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Ghosh R, Herberg S. The role of YAP/TAZ mechanosignaling in trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal cell dysfunction. Vision Res 2024; 224:108477. [PMID: 39208753 PMCID: PMC11470804 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2024.108477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
This focused review highlights the importance of yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ binding motif (TAZ) mechanosignaling in human trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal cells in response to glaucoma-associated extracellular matrix stiffening and cyclic mechanical stretch, as well as biochemical pathway modulators (with signaling crosstalk) including transforming growth factor beta 2, glucocorticoids, Wnt, lysophosphatidic acid, vascular endothelial growth factor, and oxidative stress. We provide a comprehensive overview of relevant literature from the last decade, highlight intriguing research avenues with translational potential, and close with an outlook on future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajanya Ghosh
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Center for Vision Research, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Samuel Herberg
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Center for Vision Research, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA; BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA.
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2
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Bikuna-Izagirre M, Aldazabal J, Moreno-Montañes J, De-Juan-Pardo E, Carnero E, Paredes J. Artificial Trabecular Meshwork Structure Combining Melt Electrowriting and Solution Electrospinning. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:2162. [PMID: 39125188 PMCID: PMC11314991 DOI: 10.3390/polym16152162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The human trabecular meshwork (HTM) is responsible for regulating intraocular pressure (IOP) by means of gradient porosity. Changes in its physical properties, like increases in stiffness or alterations in the extracellular matrix (ECM), are associated with increases in the IOP, which is the primary cause of glaucoma. The complexity of its structure limits the engineered models to one-layered and simple approaches, which do not accurately replicate the biological and physiological cues related to glaucoma. Here, a combination of melt electrowriting (MEW) and solution electrospinning (SE) is explored as a biofabrication technique used to produce a gradient porous scaffold that mimics the multi-layered structure of the native HTM. Polycaprolactone (PCL) constructs with a height of 20-710 µm and fiber diameters of 0.7-37.5 µm were fabricated. After mechanical characterization, primary human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMCs) were seeded over the scaffolds within the subsequent 14-21 days. In order to validate the system's responsiveness, cells were treated with dexamethasone (Dex) and the rho inhibitor Netarsudil (Net). Scanning electron microscopy and immunochemistry staining were performed to evaluate the expected morphological changes caused by the drugs. Cells in the engineered membranes exhibited an HTMC-like morphology and a correct drug response. Although this work demonstrates the utility of combining MEW and SE in reconstructing complex morphological features like the HTM, new geometries and dimensions should be tested, and future works need to be directed towards perfusion studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bikuna-Izagirre
- Tissue Engineering Group, Tecnun School of Engineering, University of Navarra, Manuel Lardizabal 13, 20018 San Sebastian, Spain; (M.B.-I.); (J.A.)
- Biomedical Engineering Center, University of Navarra, Campus Universitario, 31080 Pamplona, Spain
- T3mPLATE Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QII Medical Center, 6 Verdun St., Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia;
- UWA Center of Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Javier Aldazabal
- Tissue Engineering Group, Tecnun School of Engineering, University of Navarra, Manuel Lardizabal 13, 20018 San Sebastian, Spain; (M.B.-I.); (J.A.)
- Biomedical Engineering Center, University of Navarra, Campus Universitario, 31080 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute of Health Research, IdisNA, Calle Irunlarrea 3, 31088 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Javier Moreno-Montañes
- Ophthalmology Department, University of Navarra Clinic, Avenida PIO XII, 31080 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Elena De-Juan-Pardo
- T3mPLATE Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QII Medical Center, 6 Verdun St., Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia;
- UWA Center of Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Elena Carnero
- Navarra Institute of Health Research, IdisNA, Calle Irunlarrea 3, 31088 Pamplona, Spain;
- Ophthalmology Department, University of Navarra Clinic, Avenida PIO XII, 31080 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Jacobo Paredes
- Tissue Engineering Group, Tecnun School of Engineering, University of Navarra, Manuel Lardizabal 13, 20018 San Sebastian, Spain; (M.B.-I.); (J.A.)
- Biomedical Engineering Center, University of Navarra, Campus Universitario, 31080 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute of Health Research, IdisNA, Calle Irunlarrea 3, 31088 Pamplona, Spain;
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3
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Zhao Y, Sun B, Fu X, Zuo Z, Qin H, Yao K. YAP in development and disease: Navigating the regulatory landscape from retina to brain. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116703. [PMID: 38713948 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The distinctive role of Yes-associated protein (YAP) in the nervous system has attracted widespread attention. This comprehensive review strategically uses the retina as a vantage point, embarking on an extensive exploration of YAP's multifaceted impact from the retina to the brain in development and pathology. Initially, we explore the crucial roles of YAP in embryonic and cerebral development. Our focus then shifts to retinal development, examining in detail YAP's regulatory influence on the development of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and retinal progenitor cells (RPCs), and its significant effects on the hierarchical structure and functionality of the retina. We also investigate the essential contributions of YAP in maintaining retinal homeostasis, highlighting its precise regulation of retinal cell proliferation and survival. In terms of retinal-related diseases, we explore the epigenetic connections and pathophysiological regulation of YAP in diabetic retinopathy (DR), glaucoma, and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Lastly, we broaden our exploration from the retina to the brain, emphasizing the research paradigm of "retina: a window to the brain." Special focus is given to the emerging studies on YAP in brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), underlining its potential therapeutic value in neurodegenerative disorders and neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqin Zhao
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China; College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China; College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Xuefei Fu
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China; College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Zhuan Zuo
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China; College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Huan Qin
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China; College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China.
| | - Kai Yao
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China; College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China.
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4
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Du Y. The Hippo signalling pathway and its impact on eye diseases. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18300. [PMID: 38613348 PMCID: PMC11015399 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18300] [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: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The Hippo signalling pathway, an evolutionarily conserved kinase cascade, has been shown to be crucial for cell fate determination, homeostasis and tissue regeneration. Recent experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that the Hippo signalling pathway is involved in the pathophysiology of ocular diseases. This article provides the first systematic review of studies on the regulatory and functional roles of mammalian Hippo signalling systems in eye diseases. More comprehensive studies on this pathway are required for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of eye diseases and the development of effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiang Du
- Precision Medicine Laboratory for Chronic Non‐communicable Diseases of Shandong Province, Institute of Precision MedicineJining Medical UniversityJiningShandongPeople's Republic of China
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5
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Thomasy SM, Leonard BC, Greiner MA, Skeie JM, Raghunathan VK. Squishy matters - Corneal mechanobiology in health and disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 99:101234. [PMID: 38176611 PMCID: PMC11193890 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The cornea, as a dynamic and responsive tissue, constantly interacts with mechanical forces in order to maintain its structural integrity, barrier function, transparency and refractive power. Cells within the cornea sense and respond to various mechanical forces that fundamentally regulate their morphology and fate in development, homeostasis and pathophysiology. Corneal cells also dynamically regulate their extracellular matrix (ECM) with ensuing cell-ECM crosstalk as the matrix serves as a dynamic signaling reservoir providing biophysical and biochemical cues to corneal cells. Here we provide an overview of mechanotransduction signaling pathways then delve into the recent advances in corneal mechanobiology, focusing on the interplay between mechanical forces and responses of the corneal epithelial, stromal, and endothelial cells. We also identify species-specific differences in corneal biomechanics and mechanotransduction to facilitate identification of optimal animal models to study corneal wound healing, disease, and novel therapeutic interventions. Finally, we identify key knowledge gaps and therapeutic opportunities in corneal mechanobiology that are pressing for the research community to address especially pertinent within the domains of limbal stem cell deficiency, keratoconus and Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy. By furthering our understanding corneal mechanobiology, we can contextualize discoveries regarding corneal diseases as well as innovative treatments for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Thomasy
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, United States; Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, School of Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, United States; California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, United States.
| | - Brian C Leonard
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, United States; Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, School of Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Mark A Greiner
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States; Iowa Lions Eye Bank, Coralville, IA, United States
| | - Jessica M Skeie
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States; Iowa Lions Eye Bank, Coralville, IA, United States
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6
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Li H, Kuhn M, Kelly RA, Singh A, Palanivel KK, Salama I, De Ieso ML, Stamer WD, Ganapathy PS, Herberg S. Targeting YAP/TAZ mechanosignaling to ameliorate stiffness-induced Schlemm's canal cell pathobiology. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 326:C513-C528. [PMID: 38105758 PMCID: PMC11192480 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00438.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Pathological alterations in the biomechanical properties of the Schlemm's canal (SC) inner wall endothelium and its immediate vicinity are strongly associated with ocular hypertension in glaucoma due to decreased outflow facility. Specifically, the underlying trabecular meshwork is substantially stiffer in glaucomatous eyes compared with that from normal eyes. This raises the possibility of a critical involvement of mechanotransduction processes in driving SC cell dysfunction. Yes-associated protein (YAP) has emerged as a key contributor to glaucoma pathogenesis. However, the molecular underpinnings of SC cell mechanosignaling via YAP and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in response to glaucomatous extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffening are not well understood. Using a novel biopolymer hydrogel that facilitates dynamic and reversible stiffness tuning, we investigated how ECM stiffening modulates YAP/TAZ activity in primary human SC cells, and whether disruption of YAP/TAZ mechanosignaling attenuates SC cell pathobiology and increases ex vivo outflow facility. We demonstrated that ECM stiffening drives pathologic YAP/TAZ activation and cytoskeletal reorganization in SC cells, which was fully reversible by matrix softening in a distinct time-dependent manner. Furthermore, we showed that pharmacologic or genetic disruption of YAP/TAZ mechanosignaling abrogates stiffness-induced SC cell dysfunction involving altered cytoskeletal and ECM remodeling. Finally, we found that perfusion of the clinically used, small molecule YAP/TAZ inhibitor verteporfin (without light activation) increases ex vivo outflow facility in normal mouse eyes. Collectively, our data provide new evidence for a pathologic role of aberrant YAP/TAZ mechanosignaling in SC cell dysfunction and suggest that YAP/TAZ inhibition has therapeutic value for treating ocular hypertension in glaucoma.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Pathologically altered biomechanical properties of the Schlemm's canal (SC) inner wall microenvironment were recently validated as the cause for increased outflow resistance in ocular hypertensive glaucoma. However, the involvement of specific mechanotransduction pathways in these disease processes is largely unclear. Here, we demonstrate that Yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are central regulators of glaucoma-like SC cell dysfunction in response to extracellular matrix stiffening and that targeted disruption of YAP/TAZ mechanosignaling attenuates SC cell pathobiology and enhances outflow function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, United States
| | - Megan Kuhn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Ruth A Kelly
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Ayushi Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, United States
| | - Kavipriya Kovai Palanivel
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
| | - Izzy Salama
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
| | - Michael L De Ieso
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - W Daniel Stamer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Preethi S Ganapathy
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
| | - Samuel Herberg
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
- Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, United States
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7
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Zhang F, Issah MA, Fu HY, Zhou HR, Liu TB, Shen JZ. LATS1 Promotes B-ALL Tumorigenesis by Regulating YAP1 Phosphorylation and Subcellular Localization. Curr Med Sci 2024; 44:81-92. [PMID: 38277019 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-023-2821-7] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE YAP1 plays a dual role as an oncogene and tumor suppressor gene in several tumors; differentiating between these roles may depend on the YAP1 phosphorylation pattern. The specific function of YAP1 in B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), however, is currently unclear. Thus, in the present study, the role of YAP1 in B-ALL was investigated using relevant cell lines and patient datasets. METHODS The effects of shRNA-mediated knockdown on YAP1 and LATS1 levels in the NALM6 and MOLT-4 cell lines were examined using Western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, flow cytometry, immunostaining, and nude mouse subcutaneous tumorigenesis experiments. Gene expression levels of Hippo pathway-related molecules before and after verteporfin (VP) treatment were compared using RNA-Seq to identify significant Hippo pathway-related genes in NALM6 cells. RESULTS Patients with ALL showing high YAP1 expression and low YAP1-Ser127 phosphorylation levels had worse prognoses than those with low YAP1 protein expression and high YAP1-Ser127 phosphorylation levels. YAP1-Ser127 phosphorylation levels were lower in NALM6 cells than in MOLT-4 and control cells; YAP1 was distributed in the nuclei in NALM6 cells. Knockdown of YAP1 inhibited MOLT-4 and NALM6 cell proliferation and arrested the NALM6 cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase. Before and after VP treatment, the expression of the upstream gene LATS1 was upregulated; its overexpression promoted YAP1-Ser127 phosphorylation. Further, YAP1 was distributed in the plasma. CONCLUSION LATS1 may downregulate YAP1-Ser127 phosphorylation and maintain B-ALL cell function; thus, VP, which targets this axis, may serve as a new therapeutic method for improving the outcomes for B-ALL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical Center of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Clinical Research Center for Hematological Malignancies of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Mohammed Awal Issah
- Tamale Technical University, Faculty of Allied Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Tamale, NS-011-2000, Ghana
| | - Hai-Ying Fu
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated People's Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Third People's Hospital of Fujian Province, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Hua-Rong Zhou
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical Center of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Clinical Research Center for Hematological Malignancies of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Ting-Bo Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical Center of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Clinical Research Center for Hematological Malignancies of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Jian-Zhen Shen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical Center of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Clinical Research Center for Hematological Malignancies of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
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8
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Youngblood H, Schoenlein PV, Pasquale LR, Stamer WD, Liu Y. Estrogen dysregulation, intraocular pressure, and glaucoma risk. Exp Eye Res 2023; 237:109725. [PMID: 37956940 PMCID: PMC10842791 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Characterized by optic nerve atrophy due to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death, glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Of the major risk factors for glaucoma (age, ocular hypertension, and genetics), only elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is modifiable, which is largely regulated by aqueous humor outflow through the trabecular meshwork. Glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone have long been known to elevate IOP and lead to glaucoma. However, several recent studies have reported that steroid hormone estrogen levels inversely correlate with glaucoma risk, and that variants in estrogen signaling genes have been associated with glaucoma. As a result, estrogen dysregulation may contribute to glaucoma pathogenesis, and estrogen signaling may protect against glaucoma. The mechanism for estrogen-related protection against glaucoma is not completely understood but likely involves both regulation of IOP homeostasis and neuroprotection of RGCs. Based upon its known activities, estrogen signaling may promote IOP homeostasis by affecting extracellular matrix turnover, focal adhesion assembly, actin stress fiber formation, mechanosensation, and nitric oxide production. In addition, estrogen receptors in the RGCs may mediate neuroprotective functions. As a result, the estrogen signaling pathway may offer a therapeutic target for both IOP control and neuroprotection. This review examines the evidence for a relationship between estrogen and IOP and explores the possible mechanisms by which estrogen maintains IOP homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Youngblood
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Patricia V Schoenlein
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Department of Radiology and Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Department of Surgery, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Louis R Pasquale
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - W Daniel Stamer
- Department of Ophthalmology and Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yutao Liu
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
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9
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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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10
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Li H, Kuhn M, Kelly RA, Singh A, Palanivel KK, Salama I, De Ieso ML, Stamer WD, Ganapathy PS, Herberg S. Targeting YAP mechanosignaling to ameliorate stiffness-induced Schlemm's canal cell pathobiology. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.08.556840. [PMID: 37781615 PMCID: PMC10541092 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.08.556840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Pathologic alterations in the biomechanical properties of the Schlemm's canal (SC) inner wall endothelium and its immediate vicinity are strongly associated with ocular hypertension in glaucoma due to decreased outflow facility. Specifically, the underlying trabecular meshwork is substantially stiffer in glaucomatous eyes compared to that from normal eyes. This raises the possibility of a critical involvement of mechanotransduction processes in driving SC cell dysfunction. Yes-associated protein (YAP) has emerged as a key contributor to glaucoma pathogenesis. However, the molecular underpinnings of SC cell YAP mechanosignaling in response to glaucomatous extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffening are not well understood. Using a novel biopolymer hydrogel that facilitates dynamic and reversible stiffness tuning, we investigated how ECM stiffening modulates YAP activity in primary human SC cells, and whether disruption of YAP mechanosignaling attenuates SC cell pathobiology and increases ex vivo outflow facility. We demonstrated that ECM stiffening drives pathologic YAP activation and cytoskeletal reorganization in SC cells, which was fully reversible by matrix softening in a distinct time-dependent manner. Furthermore, we showed that pharmacologic or genetic disruption of YAP mechanosignaling abrogates stiffness-induced SC cell dysfunction involving altered cytoskeletal and ECM remodeling. Lastly, we found that perfusion of the clinically-used, small molecule YAP inhibitor verteporfin (without light activation) increases ex vivo outflow facility in normal mouse eyes. Collectively, our data provide new evidence for a pathologic role of aberrant YAP mechanosignaling in SC cell dysfunction and suggest that YAP inhibition has therapeutic value for treating ocular hypertension in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Megan Kuhn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Ruth A. Kelly
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Ayushi Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Kavipriya Kovai Palanivel
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Izzy Salama
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Michael L. De Ieso
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - W. Daniel Stamer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Preethi S. Ganapathy
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Samuel Herberg
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
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11
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Yoo H, Singh A, Li H, Strat AN, Bagué T, Ganapathy PS, Herberg S. Simvastatin Attenuates Glucocorticoid-Induced Human Trabecular Meshwork Cell Dysfunction via YAP/TAZ Inactivation. Curr Eye Res 2023; 48:736-749. [PMID: 37083467 PMCID: PMC10524554 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2023.2206067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Impairment of the trabecular meshwork (TM) is the principal cause of increased outflow resistance in the glaucomatous eye. Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ binding motif (TAZ) are emerging as potential mediators of TM cell/tissue dysfunction. Furthermore, YAP/TAZ activity was recently found to be controlled by the mevalonate pathway in non-ocular cells. Clinically used statins block the mevalonate cascade and were shown to improve TM cell pathobiology; yet, the link to YAP/TAZ signaling was not investigated. In this study, we hypothesized that simvastatin attenuates glucocorticoid-induced human TM (HTM) cell dysfunction via YAP/TAZ inactivation. METHODS Primary HTM cells were seeded atop or encapsulated within bioengineered extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogels. Dexamethasone was used to induce a pathologic phenotype in HTM cells in the absence or presence of simvastatin. Changes in YAP/TAZ activity, actin cytoskeletal organization, phospho-myosin light chain levels, hydrogel contraction/stiffness, and fibronectin deposition were assessed. RESULTS Simvastatin potently blocked pathologic YAP/TAZ nuclear localization/activity, actin stress fiber formation, and myosin light chain phosphorylation in HTM cells. Importantly, simvastatin co-treatment significantly attenuated dexamethasone-induced ECM contraction/stiffening and fibronectin mRNA and protein levels. Sequential treatment was similarly effective but did not match clinically-used Rho kinase inhibition. CONCLUSIONS YAP/TAZ inactivation with simvastatin attenuates HTM cell pathobiology in a tissue-mimetic ECM microenvironment. Our data may help explain the association of statin use with a reduced risk of developing glaucoma via indirect YAP/TAZ inhibition as a proposed regulatory mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Yoo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Ayushi Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Haiyan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Ana N. Strat
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Tyler Bagué
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Preethi S. Ganapathy
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Samuel Herberg
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
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12
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Zhang R, Li B, Li H. Extracellular-Matrix Mechanics Regulate the Ocular Physiological and Pathological Activities. J Ophthalmol 2023; 2023:7626920. [PMID: 37521908 PMCID: PMC10386902 DOI: 10.1155/2023/7626920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a noncellular structure that plays an indispensable role in a series of cell life activities. Accumulating studies have demonstrated that ECM stiffness, a type of mechanical forces, exerts a pivotal influence on regulating organogenesis, tissue homeostasis, and the occurrence and development of miscellaneous diseases. Nevertheless, the role of ECM stiffness in ophthalmology is rarely discussed. In this review, we focus on describing the important role of ECM stiffness and its composition in multiple ocular structures (including cornea, retina, optic nerve, trabecular reticulum, and vitreous) from a new perspective. The abnormal changes in ECM can trigger physiological and pathological activities of the eye, suggesting that compared with different biochemical factors, the transmission and transduction of force signals triggered by mechanical cues such as ECM stiffness are also universal in different ocular cells. We expect that targeting ECM as a therapeutic approach or designing advanced ECM-based technologies will have a broader application prospect in ophthalmology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology & Optometry, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, Sichuan, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Central Hospital of Suining City, Suining 629000, Sichuan, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Central Hospital of Suining City, Suining 629000, Sichuan, China
| | - Heng Li
- Department of Ophthalmology & Optometry, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, Sichuan, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Central Hospital of Suining City, Suining 629000, Sichuan, China
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13
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Biswas A, Ng BH, Prabhakaran VS, Chan CJ. Squeezing the eggs to grow: The mechanobiology of mammalian folliculogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1038107. [PMID: 36531957 PMCID: PMC9756970 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1038107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The formation of functional eggs (oocyte) in ovarian follicles is arguably one of the most important events in early mammalian development since the oocytes provide the bulk genetic and cytoplasmic materials for successful reproduction. While past studies have identified many genes that are critical to normal ovarian development and function, recent studies have highlighted the role of mechanical force in shaping folliculogenesis. In this review, we discuss the underlying mechanobiological principles and the force-generating cellular structures and extracellular matrix that control the various stages of follicle development. We also highlight emerging techniques that allow for the quantification of mechanical interactions and follicular dynamics during development, and propose new directions for future studies in the field. We hope this review will provide a timely and useful framework for future understanding of mechano-signalling pathways in reproductive biology and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arikta Biswas
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Boon Heng Ng
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Chii Jou Chan
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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14
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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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15
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Grundy TJ, Orcheston-Findlay L, de Silva E, Jegathees T, Prior V, Sarker FA, O'Neill GM. Mechanosensitive expression of the mesenchymal subtype marker connective tissue growth factor in glioblastoma. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14982. [PMID: 36056123 PMCID: PMC9440209 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19175-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical forces created by the extracellular environment regulate biochemical signals that modulate the inter-related cellular phenotypes of morphology, proliferation, and migration. A stiff microenvironment induces glioblastoma (GBM) cells to develop prominent actin stress fibres, take on a spread morphology and adopt trapezoid shapes, when cultured in 2D, which are phenotypes characteristic of a mesenchymal cell program. The mesenchymal subtype is the most aggressive among the molecular GBM subtypes. Recurrent GBM have been reported to transition to mesenchymal. We therefore sought to test the hypothesis that stiffer microenvironments-such as those found in different brain anatomical structures and induced following treatment-contribute to the expression of markers characterising the mesenchymal subtype. We cultured primary patient-derived cell lines that reflect the three common GBM subtypes (mesenchymal, proneural and classical) on polyacrylamide (PA) hydrogels with controlled stiffnesses spanning the healthy and pathological tissue range. We then assessed the canonical mesenchymal markers Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) and yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) expression, via immunofluorescence. Replating techniques and drug-mediated manipulation of the actin cytoskeleton were utilised to ascertain the response of the cells to differing mechanical environments. We demonstrate that CTGF is induced rapidly following adhesion to a rigid substrate and is independent of actin filament formation. Collectively, our data suggest that microenvironmental rigidity can stimulate expression of mesenchymal-associated molecules in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas James Grundy
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Louise Orcheston-Findlay
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Eshana de Silva
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Thuvarahan Jegathees
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia
| | - Victoria Prior
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia
| | - Farhana Amy Sarker
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia
| | - Geraldine Margaret O'Neill
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia.
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16
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Shim MS, Liton PB. The physiological and pathophysiological roles of the autophagy lysosomal system in the conventional aqueous humor outflow pathway: More than cellular clean up. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 90:101064. [PMID: 35370083 PMCID: PMC9464695 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
During the last few years, the autophagy lysosomal system is emerging as a central cellular pathway with roles in survival, acting as a housekeeper and stress response mechanism. Studies by our and other labs suggest that autophagy might play an essential role in maintaining aqueous humor outflow homeostasis, and that malfunction of autophagy in outflow pathway cells might predispose to ocular hypertension and glaucoma pathogenesis. In this review, we will collect the current knowledge and discuss the molecular mechanisms by which autophagy does or might regulate normal outflow pathway tissue function, and its response to different types of stressors (oxidative stress and mechanical stress). We will also discuss novel roles of autophagy and lysosomal enzymes in modulation of TGFβ signaling and ECM remodeling, and the link between dysregulated autophagy and cellular senescence. We will examine what we have learnt, using pre-clinical animal models about how dysregulated autophagy can contribute to disease and apply that to the current status of autophagy in human glaucoma. Finally, we will consider and discuss the challenges and the potential of autophagy as a therapeutic target for the treatment of ocular hypertension and glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myoung Sup Shim
- Duke University, Department of Ophthalmology, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - Paloma B Liton
- Duke University, Department of Ophthalmology, Durham, NC, 27705, USA.
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17
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Li H, Raghunathan V, Stamer WD, Ganapathy PS, Herberg S. Extracellular Matrix Stiffness and TGFβ2 Regulate YAP/TAZ Activity in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:844342. [PMID: 35300422 PMCID: PMC8923257 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.844342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary open-angle glaucoma progression is associated with increased human trabecular meshwork (HTM) stiffness and elevated transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGFβ2) levels in the aqueous humor. Increased transcriptional activity of Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), central players in mechanotransduction, are implicated in glaucomatous HTM cell dysfunction. Yet, the detailed mechanisms underlying YAP/TAZ modulation in HTM cells in response to alterations in extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness and TGFβ2 levels are not well understood. Using biomimetic ECM hydrogels with tunable stiffness, here we show that increased ECM stiffness elevates YAP/TAZ nuclear localization potentially through modulating focal adhesions and cytoskeletal rearrangement. Furthermore, TGFβ2 increased nuclear YAP/TAZ in both normal and glaucomatous HTM cells, which was prevented by inhibiting extracellular-signal-regulated kinase and Rho-associated kinase signaling pathways. Filamentous (F)-actin depolymerization reversed TGFβ2-induced YAP/TAZ nuclear localization. YAP/TAZ depletion using siRNA or verteporfin decreased focal adhesions, ECM remodeling and cell contractile properties. Similarly, YAP/TAZ inactivation with verteporfin partially blocked TGFβ2-induced hydrogel contraction and stiffening. Collectively, our data provide evidence for a pathologic role of aberrant YAP/TAZ signaling in glaucomatous HTM cell dysfunction, and may help inform strategies for the development of novel multifactorial approaches to prevent progressive ocular hypertension in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - VijayKrishna Raghunathan
- Department of Basic Sciences, The Ocular Surface Institute, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - W. Daniel Stamer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Preethi S. Ganapathy
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Samuel Herberg
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- BioInspired Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
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18
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Dhamodaran K, Baidouri H, Nartey A, Staverosky J, Keller K, Acott T, Vranka J, Raghunathan V. Endogenous expression of Notch pathway molecules in human trabecular meshwork cells. Exp Eye Res 2022; 216:108935. [PMID: 35033558 PMCID: PMC8885976 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.108935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cells in the trabecular meshwork sense and respond to a myriad of physical forces through a process known as mechanotransduction. Whilst the effect of substratum stiffness or stretch on TM cells have been investigated in the context of transforming growth factor (TGF-β), Wnt and YAP/TAZ pathways, the role of Notch signaling, an evolutionarily conserved pathway, recently implicated in mechanotransduction, has not been investigated in trabecular meshwork (TM) cells. Here, we compare the endogenous expression of Notch pathway molecules in TM cells from glaucomatous and non-glaucomatous donors, segmental flow regions, and when subjected to cyclical strain, or grown on hydrogels of varying rigidity. METHODS Primary TM from glaucomatous (GTM), non-glaucomatous (NTM) donors, and from segmental flow regions [high flow (HF), low flow (LF)], were utilized between passages 2-6. Cells were (i) plated on tissue culture plastic, (ii) subjected to cyclical strain (6 h and 24 h), or (iii) cultured on 3 kPa and 80 kPa hydrogels. mRNA levels of Notch receptors/ligands/effectors in the TM cells was determined by qRT-PCR. Phagocytosis was determined as a function of substratum stiffness in NTM-HF/LF cells in the presence or absence of 100 nM Dexamethasone treatment. RESULTS Innate expression of Notch pathway genes were significantly overexpressed in GTM cells with no discernible differences observed between HF/LF cells in either NTM or GTM cells cultured on plastic substrates. With 6 h of cyclical strain, a subset of Notch pathway genes presented with altered expression. Expression of Notch receptors/ligands/receptors/inhibitors progressively declined with increasing stiffness and this correlated with phagocytic ability of NTM cells. Dexamethasone treatment decreased phagocytosis regardless of stiffness or cells isolated from segmental outflow regions. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate here that the Notch expression in cultured TM cells differ intrinsically between GTM vs NTM, and by substratum cues (cyclical strain and stiffness). Of import, the most apparent differences in gene expression were observed as a function of substratum stiffness which closely followed phagocytic ability of cells. Interestingly, on soft substrates (mimicking normal TM stiffness) Notch expression and phagocytosis was highest, while both expression and phagocytosis was significantly lower on stiffer substrates (mimicking glaucomatous stiffness) regardless of DEX treatment. Such context dependent changes suggest Notch pathway may play differing roles in disease vs homeostasis. Studies focused on understanding the mechanistic role of Notch (if any) in outflow homeostasis are thus warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamesh Dhamodaran
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hasna Baidouri
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andrews Nartey
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Julia Staverosky
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kate Keller
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Ted Acott
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Janice Vranka
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - VijayKrishna Raghunathan
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA,Correspondence should be sent to: VijayKrishna Raghunathan, Ph.D., University of Houston, College of Optometry, 4901 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX, 77204, Phone: (713)-743-8331,
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19
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Yes-associated protein reacts differently in vascular smooth muscle cells under different intensities of mechanical stretch. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:286-296. [PMID: 34983026 PMCID: PMC8791225 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are stromal cells of the vascular wall and are continually exposed to mechanical signals. The loss of VSMCs is closely related to the occurrence of many vascular diseases, such as aortic aneurysms and aortic dissection. The proliferation and apoptosis of VSMCs are mechanically stimulated. Yes-associated protein (YAP), one of the core components of the Hippo pathway, plays a key role in the response of VSMCs to mechanical signals. In this study, we tested the impact of different intensities of mechanical stretch on the proliferation and apoptosis of VSMCs, as well as YAP. We tested VSMCs’ proliferation and apoptosis and YAP reaction via immunocytochemistry, western blotting, CCK-8 and flow cytometric analysis. We found that 10% elongation could increase the phosphorylation of YAP and prevent it from entering the nucleus, as well as inhibit cell proliferation and promote apoptosis. However, 15% elongation reduced YAP phosphorylation and promoted its nuclear entry, thereby promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis. Accordingly, YAP knockdown suppressed the phenotype of VMSCs induced by 15% elongation. Taken together, YAP regulates proliferation and apoptosis of VSMCs differently under different intensity of mechanical stretch. Mechanical stretch with appropriate intensity can promote the proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of VSMCs by activating YAP.
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20
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Avetisov SE, Osipyan GA, Abukerimova AK, Akovantseva AA, Efremov YM, Frolova AA, Kotova SL, Timashev PS. [Experimental studies of the biomechanical properties of the cornea]. Vestn Oftalmol 2022; 138:124-131. [PMID: 35801891 DOI: 10.17116/oftalma2022138031124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The review presents the results of experimental studies of the biomechanical properties of the cornea. Selective evaluation of the individual corneal structures (for example, limiting membranes) using classical mechanical tests is to a certain extent limited due to the rather small thickness of these structures and the related difficulties in sample fixation. In real practice, the use of a method better adapted for conducting such studies - atomic force microscopy (AFM) - remains promising, since on the one hand it eliminates the need for mechanical capture and retention of the sample, and on the other - provides the capability for studying its segments separately.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Avetisov
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
- Research Institute of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - G A Osipyan
- Research Institute of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - A A Akovantseva
- Institute of Photonic Technologies of the Crystallography and Photonics Research Center, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yu M Efremov
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine of the I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - A A Frolova
- Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare Center of the I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - S L Kotova
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine of the I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
- N.N. Semenov Federal Research Center for Chemical Physics, Moscow, Russia
| | - P S Timashev
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine of the I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
- Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare Center of the I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
- N.N. Semenov Federal Research Center for Chemical Physics, Moscow, Russia
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Photonic Technologies of the Crystallography and Photonics Research Center, Moscow, Russia
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21
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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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22
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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: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [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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23
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Wong HL, Hung LT, Kwok SS, Bu Y, Lin Y, Shum HC, Wang H, Lo ACY, Yam GHF, Jhanji V, Shih KC, Chan YK. The anti-scarring role of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on cornea epithelial-stromal injury. Exp Eye Res 2021; 211:108747. [PMID: 34450184 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cornea epithelial-stromal scarring is related to the differentiation of fibroblasts into opaque myofibroblasts. Our study aims to assess the effectiveness of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) solution as a pre-treatment in minimizing corneal scarring. METHODS Human corneal fibroblasts were cultured in a three-dimensional collagen type I-based hydrogel in an eye-on-a-chip model. Fibroblasts were pre-treated with 2 mg/mL LBP for 24 h, followed by another 24-h incubation with 10 ng/mL transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) to induce relevant physiological events after stromal injury. Intracellular pro-fibrotic proteins, extracellular matrix proteins, and pro-inflammatory cytokines that involved in fibrosis, were assessed using immunocytochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS Compared to the positive control TGF-β1 group, LBP pre-treated cells had a significantly lower expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, marker of myofibroblasts, vimentin (p < 0.05), and also extracellular matrix proteins both collagen type II and type III (p < 0.05) that can be found in scar tissues. Moreover, LBP pre-treated cells had a significantly lower secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 (p < 0.05). The cell-laden hydrogel contraction and stiffness showed no significant difference between LBP pre-treatment and control groups. Fibroblasts pretreated with LBP as well had reduced angiogenic factors expression and suppression of undesired proliferation (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our results showed that LBP reduced both pro-fibrotic proteins and pro-inflammatory cytokines on corneal injury in vitro. We suggest that LBP, as a natural Traditional Chinese Medicine, may potentially be a novel topical pre-treatment option prior to corneal refractive surgeries with an improved prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Lam Wong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Lap Tak Hung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Sum Sum Kwok
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yashan Bu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yuan Lin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Ho Cheung Shum
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Hua Wang
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, China
| | - Amy Cheuk Yin Lo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Gary Hin Fai Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre, USA
| | - Vishal Jhanji
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre, USA
| | - Kendrick Co Shih
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Yau Kei Chan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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24
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Goswami S, Balasubramanian I, D'Agostino L, Bandyopadhyay S, Patel R, Avasthi S, Yu S, Goldenring JR, Bonder EM, Gao N. RAB11A-mediated YAP localization to adherens and tight junctions is essential for colonic epithelial integrity. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:100848. [PMID: 34058200 PMCID: PMC8254046 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100848] [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: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the intestinal epithelium, regulation of intracellular protein and vesicular trafficking is of utmost importance for barrier maintenance, immune responses, and tissue polarity. RAB11A is a small GTPase that mediates the anterograde transport of protein cargos to the plasma membrane. Loss of RAB11A-dependent trafficking in mature intestinal epithelial cells results in increased epithelial proliferation and nuclear accumulation of Yes-associated protein (YAP), a key Hippo-signaling transducer that senses cell–cell contacts and regulates tissue growth. However, it is unclear how RAB11A regulates YAP intracellular localizations. In this report, we examined the relationship of RAB11A to epithelial junctional complexes, YAP, and the associated consequences on colonic epithelial tissue repair. We found that RAB11A controls the biochemical associations of YAP with multiple components of adherens and tight junctions, including α-catenin, β-catenin, and Merlin, a tumor suppressor. In the absence of RAB11A and Merlin, we observed enhanced YAP–β-catenin complex formation and nuclear translocation. Upon chemical injury to the intestine, mice deficient in RAB11A were found to have reduced epithelial integrity, decreased YAP localization to adherens and tight junctions, and increased nuclear YAP accumulation in the colon epithelium. Thus, RAB11A-regulated trafficking regulates the Hippo–YAP signaling pathway for rapid reparative response after tissue injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayantani Goswami
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Luca D'Agostino
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Radha Patel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Shail Avasthi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Shiyan Yu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - James R Goldenring
- Department of Surgery, Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Edward M Bonder
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Nan Gao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, USA.
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25
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Dillinger AE, Kuespert S, Froemel F, Tamm ER, Fuchshofer R. CCN2/CTGF promotor activity in the developing and adult mouse eye. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 384:625-641. [PMID: 33512643 PMCID: PMC8211604 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03332-4] [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: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
CCN2/CTGF is a matricellular protein that is known to enhance transforming growth factor-β signaling and to induce a myofibroblast-like phenotype in a variety of cell types. Here, we investigated Ccn2/Ctgf promotor activity during development and in the adult mouse eye, using CTGFLacZ/+ mice in which the β-galactosidase reporter gene LacZ had been inserted into the open reading frame of Ccn2/Ctgf. Promotor activity was assessed by staining for β-galactosidase activity and by immunolabeling using antibodies against β-galactosidase. Co-immunostaining using antibodies against glutamine synthetase, glial fibrillary acidic protein, choline acetyltransferase, and CD31 was applied to identify specific cell types. Ccn2/Ctgf promotor activity was intense in neural crest-derived cells differentiating to corneal stroma and endothelium, and to the stroma of choroid, iris, ciliary body, and the trabecular meshwork during development. In the adult eye, a persistent and very strong promotor activity was present in the trabecular meshwork outflow pathways. In addition, endothelial cells of Schlemm’s canal, and of retinal and choroidal vessels, retinal astrocytes, Müller glia, and starburst amacrine cells were stained. Very strong promoter activity was seen in the astrocytes of the glial lamina at the optic nerve head. We conclude that CCN2/CTGF signaling is involved in the processes that govern neural crest morphogenesis during ocular development. In the adult eye, CCN2/CTGF likely plays an important role for the trabecular meshwork outflow pathways and the glial lamina of the optic nerve head.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea E Dillinger
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Kuespert
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Froemel
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ernst R Tamm
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Rudolf Fuchshofer
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Embryology, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
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26
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Pennarossa G, Arcuri S, De Iorio T, Gandolfi F, Brevini TAL. Current Advances in 3D Tissue and Organ Reconstruction. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:E830. [PMID: 33467648 PMCID: PMC7830719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bi-dimensional culture systems have represented the most used method to study cell biology outside the body for over a century. Although they convey useful information, such systems may lose tissue-specific architecture, biomechanical effectors, and biochemical cues deriving from the native extracellular matrix, with significant alterations in several cellular functions and processes. Notably, the introduction of three-dimensional (3D) platforms that are able to re-create in vitro the structures of the native tissue, have overcome some of these issues, since they better mimic the in vivo milieu and reduce the gap between the cell culture ambient and the tissue environment. 3D culture systems are currently used in a broad range of studies, from cancer and stem cell biology, to drug testing and discovery. Here, we describe the mechanisms used by cells to perceive and respond to biomechanical cues and the main signaling pathways involved. We provide an overall perspective of the most recent 3D technologies. Given the breadth of the subject, we concentrate on the use of hydrogels, bioreactors, 3D printing and bioprinting, nanofiber-based scaffolds, and preparation of a decellularized bio-matrix. In addition, we report the possibility to combine the use of 3D cultures with functionalized nanoparticles to obtain highly predictive in vitro models for use in the nanomedicine field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Pennarossa
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy; (G.P.); (S.A.); (T.D.I.)
| | - Sharon Arcuri
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy; (G.P.); (S.A.); (T.D.I.)
| | - Teresina De Iorio
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy; (G.P.); (S.A.); (T.D.I.)
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences—Production, Landscape, Agroenergy and Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Tiziana A. L. Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy; (G.P.); (S.A.); (T.D.I.)
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27
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Víšová I, Smolková B, Uzhytchak M, Vrabcová M, Chafai DE, Houska M, Pastucha M, Skládal P, Farka Z, Dejneka A, Vaisocherová-Lísalová H. Functionalizable Antifouling Coatings as Tunable Platforms for the Stress-Driven Manipulation of Living Cell Machinery. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10081146. [PMID: 32764330 PMCID: PMC7464033 DOI: 10.3390/biom10081146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells are continuously sensing their microenvironment and subsequently respond to different physicochemical cues by the activation or inhibition of different signaling pathways. To study a very complex cellular response, it is necessary to diminish background environmental influences and highlight the particular event. However, surface-driven nonspecific interactions of the abundant biomolecules from the environment influence the targeted cell response significantly. Yes-associated protein (YAP) translocation may serve as a marker of human hepatocellular carcinoma (Huh7) cell responses to the extracellular matrix and surface-mediated stresses. Here, we propose a platform of tunable functionable antifouling poly(carboxybetain) (pCB)-based brushes to achieve a molecularly clean background for studying arginine, glycine, and aspartic acid (RGD)-induced YAP-connected mechanotransduction. Using two different sets of RGD-functionalized zwitterionic antifouling coatings with varying compositions of the antifouling layer, a clear correlation of YAP distribution with RGD functionalization concentrations was observed. On the other hand, commonly used surface passivation by the oligo(ethylene glycol)-based self-assembled monolayer (SAM) shows no potential to induce dependency of the YAP distribution on RGD concentrations. The results indicate that the antifouling background is a crucial component of surface-based cellular response studies, and pCB-based zwitterionic antifouling brush architectures may serve as a potential next-generation easily functionable surface platform for the monitoring and quantification of cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Víšová
- Institute of Physics CAS, Na Slovance 1999/2, 182 21 Prague, Czech Republic; (I.V.); (B.S.); (M.U.); (M.V.); (D.E.C.); (M.H.); (A.D.)
| | - Barbora Smolková
- Institute of Physics CAS, Na Slovance 1999/2, 182 21 Prague, Czech Republic; (I.V.); (B.S.); (M.U.); (M.V.); (D.E.C.); (M.H.); (A.D.)
| | - Mariia Uzhytchak
- Institute of Physics CAS, Na Slovance 1999/2, 182 21 Prague, Czech Republic; (I.V.); (B.S.); (M.U.); (M.V.); (D.E.C.); (M.H.); (A.D.)
| | - Markéta Vrabcová
- Institute of Physics CAS, Na Slovance 1999/2, 182 21 Prague, Czech Republic; (I.V.); (B.S.); (M.U.); (M.V.); (D.E.C.); (M.H.); (A.D.)
| | - Djamel Eddine Chafai
- Institute of Physics CAS, Na Slovance 1999/2, 182 21 Prague, Czech Republic; (I.V.); (B.S.); (M.U.); (M.V.); (D.E.C.); (M.H.); (A.D.)
| | - Milan Houska
- Institute of Physics CAS, Na Slovance 1999/2, 182 21 Prague, Czech Republic; (I.V.); (B.S.); (M.U.); (M.V.); (D.E.C.); (M.H.); (A.D.)
| | - Matěj Pastucha
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (M.P.); (P.S.)
| | - Petr Skládal
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (M.P.); (P.S.)
| | - Zdeněk Farka
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (M.P.); (P.S.)
- Correspondence: (Z.F.); (H.V.-L.); Tel.: +420-549497674 (Z.F.); +420-266052993 (H.V.-L.)
| | - Alexandr Dejneka
- Institute of Physics CAS, Na Slovance 1999/2, 182 21 Prague, Czech Republic; (I.V.); (B.S.); (M.U.); (M.V.); (D.E.C.); (M.H.); (A.D.)
| | - Hana Vaisocherová-Lísalová
- Institute of Physics CAS, Na Slovance 1999/2, 182 21 Prague, Czech Republic; (I.V.); (B.S.); (M.U.); (M.V.); (D.E.C.); (M.H.); (A.D.)
- Correspondence: (Z.F.); (H.V.-L.); Tel.: +420-549497674 (Z.F.); +420-266052993 (H.V.-L.)
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28
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Abstract
Mechanotransduction, a conversion of mechanical forces into biochemical signals, is essential for human development and physiology. It is observable at all levels ranging from the whole body, organs, tissues, organelles down to molecules. Dysregulation results in various diseases such as muscular dystrophies, hypertension-induced vascular and cardiac hypertrophy, altered bone repair and cell deaths. Since mechanotransduction occurs at nanoscale, nanosciences and applied nanotechnology are powerful for studying molecular mechanisms and pathways of mechanotransduction. Atomic force microscopy, magnetic and optical tweezers are commonly used for force measurement and manipulation at the single molecular level. Force is also used to control cells, topographically and mechanically by specific types of nano materials for tissue engineering. Mechanotransduction research will become increasingly important as a sub-discipline under nanomedicine. Here we review nanotechnology approaches using force measurements and manipulations at the molecular and cellular levels during mechanotransduction, which has been increasingly play important role in the advancement of nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Fumihiko Nakamura
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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29
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Zou R, Xu Y, Feng Y, Shen M, Yuan F, Yuan Y. YAP nuclear‐cytoplasmic translocation is regulated by mechanical signaling, protein modification, and metabolism. Cell Biol Int 2020; 44:1416-1425. [DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan HospitalFudan University 180# Fenglin Road 200032 Shanghai China
| | - Yahui Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan HospitalFudan University 180# Fenglin Road 200032 Shanghai China
| | - Yifan Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan HospitalFudan University 180# Fenglin Road 200032 Shanghai China
| | - Minqian Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan HospitalFudan University 180# Fenglin Road 200032 Shanghai China
| | - Fei Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan HospitalFudan University 180# Fenglin Road 200032 Shanghai China
| | - Yuanzhi Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan HospitalFudan University 180# Fenglin Road 200032 Shanghai China
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30
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Hoffman LM, Smith MA, Jensen CC, Yoshigi M, Blankman E, Ullman KS, Beckerle MC. Mechanical stress triggers nuclear remodeling and the formation of transmembrane actin nuclear lines with associated nuclear pore complexes. Mol Biol Cell 2020; 31:1774-1787. [PMID: 31967947 PMCID: PMC7521858 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e19-01-0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical stimulation of fibroblasts induces changes in the actin cytoskeleton including stress fiber (SF) reinforcement and realignment. Here we characterize the nuclear response to mechanical stimulation (uniaxial cyclic stretch). Using fluorescence microscopy and quantitative image analysis we find that stretch-induced nuclear elongation and alignment perpendicular to the stretch vector are dependent on formin-regulated actin polymerization. The mechanosensitive transcription factors Yes-associated protein/Transcriptional coactivator with PDZ domain (YAP/TAZ) and myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF-A, also known as MKL1 and MAL1) accumulate in the nucleus and activate their target genes in response to uniaxial cyclic stretch. We show that transmembrane actin nuclear (TAN) lines are induced by stretch stimulation and nuclear envelope (NE) proteins including nesprins, SUN2, and lamins form Linkers of the Nucleoskeleton and Cytoskeleton (LINC) complexes aligned with actin SFs. These NE structures are altered by pharmacological treatments (Cytochalasin D and Jasplakinolide) or genetic disruption (zyxin gene deletion) that alter actin, and their persistence requires maintenance of stretch stimulation. Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) accumulate at TAN lines providing a potential mechanism for linking mechanical cues to NPC function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Hoffman
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112.,Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | - Mark A Smith
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112.,Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | | | - Masaaki Yoshigi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | | | - Katharine S Ullman
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112.,Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | - Mary C Beckerle
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112.,Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112.,Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
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31
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Yu B, Sladojevic N, Blair JE, Liao JK. Targeting Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase (ROCK) in cardiovascular fibrosis and stiffening. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:47-62. [PMID: 31906742 PMCID: PMC7662835 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1712593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Pathological cardiac fibrosis, through excessive extracellular matrix protein deposition from fibroblasts and pro-fibrotic immune responses and vascular stiffening is associated with most forms of cardiovascular disease. Pathological cardiac fibrosis and stiffening can lead to heart failure and arrythmias and vascular stiffening may lead to hypertension. ROCK, a serine/threonine kinase downstream of the Rho-family of GTPases, may regulate many pro-fibrotic and pro-stiffening signaling pathways in numerous cell types.Areas covered: This article outlines the molecular mechanisms by which ROCK in fibroblasts, T helper cells, endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and macrophages mediate fibrosis and stiffening. We speculate on how ROCK could be targeted to inhibit cardiovascular fibrosis and stiffening.Expert opinion: Critical gaps in knowledge must be addressed if ROCK inhibitors are to be used in the clinic. Numerous studies indicate that each ROCK isoform may play differential roles in regulating fibrosis and may have opposing roles in specific tissues. Future work needs to highlight the isoform- and tissue-specific contributions of ROCK in fibrosis, and how isoform-specific ROCK inhibitors in murine models and in clinical trials affect the pathophysiology of cardiac fibrosis and stiffening. This could progress knowledge regarding new treatments for heart failure, arrythmias and hypertension and the repair processes after myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Yu
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nikola Sladojevic
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - John E Blair
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - James K Liao
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Kim S, Thomasy SM, Raghunathan VK, Teixeira LB, Moshiri A, FitzGerald P, Murphy CJ. Ocular phenotypic consequences of a single copy deletion of the Yap1 gene ( Yap1 +/-) in mice. Mol Vis 2019; 25:129-142. [PMID: 30820148 PMCID: PMC6382475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify the effects of a single copy deletion of Yap1 (Yap1 +/-) in the mouse eye, the ocular phenotypic consequences of Yap1 +/- were determined in detail. METHODS Complete ophthalmic examinations, as well as corneal esthesiometry, the phenol red thread test, intraocular pressure, and Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography were performed on Yap1 +/- and age-matched wild-type (WT) mice between eyelid opening (2 weeks after birth) and adulthood (2 months and 1 year after birth). Following euthanasia, enucleated eyes were characterized histologically. RESULTS Microphthalmia with small palpebral fissures, corneal fibrosis, and reduced corneal sensation were common findings in the Yap1 +/- mice. Generalized corneal fibrosis precluded clinical examination of the posterior structures. Histologically, thinning and keratinization of the corneal epithelium were observed in the Yap1 +/- mice in comparison with the WT mice. Distorted collagen fiber arrangement and hypercellularity of keratocytes were observed in the stroma. Descemet's membrane was extremely thin and lacked an endothelial layer in the Yap1 +/- mice. The iris was adherent to the posterior cornea along most of its surface creating a distorted contour. Most of the Yap1 +/- eyes were microphakic with swollen fibers and bladder cells. The retinas of the Yap1 +/- mice were normal at 2 weeks and 2 months of age, but the presence of retinal abnormalities, including retinoschisis and detachment, was markedly increased in the Yap1 +/- mice at 1 year of age. CONCLUSIONS The results show that the heterozygous deletion of the Yap1 gene in mice leads to complex ocular abnormalities, including microphthalmia, corneal fibrosis, anterior segment dysgenesis, and cataract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soohyun Kim
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Sara M. Thomasy
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA,Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, School of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Vijay Krishna Raghunathan
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX,The Ocular Surface Institute, College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Leandro B.C. Teixeira
- Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin, Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Ala Moshiri
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, School of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Paul FitzGerald
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, School of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA,Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Christopher J. Murphy
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA,Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, School of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA
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33
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Ho LTY, Skiba N, Ullmer C, Rao PV. Lysophosphatidic Acid Induces ECM Production via Activation of the Mechanosensitive YAP/TAZ Transcriptional Pathway in Trabecular Meshwork Cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:1969-1984. [PMID: 29677358 PMCID: PMC5896423 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-23702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a bioactive lipid, has been shown to increase resistance to aqueous humor outflow (AH) through the trabecular meshwork (TM). The molecular basis for this response of the TM to LPA, however, is not completely understood. In this study, we explored the possible involvement of mechanosensitive Yes-associated protein (YAP) and its paralog, transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding domain (TAZ), transcriptional activation in extracellular matrix (ECM) production by LPA-induced contractile activity in human TM cells (HTM). Methods The responsiveness of genes encoding LPA receptors (LPARs), LPA hydrolyzing lipid phosphate phosphatases (LPPs), and the LPA-generating autotaxin (ATX) to cyclic mechanical stretch in HTM cells, was evaluated by RT-quantitative (q)PCR. The effects of LPA and LPA receptor antagonists on actomyosin contractile activity, activation of YAP/TAZ, and levels of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and Cyr61 and ECM proteins in HTM cells were determined by immunoblotting, mass spectrometry, and immunofluorescence analyses. Results Cyclic mechanical stretch significantly increased the expression of several types of LPARs, LPP1, and ATX in HTM cells. LPA and LPA receptor–dependent contractile activity led to increases in both, the protein levels and activation of YAP/TAZ, and increased the levels of CTGF, Cyr61, α-smooth muscle actin (α–SMA), and ECM proteins in HTM cells. Conclusions The results of this study reveal that LPA and its receptors stimulate YAP/TAZ transcriptional activity in HTM cells by modulating cellular contractile tension, and augment expression of CTGF that in turn leads to increased production of ECM. Therefore, YAP/TAZ-induced increases in CTGF and ECM production could be an important molecular mechanism underlying LPA-induced resistance to AH outflow and ocular hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leona T Y Ho
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Nikolai Skiba
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Christoph Ullmer
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ponugoti Vasantha Rao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States
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Pinheiro D, Bellaïche Y. Mechanical Force-Driven Adherens Junction Remodeling and Epithelial Dynamics. Dev Cell 2019; 47:3-19. [PMID: 30300588 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2018.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
During epithelial tissue development, repair, and homeostasis, adherens junctions (AJs) ensure intercellular adhesion and tissue integrity while allowing for cell and tissue dynamics. Mechanical forces play critical roles in AJs' composition and dynamics. Recent findings highlight that beyond a well-established role in reinforcing cell-cell adhesion, AJ mechanosensitivity promotes junctional remodeling and polarization, thereby regulating critical processes such as cell intercalation, division, and collective migration. Here, we provide an integrated view of mechanosensing mechanisms that regulate cell-cell contact composition, geometry, and integrity under tension and highlight pivotal roles for mechanosensitive AJ remodeling in preserving epithelial integrity and sustaining tissue dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Pinheiro
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, 75248 Paris Cedex 05, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Yohanns Bellaïche
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, 75248 Paris Cedex 05, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, 75005 Paris, France.
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35
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Chatzifrangkeskou M, O'Neill E. Nuclear/Cytoplasmic Fractionation to Study Hippo Effectors. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1893:115-119. [PMID: 30565130 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8910-2_10] [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] [Indexed: 02/11/2024]
Abstract
The translocation or shuttling of Hippo proteins between the nucleus and cytoplasm is a rapid event following cytoskeletal or mechanical cues as well as stimulation with extracellular growth factors. Here we describe an experimental procedure for a simple and fast separation of nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions which maintains protein integrity and integrity of protein-protein complexes, indicating that it should be applicable to many experimental questions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric O'Neill
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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36
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Miyagi H, Jalilian I, Murphy CJ, Thomasy SM. Modulation of human corneal stromal cell differentiation by hepatocyte growth factor and substratum compliance. Exp Eye Res 2018; 176:235-242. [PMID: 30193807 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Corneal wound healing is a complex process that consists of cellular integration of multiple soluble biochemical cues and cellular responses to biophysical attributes associated with the matrix of the wound space. Upon corneal stromal wounding, the transformation of corneal fibroblasts to myofibroblasts is promoted by transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ). This process is critical for wound healing; however, excessive persistence of myofibroblasts in the wound space has been associated with corneal fibrosis resulting in severe vision loss. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which can modulate TGFβ signaling, on corneal myofibroblast transformation by analyzing the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) as a marker of myofibroblast phenotype particularly as it relates to biomechanical cues. Human corneal fibroblasts were cultured on tissue culture plastic (>1 GPa) or hydrogel substrates mimicking human normal or wounded corneal stiffness (25 and 75 kPa) in media containing TGFβ1 ± HGF. The expression of αSMA was analyzed by quantitative PCR, Western blot and immunocytochemistry. Cellular stiffness, which is correlated with cellular phenotype, was measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM). In primary human corneal fibroblasts, the mRNA expression of αSMA showed a clear dose response to TGFβ1. The expression was significantly suppressed when cells were incubated with 20 ng/ml HGF in the presence of 2 ng/ml of TGFβ1. The protein expression of αSMA induced by 5 ng/ml TGFβ1 was also decreased by 20 ng/ml of HGF. Cells cultured on hydrogels mimicking human normal (25 kPa) and fibrotic (75 kPa) cornea also showed an inhibitory effect of HGF on αSMA expression in the presence or absence of TGFβ1. Cellular stiffness was decreased by HGF in the presence of TGFβ1 as measured by AFM. In this study, we have demonstrated that HGF can suppress the myofibroblast phenotype promoted by TGFβ1 in human corneal stromal cells. These data suggest that HGF holds the potential as a therapeutic agent to improve wound healing outcomes by minimizing corneal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidetaka Miyagi
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Iman Jalilian
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Christopher J Murphy
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Sara M Thomasy
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
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Zhu JY, Lin S, Ye J. YAP and TAZ, the conductors that orchestrate eye development, homeostasis, and disease. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:246-258. [PMID: 30094836 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are transcriptional coactivators established as a nexus in numerous signaling pathways, notably in Hippo signaling. Previous research revealed multifarious function of YAP and TAZ in oncology and cardiovasology. Recently, the focus has been laid on their pivotal role in eye morphogenesis and homeostasis. In this review, we synthesize advances of YAP and TAZ function during eye development in different model organisms, introduce their function in different ocular tissues and eye diseases, and highlight the potential for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Yi Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Sen Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology and Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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38
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Wang K, Li G, Read AT, Navarro I, Mitra AK, Stamer WD, Sulchek T, Ethier CR. The relationship between outflow resistance and trabecular meshwork stiffness in mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5848. [PMID: 29643342 PMCID: PMC5895808 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24165-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been suggested that common mechanisms may underlie the pathogenesis of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and steroid-induced glaucoma (SIG). The biomechanical properties (stiffness) of the trabecular meshwork (TM) have been shown to differ between POAG patients and unaffected individuals. While features such as ocular hypertension and increased outflow resistance in POAG and SIG have been replicated in mouse models, whether changes of TM stiffness contributes to altered IOP homeostasis remains unknown. We found that outer TM was stiffer than the inner TM and, there was a significant positive correlation between outflow resistance and TM stiffness in mice where conditions are well controlled. This suggests that TM stiffness is intimately involved in establishing outflow resistance, motivating further studies to investigate factors underlying TM biomechanical property regulation. Such factors may play a role in the pathophysiology of ocular hypertension. Additionally, this finding may imply that manipulating TM may be a promising approach to restore normal outflow dynamics in glaucoma. Further, novel technologies are being developed to measure ocular tissue stiffness in situ. Thus, the changes of TM stiffness might be a surrogate marker to help in diagnosing altered conventional outflow pathway function if those technologies could be adapted to TM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, 30332, United States of America
| | - Guorong Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27708, United States of America
| | - A Thomas Read
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, 30332, United States of America
| | - Iris Navarro
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27708, United States of America
| | - Ashim K Mitra
- School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri, 64110, United States of America
| | - W Daniel Stamer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, 27708, United States of America
| | - Todd Sulchek
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, 30332, United States of America
| | - C Ross Ethier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, 30332, United States of America. .,George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, 30332, United States of America.
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Thomasy SM, Raghunathan VK, Miyagi H, Evashenk AT, Sermeno JC, Tripp GK, Morgan JT, Murphy CJ. Latrunculin B and substratum stiffness regulate corneal fibroblast to myofibroblast transformation. Exp Eye Res 2018; 170:101-107. [PMID: 29421383 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The transformation of keratocytes and fibroblasts to myofibroblasts is important to corneal wound healing as well as formation of stromal haze. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of latrunculin B, an actin cytoskeleton disruptor in conjunction with a fundamental biophysical cue, substrate stiffness, on myofibroblast transformation in vitro and in vivo. Rabbit corneal fibroblasts were cultured on substrates of differing compliance (1.5, 22, and 71 kPa) and tissue culture plastic (TCP; > 1 GPa) in media containing 0 or 10 ng/ml TGFβ1 for 72 h. Cells were treated with 0.4 μM Lat-B or DMSO for 30 min every 24 h for 72 h. RNA was collected from cells and expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), keratocan, and ALDH1A1 determined using qPCR; immunocytochemistry was used to assess α-SMA protein expression. A rabbit phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) model was used to assess the impact of 0.1% Lat-B (n = 3) or 25% DMSO (vehicle control, n = 3) on corneal wound healing by assessment of epithelial wound size with fluorescein stain and semi-quantitative stromal haze scoring by an observer masked to treatment group as well as Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) at set time points. Statistical analysis was completed using one-way or two-way analysis of variance. Treatment with Lat-B versus DMSO resulted in significantly less αSMA mRNA (P ≤ 0.007) for RCF cells grown on 22 and 71 kPa substrates as well as TCP without or with TGFβ1, and significantly decreased α-SMA protein expression in RCFs cultured on the intermediate (22 kPa) stiffness in the absence (P = 0.028) or presence (P = 0.018) of TGFβ1. Treatment with Lat-B versus DMSO but did not significantly alter expression of keratocan or ALDH1A1 mRNA in RCFs (P > 0.05) in the absence or presence of TGFβ1, but RCFs grown on stiff hydrogels (71 kPa) had significantly more keratocan mRNA expression versus the 22 kPa hydrogel or TCP (P < 0.001) without TGFβ1. Administration of topical Lat-B BID was well tolerated by rabbits post-PTK but did not significantly alter epithelial wound closure, stromal haze score, stromal haze thickness as measured by FD-OCT in comparison to DMSO-treated rabbits. When corneal stromal cells are cultured on substrates possessing biologically relevant substratum stiffnesses, Lat-B modulates mRNA and protein expression of α-SMA and thus modulates myofibroblast transformation. At a dose and dose-frequency that reduced IOP in human glaucoma patients, Lat-B treatment did not substantially impact corneal epithelial or stromal wound healing in a rabbit PTK model. While a significant impact on wound healing was observed at the concentration and dose frequency reported here was not found, encouraging in vitro data support further investigations of topically applied Lat-B to determine if this compound can reduce stromal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Thomasy
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Vijay Krishna Raghunathan
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA; Department of Basic Sciences, The Ocular Surface Institute, College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hidetaka Miyagi
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Minami-ku, Kasumi 1-2-3, Hiroshima, 7348551, Japan
| | - Alexander T Evashenk
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jasmyne C Sermeno
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Geneva K Tripp
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Joshua T Morgan
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Christopher J Murphy
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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Lachowski D, Cortes E, Robinson B, Rice A, Rombouts K, Del Río Hernández AE. FAK controls the mechanical activation of YAP, a transcriptional regulator required for durotaxis. FASEB J 2018; 32:1099-1107. [PMID: 29070586 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700721r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a key molecule in focal adhesions and regulates fundamental processes in cells such as growth, survival, and migration. FAK is one of the first molecules recruited to focal adhesions in response to external mechanical stimuli and therefore is a pivotal mediator of cell mechanosignaling, and relays these stimuli to other mechanotransducers within the cytoplasm. Yes-associated protein (YAP) has been identified recently as one of these core mechanotransducers. YAP translocates to the nucleus following changes in cell mechanics to promote the expression of genes implicated in motility, apoptosis, proliferation, and organ growth. Here, we show that FAK controls the nuclear translocation and activation of YAP in response to mechanical activation and submit that the YAP-dependent process of durotaxis requires a cell with an asymmetric distribution of active and inactive FAK molecules.-Lachowski, D., Cortes, E., Robinson, B., Rice, A., Rombouts, K., Del Río Hernández, A. E. FAK controls the mechanical activation of YAP, a transcriptional regulator required for durotaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz Lachowski
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; and
| | - Ernesto Cortes
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; and
| | - Benjamin Robinson
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; and
| | - Alistair Rice
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; and
| | - Krista Rombouts
- Regenerative Medicine and Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Armando E Del Río Hernández
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; and
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Mechanism of the reconstruction of aqueous outflow drainage. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2017; 61:534-540. [PMID: 29282607 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-017-9140-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The reconstruction of aqueous outflow drainage (RAOD) has recently been proposed to aid in restoring aqueous outflow drainage in primary open-angle glaucoma. However, the mechanism of RAOD remains to be fully understood. Based on literature review and research studies, the potential mechanisms of RAOD are the following: (i) Circumferential dilation of the Schlemm's canal (SC) and surrounding collector channels. (ii) Instant formation of microcracks through RAOD procedures. (iii) Formation of more pores, and local detachment between the SC endothelium (SCE) and basement membrane. (iv) Activation of stem cells by constant mechanical stress caused by the tensional suture placed at the anterior part of the SC. (v) Reversal of trabecular meshwork (TM) herniation. (vi) Mobilization of the reserve of the aqueous drainage. (vii) Change of SCE phenotype. (viii) Mechanosensing and mechanotransducing of TM.
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42
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Tian L, Li H, Li Y, Liu K, Sun Y, Cong Z, Luan X, Li Y, Chen J, Wang L, Ren Z, Cong D, Wang H, Pei J. A Combination of Chitosan, Cellulose, and Seaweed Polysaccharide Inhibits Postoperative Intra-abdominal Adhesion in Rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2017; 364:399-408. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.117.244400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
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43
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Gao J, He L, Shi Y, Cai M, Xu H, Jiang J, Zhang L, Wang H. Cell contact and pressure control of YAP localization and clustering revealed by super-resolution imaging. NANOSCALE 2017; 9:16993-17003. [PMID: 29082393 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr05818g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Yes-associated protein (YAP) is well known for being an effecter of the Hippo signaling cascade that plays a critical role in organ size control, tumorigenesis, and regeneration. As YAP is a transcriptional coactivator, nuclear accumulation is a crucial determinant of its function. Numerous investigations have provided insights into the regulation of YAP, such as upstream molecules of the Hippo pathway, cell contact inhibition, and mechanical forces. However, detailed information regarding YAP spatial localization and organization in cells remains uncertain, and how mechanical signals control YAP distribution and function is not fully known. Therefore, we used one of the super-resolution imaging techniques, direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM), combined with confocal microscopy, to solve these problems. We found that YAP is mainly distributed in clusters in the cells, and that both cell contact and pressure on cell surfaces promote the nuclear-to-cytoplasm translocation of YAP and its phosphorylation, but weaken the clustering of nuclear YAP and its transcriptional activity. Moreover, we found that pressure regulation may be more effective on YAP from cancer cells as compared to normal cells, which could help open a door to target YAP for anticancer drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5626 Renmin Street, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P.R. China.
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Peng J, Wang H, Wang X, Sun M, Deng S, Wang Y. YAP and TAZ mediate steroid-induced alterations in the trabecular meshwork cytoskeleton in human trabecular meshwork cells. Int J Mol Med 2017; 41:164-172. [PMID: 29115373 PMCID: PMC5746292 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.3207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary open angle glaucoma is an important type of glaucoma as it is one of the most common causes of blindness. Previous studies have demonstrated that in glaucomatous patients, the human trabecular meshwork (HTM) is markedly stiffened. The purpose of the present study was to determine the regulatory role of Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in HTM cells. Primary HTM cells were cultured with different concentrations of dexamethasone (DEX), and the expression levels of YAP and TAZ were evaluated using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The results revealed that DEX increased the expression of YAP and TAZ in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the western blot analysis of cytoskeleton-associated proteins revealed that the inhibition of YAP and/or TAZ using small interfering RNA resulted in the increased expression of collagen I, and decreased expression of fibronectin, laminin and collagen IV. The expression of β-catenin, a key protein in the Wnt pathway, was also observed to be regulated by YAP and TAZ. A 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine staining assay indicated that YAP and TAZ induced the proliferation of HTM cells. The investigation of cross-linked actin network formation by the HTM cells demonstrated that the knockdown of YAP and TAZ genes rescued HTM cells from cytoskeletal reorganization. Furthermore, functional evaluation of a HTM cell monolayer using a permeability assay demonstrated that the inhibition of YAP and TAZ attenuated the DEX-induced impairment of permeability. These findings suggest that YAP and TAZ play pivotal roles in the DEX-induced cytoskeletal changes of HTM cells, and reveal novel potential mechanisms for the development and progression of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
| | - Hailian Wang
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610054, P.R. China
| | - Minghan Sun
- Department of Gynecology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
| | - Shaoping Deng
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610054, P.R. China
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Yang B, Sun H, Song F, Wu Y, Wang J. Yes-associated protein 1 promotes the differentiation and mineralization of cementoblast. J Cell Physiol 2017; 233:2213-2224. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Beining Yang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education; School & Hospital of Stomatology; Wuhan University; Wuhan Hubei China
| | - Hualing Sun
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education; School & Hospital of Stomatology; Wuhan University; Wuhan Hubei China
| | - Fangfang Song
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education; School & Hospital of Stomatology; Wuhan University; Wuhan Hubei China
| | - Yanru Wu
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education; School & Hospital of Stomatology; Wuhan University; Wuhan Hubei China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education; School & Hospital of Stomatology; Wuhan University; Wuhan Hubei China
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Hamon A, Masson C, Bitard J, Gieser L, Roger JE, Perron M. Retinal Degeneration Triggers the Activation of YAP/TEAD in Reactive Müller Cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:1941-1953. [PMID: 28384715 PMCID: PMC6024660 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-21366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose During retinal degeneration, Müller glia cells respond to photoreceptor loss by undergoing reactive gliosis, with both detrimental and beneficial effects. Increasing our knowledge of the complex molecular response of Müller cells to retinal degeneration is thus essential for the development of new therapeutic strategies. The purpose of this work was to identify new factors involved in Müller cell response to photoreceptor cell death. Methods Whole transcriptome sequencing was performed from wild-type and degenerating rd10 mouse retinas at P30. The changes in mRNA abundance for several differentially expressed genes were assessed by quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR). Protein expression level and retinal cellular localization were determined by western blot and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results Pathway-level analysis from whole transcriptomic data revealed the Hippo/YAP pathway as one of the main signaling pathways altered in response to photoreceptor degeneration in rd10 retinas. We found that downstream effectors of this pathway, YAP and TEAD1, are specifically expressed in Müller cells and that their expression, at both the mRNA and protein levels, is increased in rd10 reactive Müller glia after the onset of photoreceptor degeneration. The expression of Ctgf and Cyr61, two target genes of the transcriptional YAP/TEAD complex, is also upregulated following photoreceptor loss. Conclusions This work reveals for the first time that YAP and TEAD1, key downstream effectors of the Hippo pathway, are specifically expressed in Müller cells. We also uncovered a deregulation of the expression and activity of Hippo/YAP pathway components in reactive Müller cells under pathologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annaïg Hamon
- Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, CNRS, Univ Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France 2Centre d'Etude et de Recherche Thérapeutique en Ophtalmologie, Retina France, Orsay, France
| | - Christel Masson
- Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, CNRS, Univ Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France 2Centre d'Etude et de Recherche Thérapeutique en Ophtalmologie, Retina France, Orsay, France
| | - Juliette Bitard
- Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, CNRS, Univ Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France 2Centre d'Etude et de Recherche Thérapeutique en Ophtalmologie, Retina France, Orsay, France
| | - Linn Gieser
- Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Jérôme E Roger
- Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, CNRS, Univ Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France 2Centre d'Etude et de Recherche Thérapeutique en Ophtalmologie, Retina France, Orsay, France
| | - Muriel Perron
- Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, CNRS, Univ Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France 2Centre d'Etude et de Recherche Thérapeutique en Ophtalmologie, Retina France, Orsay, France
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Xin C, Wang RK, Song S, Shen T, Wen J, Martin E, Jiang Y, Padilla S, Johnstone M. Aqueous outflow regulation: Optical coherence tomography implicates pressure-dependent tissue motion. Exp Eye Res 2017; 158:171-186. [PMID: 27302601 PMCID: PMC5272871 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2016] [Revised: 05/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide and results from damage to the optic nerve. Currently, intraocular pressure is the only treatable risk factor. Changes in aqueous outflow regulate pressure; regulation becomes abnormal in glaucoma. From inside the eye aqueous flows out through the trabecular meshwork into a venous sinus called Schlemm's canal, next into collector channels and finally returns to the episcleral vessels of the venous system. The location of aqueous outflow regulation is unknown. Ex vivo and in vivo studies implicate both pressure-dependent trabecular tissue motion and tissues distal to Schlemm's canal in regulation of aqueous outflow. Technologies have not previously been available to study these issues. New ex vivo imaging in human eyes identifies hinged flaps or leaflets at collector channel entrances using a high-resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) platform. The hinged flaps open and close in synchrony with pressure-dependent trabecular meshwork motion. The SD-OCT platform images from the trabecular meshwork surface while experimentally changing transtrabecular pressure gradients. New in vivo imaging in human eyes uses a motion sensitive technology, phase-sensitive OCT to quantitate real-time pulse-dependent trabecular tissue motion as well as absence of such motion when aqueous access to the outflow system is blocked. The recent studies suggest that aqueous outflow regulation results from synchronous pressure-dependent motion involving a network of interconnected tissues including those distal to Schlemm's canal. The new imaging technologies may shed light on glaucoma mechanisms and provide guidance in the management of medical, laser and surgical decisions in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Xin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, China.
| | - Ruikang K Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, USA.
| | - Shaozhen Song
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, USA.
| | - Tueng Shen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, USA.
| | - Joanne Wen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, USA.
| | | | - Yi Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, USA.
| | - Steven Padilla
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, USA.
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Muehlich S, Rehm M, Ebenau A, Goppelt-Struebe M. Synergistic induction of CTGF by cytochalasin D and TGFβ-1 in primary human renal epithelial cells: Role of transcriptional regulators MKL1, YAP/TAZ and Smad2/3. Cell Signal 2016; 29:31-40. [PMID: 27721022 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2016.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Changes in cell morphology that involve alterations of the actin cytoskeleton are a hallmark of diseased renal tubular epithelial cells. While the impact of actin remodeling on gene expression has been analyzed in many model systems based on cell lines, this study investigated human primary tubular epithelial cells isolated from healthy parts of tumor nephrectomies. Latrunculin B (LatB) and cytochalasin D (CytoD) were used to modulate G-actin levels in a receptor-independent manner. Both compounds (at 0.5μM) profoundly altered F-actin structures in a Rho kinase-dependent manner, but only CytoD strongly induced the pro-fibrotic factor CTGF (connective tissue growth factor). CTGF induction was dependent on YAP as shown by transient downregulation experiments. However, CytoD did not alter the nuclear localization of either YAP or TAZ, whereas LatB reduced nuclear levels particularly of TAZ. CytoD modified MKL1, a coactivator of serum response factor (SRF) regulating CTGF induction, and promoted its nuclear localization. TGFβ-1 is one of the major factors involved in tubulointerstitial disease and an inducer of CTGF. Preincubation with CytoD but not LatB synergistically enhanced the TGFβ-1-stimulated synthesis of CTGF, both in cells cultured on plastic dishes as well as in polarized epithelial cells. CytoD had no direct effect on the phosphorylation of Smad2/3, but facilitated their phosphorylation and thus activation by TGFβ-1. Our present findings provide evidence that morphological alterations have a strong impact on cellular signaling of one of the major pro-fibrotic factors, TGFβ-1. However, our data also indicate that changes in cell morphology per se cannot predict those interactions which are critically dependent on molecular fine tuning of actin reorganization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Muehlich
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Goethestrasse 33, D-80336 München, Germany
| | - Margot Rehm
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 8, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Astrid Ebenau
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 8, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Margarete Goppelt-Struebe
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 8, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany.
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Xin C, Johnstone M, Wang N, Wang RK. OCT Study of Mechanical Properties Associated with Trabecular Meshwork and Collector Channel Motion in Human Eyes. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162048. [PMID: 27598990 PMCID: PMC5012558 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the use of a high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging platform to identify and quantify pressure-dependent aqueous outflow system (AOS) tissue relationships and to infer mechanical stiffness through examination of tissue properties in ex vivo human eyes. Five enucleated human eyes are included in this study, with each eye prepared with four equal-sized quadrants, each encompassing 90 degrees of the limbal circumference. In radial limbal segments perfusion pressure within Schlemm’s canal (SC) is controlled by means of a perfusion cannula inserted into the canal lumen, while the other end of the cannula leads to a reservoir at a height that can control the pressure in the cannula. The OCT system images the sample with a spatial resolution of about 5 μm from the trabecular meshwork (TM) surface. Geometric parameters are quantified from the 2D OCT images acquired from the sample subjected to controlled changes in perfusion pressures; parameters include area and height of the lumen of SC, collector channel entrances (CCE) and intrascleral collector channels (ISCC). We show that 3D OCT imaging permits the identification of 3-D relationships of the SC, CCE and ISCC lumen dimensions. Collagen flaps or leaflets are found at CCE that are attached or hinged at only one end, whilst the flaps are connected to the TM by cylindrical structures spanning SC. Increasing static SC pressures resulted in SC lumen enlargement with corresponding enlargement of the CCE and ISCC lumen. Pressure-dependent SC lumen area and height changes are significant at the 0.01 levels for ANOVA, and at the 0.05 for both polynomial curves and Tukey paired comparisons. Dynamic measurements demonstrate a synchronous increase in SC, CCE and ISCC lumen height in response to pressure changes from 0 to 10, 30 or 50 mm Hg, respectively, and the response time is within the 50-millisecond range. From the measured SC volume and corresponding IOP values, we demonstrate that an elastance curve can be developed to infer the mechanical stiffness of the TM by means of quantifying pressure-dependent SC volume changes over a 2 mm radial region of SC. Our study finds pressure-dependent motion of the TM that corresponds to collagen leaflet configuration motion at CCE; the synchronous tissue motion also corresponds with synchrony of SC and CCE lumen dimension changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Xin
- Departments of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195, United States of America
- Beijing TongRen Eye Center, Beijing TongRen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing AnZhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Murray Johnstone
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98104, United States of America
| | - Ningli Wang
- Beijing TongRen Eye Center, Beijing TongRen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Ruikang K. Wang
- Departments of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98104, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Trabecular meshwork stiffness in glaucoma. Exp Eye Res 2016; 158:3-12. [PMID: 27448987 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in stiffness of the trabecular meshwork (TM) may play an important role in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), the second leading cause of blindness. Specifically, certain data suggest an association between elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and increased TM stiffness; however, the underlying link between TM stiffness and IOP remains unclear and requires further study. We here first review the literature on TM stiffness measurements, encompassing various species and based on a number of measurement techniques, including direct approaches such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) and uniaxial tension tests, and indirect methods based on a beam deflection model. We also briefly review the effects of several factors that affect TM stiffness, including lysophospholipids, rho-kinase inhibitors, cytoskeletal disrupting agents, dexamethasone (DEX), transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2), nitric oxide (NO) and cellular senescence. We then describe a method we have developed for determining TM stiffness measurement in mice using a cryosection/AFM-based approach, and present preliminary data on TM stiffness in C57BL/6J and CBA/J mouse strains. Finally, we investigate the relationship between TM stiffness and outflow facility between these two strains. The method we have developed shows promise for further direct measurements of mouse TM stiffness, which may be of value in understanding mechanistic relations between outflow facility and TM biomechanical properties.
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