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Soucy JR, Aguzzi EA, Cho J, Gilhooley MJ, Keuthan C, Luo Z, Monavarfeshani A, Saleem MA, Wang XW, Wohlschlegel J, Baranov P, Di Polo A, Fortune B, Gokoffski KK, Goldberg JL, Guido W, Kolodkin AL, Mason CA, Ou Y, Reh TA, Ross AG, Samuels BC, Welsbie D, Zack DJ, Johnson TV. Retinal ganglion cell repopulation for vision restoration in optic neuropathy: a roadmap from the RReSTORe Consortium. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:64. [PMID: 37735444 PMCID: PMC10514988 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00655-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death in glaucoma and other optic neuropathies results in irreversible vision loss due to the mammalian central nervous system's limited regenerative capacity. RGC repopulation is a promising therapeutic approach to reverse vision loss from optic neuropathies if the newly introduced neurons can reestablish functional retinal and thalamic circuits. In theory, RGCs might be repopulated through the transplantation of stem cell-derived neurons or via the induction of endogenous transdifferentiation. The RGC Repopulation, Stem Cell Transplantation, and Optic Nerve Regeneration (RReSTORe) Consortium was established to address the challenges associated with the therapeutic repair of the visual pathway in optic neuropathy. In 2022, the RReSTORe Consortium initiated ongoing international collaborative discussions to advance the RGC repopulation field and has identified five critical areas of focus: (1) RGC development and differentiation, (2) Transplantation methods and models, (3) RGC survival, maturation, and host interactions, (4) Inner retinal wiring, and (5) Eye-to-brain connectivity. Here, we discuss the most pertinent questions and challenges that exist on the path to clinical translation and suggest experimental directions to propel this work going forward. Using these five subtopic discussion groups (SDGs) as a framework, we suggest multidisciplinary approaches to restore the diseased visual pathway by leveraging groundbreaking insights from developmental neuroscience, stem cell biology, molecular biology, optical imaging, animal models of optic neuropathy, immunology & immunotolerance, neuropathology & neuroprotection, materials science & biomedical engineering, and regenerative neuroscience. While significant hurdles remain, the RReSTORe Consortium's efforts provide a comprehensive roadmap for advancing the RGC repopulation field and hold potential for transformative progress in restoring vision in patients suffering from optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Soucy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass. Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erika A Aguzzi
- The Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, England, UK
| | - Julie Cho
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Michael James Gilhooley
- The Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, England, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Casey Keuthan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ziming Luo
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Aboozar Monavarfeshani
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Meher A Saleem
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Health System, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Xue-Wei Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Petr Baranov
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass. Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Brad Fortune
- Discoveries in Sight Research Laboratories, Devers Eye Institute and Legacy Research Institute, Legacy Health, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kimberly K Gokoffski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - William Guido
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Alex L Kolodkin
- The Solomon H Snyder, Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carol A Mason
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Ophthalmology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yvonne Ou
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ahmara G Ross
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brian C Samuels
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Callahan Eye Hospital, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Derek Welsbie
- Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Donald J Zack
- Glaucoma Center of Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21287 MD, USA
- Departments of Neuroscience, Molecular Biology & Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas V Johnson
- Departments of Neuroscience, Molecular Biology & Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Cellular & Molecular Medicine Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21287 MD, USA.
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2
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Varadarajan SG, Wang F, Dhande OS, Le P, Duan X, Huberman AD. Postsynaptic neuronal activity promotes regeneration of retinal axons. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112476. [PMID: 37141093 PMCID: PMC10247459 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112476] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The wiring of visual circuits requires that retinal neurons functionally connect to specific brain targets, a process that involves activity-dependent signaling between retinal axons and their postsynaptic targets. Vision loss in various ophthalmological and neurological diseases is caused by damage to the connections from the eye to the brain. How postsynaptic brain targets influence retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axon regeneration and functional reconnection with the brain targets remains poorly understood. Here, we established a paradigm in which the enhancement of neural activity in the distal optic pathway, where the postsynaptic visual target neurons reside, promotes RGC axon regeneration and target reinnervation and leads to the rescue of optomotor function. Furthermore, selective activation of retinorecipient neuron subsets is sufficient to promote RGC axon regeneration. Our findings reveal a key role for postsynaptic neuronal activity in the repair of neural circuits and highlight the potential to restore damaged sensory inputs via proper brain stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supraja G Varadarajan
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Onkar S Dhande
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Phung Le
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Xin Duan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Andrew D Huberman
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; BioX, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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3
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Pacwa A, Machowicz J, Akhtar S, Rodak P, Liu X, Pietrucha-Dutczak M, Lewin-Kowalik J, Amadio M, Smedowski A. Deficiency of the RNA-binding protein ELAVL1/HuR leads to the failure of endogenous and exogenous neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1131356. [PMID: 36874215 PMCID: PMC9982123 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1131356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction ELAVL1/HuR is a keystone regulator of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level, including stress response and homeostasis maintenance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of hur silencing on the age-related degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGC), which potentially describes the efficiency of endogenous neuroprotection mechanisms, as well as to assess the exogenous neuroprotection capacity of hur-silenced RGC in the rat glaucoma model. Methods The study consisted of in vitro and in vivo approaches. In vitro, we used rat B-35 cells to investigate, whether AAV-shRNA-HuR delivery affects survival and oxidative stress markers under temperature and excitotoxic insults. In vivo approach consisted of two different settings. In first one, 35 eight-week-old rats received intravitreal injection of AAV-shRNA-HuR or AAV-shRNA scramble control. Animals underwent electroretinography tests and were sacrificed 2, 4 or 6 months after injection. Retinas and optic nerves were collected and processed for immunostainings, electron microscopy and stereology. For the second approach, animals received similar gene constructs. To induce chronic glaucoma, 8 weeks after AAV injection, unilateral episcleral vein cauterization was performed. Animals from each group received intravitreal injection of metallothionein II. Animals underwent electroretinography tests and were sacrificed 8 weeks later. Retinas and optic nerves were collected and processed for immunostainings, electron microscopy and stereology. Results Silencing of hur induced apoptosis and increased oxidative stress markers in B-35 cells. Additionally, shRNA treatment impaired the cellular stress response to temperature and excitotoxic insults. In vivo, RGC count was decreased by 39% in shRNA-HuR group 6 months after injection, when compared to shRNA scramble control group. In neuroprotection study, the average loss of RGCs was 35% in animals with glaucoma treated with metallothionein and shRNA-HuR and 11.4% in animals with glaucoma treated with metallothionein and the scramble control shRNA. An alteration in HuR cellular content resulted in diminished photopic negative responses in the electroretinogram. Conclusions Based on our findings, we conclude that HuR is essential for the survival and efficient neuroprotection of RGC and that the induced alteration in HuR content accelerates both the age-related and glaucoma-induced decline in RGC number and function, further confirming HuR's key role in maintaining cell homeostasis and its possible involvement in the pathogenesis of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pacwa
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland.,GlaucoTech Co., Katowice, Poland
| | - Joanna Machowicz
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Saeed Akhtar
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Inaya Medical Colleges, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Piotr Rodak
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Xiaonan Liu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland.,Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marita Pietrucha-Dutczak
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Joanna Lewin-Kowalik
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland.,GlaucoTech Co., Katowice, Poland
| | - Marialaura Amadio
- Department of Drug Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, The University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Adrian Smedowski
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland.,GlaucoTech Co., Katowice, Poland
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Choi B, Kim H, Jang J, Park S, Jung H. Development and Degeneration of Retinal Ganglion Cell Axons in Xenopus tropicalis. Mol Cells 2022; 45:846-854. [PMID: 36380734 PMCID: PMC9676988 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2022.0081] [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: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons make long-distance connections via their axons, and the accuracy and stability of these connections are crucial for brain function. Research using various animal models showed that the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the assembly and maintenance of neuronal circuitry are highly conserved in vertebrates. Therefore, to gain a deeper understanding of brain development and maintenance, an efficient vertebrate model is required, where the axons of a defined neuronal cell type can be genetically manipulated and selectively visualized in vivo. Placental mammals pose an experimental challenge, as time-consuming breeding of genetically modified animals is required due to their in utero development. Xenopus laevis, the most commonly used amphibian model, offers comparative advantages, since their embryos ex utero during which embryological manipulations can be performed. However, the tetraploidy of the X. laevis genome makes them not ideal for genetic studies. Here, we use Xenopus tropicalis, a diploid amphibian species, to visualize axonal pathfinding and degeneration of a single central nervous system neuronal cell type, the retinal ganglion cell (RGC). First, we show that RGC axons follow the developmental trajectory previously described in X. laevis with a slightly different timeline. Second, we demonstrate that co-electroporation of DNA and/or oligonucleotides enables the visualization of gene function-altered RGC axons in an intact brain. Finally, using this method, we show that the axon-autonomous, Sarm1-dependent axon destruction program operates in X. tropicalis. Taken together, the present study demonstrates that the visual system of X. tropicalis is a highly efficient model to identify new molecular mechanisms underlying axon guidance and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyoon Choi
- Department of Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Hyeyoung Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Jungim Jang
- Department of Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Sihyeon Park
- Department of Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Hosung Jung
- Department of Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
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5
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Van Hook MJ. Influences of Glaucoma on the Structure and Function of Synapses in the Visual System. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 37:842-861. [PMID: 35044228 PMCID: PMC9587776 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Glaucoma is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder of the visual system associated with sensitivity to intraocular pressure (IOP). It is the leading irreversible cause of vision loss worldwide, and vision loss results from damage and dysfunction of the retinal output neurons known as retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Recent Advances: Elevated IOP and optic nerve injury triggers pruning of RGC dendrites, altered morphology of excitatory inputs from presynaptic bipolar cells, and disrupted RGC synaptic function. Less is known about RGC outputs, although evidence to date indicates that glaucoma is associated with altered mitochondrial and synaptic structure and function in RGC-projection targets in the brain. These early functional changes likely contribute to vision loss and might be a window into early diagnosis and treatment. Critical Issues: Glaucoma affects different RGC populations to varying extents and along distinct time courses. The influence of glaucoma on RGC synaptic function as well as the mechanisms underlying these effects remain to be determined. Since RGCs are an especially energetically demanding population of neurons, altered intracellular axon transport of mitochondria and mitochondrial function might contribute to RGC synaptic dysfunction in the retina and brain as well as RGC vulnerability in glaucoma. Future Directions: The mechanisms underlying differential RGC vulnerability remain to be determined. Moreover, the timing and mechanisms of RGCs synaptic dysfunction and degeneration will provide valuable insight into the disease process in glaucoma. Future work will be able to capitalize on these findings to better design diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to detect disease and prevent vision loss. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 842-861.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Van Hook
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science and Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Department of Cellular & Integrative Physiology, Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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6
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Tsai NY, Wang F, Toma K, Yin C, Takatoh J, Pai EL, Wu K, Matcham AC, Yin L, Dang EJ, Marciano DK, Rubenstein JL, Wang F, Ullian EM, Duan X. Trans-Seq maps a selective mammalian retinotectal synapse instructed by Nephronectin. Nat Neurosci 2022; 25:659-674. [PMID: 35524141 PMCID: PMC9172271 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-022-01068-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The mouse visual system serves as an accessible model to understand mammalian circuit wiring. Despite rich knowledge in retinal circuits, the long-range connectivity map from distinct retinal ganglion cell (RGC) types to diverse brain neuron types remains unknown. In this study, we developed an integrated approach, called Trans-Seq, to map RGCs to superior collicular (SC) circuits. Trans-Seq combines a fluorescent anterograde trans-synaptic tracer, consisting of codon-optimized wheat germ agglutinin fused to mCherry, with single-cell RNA sequencing. We used Trans-Seq to classify SC neuron types innervated by genetically defined RGC types and predicted a neuronal pair from αRGCs to Nephronectin-positive wide-field neurons (NPWFs). We validated this connection using genetic labeling, electrophysiology and retrograde tracing. We then used transcriptomic data from Trans-Seq to identify Nephronectin as a determinant for selective synaptic choice from αRGC to NPWFs via binding to Integrin α8β1. The Trans-Seq approach can be broadly applied for post-synaptic circuit discovery from genetically defined pre-synaptic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Y Tsai
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program and Biomedical Science Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kenichi Toma
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chen Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jun Takatoh
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Emily L Pai
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kongyan Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Angela C Matcham
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Luping Yin
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Eric J Dang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Denise K Marciano
- Departments of Cell Biology and Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - John L Rubenstein
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Fan Wang
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Erik M Ullian
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Xin Duan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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7
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Liu S, Xiang K, Lei Q, Qiu S, Xiang M, Jin K. An optimized procedure to record visual evoked potential in mice. Exp Eye Res 2022; 218:109011. [PMID: 35245512 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Visual evoked potential (VEP) is commonly used to evaluate visual acuity in both clinical and basic studies. Subdermal needle electrodes or skull pre-implanted screw electrodes are usually used to record VEP in rodents. However, the VEP amplitudes recorded by the former are small while the latter may damage the brain. In this study, we established a new invasive procedure for VEP recording, and made a series of comparisons of VEP parameters recorded from different electrode locations, different times of day (day and night) and bilateral eyes, to evaluate the influence of these factors on VEP in mice. Our data reveal that our invasive method is reliable and can record VEP with good waveforms and large amplitudes. The comparison data show that VEP is greatly influenced by active electrode locations and difference between day and night. In C57 or CD1 ONC (optic nerve crush) models and Brn3bAP/AP mice, which are featured by loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), amplitudes of VEP N1 and P1 waves are drastically reduced. The newly established VEP procedure is very reliable and stable, and is particularly useful for detecting losses of RGC quantities, functions or connections to the brain. Our analyses of various recording conditions also provide useful references for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510060, China
| | - Kangjian Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510060, China
| | - Qiannan Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510060, China
| | - Suo Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510060, China
| | - Mengqing Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510060, China; Guangzhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510080, China.
| | - Kangxin Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510060, China.
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8
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Agadagba SK, Eldaly ABM, Chan LLH. Transcorneal Electrical Stimulation Induces Long-Lasting Enhancement of Brain Functional and Directional Connectivity in Retinal Degeneration Mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:785199. [PMID: 35197826 PMCID: PMC8860236 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.785199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate neuromodulation of functional and directional connectivity features in both visual and non-visual brain cortices after short-term and long-term retinal electrical stimulation in retinal degeneration mice. We performed spontaneous electrocorticography (ECoG) in retinal degeneration (rd) mice following prolonged transcorneal electrical stimulation (pTES) at varying currents (400, 500 and 600 μA) and different time points (transient or day 1 post-stimulation, 1-week post-stimulation and 2-weeks post-stimulation). We also set up a sham control group of rd mice which did not receive any electrical stimulation. Subsequently we analyzed alterations in cross-frequency coupling (CFC), coherence and directional connectivity of the primary visual cortex and the prefrontal cortex. It was observed that the sham control group did not display any significant changes in brain connectivity across all stages of electrical stimulation. For the stimulated groups, we observed that transient electrical stimulation of the retina did not significantly alter brain coherence and connectivity. However, for 1-week post-stimulation, we identified enhanced increase in theta-gamma CFC. Meanwhile, enhanced coherence and directional connectivity appeared predominantly in theta, alpha and beta oscillations. These alterations occurred in both visual and non-visual brain regions and were dependent on the current amplitude of stimulation. Interestingly, 2-weeks post-stimulation demonstrated long-lasting enhancement in network coherence and connectivity patterns at the level of cross-oscillatory interaction, functional connectivity and directional inter-regional communication between the primary visual cortex and prefrontal cortex. Application of electrical stimulation to the retina evidently neuromodulates brain coherence and connectivity of visual and non-visual cortices in retinal degeneration mice and the observed alterations are largely maintained. pTES holds strong possibility of modulating higher cortical functions including pathways of cognition, awareness, emotion and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen K. Agadagba
- Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Abdelrahman B. M. Eldaly
- Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Electrical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Leanne Lai Hang Chan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Leanne Lai Hang Chan,
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9
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Chen AM, Azar SS, Harris A, Brecha NC, Pérez de Sevilla Müller L. PTEN Expression Regulates Gap Junction Connectivity in the Retina. Front Neuroanat 2021; 15:629244. [PMID: 34093139 PMCID: PMC8172595 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2021.629244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Manipulation of the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) pathway has been suggested as a therapeutic approach to treat or prevent vision loss due to retinal disease. In this study, we investigated the effects of deleting one copy of Pten in a well-characterized class of retinal ganglion cells called α-ganglion cells in the mouse retina. In Pten +/- retinas, α-ganglion cells did not exhibit major changes in their dendritic structure, although most cells developed a few, unusual loop-forming dendrites. By contrast, α-ganglion cells exhibited a significant decrease in heterologous and homologous gap junction mediated cell coupling with other retinal ganglion and amacrine cells. Additionally, the majority of OFF α-ganglion cells (12/18 cells) formed novel coupling to displaced amacrine cells. The number of connexin36 puncta, the predominant connexin that mediates gap junction communication at electrical synapses, was decreased by at least 50% on OFF α-ganglion cells. Reduced and incorrect gap junction connectivity of α-ganglion cells will affect their functional properties and alter visual image processing in the retina. The anomalous connectivity of retinal ganglion cells would potentially limit future therapeutic approaches involving manipulation of the Pten pathway for treating ganglion cell degeneration in diseases like glaucoma, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M. Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at Los Angeles, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Shaghauyegh S. Azar
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at Los Angeles, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Alexander Harris
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at Los Angeles, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Nicholas C. Brecha
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at Los Angeles, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at Los Angeles, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- CURE Digestive Diseases Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at Los Angeles, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Health System, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Luis Pérez de Sevilla Müller
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at Los Angeles, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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10
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Sergeeva EG, Rosenberg PA, Benowitz LI. Non-Cell-Autonomous Regulation of Optic Nerve Regeneration by Amacrine Cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:666798. [PMID: 33935656 PMCID: PMC8085350 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.666798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Visual information is conveyed from the eye to the brain through the axons of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) that course through the optic nerve and synapse onto neurons in multiple subcortical visual relay areas. RGCs cannot regenerate their axons once they are damaged, similar to most mature neurons in the central nervous system (CNS), and soon undergo cell death. These phenomena of neurodegeneration and regenerative failure are widely viewed as being determined by cell-intrinsic mechanisms within RGCs or to be influenced by the extracellular environment, including glial or inflammatory cells. However, a new concept is emerging that the death or survival of RGCs and their ability to regenerate axons are also influenced by the complex circuitry of the retina and that the activation of a multicellular signaling cascade involving changes in inhibitory interneurons - the amacrine cells (AC) - contributes to the fate of RGCs. Here, we review our current understanding of the role that interneurons play in cell survival and axon regeneration after optic nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena G. Sergeeva
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Kirby Center for Neuroscience, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Paul A. Rosenberg
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Kirby Center for Neuroscience, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Larry I. Benowitz
- Kirby Center for Neuroscience, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Laboratories for Neuroscience Research in Neurosurgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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11
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Miller DA, Grannonico M, Liu M, Kuranov RV, Netland PA, Liu X, Zhang HF. Visible-Light Optical Coherence Tomography Fibergraphy for Quantitative Imaging of Retinal Ganglion Cell Axon Bundles. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:11. [PMID: 33110707 PMCID: PMC7552935 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.11.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To develop a practical technique for visualizing and quantifying retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axon bundles in vivo. Methods We applied visible-light optical coherence tomography (vis-OCT) to image the RGC axon bundles, referred to as vis-OCT fibergraphy, of healthy wild-type C57BL/6 mice. After vis-OCT imaging, retinas were flat-mounted, immunostained with anti-beta-III tubulin (Tuj1) antibody for RGC axons, and imaged with confocal microscopy. We quantitatively compared the RGC axon bundle networks imaged by in vivo vis-OCT and ex vivo confocal microscopy using semi-log Sholl analysis. Results Side-by-side comparison of ex vivo confocal microscopy and in vivo vis-OCT confirmed that vis-OCT fibergraphy captures true RGC axon bundle networks. The semi-log Sholl regression coefficients extracted from vis-OCT fibergrams (3.7 ± 0.8 mm–1) and confocal microscopy (3.6 ± 0.3 mm–1) images also showed good agreement with each other (n = 6). Conclusions We demonstrated the feasibility of using vis-OCT fibergraphy to visualize RGC axon bundles. Further applying Sholl analysis has the potential to identify biomarkers for non-invasively assessing RGC health. Translational Relevance Our novel technique for visualizing and quantifying RGC axon bundles in vivo provides a potential measurement tool for diagnosing and tracking the progression of optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Miller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Marta Grannonico
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Mingna Liu
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Roman V Kuranov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.,Opticent Health, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Peter A Netland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Xiaorong Liu
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Hao F Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
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12
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Dowling
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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13
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Adaikkan C, Tsai LH. Gamma Entrainment: Impact on Neurocircuits, Glia, and Therapeutic Opportunities. Trends Neurosci 2020; 43:24-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2019.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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14
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Fritzsch B, Elliott KL, Pavlinkova G. Primary sensory map formations reflect unique needs and molecular cues specific to each sensory system. F1000Res 2019; 8:F1000 Faculty Rev-345. [PMID: 30984379 PMCID: PMC6439788 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.17717.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Interaction with the world around us requires extracting meaningful signals to guide behavior. Each of the six mammalian senses (olfaction, vision, somatosensation, hearing, balance, and taste) has a unique primary map that extracts sense-specific information. Sensory systems in the periphery and their target neurons in the central nervous system develop independently and must develop specific connections for proper sensory processing. In addition, the regulation of sensory map formation is independent of and prior to central target neuronal development in several maps. This review provides an overview of the current level of understanding of primary map formation of the six mammalian senses. Cell cycle exit, combined with incompletely understood molecules and their regulation, provides chemoaffinity-mediated primary maps that are further refined by activity. The interplay between cell cycle exit, molecular guidance, and activity-mediated refinement is the basis of dominance stripes after redundant organ transplantations in the visual and balance system. A more advanced level of understanding of primary map formation could benefit ongoing restoration attempts of impaired senses by guiding proper functional connection formations of restored sensory organs with their central nervous system targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Fritzsch
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | | | - Gabriela Pavlinkova
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czech Republic
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