1
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Hulley M, Ngcungcu T, Ramsay M, Williams S. Non-invasive harvesting of conjunctival cells for whole transcriptome sequencing. Exp Eye Res 2023; 234:109613. [PMID: 37574038 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of using a non-invasive technique, the EYEPRIM™ conjunctival cell impression device, to harvest sufficient RNA from conjunctival cells for the whole-transcriptome sequencing. Conjunctival cells from 40 participants were collected using an EYEPRIM™ conjunctival cell impression device. RNA was extracted from the samples, followed by library construction and transcriptome sequencing. Quality checks were performed for each technical step of the experiment, and the feasibility of this procedure was examined. RNA of sufficient yield and quality was successfully extracted following additional disruption and homogenization of the conjunctival cells and collection of two impression samples per eye. Successful library preparation and RNA sequencing were performed, with all 40 samples passing the various quality checks used for each step. In conclusion, harvesting cells from the ocular surface using an impression cytology device yields good quality and sufficient mRNA for whole transcriptome sequencing to study diseases of the eye. This technique provides a convenient alternative to using post-mortem tissues or surgical excisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaella Hulley
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Thandiswa Ngcungcu
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Michèle Ramsay
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Susan Williams
- Division of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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2
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Snyder M, Iraola-Guzmán S, Saus E, Gabaldón T. Discovery and Validation of Clinically Relevant Long Non-Coding RNAs in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163866. [PMID: 36010859 PMCID: PMC9405614 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Recent efforts in biomedical research have focused on the identification of molecular biomarkers to improve the diagnosis, prognosis and eventually treatment of the most common human diseases worldwide, including cancer. In this context, a large number of studies point to a pivotal role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the pathophysiology of carcinogenesis, suggesting diagnostic or therapeutic potential. However, for most of them, supporting evidence is scarce and often based on a single large-scale analysis. Here, focusing on colorectal cancer (CRC), we present an overview of the main approaches for discovering and validating lncRNA candidate molecules, and provide a curated list of the most promising lncRNAs associated with this malignancy. Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent cancer worldwide, with nearly two million newly diagnosed cases each year. The survival of patients with CRC greatly depends on the cancer stage at the time of diagnosis, with worse prognosis for more advanced cases. Consequently, considerable effort has been directed towards improving population screening programs for early diagnosis and identifying prognostic markers that can better inform treatment strategies. In recent years, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been recognized as promising molecules, with diagnostic and prognostic potential in many cancers, including CRC. Although large-scale genome and transcriptome sequencing surveys have identified many lncRNAs that are altered in CRC, most of their roles in disease onset and progression remain poorly understood. Here, we critically review the variety of detection methods and types of supporting evidence for the involvement of lncRNAs in CRC. In addition, we provide a reference catalog that features the most clinically relevant lncRNAs in CRC. These lncRNAs were selected based on recent studies sorted by stringent criteria for both supporting experimental evidence and reproducibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Snyder
- Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS), Plaça Eusebi Güell, 1-3, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac, 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Iraola-Guzmán
- Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS), Plaça Eusebi Güell, 1-3, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac, 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ester Saus
- Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS), Plaça Eusebi Güell, 1-3, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac, 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Toni Gabaldón
- Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS), Plaça Eusebi Güell, 1-3, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac, 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence:
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3
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Fuellen G, Jünemann A. Gene Expression Data for Investigating Glaucoma Treatment Options and Pharmacology in the Anterior Segment, State-of-the-Art and Future Directions. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:912043. [PMID: 35757536 PMCID: PMC9213806 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.912043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma treatment options as well as its etiology are far from understood. Gene expression (transcriptomics) data of the anterior segment of the eye can help by elucidating the molecular-mechanistic underpinnings, and we present an up-to-date description and discussion of what gene expression data are publicly available, and for which purposes these can be used. We feature the few resources covering all segments of the eye, and we then specifically focus on the anterior segment, and provide an extensive list of the Gene Expression Omnibus data that may be useful. We also feature single-cell data of relevance, particularly three datasets from tissues of relevance to aqueous humor outflow. We describe how the data have been used by researchers, by following up resource citations and data re-analyses. We discuss datasets and analyses pertaining to fibrosis following glaucoma surgery, and to glaucoma resulting from the use of steroids. We conclude by pointing out the current lack and underutilization of ocular gene expression data, and how the state of the art is expected to improve in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Fuellen
- Institute for Biostatistics and Informatics in Medicine and Aging Research, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Anselm Jünemann
- Institute for Biostatistics and Informatics in Medicine and Aging Research, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
- Department of General Ophthalmology and Pediatric Ophthalmology Service, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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4
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Sinha R, Grimes WN, Wallin J, Ebbinghaus BN, Luu K, Cherry T, Rieke F, Rudolph U, Wong RO, Hoon M. Transient expression of a GABA receptor subunit during early development is critical for inhibitory synapse maturation and function. Curr Biol 2021; 31:4314-4326.e5. [PMID: 34433078 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.07.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Developing neural circuits, including GABAergic circuits, switch receptor types. But the role of early GABA receptor expression for establishment of functional inhibitory circuits remains unclear. Tracking the development of GABAergic synapses across axon terminals of retinal bipolar cells (BCs), we uncovered a crucial role of early GABAA receptor expression for the formation and function of presynaptic inhibitory synapses. Specifically, early α3-subunit-containing GABAA (GABAAα3) receptors are a key developmental organizer. Before eye opening, GABAAα3 gives way to GABAAα1 at individual BC presynaptic inhibitory synapses. The developmental downregulation of GABAAα3 is independent of GABAAα1 expression. Importantly, lack of early GABAAα3 impairs clustering of GABAAα1 and formation of functional GABAA synapses across mature BC terminals. This impacts the sensitivity of visual responses transmitted through the circuit. Lack of early GABAAα3 also perturbs aggregation of LRRTM4, the organizing protein at GABAergic synapses of rod BC terminals, and their arrangement of output ribbon synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raunak Sinha
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - William N Grimes
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Julie Wallin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Briana N Ebbinghaus
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kelsey Luu
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Timothy Cherry
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington-Seattle and the Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Fred Rieke
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Uwe Rudolph
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Rachel O Wong
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mrinalini Hoon
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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5
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Donahue RJ, Fehrman RL, Gustafson JR, Nickells RW. BCLX L gene therapy moderates neuropathology in the DBA/2J mouse model of inherited glaucoma. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:781. [PMID: 34376637 PMCID: PMC8355227 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04068-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Axonal degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) causes blindness in glaucoma. Currently, there are no therapies that target axons to prevent them from degenerating. Activation of the BAX protein has been shown to be the determining step in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway that causes RGCs to die in glaucoma. A putative role for BAX in axonal degeneration is less well elucidated. BCLXL (BCL2L1) is the primary antagonist of BAX in RGCs. We developed a mCherry-BCLXL fusion protein, which prevented BAX recruitment and activation to the mitochondria in tissue culture cells exposed to staurosporine. This fusion protein was then packaged into adeno-associated virus serotype 2, which was used to transduce RGCs after intravitreal injection and force its overexpression. Transduced RGCs express mCherry-BCLXL throughout their somas and axons along the entire optic tract. In a model of acute optic nerve crush, the transgene prevented the recruitment of a GFP-BAX fusion protein to mitochondria and provided long-term somal protection up to 12 weeks post injury. To test the efficacy in glaucoma, DBA/2J mice were transduced at 5 months of age, just prior to the time they begin to exhibit ocular hypertension. Gene therapy with mCherry-BCLXL did not affect the longitudinal history of intraocular pressure elevation compared to naive mice but did robustly attenuate both RGC soma pathology and axonal degeneration in the optic nerve at both 10.5 and 12 months of age. BCLXL gene therapy is a promising candidate for glaucoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Donahue
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Rachel L Fehrman
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jenna R Gustafson
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Robert W Nickells
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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6
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Schmitt HM, Grosser JA, Schlamp CL, Nickells RW. Targeting HDAC3 in the DBA/2J spontaneous mouse model of glaucoma. Exp Eye Res 2020; 200:108244. [PMID: 32971093 PMCID: PMC8344090 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
High intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most common risk factor associated with glaucoma in humans. While lowering IOP is effective at reducing the rate of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss, to date, no treatment exists to directly preserve these cells affected by damage to the optic nerve. Recently, histone deacetylase-3 (HDAC3) has become a potential therapeutic target because it plays an important role in the early nuclear atrophic events that precede RGC death. Conditional knockout or inhibition of HDAC3 prevents histone deacetylation, heterochromatin formation, apoptosis, and eventual RGC loss following acute optic nerve injury. Using these approaches to repress HDAC3 activity, we tested whether targeting HDAC3 protects RGCs from ganglion cell-specific BRN3A expression loss, total somatic cell loss, and optic nerve degeneration in the DBA/2J mouse model of spontaneous glaucoma. Targeted ablation of Hdac3 activity did not protect RGCs from axonal degeneration or somatic cell death in the DBA/2J mouse model of glaucoma. However, inhibition of HDAC3 activity using RGFP966 conferred mild protection against somatic cell loss in the ganglion cell layer in aged DBA/2J mice. Further experimentation is necessary to determine whether other class I HDACs may serve as potential therapeutic targets in chronic models of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Schmitt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.
| | - Joshua A Grosser
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Cassandra L Schlamp
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Robert W Nickells
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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7
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Endothelin-1 Mediated Decrease in Mitochondrial Gene Expression and Bioenergetics Contribute to Neurodegeneration of Retinal Ganglion Cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3571. [PMID: 32107448 PMCID: PMC7046667 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60558-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a vasoactive peptide that is elevated in aqueous humor as well as circulation of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients. ET-1 has been shown to promote degeneration of optic nerve axons and apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), however, the precise mechanisms are still largely unknown. In this study, RNA-seq analysis was used to assess changes in ET-1 mediated gene expression in primary RGCs, which revealed that 23 out of 156 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) had known or predicted mitochondrial function, of which oxidative phosphorylation emerged as the top-most enriched pathway. ET-1 treatment significantly decreased protein expression of key mitochondrial genes including cytochrome C oxidase copper chaperone (COX17) and ATP Synthase, H+ transporting, Mitochondrial Fo Complex (ATP5H) in primary RGCs and in vivo following intravitreal ET-1 injection in rats. A Seahorse ATP rate assay revealed a significant decrease in the rate of mitochondrial ATP production following ET-1 treatment. IOP elevation in Brown Norway rats showed a trend towards decreased expression of ATP5H. Our results demonstrate that ET-1 produced a decrease in expression of vital components of mitochondrial electron transport chain, which compromise bioenergetics and suggest a mechanism by which ET-1 promotes neurodegeneration of RGCs in glaucoma.
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8
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Park YH, Snook JD, Ostrin EJ, Kim S, Chen R, Frankfort BJ. Transcriptomic profiles of retinal ganglion cells are defined by the magnitude of intraocular pressure elevation in adult mice. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2594. [PMID: 30796289 PMCID: PMC6385489 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39141-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the major risk factor for glaucoma, a sight threatening disease of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons. Despite the central importance of IOP, details of the impact of IOP elevation on RGC gene expression remain elusive. We developed a 4-step immunopanning protocol to extract adult mouse RGCs with high fidelity and used it to isolate RGCs from wild type mice exposed to 2 weeks of IOP elevation generated by the microbead model. IOP was elevated to 2 distinct levels which were defined as Mild (IOP increase >1 mmHg and <4 mmHg) and Moderate (IOP increase ≥4 mmHg). RNA sequencing was used to compare the transcriptional environment at each IOP level. Differentially expressed genes were markedly different between the 2 groups, and pathway analysis revealed frequently opposed responses between the IOP levels. These results suggest that the magnitude of IOP elevation has a critical impact on RGC transcriptional changes. Furthermore, it is possible that IOP-based set points exist within RGCs to impact the direction of transcriptional change. It is possible that this improved understanding of changes in RGC gene expression can ultimately lead to novel diagnostics and therapeutics for glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong H Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
| | - Joshua D Snook
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
| | - Edwin J Ostrin
- Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, United States
| | - Sangbae Kim
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, United States.,Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
| | - Benjamin J Frankfort
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, United States. .,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, United States.
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9
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Homann S, Hofmann C, Gorin AM, Nguyen HCX, Huynh D, Hamid P, Maithel N, Yacoubian V, Mu W, Kossyvakis A, Sen Roy S, Yang OO, Kelesidis T. A novel rapid and reproducible flow cytometric method for optimization of transfection efficiency in cells. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182941. [PMID: 28863132 PMCID: PMC5580984 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Transfection is one of the most frequently used techniques in molecular biology that is also applicable for gene therapy studies in humans. One of the biggest challenges to investigate the protein function and interaction in gene therapy studies is to have reliable monospecific detection reagents, particularly antibodies, for all human gene products. Thus, a reliable method that can optimize transfection efficiency based on not only expression of the target protein of interest but also the uptake of the nucleic acid plasmid, can be an important tool in molecular biology. Here, we present a simple, rapid and robust flow cytometric method that can be used as a tool to optimize transfection efficiency at the single cell level while overcoming limitations of prior established methods that quantify transfection efficiency. By using optimized ratios of transfection reagent and a nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) vector directly labeled with a fluorochrome, this method can be used as a tool to simultaneously quantify cellular toxicity of different transfection reagents, the amount of nucleic acid plasmid that cells have taken up during transfection as well as the amount of the encoded expressed protein. Finally, we demonstrate that this method is reproducible, can be standardized and can reliably and rapidly quantify transfection efficiency, reducing assay costs and increasing throughput while increasing data robustness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Homann
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Christian Hofmann
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Aleksandr M. Gorin
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Huy Cong Xuan Nguyen
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Diana Huynh
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Phillip Hamid
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Neil Maithel
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Vahe Yacoubian
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Wenli Mu
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Athanasios Kossyvakis
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Shubhendu Sen Roy
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Otto Orlean Yang
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Theodoros Kelesidis
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States of America
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10
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Zhao L, Chen G, Li J, Fu Y, Mavlyutov TA, Yao A, Nickells RW, Gong S, Guo LW. An intraocular drug delivery system using targeted nanocarriers attenuates retinal ganglion cell degeneration. J Control Release 2017; 247:153-166. [PMID: 28063892 PMCID: PMC5323250 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.12.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a common blinding disease characterized by loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). To date, there is no clinically available treatment directly targeting RGCs. We aim to develop an RGC-targeted intraocular drug delivery system using unimolecular micelle nanoparticles (unimNPs) to prevent RGC loss. The unimNPs were formed by single/individual multi-arm star amphiphilic block copolymer poly(amidoamine)-polyvalerolactone-poly(ethylene glycol) (PAMAM-PVL-PEG). While the hydrophobic PAMAM-PVL core can encapsulate hydrophobic drugs, the hydrophilic PEG shell provides excellent water dispersity. We conjugated unimNPs with the cholera toxin B domain (CTB) for RGC-targeting and with Cy5.5 for unimNP-tracing. To exploit RGC-protective sigma-1 receptor (S1R), we loaded unimNPs with an endogenous S1R agonist dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) as an FDA-approved model drug. These unimNPs produced a steady DHEA release in vitro for over two months at pH7.4. We then co-injected (mice, intraocular) unimNPs with the glutamate analog N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA), which is excito-toxic and induces RGC death. The CTB-conjugated unimNPs (i.e., targeted NPs) accumulated at the RGC layer and effectively preserved RGCs at least for 14days, whereas the unimNPs without CTB (i.e., non-targeted NPs) showed neither accumulation at nor protection of NMDA-treated RGCs. Consistent with S1R functions, targeted NPs relative to non-targeted NPs showed markedly better inhibitory effects on apoptosis and oxidative/inflammatory stresses in the RGC layer. Hence, the DHEA-loaded, CTB-conjugated unimNPs represent an RGC/S1R dual-targeted nanoplatform that generates an efficacious template for further development of a sustainable intraocular drug delivery system to protect RGCs, which may be applicable to treatments directed at glaucomatous pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhao
- Department of Surgery, 5151 Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Guojun Chen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Surgery, 5151 Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.; Department of Ophthalmology, The 3rd People's Hospital of Dalian, Dalian 116033, China
| | - Yingmei Fu
- Department of Surgery, 5151 Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 Wanping Nan Road, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Timur A Mavlyutov
- Department of Surgery, 5151 Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Annie Yao
- Department of Surgery, 5151 Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Robert W Nickells
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1300 University Ave, Madison, WI 53706, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Shaoqin Gong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
| | - Lian-Wang Guo
- Department of Surgery, 5151 Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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11
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Manicam C, Perumal N, Pfeiffer N, Grus FH, Gericke A. First insight into the proteome landscape of the porcine short posterior ciliary arteries: Key signalling pathways maintaining physiologic functions. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38298. [PMID: 27922054 PMCID: PMC5138843 DOI: 10.1038/srep38298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Short posterior ciliary arteries (sPCA) provide the major blood supply to the optic nerve head. Emerging evidence has linked structural and functional anomalies of sPCA to the pathogenesis of several ocular disorders that cause varying degrees of visual loss, particularly anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy and glaucoma. Although the functional relevance of this vascular bed is well-recognized, the proteome of sPCA remains uncharacterized. Since the porcine ocular system closely resembles that of the human's and is increasingly employed in translational ophthalmic research, this study characterized the proteome of porcine sPCA employing the mass spectrometry-based proteomics strategy. A total of 1742 proteins and 10527 peptides were identified in the porcine sPCA. The major biological processes involved in the maintenance of physiological functions of the sPCA included redox and metabolic processes, and cytoskeleton organization. These proteins were further clustered into diverse signalling pathways that regulate vasoactivity of sPCA, namely the tight junction, α- and β-adrenoceptor, 14-3-3, nitric oxide synthase and endothelin-1 -mediated signalling pathways. This study provides the first insight into the complex mechanisms dictating the vast protein repertoire in normal vascular physiology of the porcine sPCA. It is envisioned that our findings will serve as important benchmarks for future studies of sPCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Manicam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Natarajan Perumal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Norbert Pfeiffer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Franz H. Grus
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Adrian Gericke
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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12
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Wang F, Chen Z, Ren X, Tian Y, Wang F, Liu C, Jin P, Li Z, Zhang F, Zhu B. Hormone-sensitive lipase deficiency alters gene expression and cholesterol content of mouse testis. Reproduction 2016; 153:175-185. [PMID: 27920259 PMCID: PMC5148802 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Revised: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hormone-sensitive lipase-knockout (HSL−/−) mice exhibit azoospermia for unclear reasons. To explore the basis of sterility, we performed the following three experiments. First, HSL protein distribution in the testis was determined. Next, transcriptome analyses were performed on the testes of three experimental groups. Finally, the fatty acid and cholesterol levels in the testes with three different genotypes studied were determined. We found that the HSL protein was present from spermatocyte cells to mature sperm acrosomes in wild-type (HSL+/+) testes. Spermiogenesis ceased at the elongation phase of HSL−/− testes. Transcriptome analysis indicated that genes involved in lipid metabolism, cell membrane, reproduction and inflammation-related processes were disordered in HSL−/− testes. The cholesterol content was significantly higher in HSL−/− than that in HSL+/+ testis. Therefore, gene expression and cholesterol ester content differed in HSL−/− testes compared to other testes, which may explain the sterility of male HSL−/− mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- College of Life SciencesCapital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Chen
- College of Life SciencesCapital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofang Ren
- College of Life SciencesCapital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Tian
- College of Life SciencesCapital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Fucheng Wang
- College of Life SciencesCapital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Liu
- College of Life SciencesCapital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Pengcheng Jin
- College of Life SciencesCapital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Zongyue Li
- College of Life SciencesCapital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Feixiong Zhang
- College of Life SciencesCapital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Baochang Zhu
- College of Life SciencesCapital Normal University, Beijing, China
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13
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Mac Nair CE, Schlamp CL, Montgomery AD, Shestopalov VI, Nickells RW. Retinal glial responses to optic nerve crush are attenuated in Bax-deficient mice and modulated by purinergic signaling pathways. J Neuroinflammation 2016; 13:93. [PMID: 27126275 PMCID: PMC4850653 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-016-0558-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) soma death is a consequence of optic nerve damage, including in optic neuropathies like glaucoma. The activation of the innate immune network in the retina after nerve damage has been linked to RGC pathology. Since the eye is immune privileged, innate immune functions are the responsibility of the glia, specifically the microglia, astrocytes, and Müller cells that populate the retina. Glial activation, leading to the production of inflammatory cytokines, is a hallmark feature of retinal injury resulting from optic nerve damage and purported to elicit secondary degeneration of RGC somas. Methods A mouse model of optic nerve crush (ONC) was used to study retinal glial activation responses. RGC apoptosis was blocked using Bax-deficient mice. Glial activation responses were monitored by quantitative PCR and immunofluorescent labeling in retinal sections of activation markers. ATP signaling pathways were interrogated using P2X receptor agonists and antagonists and Pannexin 1 (Panx1)-deficient mice with RGC-specific deletion. Results ONC induced activation of both macroglia and microglia in the retina, and both these responses were dramatically muted if RGC death was blocked by deletion of the Bax gene. Macroglial, but not microglial, activation was modulated by purinergic receptor activation. Release of ATP after optic nerve damage was not mediated by PANX1 channels in RGCs. Conclusions RGC death in response to ONC plays a principal stimulatory role in the retinal glial activation response. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12974-016-0558-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E Mac Nair
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin, 571A Medical Sciences-1300 University Ave, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.,Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 3170-10K/L MFCB, 1685 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Cassandra L Schlamp
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin, 571A Medical Sciences-1300 University Ave, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Angela D Montgomery
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin, 571A Medical Sciences-1300 University Ave, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Valery I Shestopalov
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 900 N.W. 17th Street, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 900 N.W. 17th Street, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Robert W Nickells
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin, 571A Medical Sciences-1300 University Ave, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
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