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Daniel S, Hulleman JD. Exploring ocular fibulin-3 (EFEMP1): Anatomical, age-related, and species perspectives. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167239. [PMID: 38750770 PMCID: PMC11238277 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Fibulin-3 (FBLN3, aka EFEMP1) is a secreted extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein implicated in ocular diseases including glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Yet surprisingly, little is known about its native biology, expression patterns, and localization in the eye. To overcome these shortcomings, we conducted gene expression analysis and immunohistochemistry for FBLN3 in ocular tissues from mice, pigs, non-human primates, and humans. Moreover, we evaluated age-related changes in FBLN3 and FBLN3-related ECM remodeling enzymes/inhibitors in aging mice. We found that FBLN3 displayed distinct staining patterns consistent across the mouse retina, particularly in the ganglion cell layer and inner nuclear layer (INL). In contrast, human retinas exhibited a unique staining pattern, with enrichment of FBLN3 in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), INL, and outer nuclear layer (ONL) in the peripheral retina. This staining transitioned to the outer plexiform layer (OPL) in the central retina/macula, and was accompanied by reduced RPE immunoreactivity approaching the fovea. Surprisingly, we found significant age-related increases in FBLN3 expression and protein abundance in the mouse retina which was paralleled by reduced transcript levels of FBLN3-degrading enzymes (i.e., Mmp2 and Htra1). Our findings highlight important species-dependent, retinal region-specific, and age-related expression and localization patterns of FBLN3 which favor its accumulation during aging. These findings contribute to a better understanding of FBLN3's role in ocular pathology and provide valuable insights for future FBLN3 research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffi Daniel
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, 2001 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - John D Hulleman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, 2001 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States.
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Xi G, Feng P, Zhang X, Wu S, Zhang J, Wang X, Xiang A, Xu W, Wang N, Zhu W. iPSC-derived cells stimulate ABCG2 +/NES + endogenous trabecular meshwork cell proliferation and tissue regeneration. Cell Prolif 2024; 57:e13611. [PMID: 38356373 PMCID: PMC11216930 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
A major risk factor for glaucoma, the first leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, is the decellularisation of the trabecular meshwork (TM) in the conventional outflow pathway. Stem cell-based therapy, particularly the utilisation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), presents an enticing potential for tissue regeneration and intraocular pressure (IOP) maintenance in glaucoma. We have previously observed that differentiated iPSCs can stimulate endogenous cell proliferation in the TM, a pivotal factor in TM regeneration and aqueous humour outflow restoration. In this study, we investigated the response of TM cells in vivo after interacting with iPSC-derived cells and identified two subpopulations responsible for this relatively long-term tissue regeneration: ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily G Member 2 (ABCG2)-positive cells and Nestin (NES)-positive cells. We further uncovered that alterations of these responsive cells are linked to ageing and different glaucoma etiologies, suggesting that ABCG2+ subpopulation decellularization could serve as a potential risk factor for TM decellularization in glaucoma. Taken together, our findings illustrated the proliferative subpopulations in the conventional outflow pathway when stimulated with iPSC-derived cells and defined them as TM precursors, which may be applied to develop novel therapeutic approaches for glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaiping Xi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of PharmacyQingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Pengchao Feng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of PharmacyQingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of PharmacyQingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Shen Wu
- Beijing Institute of OphthalmologyBeijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key LaboratoryBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain DisordersCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical ApplicationCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jingxue Zhang
- Beijing Institute of OphthalmologyBeijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key LaboratoryBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain DisordersCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical ApplicationCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xiangji Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of PharmacyQingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Ailing Xiang
- Qingdao Xikai Biotechnology Co., LtdQingdaoChina
| | - Wenhua Xu
- Department of InspectionQingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Ningli Wang
- Beijing Institute of OphthalmologyBeijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key LaboratoryBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain DisordersCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical ApplicationCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data‐Based Precision MedicineBeijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics‐Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of PharmacyQingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
- Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data‐Based Precision MedicineBeijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics‐Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
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Doyle C, Callaghan B, Roodnat AW, Armstrong L, Lester K, Simpson DA, Atkinson SD, Sheridan C, McKenna DJ, Willoughby CE. The TGFβ Induced MicroRNAome of the Trabecular Meshwork. Cells 2024; 13:1060. [PMID: 38920689 PMCID: PMC11201560 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a progressive optic neuropathy with a complex, multifactorial aetiology. Raised intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most important clinically modifiable risk factor for POAG. All current pharmacological agents target aqueous humour dynamics to lower IOP. Newer therapeutic agents are required as some patients with POAG show a limited therapeutic response or develop ocular and systemic side effects to topical medication. Elevated IOP in POAG results from cellular and molecular changes in the trabecular meshwork driven by increased levels of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) in the anterior segment of the eye. Understanding how TGFβ affects both the structural and functional changes in the outflow pathway and IOP is required to develop new glaucoma therapies that target the molecular pathology in the trabecular meshwork. In this study, we evaluated the effects of TGF-β1 and -β2 treatment on miRNA expression in cultured human primary trabecular meshwork cells. Our findings are presented in terms of specific miRNAs (miRNA-centric), but given miRNAs work in networks to control cellular pathways and processes, a pathway-centric view of miRNA action is also reported. Evaluating TGFβ-responsive miRNA expression in trabecular meshwork cells will further our understanding of the important pathways and changes involved in the pathogenesis of glaucoma and could lead to the development of miRNAs as new therapeutic modalities in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsey Doyle
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (C.D.); (A.W.R.); (L.A.); (S.D.A.); (D.J.M.)
| | - Breedge Callaghan
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (C.D.); (A.W.R.); (L.A.); (S.D.A.); (D.J.M.)
| | - Anton W. Roodnat
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (C.D.); (A.W.R.); (L.A.); (S.D.A.); (D.J.M.)
| | - Lee Armstrong
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (C.D.); (A.W.R.); (L.A.); (S.D.A.); (D.J.M.)
| | - Karen Lester
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (C.D.); (A.W.R.); (L.A.); (S.D.A.); (D.J.M.)
| | - David A. Simpson
- Wellcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queens’ University, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK;
| | - Sarah D. Atkinson
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (C.D.); (A.W.R.); (L.A.); (S.D.A.); (D.J.M.)
| | - Carl Sheridan
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK;
| | - Declan J. McKenna
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (C.D.); (A.W.R.); (L.A.); (S.D.A.); (D.J.M.)
| | - Colin E. Willoughby
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (C.D.); (A.W.R.); (L.A.); (S.D.A.); (D.J.M.)
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Overby DR, Ethier CR, Miao C, Kelly RA, Reina-Torres E, Stamer WD. The Factors Affecting the Stability of IOP Homeostasis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:4. [PMID: 38833261 PMCID: PMC11157970 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.6.4] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Shear-induced nitric oxide (NO) production by Schlemm's canal (SC) endothelial cells provides a fast, IOP-sensitive feedback signal that normally contributes to IOP homeostasis. Our goal was to analyze the response of this homeostatic system under constant flow perfusion (as occurs in vivo) vs. constant pressure perfusion (as typical for laboratory perfusions). Methods A mathematical model of aqueous humor dynamics, including shear-mediated NO signaling, was formulated and analyzed for stability. The model includes Goldmann's equation, accounting for proximal and distal outflow resistance, and describes how elevated IOP causes narrowing of SC lumen that increases the shear stress on SC cells. Elevated shear stress stimulates NO production, which acts to reduce outflow resistance and relax trabecular meshwork cells to decrease trabecular meshwork stiffness, affecting the SC luminal caliber. Results During constant flow perfusion, the outflow system is typically stable, returning to baseline IOP after a perturbation. In contrast, during constant pressure perfusion, the outflow system can become unstable and exhibit a time-dependent change in outflow resistance that diverges from baseline. Conclusions The stability of shear mediated IOP homeostasis is predicted to differ critically between constant flow vs. constant pressure perfusion. Because outflow facility is typically measured at a constant pressure in the laboratory, this instability may contribute to the characteristic time-dependent increase in outflow facility, known as washout, observed in many nonhuman species. Studies of IOP homeostasis should consider how the outflow system may respond differently under constant pressure vs. constant flow perfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darryl R. Overby
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - C. Ross Ethier
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Changxu Miao
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth A. Kelly
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical School, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Ester Reina-Torres
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - W. Daniel Stamer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical School, Durham, North Carolina, United States
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Zhu J, Chen H, Wu J, Li S, Lin W, Wang N, Bai L. Ferroptosis in Glaucoma: A Promising Avenue for Therapy. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300530. [PMID: 38411382 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300530] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Glaucoma, a blind-leading disease largely since chronic pathological intraocular high pressure (ph-IOP). Hitherto, it is reckoned incurable for irreversible neural damage and challenges in managing IOP. Thus, it is significant to develop neuroprotective strategies. Ferroptosis, initially identified as an iron-dependent regulated death that triggers Fenton reactions and culminates in lipid peroxidation (LPO), has emerged as a focal point in multiple tumors and neurodegenerative diseases. Researches show that iron homeostasis play critical roles in the optic nerve (ON) and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), suggesting targeted treatments could be effective. In glaucoma, apart from neural lesions, disrupted metal balance and increased oxidative stress in trabecular meshwork (TM) are observed. These disturbances lead to extracellular matrix excretion disorders, known as sclerotic mechanisms, resulting in refractory blockages. Importantly, oxidative stress, a significant downstream effect of ferroptosis, is also a key factor in cell senescence. It plays a crucial role in both the etiology and risk of glaucoma. Moreover, ferroptosis also induces non-infectious inflammation, which exacerbate glaucomatous injury. Therefore, the relevance of ferroptosis in glaucoma is extensive and multifaceted. In this review, the study delves into the current understanding of ferroptosis mechanisms in glaucoma, aiming to provide clues to inform clinical therapeutic practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyun Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1023-1063, Shatai South Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Southwest Medical University, No.182, Chunhui Road, Longmatan District, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8, East Chongwenmennei Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Sen Li
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, No. 321 Zhongshan Road, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
| | - Wanying Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1023-1063, Shatai South Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Ningli Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8, East Chongwenmennei Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Lang Bai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1023-1063, Shatai South Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
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Karimi A, Aga M, Khan T, D'costa SD, Thaware O, White E, Kelley MJ, Gong H, Acott TS. Comparative analysis of traction forces in normal and glaucomatous trabecular meshwork cells within a 3D, active fluid-structure interaction culture environment. Acta Biomater 2024; 180:206-229. [PMID: 38641184 PMCID: PMC11095374 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.04.021] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
This study presents a 3D in vitro cell culture model, meticulously 3D printed to replicate the conventional aqueous outflow pathway anatomical structure, facilitating the study of trabecular meshwork (TM) cellular responses under glaucomatous conditions. Glaucoma affects TM cell functionality, leading to extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffening, enhanced cell-ECM adhesion, and obstructed aqueous humor outflow. Our model, reconstructed from polyacrylamide gel with elastic moduli of 1.5 and 21.7 kPa, is based on serial block-face scanning electron microscopy images of the outflow pathway. It allows for quantifying 3D, depth-dependent, dynamic traction forces exerted by both normal and glaucomatous TM cells within an active fluid-structure interaction (FSI) environment. In our experimental design, we designed two scenarios: a control group with TM cells observed over 20 hours without flow (static setting), focusing on intrinsic cellular contractile forces, and a second scenario incorporating active FSI to evaluate its impact on traction forces (dynamic setting). Our observations revealed that active FSI results in higher traction forces (normal: 1.83-fold and glaucoma: 2.24-fold) and shear strains (normal: 1.81-fold and glaucoma: 2.41-fold), with stiffer substrates amplifying this effect. Glaucomatous cells consistently exhibited larger forces than normal cells. Increasing gel stiffness led to enhanced stress fiber formation in TM cells, particularly in glaucomatous cells. Exposure to active FSI dramatically altered actin organization in both normal and glaucomatous TM cells, particularly affecting cortical actin stress fiber arrangement. This model while preliminary offers a new method in understanding TM cell biomechanics and ECM stiffening in glaucoma, highlighting the importance of FSI in these processes. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This pioneering project presents an advanced 3D in vitro model, meticulously replicating the human trabecular meshwork's anatomy for glaucoma research. It enables precise quantification of cellular forces in a dynamic fluid-structure interaction, a leap forward from existing 2D models. This advancement promises significant insights into trabecular meshwork cell biomechanics and the stiffening of the extracellular matrix in glaucoma, offering potential pathways for innovative treatments. This research is positioned at the forefront of ocular disease study, with implications that extend to broader biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Karimi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States.
| | - Mini Aga
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Taaha Khan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Siddharth Daniel D'costa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Omkar Thaware
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Elizabeth White
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Mary J Kelley
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States; Department Integrative Biosciences, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Haiyan Gong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ted S Acott
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States; Department Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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Jing L, Liu K, Wang F, Su Y. Role of mechanically-sensitive cation channels Piezo1 and TRPV4 in trabecular meshwork cell mechanotransduction. Hum Cell 2024; 37:394-407. [PMID: 38316716 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-024-01035-4] [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] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness in developed countries, and intraocular pressure (IOP) is primary and only treatable risk factor, suggesting that to a significant extent, glaucoma is a disease of IOP disorder and pathological mechanotransduction. IOP-lowering ways are limited to decreaseing aqueous humour (AH) production or increasing the uveoscleral outflow pathway. Still, therapeutic approaches have been lacking to control IOP by enhancing the trabecular meshwork (TM) pathway. Trabecular meshwork cells (TMCs) have endothelial and myofibroblast properties and are responsible for the renewal of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Mechanosensitive cation channels, including Piezo1 and TRPV4, are abundantly expressed in primary TMCs and trigger mechanostress-dependent ECM and cytoskeletal remodelling. However, prolonged mechanical stimulation severely affects cellular biosynthesis through TMC mechanotransduction, including signaling, gene expression, ECM remodelling, and cytoskeletal structural changes, involving outflow facilities and elevating IOP. As for the functional coupling relationship between Piezo1 and TRPV4 channels, inspired by VECs and osteoblasts, we hypothesized that Piezo1 may also act upstream of TRPV4 in glaucomatous TM tissue, mediating the activation of TRPV4 via Ca2+ inflow or Ca2+ binding to phospholipase A2(PLA2), and thus be involved in increasing TM outflow resistance and elevated IOP. Therefore, this review aims to help identify new potential targets for IOP stabilization in ocular hypertension and primary open-angle glaucoma by understanding the mechanical transduction mechanisms associated with the development of glaucoma and may provide ideas into novel treatments for preventing the progression of glaucoma by targeting mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Jing
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Kexin Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Ying Su
- Eye Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
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Shimizu S, Honjo M, Liu M, Aihara M. An Autotaxin-Induced Ocular Hypertension Mouse Model Reflecting Physiological Aqueous Biomarker. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:32. [PMID: 38386333 PMCID: PMC10896239 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.2.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Animal models of ocular hypertension (OH) have been developed to understand the pathogenesis of glaucoma and facilitate drug discovery. However, many of these models are fraught with issues, including severe intraocular inflammation and technical challenges. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is implicated in trabecular meshwork fibrosis and increased resistance of aqueous outflow, factors that contribute to high intraocular pressure (IOP) in human open-angle glaucoma. We aimed to elevate IOP by increasing expression of the LPA-producing enzyme autotaxin (ATX) in mouse eyes. Methods Tamoxifen-inducible ATX transgenic mice were developed. Tamoxifen was administered to six- to eight-week-old mice via eye drops to achieve ATX overexpression in the eye. IOP and retinal thickness were measured over time, and retinal flat-mount were evaluated to count retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) loss after three months. Results Persistent elevation of ATX expression in mouse eyes was confirmed through immunohistochemistry and LysoPLD activity measurement. ATX Tg mice exhibited significantly increased IOP for nearly two months following tamoxifen treatment, with no anterior segment changes or inflammation. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed enhanced expression of extracellular matrix near the angle after two weeks and three months of ATX induction. This correlated with reduced outflow facility, indicating that sustained ATX overexpression induces angle fibrosis, elevating IOP. Although inner retinal layer thickness remained stable, peripheral retina showed a notable reduction in RGC cell count. Conclusions These findings confirm the successful creation of an open-angle OH mouse model, in which ATX expression in the eye prompts fibrosis near the angle and maintains elevated IOP over extended periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Shimizu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Senju Laboratory of Ocular Science, Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Megumi Honjo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mengxuan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Aihara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Karimi A, Aga M, Khan T, D'costa SD, Cardenas-Riumallo S, Zelenitz M, Kelley MJ, Acott TS. Dynamic traction force in trabecular meshwork cells: A 2D culture model for normal and glaucomatous states. Acta Biomater 2024; 175:138-156. [PMID: 38151067 PMCID: PMC10843681 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.12.033] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma, which is associated with intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation, results in trabecular meshwork (TM) cellular dysfunction, leading to increased rigidity of the extracellular matrix (ECM), larger adhesion forces between the TM cells and ECM, and higher resistance to aqueous humor drainage. TM cells sense the mechanical forces due to IOP dynamic and apply multidimensional forces on the ECM. Recognizing the importance of cellular forces in modulating various cellular activities and development, this study is aimed to develop a 2D in vitro cell culture model to calculate the 3D, depth-dependent, dynamic traction forces, tensile/compressive/shear strain of the normal and glaucomatous human TM cells within a deformable polyacrylamide (PAM) gel substrate. Normal and glaucomatous human TM cells were isolated, cultured, and seeded on top of the PAM gel substrate with embedded FluoSpheres, spanning elastic moduli of 1.5 to 80 kPa. Sixteen-hour post-seeding live confocal microscopy in an incubator was conducted to Z-stack image the 3D displacement map of the FluoSpheres within the PAM gels. Combined with the known PAM gel stiffness, we ascertained the 3D traction forces in the gel. Our results revealed meaningfully larger traction forces in the glaucomatous TM cells compared to the normal TM cells, reaching depths greater than 10-µm in the PAM gel substrate. Stress fibers in TM cells increased with gel rigidity, but diminished when stiffness rose from 20 to 80 kPa. The developed 2D cell culture model aids in understanding how altered mechanical properties in glaucoma impact TM cell behavior and aqueous humor outflow resistance. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, is intricately linked to elevated intraocular pressures and their subsequent cellular effects. The trabecular meshwork plays a pivotal role in this mechanism, particularly its interaction with the extracellular matrix. This research unveils an advanced 2D in vitro cell culture model that intricately maps the complex 3D forces exerted by trabecular meshwork cells on the extracellular matrix, offering unparalleled insights into the cellular biomechanics at play in both healthy and glaucomatous eyes. By discerning the changes in these forces across varying substrate stiffness levels, we bridge the gap in understanding between cellular mechanobiology and the onset of glaucoma. The findings stand as a beacon for potential therapeutic avenues, emphasizing the gravity of cellular/extracellular matrix interactions in glaucoma's pathogenesis and setting the stage for targeted interventions in its early stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Karimi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Mini Aga
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Taaha Khan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Siddharth Daniel D'costa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | - Meadow Zelenitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Mary J Kelley
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Department Integrative Biosciences, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Ted S Acott
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Department Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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Karimi A, Khan S, Razaghi R, Aga M, Rahmati SM, White E, Kelley MJ, Jian Y, Acott TS. Segmental biomechanics of the normal and glaucomatous human aqueous outflow pathway. Acta Biomater 2024; 173:148-166. [PMID: 37944773 PMCID: PMC10841915 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.11.003] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The conventional aqueous outflow pathway, encompassing the trabecular meshwork (TM), juxtacanalicular connective tissue (JCT), and inner wall endothelium of Schlemm's canal (SC), governs intraocular pressure (IOP) regulation. This study targets the biomechanics of low-flow (LF) and high-flow (HF) regions within the aqueous humor outflow pathway in normal and glaucomatous human donor eyes, using a combined experimental and computational approach. LF and HF TM/JCT/SC complex tissues from normal and glaucomatous eyes underwent uniaxial tensile testing. Dynamic motion of the TM/JCT/SC complex was recorded using customized green-light optical coherence tomography during SC pressurization in cannulated anterior segment wedges. A hyperviscoelastic model quantified TM/JCT/SC complex properties. A fluid-structure interaction model simulated tissue-aqueous humor interaction. FluoSpheres were introduced into the pathway via negative pressure in the SC, with their motion tracked using two-photon excitation microscopy. Tensile test results revealed that the elastic moduli of the LF and HF regions in glaucomatous eyes are 3.5- and 1.5-fold stiffer than the normal eyes, respectively. The FE results also showed significantly larger shear moduli in the TM, JCT, and SC of the glaucomatous eyes compared to the normal subjects. The LF regions in normal eyes demonstrated larger elastic moduli compared to the HF regions in glaucomatous eyes. The resultant strain in the outflow tissues and velocity of the aqueous humor in the FSI models were in good agreement with the digital volume correlation and 3D particle image velocimetry data, respectively. This study uncovers stiffer biomechanical responses in glaucomatous eyes, with LF regions stiffer than HF regions in both normal and glaucomatous eyes. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This study delves into the biomechanics of the conventional aqueous outflow pathway, a crucial regulator of intraocular pressure and ocular health. By analyzing mechanical differences in low-flow and high-flow regions of normal and glaucomatous eyes, this research unveils the stiffer response in glaucomatous eyes. The distinction between regions' properties offers insights into aqueous humor outflow regulation, while the integration of experimental and computational methods enhances credibility. These findings have potential implications for disease management and present a vital step toward innovative ophthalmic interventions. This study advances our understanding of glaucoma's biomechanical basis and its broader impact on ocular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Karimi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Shanjida Khan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Reza Razaghi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Mini Aga
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth White
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Mary J Kelley
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Department Integrative Biosciences, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Yifan Jian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Ted S Acott
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Department Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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11
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Buffault J, Brignole-Baudouin F, Labbé A, Baudouin C. An Overview of Current Glaucomatous Trabecular Meshwork Models. Curr Eye Res 2023; 48:1089-1099. [PMID: 37661784 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2023.2253378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide an overview of the existing alternative models for studying trabecular meshwork (TM). METHODS Literature review. RESULTS The TM is a complex tissue that regulates aqueous humor outflow from the eye. Dysfunction of the TM is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of open-angle glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The TM is a porous structure composed of trabecular meshwork cells (TMC) within a multi-layered extracellular matrix (ECM). Although dysregulation of the outflow throughout the TM represents the first step in the disease process, the underlying mechanisms of TM degeneration associate cell loss and accumulation of ECM, but remain incompletely understood, and drugs targeting the TM are limited. Therefore, experimental models of glaucomatous trabeculopathy are necessary for preclinical screening, to advance research on this disease's pathophysiology, and to develop new therapeutic strategies targeting the TM. Traditional animal models have been used extensively, albeit with inherent limitations, including ethical concerns and limited translatability to humans. Consequently, there has been an increasing focus on developing alternative in vitro models to study the TM. Recent advancements in three-dimensional cell culture and tissue engineering are still in their early stages and do not yet fully reflect the complexity of the outflow pathway. However, they have shown promise in reducing reliance on animal experimentation in certain aspects of glaucoma research. CONCLUSION This review provides an overview of the existing alternative models for studying TM and their potential for advancing research on the pathophysiology of open-angle glaucoma and developing new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Buffault
- Department of Ophthalmology III, Quinze-Vingts National Ophthalmology Hospital, IHU Foresight, Paris, France
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, IHU Foresight, Paris, France
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ambroise Paré Hospital, APHP, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Françoise Brignole-Baudouin
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, IHU Foresight, Paris, France
- Department of Biology, Quinze-Vingts National Ophthalmology Hospital, IHU Foresight, Paris, France
| | - Antoine Labbé
- Department of Ophthalmology III, Quinze-Vingts National Ophthalmology Hospital, IHU Foresight, Paris, France
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, IHU Foresight, Paris, France
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ambroise Paré Hospital, APHP, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Christophe Baudouin
- Department of Ophthalmology III, Quinze-Vingts National Ophthalmology Hospital, IHU Foresight, Paris, France
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, IHU Foresight, Paris, France
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12
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Bikuna-Izagirre M, Aldazabal J, Extramiana L, Moreno-Montañés J, Carnero E, Paredes J. Nanofibrous PCL-Based Human Trabecular Meshwork for Aqueous Humor Outflow Studies. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:6333-6344. [PMID: 37725561 PMCID: PMC10646841 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01071] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Primary open-angle glaucoma is characterized by the progressive degeneration of the optic nerve, with the high intraocular pressure (IOP) being one of the main risk factors. The human trabecular meshwork (HTM), specifically the juxtacanalicular tissue (JCT), is responsible for placing resistance to the aqueous humor (AH) outflow and the resulting IOP control. Currently, the lack of a proper in vitro JCT model and the complexity of three-dimensional models impede advances in understanding the relationship between AH outflow and HTM degeneration. Therefore, we design an in vitro JCT model using a polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibrous scaffold, which supports cells to recapitulate the functional JCT morphology and allow the study of outflow physiology. Mechanical and morphological characterizations of the electrospun membranes were performed, and human trabecular meshwork cells were seeded over the scaffolds. The engineered JCT was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunochemistry assays staining HTM cell markers and proteins. A pressure-sensitive perfusion system was constructed and used for the investigation of the outflow facility of the polymeric scaffold treated with dexamethasone (a glucocorticoid) and netarsudil (a novel IOP lowering the rho inhibitor). Cells in the in vitro model exhibited an HTM-like morphology, expression of myocilin, fibronectin, and collagen IV, genetic expression, outflow characteristics, and drug responsiveness. Altogether, the present work develops an in vitro JCT model to better understand HTM cell biology and the relationship between the AH outflow and the HTM and allow further drug screening of pharmacological agents that affect the trabecular outflow facility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bikuna-Izagirre
- University
of Navarra, TECNUN School of Engineering, Manuel Lardizabal 13, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain
- University
of Navarra, Biomedical Engineering Center, Campus Universitario, 31080 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Javier Aldazabal
- University
of Navarra, TECNUN School of Engineering, Manuel Lardizabal 13, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain
- University
of Navarra, Biomedical Engineering Center, Campus Universitario, 31080 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra
Institute for Health Research, IdiSNA, C/Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Leire Extramiana
- Departamento
de Oftalmología Clínica, Clínica
Universidad de Navarra, Avenida Pio XII, 31080 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Javier Moreno-Montañés
- Departamento
de Oftalmología Clínica, Clínica
Universidad de Navarra, Avenida Pio XII, 31080 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Elena Carnero
- Departamento
de Oftalmología Clínica, Clínica
Universidad de Navarra, Avenida Pio XII, 31080 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jacobo Paredes
- University
of Navarra, TECNUN School of Engineering, Manuel Lardizabal 13, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain
- University
of Navarra, Biomedical Engineering Center, Campus Universitario, 31080 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra
Institute for Health Research, IdiSNA, C/Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
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13
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Faralli JA, Filla MS, Peters DM. Role of integrins in the development of fibrosis in the trabecular meshwork. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2023; 3:1274797. [PMID: 38983065 PMCID: PMC11182094 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2023.1274797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a progressive and chronic disease exhibiting many of the features of fibrosis. The extracellular matrix (ECM) in the trabecular meshwork (TM) undergoes extensive remodeling and enhanced rigidity, resembling fibrotic changes. In addition, there are changes associated with myofibroblast activation and cell contractility that further drives tissue fibrosis and stiffening. This review discusses what is known about the integrins in the TM and their involvement in fibrotic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Faralli
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Mark S Filla
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Donna M Peters
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
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14
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Karimi A, Crouch DJ, Razaghi R, Crawford Downs J, Acott TS, Kelley MJ, Behnsen JG, Bosworth LA, Sheridan CM. Morphological and biomechanical analyses of the human healthy and glaucomatous aqueous outflow pathway: Imaging-to-modeling. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2023; 236:107485. [PMID: 37149973 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2023.107485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Intraocular pressure (IOP) is maintained via a dynamic balance between the production of aqueous humor and its drainage through the trabecular meshwork (TM), juxtacanalicular connective tissue (JCT), and Schlemm's canal (SC) endothelium of the conventional outflow pathway. Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is often associated with IOP elevation that occurs due to an abnormally high outflow resistance across the outflow pathway. Outflow tissues are viscoelastic and actively interact with aqueous humor dynamics through a two-way fluid-structure interaction coupling. While glaucoma affects the morphology and stiffness of the outflow tissues, their biomechanics and hydrodynamics in glaucoma eyes remain largely unknown. This research aims to develop an image-to-model method allowing the biomechanics and hydrodynamics of the conventional aqueous outflow pathway to be studied. METHODS We used a combination of X-ray computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy to reconstruct high-fidelity, eye-specific, 3D microstructural finite element models of the healthy and glaucoma outflow tissues in cellularized and decellularized conditions. The viscoelastic TM/JCT/SC complex finite element models with embedded viscoelastic beam elements were subjected to a physiological IOP load boundary; the stresses/strains and the flow state were calculated using fluid-structure interaction and computational fluid dynamics. RESULTS Based on the resultant hydrodynamics parameters across the outflow pathway, the primary site of outflow resistance in healthy eyes was in the JCT and immediate vicinity of the SC inner wall, while the majority of the outflow resistance in the glaucoma eyes occurred in the TM. The TM and JCT in the glaucoma eyes showed 1.32-fold and 1.13-fold larger beam thickness and smaller trabecular space size (2.24-fold and 1.50-fold) compared to the healthy eyes. CONCLUSIONS Characterizing the accurate morphology of the outflow tissues may significantly contribute to constructing more accurate, robust, and reliable models, that can eventually help to better understand the dynamic IOP regulation, hydrodynamics of the aqueous humor, and outflow resistance dynamic in the human eyes. This model demonstrates proof of concept for determining changes to outflow resistance in healthy and glaucomatous tissues and thus may be utilized in larger cohorts of donor tissues where disease specificity, race, age, and gender of the eye donors may be accounted for.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Karimi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Devon J Crouch
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, United Kingdom
| | - Reza Razaghi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - J Crawford Downs
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Ted S Acott
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Mary J Kelley
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States; Department of Integrative Biosciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Julia G Behnsen
- Department of Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 6GB, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy A Bosworth
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, United Kingdom
| | - Carl M Sheridan
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, United Kingdom.
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15
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Adhikari B, Osmond MJ, Pantcheva MB, Krebs MD. Glycosaminoglycans Influence Extracellular Matrix of Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells Cultured on 3D Scaffolds. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:5221-5232. [PMID: 36384278 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a multifactorial progressive optic neuropathy characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells leading to irreversible blindness. It is the leading cause of global irreversible blindness and is currently affecting over 70 million people. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is considered the only modifiable risk factor and is a target of numerous treatment modalities. Researchers have assigned this elevation of IOP to accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components in the aqueous humor (AH) outflow pathway. The major drainage structure for AH outflow is the trabecular meshwork (TM). The ECM of the TM is important in regulating IOP in both normal and glaucomatous eyes. In this work, we have studied the role of exogeneous glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), glucocorticoids, and culture conditions on the expression of the ECM gene and proteins by human TM (hTM) cells cultured on biomaterial scaffolds. Gene and protein expression levels of elastin, laminin, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) were evaluated using quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. Pressure gradient changes in cell-laden scaffolds in perfusion cultures were also monitored. Our findings show that GAGs and dexamethasone play an influencing role in hTM ECM turnover at both transcriptional and translational levels by altering expression levels of elastin, laminin, and MMP-2. Understanding the role of exogeneous factors on hTM cell behavior is helpful in gaining insights on glaucoma pathogenesis and ultimately pivotal in development of novel therapeutics against the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bikram Adhikari
- Quantitative Biosciences and Bioengineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois St., Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Matthew J Osmond
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois St., Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Mina B Pantcheva
- Ophthalmology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 1675 Aurora Ct., Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Melissa D Krebs
- Quantitative Biosciences and Bioengineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois St., Golden, Colorado 80401, United States.,Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1500 Illinois St., Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
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16
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Du R, Li D, Zhu M, Zheng L, Ren K, Han D, Li L, Ji J, Fan Y. Cell senescence alters responses of porcine trabecular meshwork cells to shear stress. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1083130. [DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1083130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical microenvironment and cellular senescence of trabecular meshwork cells (TMCs) are suspected to play a vital role in primary open-angle glaucoma pathogenesis. However, central questions remain about the effect of shear stress on TMCs and how aging affects this process. We have investigated the effect of shear stress on the biomechanical properties and extracellular matrix regulation of normal and senescent TMCs. We found a more significant promotion of Fctin formation, a more obvious realignment of F-actin fibers, and a more remarkable increase in the stiffness of normal cells in response to the shear stress, in comparison with that of senescent cells. Further, as compared to normal cells, senescent cells show a reduced extracellular matrix turnover after shear stress stimulation, which might be attributed to the different phosphorylation levels of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase. Our results suggest that TMCs are able to sense and respond to the shear stress and cellular senescence undermines the mechanobiological response, which may lead to progressive failure of cellular TM function with age.
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17
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Luo J, Tan G, Thong KX, Kafetzis KN, Vallabh N, Sheridan CM, Sato Y, Harashima H, Tagalakis AD, Yu-Wai-Man C. Non-Viral Gene Therapy in Trabecular Meshwork Cells to Prevent Fibrosis in Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14112472. [PMID: 36432663 PMCID: PMC9693853 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary cause of failure for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is fibrosis in the trabecular meshwork (TM) that regulates the outflow of aqueous humour, and no anti-fibrotic drug is available for intraocular use in MIGS. The myocardin-related transcription factor/serum response factor (MRTF/SRF) pathway is a promising anti-fibrotic target. This study aims to utilise a novel lipid nanoparticle (LNP) to deliver MRTF-B siRNA into human TM cells and to compare its effects with those observed in human conjunctival fibroblasts (FF). Two LNP formulations were prepared with and without the targeting peptide cΥ, and with an siRNA concentration of 50 nM. We examined the biophysical properties and encapsulation efficiencies of the LNPs, and evaluated the effects of MRTF-B silencing on cell viability, key fibrotic genes expression and cell contractility. Both LNP formulations efficiently silenced MRTF-B gene and were non-cytotoxic in TM and FF cells. The presence of cΥ made the LNPs smaller and more cationic, but had no significant effect on encapsulation efficiency. Both TM and FF cells also showed significantly reduced contractibility after transfection with MRTF-B siRNA LNPs. In TM cells, LNPs with cΥ achieved a greater decrease in contractility compared to LNPs without cΥ. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the novel CL4H6-LNPs are able to safely and effectively deliver MRTF-B siRNA into human TM cells. LNPs can serve as a promising non-viral gene therapy to prevent fibrosis in MIGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyuan Luo
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Greymi Tan
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Kai Xin Thong
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | | | - Neeru Vallabh
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Carl M. Sheridan
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Aristides D. Tagalakis
- Department of Biology, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk L39 4QP, UK
- Correspondence: (A.D.T.); (C.Y.-W.-M.); Tel.: +44-(0)1695-650923 (A.D.T.); +44-(0)2071-881504 (C.Y.-W.-M.)
| | - Cynthia Yu-Wai-Man
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
- Correspondence: (A.D.T.); (C.Y.-W.-M.); Tel.: +44-(0)1695-650923 (A.D.T.); +44-(0)2071-881504 (C.Y.-W.-M.)
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18
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Jiang J, Xu J, Tao Y, Hu C, Zhang C, Sun X, Ye C, Zhang S, Liang Y. A Novel and Reversible Experimental Primate Ocular Hypertension Model: Blocking Schlemm's Canal. Ophthalmic Res 2022; 66:354-366. [PMID: 36380650 DOI: 10.1159/000527099] [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: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to establish a novel and reversible experimental ocular hypertension primate model by blocking Schlemm's canal. METHODS A model was induced in adult cynomolgus monkeys (n = 4) by blocking Schlemm's canal with an inserted microcatheter (200 μm diameter); it was removed 6 weeks later from one monkey to reverse the elevated intraocular hypertension. All animals were monitored for 11 months; weekly measurements of intraocular pressure and biweekly examinations with spectral domain optical coherence tomography and disc photography were performed. Histopathology of the eye and retinal ganglion cell counts were completed at the end of the study. RESULTS The intraocular pressure of the blocked eyes was significantly higher than that of the contralateral eyes at 1 month after the blockage (p < 0.001); the mean intraocular pressure was similar to the contralateral eye from 1 week to 11 months after the microcatheter was removed in monkey A (p = 0.170). The mean intraocular pressure of the blocked eyes of the remaining monkeys was significantly higher than that of the contralateral eyes throughout the follow-up period (p < 0.001). The fundus imaging showed decreases in the retinal nerve fibre layer thickness, and localized defects were observed in two blocked eyes. A histological examination demonstrated that the number of retinal ganglion cells in the blocked eyes of monkeys A, B, and C was significantly decreased compared with the control. CONCLUSION Schlemm's canal blockage alone in the monkey model produces sustained elevation of intraocular pressure, which presents a novel animal model for studying the pathogenesis of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhong Jiang
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jing Xu
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yan Tao
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Cheng Hu
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | | | - Cong Ye
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Glaucoma Institute, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shaodan Zhang
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Glaucoma Institute, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yuanbo Liang
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Glaucoma Institute, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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19
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Karimi A, Razaghi R, Padilla S, Rahmati SM, Downs JC, Acott TS, Kelley MJ, Wang RK, Johnstone M. Viscoelastic Biomechanical Properties of the Conventional Aqueous Outflow Pathway Tissues in Healthy and Glaucoma Human Eyes. J Clin Med 2022; 11:6049. [PMID: 36294371 PMCID: PMC9605362 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11206049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the tissues comprising the ocular conventional outflow pathway have shown strong viscoelastic mechanical response to aqueous humor pressure dynamics, the viscoelastic mechanical properties of the trabecular meshwork (TM), juxtacanalicular connective tissue (JCT), and Schlemm's canal (SC) inner wall are largely unknown. METHODS A quadrant of the anterior segment from two human donor eyes at low- and high-flow (LF and HF) outflow regions was pressurized and imaged using optical coherence tomography (OCT). A finite element (FE) model of the TM, the adjacent JCT, and the SC inner wall was constructed and viscoelastic beam elements were distributed in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the TM and JCT to represent anisotropic collagen. An inverse FE-optimization algorithm was used to calculate the viscoelastic properties of the ECM/beam elements such that the TM/JCT/SC model and OCT imaging data best matched over time. RESULTS The ECM of the glaucoma tissues showed significantly larger time-dependent shear moduli compared to the heathy tissues. Significantly larger shear moduli were also observed in the LF regions of both the healthy and glaucoma eyes compared to the HF regions. CONCLUSIONS The outflow tissues in both glaucoma eyes and HF regions are stiffer and less able to respond to dynamic IOP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Karimi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Reza Razaghi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Steven Padilla
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | - J. Crawford Downs
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Ted S. Acott
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Mary J. Kelley
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Integrative Biosciences, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Ruikang K. Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Murray Johnstone
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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20
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Bikuna‐Izagirre M, Aldazabal J, Extramiana L, Moreno‐Montañés J, Carnero E, Paredes J. Technological advances in ocular trabecular meshwork in vitro models for glaucoma research. Biotechnol Bioeng 2022; 119:2698-2714. [PMID: 35836364 PMCID: PMC9543213 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and is characterized by the progressive degeneration of the optic nerve. Intraocular pressure (IOP), which is considered to be the main risk factor for glaucoma development, builds up in response to the resistance (resistance to what?) provided by the trabecular meshwork (TM) to aqueous humor (AH) outflow. Although the TM and its relationship to AH outflow have remained at the forefront of scientific interest, researchers remain uncertain regarding which mechanisms drive the deterioration of the TM. Current tissue-engineering fabrication techniques have come up with promising approaches to successfully recreate the TM. Nonetheless, more accurate models are needed to understand the factors that make glaucoma arise. In this review, we provide a chronological evaluation of the technological milestones that have taken place in the field of glaucoma research, and we conduct a comprehensive comparison of available TM fabrication technologies. Additionally, we also discuss AH perfusion platforms, since they are essential for the validation of these scaffolds, as well as pressure-outflow relationship studies and the discovery of new IOP-reduction therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bikuna‐Izagirre
- Tecnun School of EngineeringUniversity of NavarraSan SebastiánSpain
- Biomedical Engineering CenterUniversity of NavarraPamplonaSpain
| | - Javier Aldazabal
- Tecnun School of EngineeringUniversity of NavarraSan SebastiánSpain
- Biomedical Engineering CenterUniversity of NavarraPamplonaSpain
| | - Leire Extramiana
- Departamento de oftalmología ClínicaClínica Universidad de NavarraPamplonaEspaña
| | | | - Elena Carnero
- Departamento de oftalmología ClínicaClínica Universidad de NavarraPamplonaEspaña
| | - Jacobo Paredes
- Tecnun School of EngineeringUniversity of NavarraSan SebastiánSpain
- Biomedical Engineering CenterUniversity of NavarraPamplonaSpain
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21
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MiR-18a-5p Targets Connective Tissue Growth Factor Expression and Inhibits Transforming Growth Factor β2-Induced Trabecular Meshwork Cell Contractility. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13081500. [PMID: 36011411 PMCID: PMC9408287 DOI: 10.3390/genes13081500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased trabecular meshwork (TM) cell and tissue contractility is a driver of the reduced outflow facility and elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) associated with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is an established mediator of TM cell contractility, and its expression is increased in POAG due to transforming growth factor β 2 (TGFβ2) signalling. Inhibiting CTGF upregulation using microRNA (miRNA) mimetics could represent a new treatment option for POAG. A combination of in silico predictive tools and a literature review identified a panel of putative CTGF-targeting miRNAs. Treatment of primary human TM cells with 5 ng/mL TGFβ2 for 24 h identified miR-18a-5p as a consistent responder, being upregulated in cells from five different human donors. Transfection of primary donor TM cells with 20 nM synthetic miR-18a-5p mimic reduced TGFβ2-induced CTGF protein expression, and stable lentiviral-mediated overexpression of this miRNA reduced TGFβ2-induced contraction of collagen gels. Together, these findings identify miR-18a-5p as a mediator of the TGFβ2 response and a candidate therapeutic agent for glaucoma via its ability to inhibit CTGF-associated increased TM contractility.
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22
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Mzyk P, Hernandez H, Le T, Ramirez JR, McDowell CM. Toll-Like Receptor 4 Signaling in the Trabecular Meshwork. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:936115. [PMID: 35912101 PMCID: PMC9335276 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.936115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary open-angle glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. With limited therapeutics targeting the pathogenesis at the trabecular meshwork (TM), there is a great need for identifying potential new targets. Recent evidence has implicated Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and it is signaling pathway in augmenting the effects of transforming growth factor beta-2 (TGFβ2) and downstream extracellular matrix production. In this review, we examine the role of TLR4 signaling in the trabecular meshwork and the interplay between endogenous activators of TLR4 (damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs)), extracellular matrix (ECM), and the effect on intraocular pressure
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Mzyk
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | | | - Thanh Le
- University of Houston-Victoria, Victoria, TX, United States
| | | | - Colleen M. McDowell
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- *Correspondence: Colleen M. McDowell,
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23
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Soundararajan A, Wang T, Ghag SA, Kang MH, Pattabiraman PP. Novel insight into the role of clusterin on intraocular pressure regulation by modifying actin polymerization and extracellular matrix remodeling in the trabecular meshwork. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:3012-3029. [PMID: 35567755 PMCID: PMC9283260 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This study provides comprehensive mechanistic evidence for the role of clusterin, a stress-response secretory chaperone protein, in the modulation of intraocular pressure (IOP) by regulating the trabecular meshwork (TM) actin cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix (ECM). The pathological stressors on TM known to elevate IOP significantly lowered clusterin protein levels indicating stress-related clusterin function loss. Small interfering RNA-mediated clusterin loss in human TM cells in vitro induced actin polymerization and stabilization via protein kinase D1, serine/threonine-protein kinase N2 (PRK2), and LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1), and the recruitment and activation of adhesome proteins including paxillin, vinculin, and integrin αV and β5. A complete loss of clusterin as seen in clusterin knockout mice (Clu-/- ) led to significant IOP elevation at postnatal Day 70. Contrarily, constitutive clusterin expression using adenovirus (AdCLU) in HTM cells resulted in the loss of actin polymerization via decreased PRK2, and LIMK1 and negative regulation of integrin αV and β5. Furthermore, we found that AdCLU treatment in HTM cells significantly decreased the ECM protein expression and distribution by significantly increasing matrix metalloprotease 2 (MMP2) activity and lowering the levels of pro-fibrotic proteins such as transforming growth factor-β2 (TGFβ2), thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). Finally, we found that HTM cells supplemented with recombinant human clusterin attenuated the pro-fibrotic effects of TGFβ2. For the first time this study demonstrates the importance of clusterin in the regulation of TM actin cytoskeleton - ECM interactions and the maintenance of IOP, thus making clusterin an interesting target to reverse elevated IOP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash Soundararajan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Glick Eye InstituteIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Glick Eye InstituteIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
- Stark Neuroscience Research InstituteIndiana University Purdue University IndianapolisIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Sachin A. Ghag
- Department of Ophthalmology, Glick Eye InstituteIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Min H. Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University Hospitals Eye InstituteCase Western Reserve University School of MedicineClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Padmanabhan P. Pattabiraman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Glick Eye InstituteIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
- Stark Neuroscience Research InstituteIndiana University Purdue University IndianapolisIndianapolisIndianaUSA
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24
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Chen Y, Su Y, Wang F. The Piezo1 ion channel in glaucoma: a new perspective on mechanical stress. Hum Cell 2022; 35:1307-1322. [PMID: 35767143 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-022-00738-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Glaucomatous optic nerve damage caused by pathological intraocular pressure elevation is irreversible, and its course is often difficult to control. This group of eye diseases is closely related to biomechanics, and the correlation between glaucoma pathogenesis and mechanical stimulation has been studied in recent decades. The nonselective cation channel Piezo1, the most important known mechanical stress sensor, is a transmembrane protein widely expressed in various cell types. Piezo1 has been detected throughout the eye, and the close relationship between Piezo1 and glaucoma is being confirmed. Pathological changes in glaucoma occur in both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, and it is of great interest for researchers to determine whether Piezo1 plays a role in these changes and how it functions. The elucidation of the mechanisms of Piezo1 action in nonocular tissues and the reported roles of similar mechanically activated ion channels in glaucoma will provide an appropriate basis for further investigation. From a new perspective, this review provides a detailed description of the current progress in elucidating the role of Piezo1 in glaucoma, including relevant questions and assumptions, the remaining challenging research directions and mechanism-related therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidan Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Yiyuan Road, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Ying Su
- Eye Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Yiman Road, Harbin, 150007, China.
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Yiyuan Road, Harbin, 150001, China.
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25
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Patil SV, Kasetti RB, Millar JC, Zode GS. A Novel Mouse Model of TGFβ2-Induced Ocular Hypertension Using Lentiviral Gene Delivery. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:6883. [PMID: 35805889 PMCID: PMC9266301 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a multifactorial disease leading to irreversible blindness. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form and is associated with the elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP). Reduced aqueous humor (AH) outflow due to trabecular meshwork (TM) dysfunction is responsible for IOP elevation in POAG. Extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, actin cytoskeletal reorganization, and stiffening of the TM are associated with increased outflow resistance. Transforming growth factor (TGF) β2, a profibrotic cytokine, is known to play an important role in the development of ocular hypertension (OHT) in POAG. An appropriate mouse model is critical in understanding the underlying molecular mechanism of TGFβ2-induced OHT. To achieve this, TM can be targeted with recombinant viral vectors to express a gene of interest. Lentiviruses (LV) are known for their tropism towards TM with stable transgene expression and low immunogenicity. We, therefore, developed a novel mouse model of IOP elevation using LV gene transfer of active human TGFβ2 in the TM. We developed an LV vector-encoding active hTGFβ2C226,228S under the control of a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. Adult C57BL/6J mice were injected intravitreally with LV expressing null or hTGFβ2C226,228S. We observed a significant increase in IOP 3 weeks post-injection compared to control eyes with an average delta change of 3.3 mmHg. IOP stayed elevated up to 7 weeks post-injection, which correlated with a significant drop in the AH outflow facility (40.36%). Increased expression of active TGFβ2 was observed in both AH and anterior segment samples of injected mice. The morphological assessment of the mouse TM region via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and direct ophthalmoscopy examination revealed no visible signs of inflammation or other ocular abnormalities in the injected eyes. Furthermore, transduction of primary human TM cells with LV_hTGFβ2C226,228S exhibited alterations in actin cytoskeleton structures, including the formation of F-actin stress fibers and crossed-linked actin networks (CLANs), which are signature arrangements of actin cytoskeleton observed in the stiffer fibrotic-like TM. Our study demonstrated a mouse model of sustained IOP elevation via lentiviral gene delivery of active hTGFβ2C226,228S that induces TM dysfunction and outflow resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gulab S. Zode
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; (S.V.P.); (R.B.K.); (J.C.M.)
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26
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Karimi A, Rahmati SM, Razaghi R, Crawford Downs J, Acott TS, Wang RK, Johnstone M. Biomechanics of human trabecular meshwork in healthy and glaucoma eyes via dynamic Schlemm's canal pressurization. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2022; 221:106921. [PMID: 35660943 PMCID: PMC10424782 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2022.106921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The trabecular meshwork (TM) consists of extracellular matrix (ECM) with embedded collagen and elastin fibers providing its mechanical support. TM stiffness is considerably higher in glaucoma eyes. Emerging data indicates that the TM moves dynamically with transient intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuations, implying the viscoelastic mechanical behavior of the TM. However, little is known about TM viscoelastic behavior. We calculated the viscoelastic mechanical properties of the TM in n = 2 healthy and n = 2 glaucoma eyes. METHODS A quadrant of the anterior segment was submerged in a saline bath, and a cannula connected to an adjustable saline reservoir was inserted into Schlemm's canal (SC). A spectral domain-OCT (SD-OCT) provided continuous cross-sectional B-scans of the TM/JCT/SC complex during pressure oscillation from 0 to 30 mmHg at two locations. The TM/JCT/SC complex boundaries were delineated to construct a 20-µm-thick volume finite element (FE) mesh. Pre-tensioned collagen and elastin fibrils were embedded in the model using a mesh-free penalty-based cable-in-solid algorithm. SC pressure was represented by a position- and time-dependent pressure boundary; floating boundary conditions were applied to the other cut edges of the model. An FE-optimization algorithm was used to adjust the ECM/fiber mechanical properties such that the TM/JCT/SC model and SD-OCT imaging data best matched over time. RESULTS Significantly larger short- and long-time ECM shear moduli (p = 0.0032), and collagen (1.82x) and elastin (2.72x) fibril elastic moduli (p = 0.0001), were found in the TM of glaucoma eyes compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide additional clarity on the mechanical property differences in healthy and glaucomatous outflow pathway under dynamic loading. Understanding the viscoelastic properties of the TM may serve as a new biomarker in early diagnosis of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Karimi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | | | - Reza Razaghi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - J Crawford Downs
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - Ted S Acott
- Ophthalmology and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
| | - Ruikang K Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Murray Johnstone
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Mavlyutov TA, Myrah JJ, Chauhan AK, Liu Y, McDowell CM. Fibronectin extra domain A (FN-EDA) causes glaucomatous trabecular meshwork, retina, and optic nerve damage in mice. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:72. [PMID: 35619185 PMCID: PMC9137085 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00800-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor for the development and progression of primary open angle glaucoma and is due to trabecular meshwork (TM) damage. Here, we investigate the role of an endogenous Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) ligand, FN-EDA, in the development of glaucoma utilizing a transgenic mouse strain (B6.EDA+/+) that constitutively expresses only FN containing the EDA isoform. Methods Eyes from C57BL6/J (wild-type), B6.EDA+/+ (constitutively active EDA), B6.EDA-/- (EDA null) mice were processed for electron microscopy and consecutive images of the entire length of the TM and Schlemm’s canal (SC) from anterior to posterior were collected and montaged into a single image. ECM accumulation, basement membrane length, and size and number of giant vacuoles were quantified by ImageJ analysis. Tlr4 and Iba1 expression in the TM and ONH cells was conducted using RNAscope in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry protocols. IOP was measured using a rebound tonometer, ON damage assessed by PPD stain, and RGC loss quantified in RBPMS labeled retina flat mounts. Results Ultrastructure analyses show the TM of B6.EDA+/+ mice have significantly increased accumulation of ECM between TM beams with few empty spaces compared to C57BL/6 J mice (p < 0.05). SC basement membrane is thicker and more continuous in B6.EDA+/+ mice compared to C57BL/6 J. No significant structural differences are detected in the TM of EDA null mice. Tlr4 and Iba1 expression is increased in the TM of B6.EDA+/+ mice compared to C57BL/6 J eyes (p < 0.05). IOP is significantly higher in B6.EDA+/+ mice compared to C57BL/6 J eyes (p < 0.001), and significant ON damage (p < 0.001) and RGC loss (p < 0.05) detected at 1 year of age. Tlr4 mRNA is expressed in mouse ONH cells, and is present in ganglion cell axons, microglia, and astrocytes. There is a significant increase in the area occupied by Iba-1 positive microglia cells in the ONH of B6.EDA+/+ mice compared to C57BL/6 J control eyes (p < 0.01). Conclusions B6.EDA+/+ mice have increased ECM accumulation in the TM, elevated IOP, enhanced proinflammatory changes in the ONH, loss of RGCs, and ONH damage. These data suggest B6.EDA+/+ mice recapitulate many aspects of glaucomatous damage. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13578-022-00800-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timur A Mavlyutov
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Justin J Myrah
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Anil K Chauhan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Colleen M McDowell
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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Reciprocal Regulation between lncRNA ANRIL and p15 in Steroid-Induced Glaucoma. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091468. [PMID: 35563774 PMCID: PMC9101924 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Steroid-induced glaucoma (SIG) is the most common adverse steroid-related effect on the eyes. SIG patients can suffer from trabecular meshwork (TM) dysfunction, intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation, and irreversible vision loss. Previous studies have mainly focused on the role of extracellular matrix turnover in TM dysfunction; however, whether the cellular effects of TM cells are involved in the pathogenesis of SIG remains unclear. Here, we found that the induction of cellular senescence was associated with TM dysfunction, causing SIG in cultured cells and mouse models. Especially, we established the transcriptome landscape in the TM tissue of SIG mice via microarray screening and identified ANRIL as the most differentially expressed long non-coding RNA, with a 5.4-fold change. The expression level of ANRIL was closely related to ocular manifestations (IOP elevation, cup/disc ratio, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness). Furthermore, p15, the molecular target of ANRIL, was significantly upregulated in SIG and was correlated with ocular manifestations in an opposite direction to ANRIL. The reciprocal regulation between ANRIL and p15 was validated using luciferase reporter assay. Through depletion in cultured cells and a mouse model, ANRIL/p15 signaling was confirmed in cellular senescence via cyclin-dependent kinase activity and, subsequently, by phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein. ANRIL depletion imitated the SIG phenotype, most importantly IOP elevation. ANRIL depletion-induced IOP elevation in mice can be effectively suppressed by p15 depletion. Analyses of the single-cell atlas and transcriptome dynamics of human TM tissue showed that ANRIL/p15 expression is spatially enriched in human TM cells and is correlated with TM dysfunction. Moreover, ANRIL is colocalized with a GWAS risk variant (rs944800) of glaucoma, suggesting its potential role underlying genetic susceptibility of glaucoma. Together, our findings suggested that steroid treatment promoted cellular senescence, which caused TM dysfunction, IOP elevation, and irreversible vision loss. Molecular therapy targeting the ANRIL/p15 signal exerted a protective effect against steroid treatment and shed new light on glaucoma management.
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De Ieso ML, Kuhn M, Bernatchez P, Elliott MH, Stamer WD. A Role of Caveolae in Trabecular Meshwork Mechanosensing and Contractile Tone. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:855097. [PMID: 35372369 PMCID: PMC8969750 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.855097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymorphisms in the CAV1/2 gene loci impart increased risk for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). CAV1 encodes caveolin-1 (Cav1), which is required for biosynthesis of plasma membrane invaginations called caveolae. Cav1 knockout mice exhibit elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and decreased outflow facility, but the mechanistic role of Cav1 in IOP homeostasis is unknown. We hypothesized that caveolae sequester/inhibit RhoA, to regulate trabecular meshwork (TM) mechanosensing and contractile tone. Using phosphorylated myosin light chain (pMLC) as a surrogate indicator for Rho/ROCK activity and contractile tone, we found that pMLC was elevated in Cav1-deficient TM cells compared to control (131 ± 10%, n = 10, p = 0.016). Elevation of pMLC levels following Cav1 knockdown occurred in cells on a soft surface (137 ± 7%, n = 24, p < 0.0001), but not on a hard surface (122 ± 17%, n = 12, p = 0.22). In Cav1-deficient TM cells where pMLC was elevated, Rho activity was also increased (123 ± 7%, n = 6, p = 0.017), suggesting activation of the Rho/ROCK pathway. Cyclic stretch reduced pMLC/MLC levels in TM cells (69 ± 7% n = 9, p = 0.002) and in Cav1-deficient TM cells, although not significantly (77 ± 11% n = 10, p = 0.059). Treatment with the Cav1 scaffolding domain mimetic, cavtratin (1 μM) caused a reduction in pMLC (70 ± 5% n = 7, p = 0.001), as did treatment with the scaffolding domain mutant cavnoxin (1 μM) (82 ± 7% n = 7, p = 0.04). Data suggest that caveolae differentially regulate RhoA signaling, and that caveolae participate in TM mechanotransduction. Cav1 regulation of these key TM functions provide evidence for underlying mechanisms linking polymorphisms in the Cav1/2 gene loci with increased POAG risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L. De Ieso
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Megan Kuhn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Pascal Bernatchez
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Heart + Lung Innovation Centre, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michael H. Elliott
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean McGee Eye Institute University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - W. Daniel Stamer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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30
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Somvanshi RK, Zou S, Kadhim S, Padania S, Hsu E, Kumar U. Cannabinol modulates neuroprotection and intraocular pressure: A potential multi-target therapeutic intervention for glaucoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166325. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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31
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The Dual Effect of Rho-Kinase Inhibition on Trabecular Meshwork Cells Cytoskeleton and Extracellular Matrix in an In Vitro Model of Glaucoma. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11041001. [PMID: 35207274 PMCID: PMC8877133 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11041001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The trabecular meshwork (TM) is the main site of drainage of the aqueous humor, and its dysfunction leads to intraocular pressure elevation, which is one of the main risk factors of glaucoma. We aimed to compare the effects on cytoskeleton organization and extracellular matrix (ECM) of latanoprost (LT) and a Rho-kinase inhibitor (ROCKi) on a transforming growth factor beta2 (TGF-β2)-induced glaucoma-like model developed from primary culture of human TM cells (pHTMC). The TGF-β2 stimulated pHTMC were grown and incubated with LT or a ROCKi (Y-27632) for 24 h. The expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and fibronectin (FN), and phosphorylation of the myosin light chain (MLC-P) and Cofilin (Cofilin-P) were evaluated using immunofluorescence and Western blot. The architectural modifications were studied in a MatrigelTM 3D culture. TGF-β2 increased the expression of αSMA and FN in pHTMC and modified the cytoskeleton with cross-linked actin network formation. LT did not alter the expression of αSMA but decreased FN deposition. The ROCKi decreased TGF-β2-induced αSMA and FN expression, as well as MLC-P and Cofilin-P, and stimulated the cells to recover a basal cytoskeletal arrangement. In the preliminary 3D study, pHTMC organized in a mesh conformation showed the widening of the TM under the effect of Y-27632. By simultaneously modifying the organization of the cytoskeleton and the ECM, with fibronectin deposition and overexpression, TGF-β2 reproduced the trabecular degeneration described in glaucoma. The ROCKi was able to reverse the TGF-β2-induced cytoskeletal and ECM rearrangements. LT loosened the extracellular matrix but had no action on the stress fibers.
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Kim JY, Kim JW. Effect of Prostaglandin E2 Agonist Omidenepag on the Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase in Trabecular Meshwork Cells. KOREAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2022; 36:123-130. [PMID: 35067026 PMCID: PMC9013564 DOI: 10.3341/kjo.2021.0169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the effects of prostaglandin E2 agonist omidenepag (OMD) on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) in human trabecular meshwork (TM) cells. Methods Primarily cultured human TM cells were exposed to 0, 1, 10, or 40 μmol/L OMD for 3 days. The permeability through the TM cell monolayer was assessed using carboxyfluorescein. Expressions of messenger ribonucleic acid and protein levels of MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9 were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. Also, the permeability, expression of messenger ribonucleic acid, and protein levels of MMPs were measured after exposure to 1 μmol/L latanoprost free acid (LAT). Results OMD and LAT did not affect the cellular survival (all p > 0.05). Each concentration of OMD and LAT did not affect the permeability of carboxyfluorescein significantly (all p > 0.05). LAT increased the level of MMP-1 protein but did not increase the levels of MMP-3 and MMP-9 proteins. Each concentration of OMD did not affect the levels of MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9 proteins (all p > 0.05) Conclusions In TM cells, prostaglandin E2 agonist OMD did not increase the permeability through the TM cell monolayer, and the protein levels of MMPs. These suggest that the direct effect on the trabecular outflow by OMD may be limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Yeub Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Daegu Catholic University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Jae Woo Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Daegu Catholic University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
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Wirtz MK, Sykes R, Samples J, Edmunds B, Choi D, Keene DR, Tufa SF, Sun YY, Keller KE. Identification of Missense Extracellular Matrix Gene Variants in a Large Glaucoma Pedigree and Investigation of the N700S Thrombospondin-1 Variant in Normal and Glaucomatous Trabecular Meshwork Cells. Curr Eye Res 2022; 47:79-90. [PMID: 34143713 PMCID: PMC8733052 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2021.1945109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a complex heterogeneous disease. While several POAG genes have been identified, a high proportion of estimated heritability remains unexplained. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a leading POAG risk factor and dysfunctional extracellular matrix (ECM) in the trabecular meshwork (TM) contributes to elevated IOP. In this study, we sought to identify missense variants in ECM genes that correlate with ocular hypertensive POAG. METHODS Whole-genome sequencing was used to identify genetic variants in five members of a large POAG family (n = 68) with elevated IOP. The remaining family members were screened by Sanger sequencing. Unrelated normal (NTM) and glaucomatous (GTM) cells were sequenced for the identified variants. The ECM protein levels were determined by Western immunoblotting and confocal and electron microscopy investigated ECM ultrastructural organization. RESULTS Three ECM gene variants were significantly associated with POAG or elevated IOP in a large POAG pedigree. These included rs2228262 (N700S; thrombospondin-1 (THBS1, TSP1)), rs112913396 (D563 G; collagen type VI, alpha 3 (COL6A3)) and rs34759087 (E987K; laminin subunit beta 2 (LAMB2)). Screening of unrelated TM cells (n = 27) showed higher prevalence of the THBS1 variant but not the LAMB2 variant, in GTM cells (39%) than NTM cells (11%). The rare COL6A3 variant was not detected. TSP1 protein was upregulated and COL6A3 was down-regulated in TM cells with N700S subject to mechanical stretch, an in vitro method that mimics elevated IOP. Immunofluorescence showed increased TSP1 immunostaining in cell strains with N700S compared to wild-type TM cells. Ultrastructural studies showed ECM disorganization and altered collagen type VI distribution in GTM versus NTM cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that missense variants in ECM genes may not cause catastrophic changes to the TM, but over many years, subtle changes in ECM may accumulate and cause structural disorganization of the outflow resistance leading to elevated IOP in POAG patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary K. Wirtz
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Renee Sykes
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239
| | | | - Beth Edmunds
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Dongseok Choi
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239.,OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239.,Graduate School of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - Sara F. Tufa
- Shriners Hospitals for Children, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Ying Ying Sun
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Kate E. Keller
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239.,Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239.,To whom correspondence should be addressed: 503 494 2366,
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Kasetti RB, Maddineni P, Kodati B, Nagarajan B, Yacoub S. Astragaloside IV Attenuates Ocular Hypertension in a Mouse Model of TGFβ2 Induced Primary Open Angle Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212508. [PMID: 34830390 PMCID: PMC8619727 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor in developing primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), which is the most common form of glaucoma. Transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGFβ2) is a pro-fibrotic cytokine that plays an important role in POAG pathogenesis. TGFβ2 induced extracellular matrix (ECM) production, deposition and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the trabecular meshwork (TM) contribute to increased aqueous humor (AH) outflow resistance and IOP elevation. Drugs which alter the glaucomatous fibrotic changes and ER stress in the TM may be effective in reducing ocular hypertension. Astragaloside IV (AS.IV), a novel saponin isolated from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus, has demonstrated antifibrotic and ER stress lowering effects in various tissues during disease conditions. However, the effect of AS.IV on glaucomatous TM fibrosis, ER stress and ocular hypertension has not been studied. Primary human TM cells treated with AS.IV decreased TGFβ2 induced ECM (FN, Col-I) deposition and ER stress (KDEL, ATF4 and CHOP). Moreover, AS.IV treatment reduced TGFβ2 induced NF-κB activation and αSMA expression in TM cells. We found that AS.IV treatment significantly increased levels of matrix metalloproteases (MMP9 and MMP2) and MMP2 enzymatic activity, indicating that the antifibrotic effects of AS.IV are mediated via inhibition of NF-κB and activation of MMPs. AS.IV treatment also reduced ER stress in TM3 cells stably expressing mutant myocilin. Interestingly, the topical ocular AS.IV eye drops (1 mM) significantly decreased TGFβ2 induced ocular hypertension in mice, and this was associated with a decrease in FN, Col-1 (ECM), KDEL (ER stress) and αSMA in mouse TM tissues. Taken together, the results suggest that AS.IV prevents TGFβ2 induced ocular hypertension by modulating ECM deposition and ER stress in the TM.
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Lamont HC, Masood I, Grover LM, El Haj AJ, Hill LJ. Fundamental Biomaterial Considerations in the Development of a 3D Model Representative of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:bioengineering8110147. [PMID: 34821713 PMCID: PMC8615171 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8110147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally, with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) being the most common subset. Raised intraocular pressure is an important risk factor for POAG and is caused by a reduction in aqueous humour (AqH) outflow due to dysfunctional cellular and matrix dynamics in the eye’s main drainage site, the trabecular meshwork (TM) and Schlemm’s canal (SC). The TM/SC are highly specialised tissues that regulate AqH outflow; however, their exact mechanisms of AqH outflow control are still not fully understood. Emulating physiologically relevant 3D TM/S in vitro models poses challenges to accurately mimic the complex biophysical and biochemical cues that take place in healthy and glaucomatous TM/SC in vivo. With development of such models still in its infancy, there is a clear need for more well-defined approaches that will accurately contrast the two central regions that become dysfunctional in POAG; the juxtacanalicular tissue (JCT) region of the TM and inner wall endothelia of the Schlemm’s canal (eSC). This review will discuss the unique biological and biomechanical characteristics that are thought to influence AqH outflow and POAG progression. Further consideration into fundamental biomaterial attributes for the formation of a biomimetic POAG/AqH outflow model will also be explored for future success in pre-clinical drug discovery and disease translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C. Lamont
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (H.C.L.); (I.M.)
- School of Chemical Engineering, Healthcare Technologies Institute, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (L.M.G.); (A.J.E.H.)
| | - Imran Masood
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (H.C.L.); (I.M.)
| | - Liam M. Grover
- School of Chemical Engineering, Healthcare Technologies Institute, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (L.M.G.); (A.J.E.H.)
| | - Alicia J. El Haj
- School of Chemical Engineering, Healthcare Technologies Institute, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (L.M.G.); (A.J.E.H.)
| | - Lisa J. Hill
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (H.C.L.); (I.M.)
- Correspondence:
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Liu Z, Li S, Qian X, Li L, Zhang H, Liu Z. RhoA/ROCK-YAP/TAZ Axis Regulates the Fibrotic Activity in Dexamethasone-Treated Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:728932. [PMID: 34552960 PMCID: PMC8450533 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.728932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
High intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor for glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness. Abnormal fibrotic activity in the human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells is considered to be partly responsible for the increased resistance of aqueous humor outflow and IOP. This study aimed to identify the fibrotic pathways using integrated bioinformatics and further elucidate their mechanism of regulating fibrotic activity in dexamethasone (DEX)-treated HTM cells. Microarray datasets from the GEO database were obtained and analyzed by GEO2R. Bioinformatics analyses, including GO and KEGG analyses, were performed to explore biological functions and signaling pathways of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The fibrotic pathways and targets were determined by western blot, RT-qPCR, or immunofluorescence staining. The cellular elastic modulus was measured using an atomic force microscope. A total of 204 DEGs, partly enriched in fibrotic activity (collagen-containing ECM, fibroblast activation) and Rap1, Ras, TGF-β, and Hippo pathways, were identified. Experimental results showed that DEX induced fibrotic activity and regulated the expression of RhoA/ROCK in HTM cells. Similarly, the constitutively active RhoA (RhoAG14V) also promoted the fibrotic activity of HTM cells. Mechanistically, RhoAG14V induced the expression and nuclear translocation of YAP/TAZ to produce CTGF. Moreover, inhibition of ROCK or YAP decreased the expression of Collagen I and α-SMA proteins induced by DEX or RhoAG14V in HTM cells. In conclusion, these results indicate that RhoA/ROCK-YAP/TAZ axis plays a crucial role in regulating the fibrotic activity of DEX-treated HTM cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhicheng Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuqing Qian
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhicheng Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Fan X, Bilir EK, Kingston OA, Oldershaw RA, Kearns VR, Willoughby CE, Sheridan CM. Replacement of the Trabecular Meshwork Cells-A Way Ahead in IOP Control? Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11091371. [PMID: 34572584 PMCID: PMC8464777 DOI: 10.3390/biom11091371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide, characterised with irreversible optic nerve damage and progressive vision loss. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a subset of glaucoma, characterised by normal anterior chamber angle and raised intraocular pressure (IOP). Reducing IOP is the main modifiable factor in the treatment of POAG, and the trabecular meshwork (TM) is the primary site of aqueous humour outflow (AH) and the resistance to outflow. The structure and the composition of the TM are key to its function in regulating AH outflow. Dysfunction and loss of the TM cells found in the natural ageing process and more so in POAG can cause abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, increased TM stiffness, and increased IOP. Therefore, repair or regeneration of TM's structure and function is considered as a potential treatment for POAG. Cell transplantation is an attractive option to repopulate the TM cells in POAG, but to develop a cell replacement approach, various challenges are still to be addressed. The choice of cell replacement covers autologous or allogenic approaches, which led to investigations into TM progenitor cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as potential stem cell source candidates. However, the potential plasticity and the lack of definitive cell markers for the progenitor and the TM cell population compound the biological challenge. Morphological and differential gene expression of TM cells located within different regions of the TM may give rise to different cell replacement or regenerative approaches. As such, this review describes the different approaches taken to date investigating different cell sources and their differing cell isolation and differentiation methodologies. In addition, we highlighted how these approaches were evaluated in different animal and ex vivo model systems and the potential of these methods in future POAG treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Fan
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK; (X.F.); (E.K.B.); (O.A.K.); (V.R.K.)
| | - Emine K. Bilir
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK; (X.F.); (E.K.B.); (O.A.K.); (V.R.K.)
| | - Olivia A. Kingston
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK; (X.F.); (E.K.B.); (O.A.K.); (V.R.K.)
| | - Rachel A. Oldershaw
- Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK;
| | - Victoria R. Kearns
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK; (X.F.); (E.K.B.); (O.A.K.); (V.R.K.)
| | - Colin E. Willoughby
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK; (X.F.); (E.K.B.); (O.A.K.); (V.R.K.)
- Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
- Correspondence: (C.E.W.); (C.M.S.); Tel.: +44-(28)-701-2338 (C.E.W.); +44-(151)-794-9031 (C.M.S.)
| | - Carl M. Sheridan
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK; (X.F.); (E.K.B.); (O.A.K.); (V.R.K.)
- Correspondence: (C.E.W.); (C.M.S.); Tel.: +44-(28)-701-2338 (C.E.W.); +44-(151)-794-9031 (C.M.S.)
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Saha BC, Kumari R, Kushumesh R, Ambasta A, Sinha BP. Status of Rho kinase inhibitors in glaucoma therapeutics-an overview. Int Ophthalmol 2021; 42:281-294. [PMID: 34453229 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-021-02002-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Medical management remains the cornerstone of glaucoma management despite advances in the surgical or laser procedures. After a leap of almost two decades of the advent of prostaglandin analogues, recently a new class of drug, Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitors, has come to limelight because of their varied therapeutic potential in different clinical conditions of eye, especially glaucoma. Their efficacy of lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) by virtue of an entirely different mechanism of decreasing outflow resistance has ignited a series of clinical trials evaluating their potential as monotherapy or as adjunct to existing antiglaucoma medications, and three of them ripasudil, netarsudil and roclatan have even been approved for clinical use in the recent past. There are evidences suggesting their beneficial effects in glaucoma patients even via non-IOP-dependent mechanisms like neuroprotection by improving blood flow to the optic nerve and increasing ganglion cell survival. They can even act as antifibrotic agents and reduce bleb scarring after glaucoma surgery. Hence, their effective role in glaucomatous optic neuropathy is multifaceted primary being improved drainage through the conventional pathway. On the other hand, certain local adverse effects like conjunctival hyperaemia have been reported in substantial proportion of patients, while some others like blepharitis, subconjunctival haemorrhages and cornea verticillata constitute less common side effects. The purpose of this review is to summarize the discovery, evolution and recent update of clinical trials on Rho kinase inhibitors as antiglaucoma medicine and to delineate their role in existing management protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Anita Ambasta
- Community Ophthalmology, Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, IGIMS, Patna, India
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Park HJ, Shin JW, Kim JW. Effect of Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor on the Matrix Metalloproteinase Activity in Trabecular Meshwork Cells. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN OPHTHALMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 2021. [DOI: 10.3341/jkos.2021.62.7.976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the effects of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) on the activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) in human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMC). Methods: Primary HTMC cultures were exposed to 0, 0.25, and 0.50 mg/mL anti-VEGF bevacizumab (BV) for 24 hours. The permeability through the trabecular meshwork cell monolayer was assessed using carboxyfluorescein and trans-epithelial endothelial electrical resistance (TEER). The levels of MMP-1/-2 were measured by Western blotting and the production of nitric oxide (NO) was assessed with the Griess assay. Results: Bevacizumab at 0.50 mg/mL decreased the permeability of carboxyfluorescein significantly (p = 0.017) and did not affect TEER (p = 0.308). Administration of 0.50 mg/mL BV decreased MMP-1 and MMP-2 activities (p = 0.014, p = 0.016, respectively) and inhibited NO production significantly (p = 0.023). Conclusions: Anti-VEGF decreased the permeability through the HTMC monolayer, which was accompanied by decreased MMP-1/-2 activity and limited NO production.
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mTOR inhibitors potentially reduce TGF-β2-induced fibrogenic changes in trabecular meshwork cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14111. [PMID: 34239027 PMCID: PMC8266857 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93580-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
We examined the effects of mTOR inhibitors on the fibrotic response induced by transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-β2) in cultured human trabecular meshwork (hTM) cells. TGF-β2-induced expression of fibronectin, collagen type I, alpha 1 chain (COL1A1), and alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) in hTM cells was examined in the presence or absence of mTOR inhibitors using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. The migration rates of hTM cells were examined in the presence of TGF-β2 with or without mTOR inhibitors. An in vitro study showed that the expression of fibronectin, COL1A1, and αSMA was upregulated by TGF-β2 treatment of hTM cells; such upregulation was significantly suppressed by mTOR inhibitors. The inhibitors significantly reduced the migration rate of TGF-β2-stimulated hTM cells. mTOR inhibitors may usefully reduce the fibrotic response of hTM cells and we may have to explore if it is also effective in in vivo model.
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O'Regan A, O'Brien CJ, Eivers SB. The lysophosphatidic acid axis in fibrosis: Implications for glaucoma. Wound Repair Regen 2021; 29:613-626. [PMID: 34009724 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a common progressive optic neuropathy that results in visual field defects and can lead to irreversible blindness. The pathophysiology of glaucoma involves dysregulated extracellular matrix remodelling in both the trabecular meshwork in the anterior chamber and in the lamina cribrosa of the optic nerve head. Fibrosis in these regions leads to raised intraocular pressure and retinal ganglion cell degeneration, respectively. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid mediator which acts via six G-protein coupled receptors on the cell surface to activate intracellular pathways that promote cell proliferation, transcription and survival. LPA signalling has been implicated in both normal wound healing and pathological fibrosis. LPA enhances fibroblast proliferation, migration and contraction, and induces expression of pro-fibrotic mediators such as connective tissue growth factor. The LPA axis plays a major role in diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, where it has been identified as an important pharmacological target. In glaucoma, LPA is present in high levels in the aqueous humour, and its signalling has been found to increase resistance to aqueous humour outflow through altered trabecular meshwork cellular contraction and extracellular matrix deposition. LPA signalling may, therefore, also represent an attractive target for treatment of glaucoma. In this review we wish to describe the role of LPA and its related proteins in tissue fibrosis and glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy O'Regan
- UCD Clinical Research Centre, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Colm J O'Brien
- UCD Clinical Research Centre, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Ophthalmology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sarah B Eivers
- UCD Clinical Research Centre, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Gao K, Song S, Johnstone MA, Zhang Q, Xu J, Zhang X, Wang RK, Wen JC. Reduced Pulsatile Trabecular Meshwork Motion in Eyes With Primary Open Angle Glaucoma Using Phase-Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:21. [PMID: 33326017 PMCID: PMC7745620 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.14.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in pulsatile trabecular meshwork (TM) motion between normal and eyes with POAG using phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PhS-OCT). Methods In this cross-sectional study, eight healthy subjects (16 eyes) and nine patients with POAG (18 eyes) were enrolled. A laboratory-based prototype PhS-OCT system was used to measure pulsatile TM motion. PhS-OCT images were analyzed to obtain parameters of pulsatile TM motion (i.e. maximum velocity [MV] and cumulative displacement [CDisp]). Outflow facility and ocular pulse amplitude were measured using pneumotonography. Detection sensitivity was compared among various parameters by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs). Results A pulsatile TM motion waveform synchronous with digital pulse was observed using PhS-OCT in both healthy and POAG eyes. The mean MV in eyes with glaucoma was significantly lower than healthy eyes (P < 0.001). The mean CDisp in POAG eyes was also significantly lower than healthy eyes (P < 0.001). CDisp showed a significant correlation (r = 0.46; P = 0.0088) with ocular pulse amplitude in the study. Compared with the outflow facility, both the MV and CDisp were found to have a better discrimination of glaucoma (P < 0.001 and P = 0.0074, respectively). Conclusions Pulsatile TM motion was reduced in patients with POAG compared to healthy subjects. The underlying mechanism may be due to the altered tissue stiffness or other biomechanical properties of the TM in POAG eyes. Our evidence suggests that the measurement of pulsatile TM motion with PhS-OCT may help in characterizing outflow pathway abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Gao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaozhen Song
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Murray A Johnstone
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Qinqin Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Jingjiang Xu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Xiulan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruikang K Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Joanne C Wen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States.,Duke Eye Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States
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Mody AA, Millar JC, Clark AF. ID1 and ID3 are Negative Regulators of TGFβ2-Induced Ocular Hypertension and Compromised Aqueous Humor Outflow Facility in Mice. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:3. [PMID: 33938911 PMCID: PMC8107646 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.6.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose In POAG, elevated IOP remains the major risk factor in irreversible vision loss. Increased TGFβ2 expression in POAG aqueous humor and in the trabecular meshwork (TM) amplifies extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and reduces ECM turnover in the TM, leading to a decreased aqueous humor (AH) outflow facility and increased IOP. Inhibitor of DNA binding proteins (ID1 and ID3) inhibit TGFβ2-induced fibronectin and PAI-1 production in TM cells. We examined the effects of ID1 and ID3 gene expression on TGFβ2-induced ocular hypertension and decreased AH outflow facility in living mouse eyes. Methods IOP and AH outflow facility changes were determined using a mouse model of Ad5-hTGFβ2C226S/C288S-induced ocular hypertension. The physiological function of ID1 and ID3 genes were evaluated using Ad5 viral vectors to enhance or knockdown ID1/ID3 gene expression in the TM of BALB/cJ mice. IOP was measured in conscious mice using a Tonolab impact tonometer. AH outflow facilities were determined by constant flow infusion in live mice. Results Over-expressing ID1 and ID3 significantly blocked TGFβ2-induced ocular hypertension (P < 0.0001). Although AH outflow facility was significantly decreased in TGFβ2-transduced eyes (P < 0.04), normal outflow facility was preserved in eyes injected concurrently with ID1 or ID3 along with TGFβ2. Knockdown of ID1 or ID3 expression exacerbated TGFβ2-induced ocular hypertension. Conclusions Increased expression of ID1 and ID3 suppressed both TGFβ2-elevated IOP and decreased AH outflow facility. ID1 and/or ID3 proteins thus may show promise as future candidates as IOP-lowering targets in POAG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avani A Mody
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - J Cameron Millar
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Abbot F Clark
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
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Acott TS, Vranka JA, Keller KE, Raghunathan V, Kelley MJ. Normal and glaucomatous outflow regulation. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 82:100897. [PMID: 32795516 PMCID: PMC7876168 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma remains only partially understood, particularly at the level of intraocular pressure (IOP) regulation. Trabecular meshwork (TM) and Schlemm's canal inner wall endothelium (SCE) are key to IOP regulation and their characteristics and behavior are the focus of much investigation. This is becoming more apparent with time. We and others have studied the TM and SCE's extracellular matrix (ECM) extensively and unraveled much about its functions and role in regulating aqueous outflow. Ongoing ECM turnover is required to maintain IOP regulation and several TM ECM manipulations modulate outflow facility. We have established clearly that the outflow pathway senses sustained pressure deviations and responds by adjusting the outflow resistance correctively to keep IOP within an appropriately narrow range which will not normally damage the optic nerve. The glaucomatous outflow pathway has in many cases lost this IOP homeostatic response, apparently due at least in part, to loss of TM cells. Depletion of TM cells eliminates the IOP homeostatic response, while restoration of TM cells restores it. Aqueous outflow is not homogeneous, but rather segmental with regions of high, intermediate and low flow. In general, glaucomatous eyes have more low flow regions than normal eyes. There are distinctive molecular differences between high and low flow regions, and during the response to an IOP homeostatic pressure challenge, additional changes in segmental molecular composition occur. In conjunction with these changes, the biomechanical properties of the juxtacanalicular (JCT) segmental regions are different, with low flow regions being stiffer than high flow regions. The JCT ECM of glaucomatous eyes is around 20 times stiffer than in normal eyes. The aqueous humor outflow resistance has been studied extensively, but neither the exact molecular components that comprise the resistance nor their exact location have been established. Our hypothetical model, based on considerable available data, posits that the continuous SCE basal lamina, which lies between 125 and 500 nm beneath the SCE basal surface, is the primary source of normal resistance. On the surface of JCT cells, small and highly controlled focal degradation of its components by podosome- or invadopodia-like structures, PILS, occurs in response to pressure-induced mechanical stretching. Sub-micron sized basement membrane discontinuities develop in the SCE basement membrane and these discontinuities allow passage of aqueous humor to and through SCE giant vacuoles and pores. JCT cells then relocate versican with its highly charged glycosaminoglycan side chains into the discontinuities and by manipulation of their orientation and concentration, the JCT and perhaps the SCE cells regulate the amount of fluid passage. Testing this outflow resistance hypothesis is ongoing in our lab and has the potential to advance our understanding of IOP regulation and of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ted S Acott
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Janice A Vranka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Kate E Keller
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - VijayKrishna Raghunathan
- Department of Basic Sciences, The Ocular Surface Institute, College of Optometry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Mary J Kelley
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Integrative Biosciences, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
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Patel PD, Chen YL, Kasetti RB, Maddineni P, Mayhew W, Millar JC, Ellis DZ, Sonkusare SK, Zode GS. Impaired TRPV4-eNOS signaling in trabecular meshwork elevates intraocular pressure in glaucoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2022461118. [PMID: 33853948 PMCID: PMC8072326 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2022461118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of glaucoma that leads to irreversible vision loss. Dysfunction of trabecular meshwork (TM) tissue, a major regulator of aqueous humor (AH) outflow resistance, is associated with intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation in POAG. However, the underlying pathological mechanisms of TM dysfunction in POAG remain elusive. In this regard, transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) cation channels are known to be important Ca2+ entry pathways in multiple cell types. Here, we provide direct evidence supporting Ca2+ entry through TRPV4 channels in human TM cells and show that TRPV4 channels in TM cells can be activated by increased fluid flow/shear stress. TM-specific TRPV4 channel knockout in mice elevated IOP, supporting a crucial role for TRPV4 channels in IOP regulation. Pharmacological activation of TRPV4 channels in mouse eyes also improved AH outflow facility and lowered IOP. Importantly, TRPV4 channels activated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in TM cells, and loss of eNOS abrogated TRPV4-induced lowering of IOP. Remarkably, TRPV4-eNOS signaling was significantly more pronounced in TM cells compared to Schlemm's canal cells. Furthermore, glaucomatous human TM cells show impaired activity of TRPV4 channels and disrupted TRPV4-eNOS signaling. Flow/shear stress activation of TRPV4 channels and subsequent NO release were also impaired in glaucomatous primary human TM cells. Together, our studies demonstrate a central role for TRPV4-eNOS signaling in IOP regulation. Our results also provide evidence that impaired TRPV4 channel activity in TM cells contributes to TM dysfunction and elevated IOP in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinkal D Patel
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX 76107
| | - Yen-Lin Chen
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Ramesh B Kasetti
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX 76107
| | - Prabhavathi Maddineni
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX 76107
| | - William Mayhew
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX 76107
| | - J Cameron Millar
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX 76107
| | - Dorette Z Ellis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX 76107
| | - Swapnil K Sonkusare
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908;
- Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Gulab S Zode
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX 76107;
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De Ieso ML, Gurley JM, McClellan ME, Gu X, Navarro I, Li G, Gomez-Caraballo M, Enyong E, Stamer WD, Elliott MH. Physiologic Consequences of Caveolin-1 Ablation in Conventional Outflow Endothelia. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:32. [PMID: 32940661 PMCID: PMC7500130 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.11.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Polymorphisms at the caveolin-1/2 locus are associated with glaucoma and IOP risk and deletion of caveolin-1 (Cav1) in mice elevates IOP and reduces outflow facility. However, the specific location/cell type responsible for Cav1-dependent regulation of IOP is unclear. We hypothesized that endothelial Cav1 in the conventional outflow (CO) pathway regulate IOP via endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signaling. Methods We created a mouse with targeted deletion of Cav1 in endothelial cells (Cav1ΔEC) and evaluated IOP, outflow facility, outflow pathway distal vascular morphology, eNOS phosphorylation, and tyrosine nitration of iridocorneal angle tissues by Western blotting. Results Endothelial deletion of Cav1 resulted in significantly elevated IOP versus wild-type mice but not a concomitant decrease in outflow facility. Endothelial Cav1 deficiency did not alter the trabecular meshwork or Schlemm's canal morphology, suggesting that the effects observed were not due to developmental deformities. Endothelial Cav1 deletion resulted in eNOS hyperactivity, modestly increased protein nitration, and significant enlargement of the drainage vessels distal to Schlemm's canal. L-Nitro-arginine methyl ester treatment reduced outflow in Cav1ΔEC but not wild-type mice and had no effect on the size of drainage vessels. Endothelin-1 treatment decrease the outflow and drainage vessel size in both wild-type and Cav1ΔEC mice. Conclusions Our results suggest that hyperactive eNOS signaling in the CO pathway of both Cav1ΔEC and global Cav1 knockout mice results in chronic dilation of distal CO vessels and protein nitration, but that Cav1 expression in the trabecular meshwork is sufficient to rescue CO defects reported in global Cav1 knockout mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L De Ieso
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Jami M Gurley
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean McGee Eye Institute University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Mark E McClellan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean McGee Eye Institute University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Xiaowu Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean McGee Eye Institute University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Iris Navarro
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Guorong Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Maria Gomez-Caraballo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Eric Enyong
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - W Daniel Stamer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Michael H Elliott
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean McGee Eye Institute University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States.,Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
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47
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Li G, Lee C, Read AT, Wang K, Ha J, Kuhn M, Navarro I, Cui J, Young K, Gorijavolu R, Sulchek T, Kopczynski C, Farsiu S, Samples J, Challa P, Ethier CR, Stamer WD. Anti-fibrotic activity of a rho-kinase inhibitor restores outflow function and intraocular pressure homeostasis. eLife 2021; 10:60831. [PMID: 33783352 PMCID: PMC8009676 DOI: 10.7554/elife.60831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are widely used as an ophthalmic medication. A common, sight-threatening adverse event of glucocorticoid usage is ocular hypertension, caused by dysfunction of the conventional outflow pathway. We report that netarsudil, a rho-kinase inhibitor, decreased glucocorticoid-induced ocular hypertension in patients whose intraocular pressures were poorly controlled by standard medications. Mechanistic studies in our established mouse model of glucocorticoid-induced ocular hypertension show that netarsudil both prevented and reduced intraocular pressure elevation. Further, netarsudil attenuated characteristic steroid-induced pathologies as assessed by quantification of outflow function and tissue stiffness, and morphological and immunohistochemical indicators of tissue fibrosis. Thus, rho-kinase inhibitors act directly on conventional outflow cells to prevent or attenuate fibrotic disease processes in glucocorticoid-induced ocular hypertension in an immune-privileged environment. Moreover, these data motivate the need for a randomized prospective clinical study to determine whether netarsudil is indeed superior to first-line anti-glaucoma drugs in lowering steroid-induced ocular hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guorong Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, United States
| | - Chanyoung Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory University, Atlanta, United States
| | - A Thomas Read
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory University, Atlanta, United States
| | - Ke Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory University, Atlanta, United States
| | - Jungmin Ha
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, United States
| | - Megan Kuhn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, United States
| | - Iris Navarro
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, United States
| | - Jenny Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, United States
| | - Katherine Young
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory University, Atlanta, United States
| | - Rahul Gorijavolu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, United States
| | - Todd Sulchek
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, United States
| | | | - Sina Farsiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, United States
| | - John Samples
- Washington State University Floyd Elson School of Medicine, Spokane, United States
| | - Pratap Challa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, United States
| | - C Ross Ethier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory University, Atlanta, United States.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, United States
| | - W Daniel Stamer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, United States
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Luo LJ, Nguyen DD, Lai JY. Harnessing the tunable cavity of nanoceria for enhancing Y-27632-mediated alleviation of ocular hypertension. Theranostics 2021; 11:5447-5463. [PMID: 33859757 PMCID: PMC8039939 DOI: 10.7150/thno.54525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Y-27632 is a potent ophthalmic drug for the treatment of ocular hypertension, a globally prevalent eye disease. However, the sustained delivery of Y-27632 by a therapeutic carrier to lesion sites located in the inner segments of the eye for effectively treating the ocular disorder still remains challenging. Methods: To realize the goal, a strategy based on solvothermal-assisted deposition/infiltration in combination with surface modification is utilized to synthesize hollow mesoporous ceria nanoparticles (HMCNs) with tailorable shell thicknesses and drug release profiles. The shell thickness of HMCNs is rationally exploited for achieving sustained drug release and advanced therapeutic benefits. Results: The shell thickness can regulate release profiles of Y-27632, displaying that thick and thin (~40 nm and ~10 nm) shelled HMCNs reveal burst release characteristics (within 2 days) or limited drug loading content (~10% for the 40 nm thick). As a compromise, the HMCNs with moderate shell thickness (~20 nm) possess the most sustained drug release over a period of 10 days. In a rabbit model of glaucoma, a single instillation of the optimized Y-27632-loaded HMCNs can effectively treat glaucoma for 10 days via simultaneously repairing the defected cornea (recovery of ~93% ATP1A1 mRNA levels), restoring the reduced thickness of outer nuclear layer to normal (~64 µm), and restoring ~86% of the impaired photoreceptor cells. Conclusion: A comprehensive study on the importance of HMCN shell thickness in developing long-acting nano eye drops for the efficient management of glaucoma is proposed. The findings suggest a central role of nanobiomaterial structural engineering in developing the long-life eye drops for pharmacological treatment of intraocular diseases.
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49
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Xiong S, Kumar A, Tian S, Taher EE, Yang E, Kinchington PR, Xia X, Du Y. Stem cell transplantation rescued a primary open-angle glaucoma mouse model. eLife 2021; 10:63677. [PMID: 33506763 PMCID: PMC7864631 DOI: 10.7554/elife.63677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness. In this study, we investigated if transplanted stem cells are able to rescue a glaucoma mouse model with transgenic myocilin Y437H mutation and explored the possible mechanisms. Human trabecular meshwork stem cells (TMSCs) were intracamerally transplanted which reduced mouse intraocular pressure, increased outflow facility, protected the retinal ganglion cells and preserved their function. TMSC transplantation also significantly increased the TM cellularity, promoted myocilin secretion from TM cells into the aqueous humor to reduce endoplasmic reticulum stress, repaired the TM tissue with extracellular matrix modulation and ultrastructural restoration. Co-culturing TMSCs with myocilin mutant TM cells in vitro promoted TMSCs differentiating into phagocytic functional TM cells. RNA sequencing revealed that TMSCs had upregulated genes related to TM regeneration and neuroprotection. Our results uncovered therapeutic potential of TMSCs for curing glaucoma and elucidated possible mechanisms by which TMSCs achieve the treatment effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Xiong
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States.,Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Shenghe Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Eman E Taher
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States.,Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Enzhi Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Paul R Kinchington
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Xiaobo Xia
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China
| | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States.,Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States.,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
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50
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Nakamura N, Yamagishi R, Honjo M, Igarashi N, Shimizu S, Aihara M. Effects of topical TGF-β1, TGF-β2, ATX, and LPA on IOP elevation and regulation of the conventional aqueous humor outflow pathway. Mol Vis 2021; 27:61-77. [PMID: 33633440 PMCID: PMC7883930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The effects of aqueous mediators possibly increasing the outflow resistance, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), TGF-β2, autotaxin (ATX), and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) on human trabecular meshwork (hTM) cells and monkey Schlemm's canal endothelial (SCE) cells were characterized and compared, and the effects of intracameral application of these mediators on intraocular (IOP) elevation were also examined. METHODS Cells were treated with TGF-β1, TGF-β2, ATX, LPA, or vehicle, and mRNA and protein expression levels of α-SMA, COL1A1, fibronectin, β-catenin, and ZO-1 were examined with real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) or immunofluorescence analyses or both. The permeability of cell monolayers was measured by determining the transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) or with the fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran permeability assay. IOP was evaluated in rabbit eyes after intracameral administration of the mediators. RESULTS All mediators induced upregulation of α-SMA, COL1A1, and fibronectin in hTM cells. The effect of TGF-β2 on mRNA expression of fibrotic markers was statistically significantly greater than that of TGF-β1. The effects of ATX and LPA indicated the time-dependent difference in the upregulation of α-SMA, COL1A1, and fibronectin. The TEER and FITC-dextran permeability of the SCE cells was evaluated after treatment with TGF-β1 and TGF-β2, but no statistically significant change was observed within 24 h. ATX and LPA also reduced permeability statistically significantly after 3 h and 0.5 h, respectively, and the effect of LPA was more rapid compared to that of ATX. Statistically significant IOP elevation was observed in rabbit eyes as early as 0.5-2.0 h after ATX and LPA treatment and at 24 h after treatment with TGF-β2. CONCLUSIONS TGF-β2 and ATX and LPA regulate aqueous outflow by modulation of hTM cells and SCE cells, and differences in timing between the effects of each mediator were observed. ATX and LPA showed more rapid effects on IOP elevation than TGF-β2. It was suggested that TGF-β2 and ATX/LPA are involved in increases of IOP, but the timing and sustainability differ between mediators, and they may play specific roles in different glaucoma subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsuko Nakamura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan,Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Reiko Yamagishi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Megumi Honjo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nozomi Igarashi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shota Shimizu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan,Senju Laboratory of Ocular Science, Senju Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Kobe, Japan
| | - Makoto Aihara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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