DD, Boneva S, Agostini H, Schlunck G, Wieghofer P, Lange C. Comparative transcriptome analysis of human and murine choroidal neovascularization identifies fibroblast growth factor inducible-14 as phylogenetically conserved mediator of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166340. [PMID: 35032596 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visual outcome of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration has significantly improved during the last years following the introduction of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. However, about one third of patients show persistent exudation and decreasing visual acuity despite recurrent anti-VEGF treatment, which implies a role of other, still unknown proangiogenic mediators. METHODS The present study applied transcriptional profiling of human and mouse (C57BL/6J wildtype) choroidal neovascularization (CNV) membranes each with reference to healthy control tissue to identify yet unrecognized mediators of CNV formation. Key factors were further investigated by immunohistochemistry as well as by intravitreal inhibition experiments and multiplex protein assays in the laser-induced CNV mouse model. FINDINGS Transcriptional profiles of CNV membranes were characterized by enhanced activation of blood vessel development, cytoskeletal organization, and cytokine production, with angiogenesis and wound healing processes predominating in humans and activation of immune processes in mice. Besides several species-specific factors, 95 phylogenetically conserved CNV-associated genes were detected, among which fibroblast growth factor inducible-14 (FN14), a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family, was identified as a key player of CNV formation. Blocking the pathway by intravitreal injection of a FN14 decoy receptor modulated the cytokine profile - most notably IL-6 - and led to a significant reduction of CNV size in vivo. INTERPRETATION This study characterizes the transcriptome of human and mouse CNV membranes in an unprejudiced manner and identifies FN14 as a phylogenetically conserved mediator of CNV formation and a promising new therapeutic target for neovascular AMD. FUNDING This study was funded by the Helmut Ecker Foundation and the Volker Homann Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; Institute of Anatomy, Wuerzburg University, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | | | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Wieghofer
- Institute of Anatomy, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany; Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany.
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26
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Immunosenescence in Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV)-Transcriptional Profiling of Naïve and CNV-Associated Retinal Myeloid Cells during Aging. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413318. [PMID: 34948115 PMCID: PMC8707893 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunosenescence is considered a possible factor in the development of age-related macular degeneration and choroidal neovascularization (CNV). However, age-related changes of myeloid cells (MCs), such as microglia and macrophages, in the healthy retina or during CNV formation are ill-defined. In this study, Cx3cr1-positive MCs were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting from six-week (young) and two-year-old (old) Cx3cr1GFP/+ mice, both during physiological aging and laser-induced CNV development. High-throughput RNA-sequencing was performed to define the age-dependent transcriptional differences in MCs during physiological aging and CNV development, complemented by immunohistochemical characterization and the quantification of MCs, as well as CNV size measurements. These analyses revealed that myeloid cells change their transcriptional profile during both aging and CNV development. In the steady state, senescent MCs demonstrated an upregulation of factors contributing to cell proliferation and chemotaxis, such as Cxcl13 and Cxcl14, as well as the downregulation of microglial signature genes. During CNV formation, aged myeloid cells revealed a significant upregulation of angiogenic factors such as Arg1 and Lrg1 concomitant with significantly enlarged CNV and an increased accumulation of MCs in aged mice in comparison to young mice. Future studies need to clarify whether this observation is an epiphenomenon or a causal relationship to determine the role of immunosenescence in CNV formation.
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27
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Schlecht A, Vallon M, Wagner N, Ergün S, Braunger BM. TGFβ-Neurotrophin Interactions in Heart, Retina, and Brain. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11091360. [PMID: 34572573 PMCID: PMC8464756 DOI: 10.3390/biom11091360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic insults to the heart and brain, i.e., myocardial and cerebral infarction, respectively, are amongst the leading causes of death worldwide. While there are therapeutic options to allow reperfusion of ischemic myocardial and brain tissue by reopening obstructed vessels, mitigating primary tissue damage, post-infarction inflammation and tissue remodeling can lead to secondary tissue damage. Similarly, ischemia in retinal tissue is the driving force in the progression of neovascular eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy (DR) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which eventually lead to functional blindness, if left untreated. Intriguingly, the easily observable retinal blood vessels can be used as a window to the heart and brain to allow judgement of microvascular damages in diseases such as diabetes or hypertension. The complex neuronal and endocrine interactions between heart, retina and brain have also been appreciated in myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and retinal diseases. To describe the intimate relationship between the individual tissues, we use the terms heart-brain and brain-retina axis in this review and focus on the role of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and neurotrophins in regulation of these axes under physiologic and pathologic conditions. Moreover, we particularly discuss their roles in inflammation and repair following ischemic/neovascular insults. As there is evidence that TGFβ signaling has the potential to regulate expression of neurotrophins, it is tempting to speculate, and is discussed here, that cross-talk between TGFβ and neurotrophin signaling protects cells from harmful and/or damaging events in the heart, retina, and brain.
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28
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Subretinal fibrosis in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: current concepts, therapeutic avenues, and future perspectives. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 387:361-375. [PMID: 34477966 PMCID: PMC8975778 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03514-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive, degenerative disease of the human retina which in its most aggressive form is associated with the formation of macular neovascularization (MNV) and subretinal fibrosis leading to irreversible blindness. MNVs contain blood vessels as well as infiltrating immune cells, myofibroblasts, and excessive amounts of extracellular matrix proteins such as collagens, fibronectin, and laminin which disrupts retinal function and triggers neurodegeneration. In the mammalian retina, damaged neurons cannot be replaced by tissue regeneration, and subretinal MNV and fibrosis persist and thus fuel degeneration and visual loss. This review provides an overview of subretinal fibrosis in neovascular AMD, by summarizing its clinical manifestations, exploring the current understanding of the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms and discussing potential therapeutic approaches to inhibit subretinal fibrosis in the future.
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29
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Xu Z, Cheng C, Kong R, Liu Y, Wang S, Ma Y, Xing X. S100A8 and S100A9, both transcriptionally regulated by PU.1, promote epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and invasive growth of dermal keratinocytes during scar formation post burn. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:15523-15537. [PMID: 34099591 PMCID: PMC8221299 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
S100 calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8) and S100A9 are small molecular weight calcium-binding regulatory proteins that have been involved in multiple chronic inflammatory diseases. However, the role of S100A8 and S100A9 in keratinocytes in wounded skin and how they are regulated during this process are still unclear. Here, we found that S100A8 and S100A9 were both upregulated in burn-wounded skins in vivo and thermal-stimulated epidermal keratinocytes in vitro, accompanied by increased levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Then, we demonstrated that upregulation of S100A8 and S100A9 alone or together enhanced characteristics of EMT in normal keratinocytes, manifested by excessive proliferation rate, abnormal ability of cell invasion, and high expression levels of EMT marker proteins. The transcription factor PU box-binding protein (PU.1) bound to the promoter regions and transcriptionally promoted the expression of S100A8 and S100A9 both in the human and mice, and it had strong positive correlations with both S100A8 and S100A9 protein levels in burned skin in vivo. Moreover, PU.1 positively regulated expression of S100A8 and S100A9 in a dose-dependent manner, and enhanced EMT of keratinocytes in vitro. Finally, through the burn mouse model, we found that PU.1-/- mice displayed a lower ability of scar formation, manifested by smaller scar volume, thickness, and collagen content, which could be enhanced by S100A8 and S100A9. In conclusion, PU.1 transcriptionally promotes expression of S100A8 and S100A9, thus positively regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and invasive growth of dermal keratinocytes during scar formation post burn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhigang Xu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710000, China
| | - Chuantao Cheng
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710000, China
| | - Ranran Kong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710000, China
| | - Yale Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710000, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710000, China
| | - Yuefeng Ma
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710000, China
| | - Xin Xing
- Department of Cadre Health, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710000, China
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30
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Wieghofer P, Hagemeyer N, Sankowski R, Schlecht A, Staszewski O, Amann L, Gruber M, Koch J, Hausmann A, Zhang P, Boneva S, Masuda T, Hilgendorf I, Goldmann T, Böttcher C, Priller J, Rossi FM, Lange C, Prinz M. Mapping the origin and fate of myeloid cells in distinct compartments of the eye by single-cell profiling. EMBO J 2021; 40:e105123. [PMID: 33555074 PMCID: PMC7957431 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020105123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Similar to the brain, the eye is considered an immune‐privileged organ where tissue‐resident macrophages provide the major immune cell constituents. However, little is known about spatially restricted macrophage subsets within different eye compartments with regard to their origin, function, and fate during health and disease. Here, we combined single‐cell analysis, fate mapping, parabiosis, and computational modeling to comprehensively examine myeloid subsets in distinct parts of the eye during homeostasis. This approach allowed us to identify myeloid subsets displaying diverse transcriptional states. During choroidal neovascularization, a typical hallmark of neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), we recognized disease‐specific macrophage subpopulations with distinct molecular signatures. Our results highlight the heterogeneity of myeloid subsets and their dynamics in the eye that provide new insights into the innate immune system in this organ which may offer new therapeutic targets for ophthalmological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Wieghofer
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Institute of Anatomy, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nora Hagemeyer
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Roman Sankowski
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Berta-Ottenstein-Programme for Clinician Scientists, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ori Staszewski
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Berta-Ottenstein-Programme for Clinician Scientists, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Amann
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Markus Gruber
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jana Koch
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Annika Hausmann
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peipei Zhang
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Takahiro Masuda
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ingo Hilgendorf
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology I, Medical Faculty, University Heart Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Goldmann
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Chotima Böttcher
- Department of Neuropsychiatry and Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Josef Priller
- Department of Neuropsychiatry and Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,DZNE and BIH, Berlin, Germany.,University of Edinburgh and UK DRI, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Fabio Mv Rossi
- Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia & Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marco Prinz
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Schlecht A, Zhang P, Wolf J, Thien A, Rosmus DD, Boneva S, Schlunck G, Lange C, Wieghofer P. Secreted Phosphoprotein 1 Expression in Retinal Mononuclear Phagocytes Links Murine to Human Choroidal Neovascularization. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:618598. [PMID: 33585455 PMCID: PMC7876283 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.618598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) represents the most common cause of blindness in the elderly in the Western world. An impairment of the outer blood-retina barrier and a localized inflammatory microenvironment cause sprouting of choroidal neovascular membranes (CNV) in neovascular AMD that are in intimate contact with surrounding myeloid cells, such as retinal microglia, and ultimately lead to visual impairment. The discovery of novel target molecules to interfere with angiogenesis and inflammation is vital for future treatment approaches in AMD patients. To explore the transcriptional profile and the function of retinal microglia at sites of CNV, we performed a comprehensive RNA-seq analysis of retinal microglia in the mouse model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (mCNV). Here, we identified the angiogenic factor Osteopontin (Opn), also known as "secreted phosphoprotein 1" (Spp1), as one of the most highly expressed genes in retinal microglia in the course of CNV formation. We confirmed the presence of SPP1 at the lesion site in recruited retinal microglia in Cx3cr1 CreER:Rosa26-tdTomato reporter mice by confocal microscopy and in whole retinal tissue lysates by ELISA highlighting a massive local production of SPP1. Inhibition of SPP1 by intravitreal injection of an anti-SPP1 antibody significantly increased the lesion size compared to IgG-treated control eyes. In line with our results in rodents, we found an increased SPP1 mRNA expression in surgically extracted human choroidal neovascular (hCNV) membranes by the quantitative RNA-seq approach of massive analysis of cDNA ends (MACE). Numerous IBA1+SPP1+ myeloid cells were detected in human CNV membranes. Taken together, these results highlight the importance of SPP1 in the formation of CNV and potentially offer new opportunities for therapeutic intervention by modulating the SPP1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Schlecht
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peipei Zhang
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Adrian Thien
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Lange C, Wolf J, Auw-Haedrich C, Schlecht A, Boneva S, Lapp T, Agostini H, Martin G, Reinhard T, Schlunck G. What is the significance of the conjunctiva as a potential transmission route for SARS-CoV-2 infections? Ophthalmologe 2021; 118:85-88. [PMID: 33141332 PMCID: PMC7607541 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-020-01255-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have described conjunctivitis in approximately 1% of COVID-19 patients and speculated that SARS-CoV‑2 can be transmitted via the conjunctiva. In this article we recapitulate the molecular mechanisms of host cell entry of SARS-CoV‑2 and discuss the current evidence for a potential conjunctival transmission of SARS-CoV‑2. The current body of evidence indicates that SARS-CoV‑2 requires the membrane-bound angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the membrane-bound serine protease TMPRSS2 to enter cells. Recent studies suggest that COVID-19 patients rarely exhibit viral RNA in tear film and conjunctival smears and that, ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are only expressed in small amounts in the conjunctiva, making conjunctival infection with SARS-CoV‑2 via these mediators unlikely. Nevertheless, we consider the current evidence to be still too limited to provide a conclusive statement and recommend appropriate protective measures for healthcare personnel who are in close contact with suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Lange
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Julian Wolf
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Auw-Haedrich
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thabo Lapp
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gottfried Martin
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany.
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MACE RNA sequencing analysis of conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma and papilloma using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissue. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21292. [PMID: 33277602 PMCID: PMC7718249 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78339-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in the field of biomedical research allow for elucidation of the transcriptional signature of rare tumors such as conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). In this study we compare its expression profile to conjunctival papilloma (Pap) and healthy conjunctival tissue (Ctrl) and develop a classification tool to differentiate these entities. Seven conjunctival SCC, seven Pap and ten Ctrl were formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) and analyzed using Massive Analysis of cDNA Ends (MACE) RNA sequencing. Differentially expressed genes (DEG) and gene ontology (GO) clusters were explored and the abundance of involved cell types was quantified by xCell. Finally, a classification model was developed to distinguish SCC from Pap and Ctrl. Among the most prominent DEG in SCC a plethora of keratins were upregulated when compared to Pap and Ctrl. xCell analysis revealed an enrichment of immune cells, including activated dendritic cells and T-helper type 1 cells (Th1), in SCC when compared to Ctrl. The generated classification model could reliably discriminate between the three entities according to the expression pattern of 30 factors. This study provides a transcriptome-wide gene expression profile of rare conjunctival SCC. The analysis identifies distinct keratins, as well as dendritic and Th1 cells as important mediators in SCC. Finally, the provided gene expression classifier may become an aid to the conventional histological classification of conjunctival tumors in uncertain cases.
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Wolf J, Zhuang X, Hildebrand A, Boneva S, Schwämmle M, Kammrath Betancor P, Fan J, Böhringer D, Maier P, Lange C, Reinhard T, Schlunck G, Lapp T. Corneal tissue induces transcription of metallothioneins in monocyte-derived human macrophages. Mol Immunol 2020; 128:188-194. [PMID: 33137607 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2020.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Immune reactions following corneal transplantation are the most common cause of transplant failure. However, the underlying mechanisms of corneal graft rejection are not yet fully understood but increasing evidence points to a crucial role of the innate immune system in this context. Using a human in vitro model, we aimed to assess the response of human macrophages to stimulation with human corneal tissue and whether corneal endothelial cells (CEC) have immune-modulating properties. METHODS Human monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and differentiated into monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM). A standardized protocol was used for disaggregation of human corneas into fragments of defined sizes. MDMs were stimulated using processed corneal material with or without CEC. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or interferon-gamma (IFNγ) served as controls. RNA sequencing was applied to analyze the impact of differential stimulation of MDMs on their transcriptional profile. RNA sequencing results were validated using digital PCR. RESULTS The transcriptional profile of MDMs was significantly modulated by the type of stimulus used for MDM activation as well as by the individual MDM donor. LPS- or IFNγ-stimulation resulted in distinct transcriptional alterations compared to unstimulated MDMs including an upregulation of various cytokines such as CCL3, 4, 5, 19 or CXCL9. Corneal tissue induced the differential expression of 45 genes when compared to unstimulated MDMs, with several metallothioneins (MTs) among the upregulated factors (MT1A, MT1E, MT1F, MT1G, MT1H, MT1L, MT1M, MT1X, MT2A). This effect was independent of the presence or absence of CEC. PCR validation confirmed induction of 3 different metallothioneins (MT1G, MT1H and MT2A) in MDMs stimulated by corneal tissue. CONCLUSIONS The MDM in vitro model proved to be a robust tool to study the effects of LPS, IFNγ and corneal tissue homogenates on the transcriptional activity of MDM. Human macrophages showed a distinct upregulation of various MTs when challenged with human corneal allogen with or without corneal endothelium, which might have an immune-modulatory effect. As a general observation, it appears that in MDM-based studies a significant donor-dependent effect on the transcriptional profile of MDMs needs to be considered and adjusted before downstream analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Xinyu Zhuang
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Antonia Hildebrand
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Schwämmle
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Jiaqi Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Cyberknife Center, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Daniel Böhringer
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philip Maier
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thabo Lapp
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany.
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Wolf J, Auw-Haedrich C, Schlecht A, Boneva S, Mittelviefhaus H, Lapp T, Agostini H, Reinhard T, Schlunck G, Lange CAK. Transcriptional characterization of conjunctival melanoma identifies the cellular tumor microenvironment and prognostic gene signatures. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17022. [PMID: 33046735 PMCID: PMC7550331 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72864-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This study characterizes the transcriptome and the cellular tumor microenvironment (TME) of conjunctival melanoma (CM) and identifies prognostically relevant biomarkers. 12 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded CM were analyzed by MACE RNA sequencing, including six cases each with good or poor clinical outcome, the latter being defined by local recurrence and/or systemic metastases. Eight healthy conjunctival specimens served as controls. The TME of CM, as determined by bioinformatic cell type enrichment analysis, was characterized by the enrichment of melanocytes, pericytes and especially various immune cell types, such as plasmacytoid dendritic cells, natural killer T cells, B cells and mast cells. Differentially expressed genes between CM and control were mainly involved in inhibition of apoptosis, proteolysis and response to growth factors. POU3F3, BIRC5 and 7 were among the top expressed genes associated with inhibition of apoptosis. 20 genes, among them CENPK, INHA, USP33, CASP3, SNORA73B, AAR2, SNRNP48 and GPN1, were identified as prognostically relevant factors reaching high classification accuracy (area under the curve: 1.0). The present study provides new insights into the TME and the transcriptional profile of CM and additionally identifies new prognostic biomarkers. These results add new diagnostic tools and may lead to new options of targeted therapy for CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Auw-Haedrich
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hans Mittelviefhaus
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thabo Lapp
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Clemens A K Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
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Reyat JS, Chua W, Cardoso VR, Witten A, Kastner PM, Kabir SN, Sinner MF, Wesselink R, Holmes AP, Pavlovic D, Stoll M, Kääb S, Gkoutos GV, de Groot JR, Kirchhof P, Fabritz L. Reduced left atrial cardiomyocyte PITX2 and elevated circulating BMP10 predict atrial fibrillation after ablation. JCI Insight 2020; 5:139179. [PMID: 32814717 PMCID: PMC7455124 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.139179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDGenomic and experimental studies suggest a role for PITX2 in atrial fibrillation (AF). To assess if this association is relevant for recurrent AF in patients, we tested whether left atrial PITX2 affects recurrent AF after AF ablation.METHODSmRNA concentrations of PITX2 and its cardiac isoform, PITX2c, were quantified in left atrial appendages (LAAs) from patients undergoing thoracoscopic AF ablation, either in whole LAA tissue (n = 83) or in LAA cardiomyocytes (n = 52), and combined with clinical parameters to predict AF recurrence. Literature suggests that BMP10 is a PITX2-repressed, atrial-specific, secreted protein. BMP10 plasma concentrations were combined with 11 cardiovascular biomarkers and clinical parameters to predict recurrent AF after catheter ablation in 359 patients.RESULTSReduced concentrations of cardiomyocyte PITX2, but not whole LAA tissue PITX2, were associated with AF recurrence after thoracoscopic AF ablation (16% decreased recurrence per 2-(ΔΔCt) increase in PITX2). RNA sequencing, quantitative PCR, and Western blotting confirmed that BMP10 is one of the most PITX2-repressed atrial genes. Left atrial size (HR per mm increase [95% CI], 1.055 [1.028, 1.082]); nonparoxysmal AF (HR 1.672 [1.206, 2.318]), and elevated BMP10 (HR 1.339 [CI 1.159, 1.546] per quartile increase) were predictive of recurrent AF. BMP10 outperformed 11 other cardiovascular biomarkers in predicting recurrent AF.CONCLUSIONSReduced left atrial cardiomyocyte PITX2 and elevated plasma concentrations of the PITX2-repressed, secreted atrial protein BMP10 identify patients at risk of recurrent AF after ablation.TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicalTrials.gov NCT01091389, NL50069.018.14, Dutch National Registry of Clinical Research Projects EK494-16.FUNDINGBritish Heart Foundation, European Union (H2020), Leducq Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Victor R. Cardoso
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and
- Institute of Cancer and Genomics Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Anika Witten
- Institute of Human Genetics, Genetic Epidemiology, WWU Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | | | - Moritz F. Sinner
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Robin Wesselink
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), University of Amsterdam, Heart Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Monika Stoll
- Institute of Human Genetics, Genetic Epidemiology, WWU Münster, Münster, Germany
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Genetic Epidemiology and Statistical Genetics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Stefan Kääb
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Münster, Germany
| | - Georgios V. Gkoutos
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and
- Institute of Cancer and Genomics Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Health Data Research Midlands, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Joris R. de Groot
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), University of Amsterdam, Heart Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Paulus Kirchhof
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Münster, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) and Sandwell and West Birmingham (SWBH) NHS Trusts, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- University Heart and Vascular Center, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - Larissa Fabritz
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and
- Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET), Münster, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) and Sandwell and West Birmingham (SWBH) NHS Trusts, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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[What is the importance of the conjunctiva as a potential transmission pathway for SARS-CoV-2 infections?]. Ophthalmologe 2020; 117:626-630. [PMID: 32572552 PMCID: PMC7306648 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-020-01150-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Aktuelle Studien haben bei ca. 1 % aller COVID-19-Patienten eine Bindehautentzündung beschrieben und spekuliert, dass SARS-CoV‑2 über die Bindehaut übertragen werden kann. In der vorliegenden Arbeit rekapitulieren wir die molekularen Mechanismen des Eintritts von SARS-CoV‑2 in die Wirtszelle und diskutieren die aktuelle Studienlage zu einer möglichen konjunktivalen Transmission. Derzeit geht man davon aus, dass SARS-CoV‑2 das membrangebundene Angiotensin-konvertierende Enzym 2 (ACE2) sowie die Membran-gebundene Serinprotease TMPRSS2 benötigt, um in die Wirtszelle einzudringen. Aktuelle Studien weisen darauf hin, dass COVID-19-Patienten nur sehr selten Virus-RNA im Tränenfilm und Bindehautabstrichen aufweisen und dass ACE2 und TMPRSS2 in der Bindehaut nur in sehr geringen Mengen gebildet werden, was eine konjunktivale Infektion durch SARS-CoV‑2 über diese Mediatoren wenig wahrscheinlich macht. Dennoch halten wir die derzeitige Studienlage für zu begrenzt, um eine abschließende Aussage treffen zu können, und empfehlen konsequente und adäquate Schutzmaßnahmen für medizinisches Personal, das in engem Kontakt mit verdächtigen und bestätigten COVID-19-Patienten steht.
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