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Dang H, Peng M, Gu W, Ding G, Sun Y, Hao Z, Wei N, Wang X, Zhang C, Deng A. Investigating the Clinical Characteristics and PITX3Mutations of a Large Chinese Family with Anterior Segment Mesenchymal Dysgenesis and Congenital Posterior Polar Cataract. J Ophthalmol 2023; 2023:1397107. [PMID: 37139083 PMCID: PMC10151149 DOI: 10.1155/2023/1397107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and pathogenic genetic mutations of a Chinese family with anterior segment mesenchymal dysgenesis and congenital posterior polar cataract. Methods Through family investigation, the family members were examined via slit lamp anterior segment imaging and screened for eye and other diseases by eye B-ultrasound. Genetic test was performed on the blood samples of the fourth family generation (23 people) via whole exome sequencing (trio-WES) and Sanger sequencing. Results Among the 36 members in four family generations, there were 11 living cases with different degrees of ocular abnormalities, such as cataracts, leukoplakia, and small cornea. All patients who received the genetic test had the heterozygous frameshift mutation c.640_656dup (p.G220Pfs∗95) on exon 4 of the PITX3 gene. This mutation was cosegregated with the clinical phenotypes in the family and thus might be one of the genetic factors that cause the corresponding ocular abnormalities in this family. Conclusion The congenital posterior polar cataract with or without anterior interstitial dysplasia (ASMD) of this family was inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, and the frameshift mutation (c.640_656dup) in the PITX3 gene was the cause of ocular abnormalities observed in this family. This study is of great significance for guiding prenatal diagnosis and disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Dang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jinan Second People's Hospital, Jinan 250200, China
| | - Min Peng
- Zhigene Translational Medicine Research Center Co. Ltd., Beijing 100176, China
| | - Weiyue Gu
- Zhigene Translational Medicine Research Center Co. Ltd., Beijing 100176, China
| | - Gang Ding
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jinan Second People's Hospital, Jinan 250200, China
| | - Yuqin Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jinan Second People's Hospital, Jinan 250200, China
| | - Zhongkai Hao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jinan Second People's Hospital, Jinan 250200, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Ning Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jinan Second People's Hospital, Jinan 250200, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jinan Second People's Hospital, Jinan 250200, China
| | - Chenming Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jinan Second People's Hospital, Jinan 250200, China
| | - Aijun Deng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
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2
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Quinlan RA, Clark JI. Insights into the biochemical and biophysical mechanisms mediating the longevity of the transparent optics of the eye lens. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102537. [PMID: 36174677 PMCID: PMC9638808 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the human eye, a transparent cornea and lens combine to form the "refracton" to focus images on the retina. This requires the refracton to have a high refractive index "n," mediated largely by extracellular collagen fibrils in the corneal stroma and the highly concentrated crystallin proteins in the cytoplasm of the lens fiber cells. Transparency is a result of short-range order in the spatial arrangement of corneal collagen fibrils and lens crystallins, generated in part by post-translational modifications (PTMs). However, while corneal collagen is remodeled continuously and replaced, lens crystallins are very long-lived and are not replaced and so accumulate PTMs over a lifetime. Eventually, a tipping point is reached when protein aggregation results in increased light scatter, inevitably leading to the iconic protein condensation-based disease, age-related cataract (ARC). Cataracts account for 50% of vision impairment worldwide, affecting far more people than other well-known protein aggregation-based diseases. However, because accumulation of crystallin PTMs begins before birth and long before ARC presents, we postulate that the lens protein PTMs contribute to a "cataractogenic load" that not only increases with age but also has protective effects on optical function by stabilizing lens crystallins until a tipping point is reached. In this review, we highlight decades of experimental findings that support the potential for PTMs to be protective during normal development. We hypothesize that ARC is preventable by protecting the biochemical and biophysical properties of lens proteins needed to maintain transparency, refraction, and optical function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy A Quinlan
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, South Road Science Site, Durham, United Kingdom; Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
| | - John I Clark
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
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3
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Panov J, Kaphzan H. An Association Study of DNA Methylation and Gene Expression in Angelman Syndrome: A Bioinformatics Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169139. [PMID: 36012404 PMCID: PMC9409443 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169139] [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: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by the loss of function of the E3-ligase UBE3A. Despite multiple studies, AS pathophysiology is still obscure and has mostly been explored in rodent models of the disease. In recent years, a growing body of studies has utilized omics datasets in the attempt to focus research regarding the pathophysiology of AS. Here, for the first time, we utilized a multi-omics approach at the epigenomic level and the transcriptome level, for human-derived neurons. Using publicly available datasets for DNA methylation and gene expression, we found genome regions in proximity to gene promoters and intersecting with gene-body regions that were differentially methylated and differentially expressed in AS. We found that overall, the genome in AS postmortem brain tissue was hypo-methylated compared to healthy controls. We also found more upregulated genes than downregulated genes in AS. Many of these dysregulated genes in neurons obtained from AS patients are known to be critical for neuronal development and synaptic functioning. Taken together, our results suggest a list of dysregulated genes that may be involved in AS development and its pathological features. Moreover, these genes might also have a role in neurodevelopmental disorders similar to AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Quinlan
- Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biosciences, The University of Durham, Upper Mountjoy Science Site, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK.
| | - Frank Giblin
- Biomedical Sciences Emeritus, Eye Research Institute, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA.
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Tian C, Duan L, Fu C, He J, Dai J, Zhu G. Study on the Correlation Between Iris Characteristics and Schizophrenia. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2022; 18:811-820. [PMID: 35431547 PMCID: PMC9005354 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s361614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, researchers have conducted many studies on the potential contribution of the retina and other eye structures on schizophrenia. This study aimed to evaluate differences in iris characteristics between patients with schizophrenia and healthy individuals so as to find more easily accessible and easily measurable biomarkers with a view to improving clinical assessments and furthering our understanding of the disease. METHODS Overall, 80 patients with schizophrenia and 52 healthy individuals were included in the case group and the control group, respectively. Iris images were collected from all subjects to compare differences in the structure and color of the iris. The Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) and the Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS) were used to evaluate the clinical symptoms and characteristics of 45 first-episode untreated schizophrenics, and analyzed correlations between iris characteristics and schizophrenia symptoms. RESULTS There were significant differences in iris crypts (P<0.05) and pigment spots (P<0.01) between the case and control group, but no significant difference was found in iris wrinkles (P<0.05). The logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the total iris crypts [odds ratio (OR) 1.166, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.022-1.330] and total iris pigment spots (OR 1.815, 95% CI 1.186-2.775) increased the risk of suffering from schizophrenia. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the number of iris crypts was positively associated with the MOAS score (r=0.474, P<0.01). Moreover, the number of the iris pigment spots (r=0.395, P<0.01) and wrinkles (r=0.309, P<0.05) were positively correlated with the subjects' negative symptom scores, respectively. CONCLUSION Iris crypts and pigment spots were identified as potential biomarkers for detecting schizophrenia. In patients with first-episode untreated schizophrenia, iris characteristics may help psychiatrists to identify the illness and its severity, and to detect characteristic clinical symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunsheng Tian
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, People's Republic of China.,Shenyang Mental Health Center, Shenyang, 110168, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Duan
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, People's Republic of China.,School of Nursing, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, 067000, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunfeng Fu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan He
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiali Dai
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, People's Republic of China
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Berry V, Ionides A, Pontikos N, Moore AT, Quinlan RA, Michaelides M. Variants in PAX6, PITX3 and HSF4 causing autosomal dominant congenital cataracts. Eye (Lond) 2021; 36:1694-1701. [PMID: 34345029 PMCID: PMC9307513 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-021-01711-x] [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: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lens development is orchestrated by transcription factors. Disease-causing variants in transcription factors and their developmental target genes are associated with congenital cataracts and other eye anomalies. Methods Using whole exome sequencing, we identified disease-causing variants in two large British families and one isolated case with autosomal dominant congenital cataract. Bioinformatics analysis confirmed these disease-causing mutations as rare or novel variants, with a moderate to damaging pathogenicity score, with testing for segregation within the families using direct Sanger sequencing. Results Family A had a missense variant (c.184 G>A; p.V62M) in PAX6 and affected individuals presented with nuclear cataract. Family B had a frameshift variant (c.470–477dup; p.A160R*) in PITX3 that was also associated with nuclear cataract. A recurrent missense variant in HSF4 (c.341 T>C; p.L114P) was associated with congenital cataract in a single isolated case. Conclusions We have therefore identified novel variants in PAX6 and PITX3 that cause autosomal dominant congenital cataract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanita Berry
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK. .,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - Alex Ionides
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Nikolas Pontikos
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Roy A Quinlan
- School of Biological and Medical Sciences, University of Durham, Durham, UK
| | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK. .,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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7
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Li M, Liu S, Huang W, Zhang J. Physiological and pathological functions of βB2-crystallins in multiple organs: a systematic review. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:15674-15687. [PMID: 34118792 PMCID: PMC8221336 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Crystallins, the major constituent proteins of mammalian lenses, are significant not only for the maintenance of eye lens stability, transparency, and refraction, but also fulfill various physiopathological functions in extraocular tissues. βB2-crystallin, for example, is a multifunctional protein expressed in the human retina, brain, testis, ovary, and multiple tumors. Mutations in the βB2 crystallin gene or denaturation of βB2-crystallin protein are associated with cataracts, ocular pathologies, and psychiatric disorders. A prominent role for βB2-crystallins in axonal growth and regeneration, as well as in dendritic outgrowth, has been demonstrated after optic nerve injury. Studies in βB2-crystallin-null mice revealed morphological and functional abnormalities in testis and ovaries, indicating βB2-crystallin contributes to male and female fertility in mice. Interestingly, although pathogenic significance remains obscure, several studies identified a clear correlation between βB2 crystallin expression and the prognosis of patients with breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and glioblastoma in the African American population. This review summarizes the physiological and pathological functions of βB2-crystallin in the eye and other organs and tissues and discusses findings related to the expression and potential role of βB2-crystallin in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meihui Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Military Medical University, Yangpu, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Shengnan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Military Medical University, Yangpu, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Military Medical University, Yangpu, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Junjie Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Military Medical University, Yangpu, Shanghai 200433, China
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8
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Berry V, Ionides A, Pontikos N, Georgiou M, Yu J, Ocaka LA, Moore AT, Quinlan RA, Michaelides M. The genetic landscape of crystallins in congenital cataract. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2020; 15:333. [PMID: 33243271 PMCID: PMC7691105 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-020-01613-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The crystalline lens is mainly composed of a large family of soluble proteins called the crystallins, which are responsible for its development, growth, transparency and refractive index. Disease-causing sequence variants in the crystallins are responsible for nearly 50% of all non-syndromic inherited congenital cataracts, as well as causing cataract associated with other diseases, including myopathies. To date, more than 300 crystallin sequence variants causing cataract have been identified. Methods Here we aimed to identify the genetic basis of disease in five multi-generation British families and five sporadic cases with autosomal dominant congenital cataract using whole exome sequencing, with identified variants validated using Sanger sequencing. Following bioinformatics analysis, rare or novel variants with a moderate to damaging pathogenicity score, were filtered out and tested for segregation within the families. Results We have identified 10 different heterozygous crystallin variants. Five recurrent variants were found: family-A, with a missense variant (c.145C>T; p.R49C) in CRYAA associated with nuclear cataract; family-B, with a deletion in CRYBA1 (c.272delGAG; p.G91del) associated with nuclear cataract; and family-C, with a truncating variant in CRYGD (c.470G>A; W157*) causing a lamellar phenotype; individuals I and J had variants in CRYGC (c.13A>C; T5P) and in CRYGD (c.418C>T; R140*) causing unspecified congenital cataract and nuclear cataract, respectively. Five novel disease-causing variants were also identified: family D harboured a variant in CRYGC (c.179delG; R60Qfs*) responsible for a nuclear phenotype; family E, harboured a variant in CRYBB1 (c.656G>A; W219*) associated with lamellar cataract; individual F had a variant in CRYGD (c.392G>A; W131*) associated with nuclear cataract; and individuals G and H had variants in CRYAA (c.454delGCC; A152del) and in CRYBB1 (c.618C>A; Y206*) respectively, associated with unspecified congenital cataract. All novel variants were predicted to be pathogenic and to be moderately or highly damaging. Conclusions We report five novel variants and five known variants. Some are rare variants that have been reported previously in small ethnic groups but here we extend this to the wider population and record a broader phenotypic spectrum for these variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanita Berry
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK. .,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, EC1V 2PD, UK.
| | - Alex Ionides
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Nikolas Pontikos
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Michalis Georgiou
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Jing Yu
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Louise A Ocaka
- GOSgene, Genetics and Genomic Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Anthony T Moore
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, EC1V 2PD, UK.,Ophthalmology Department, University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Roy A Quinlan
- Department of Biosciences, University of Durham, Upper Mountjoy Science Site, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Michel Michaelides
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK. .,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, EC1V 2PD, UK.
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Polymorphisms in CRYBB2 encoding βB2-crystallin are associated with antisaccade performance and memory function. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:113. [PMID: 32317624 PMCID: PMC7174396 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-0791-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
βB2-crystallin (gene symbol: Crybb2/CRYBB2) was first described as a structural protein of the ocular lens before it was detected in various brain regions of the mouse, including the hippocampus and the cerebral cortex. Mutations in the mouse Crybb2 gene lead to alterations of sensorimotor gating measured as prepulse inhibition (PPI) and reduced hippocampal size, combined with an altered number of parvalbumin-positive GABAergic interneurons. Decreased PPI and alterations of parvalbumin-positive interneurons are also endophenotypes that typically occur in schizophrenia. To verify the results found in mice, we genotyped 27 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the CRYBB2 gene and its flanking regions and investigated different schizophrenia typical endophenotypes in a sample of 510 schizophrenia patients and 1322 healthy controls. In the case-control study, no association with schizophrenia was found. However, 3 of the 4 investigated haplotype blocks indicated a decreased CRYBB2 mRNA expression. Two of these blocks were associated with poorer antisaccade task performance and altered working memory-linked functional magnetic resonance imaging signals. For the two haplotypes associated with antisaccade performance, suggestive evidence was found with visual memory and in addition, haplotype block 4 showed a nominally significant association with reduced sensorimotor gating, measured as P50 ratio. These results were not schizophrenia-specific, but could be detected in a combined sample of patients and healthy controls. This is the first study to demonstrate the importance of βB2-crystallin for antisaccade performance and memory function in humans and therefore provides implications for βB2-crystallin function in the human brain.
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Berry V, Georgiou M, Fujinami K, Quinlan R, Moore A, Michaelides M. Inherited cataracts: molecular genetics, clinical features, disease mechanisms and novel therapeutic approaches. Br J Ophthalmol 2020; 104:1331-1337. [PMID: 32217542 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2019-315282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Cataract is the most common cause of blindness in the world; during infancy and early childhood, it frequently results in visual impairment. Congenital cataracts are phenotypically and genotypically heterogeneous and can occur in isolation or in association with other systemic disorders. Significant progress has been made in identifying the molecular genetic basis of cataract; 115 genes to date have been found to be associated with syndromic and non-syndromic cataract and 38 disease-causing genes have been identified to date to be associated with isolated cataract. In this review, we briefly discuss lens development and cataractogenesis, detail the variable cataract phenotypes and molecular mechanisms, including genotype-phenotype correlations, and explore future novel therapeutic avenues including cellular therapies and pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanita Berry
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michalis Georgiou
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Kaoru Fujinami
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization, Tokyo Medical Centre, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Roy Quinlan
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Biosciences, School of Biological and Medical Sciences, University of Durham, Durham, UK
| | - Anthony Moore
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Ophthalmology Department, University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michel Michaelides
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK .,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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11
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Lulli M, Nencioni D, Papucci L, Schiavone N. Zeta-crystallin: a moonlighting player in cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:965-976. [PMID: 31563996 PMCID: PMC11104887 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03301-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Crystallins were firstly found as structural proteins of the eye lens. To this family belong proteins, such as ζ-crystallin, expressed ubiquitously, and endowed with enzyme activity. ζ-crystallin is a moonlighting protein endowed with two main different functions: (1) mRNA binding with stabilizing activity; (2) NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase. ζ-crystallin has been clearly demonstrated to stabilize mRNAs encoding proteins involved in renal glutamine catabolism during metabolic acidosis resulting in ammoniagenesis and bicarbonate ion production that concur to compensate such condition. ζ-crystallin binds also mRNAs encoding for antiapoptotic proteins, such as Bcl-2 in leukemia cells. On the other hand, the physiological role of its enzymatic activity is still elusive. Gathering research evidences and data mined from public databases, we provide a framework where all the known ζ-crystallin properties are called into question, making it a hypothetical pivotal player in cancer, allowing cells to hijack or subjugate the acidity response mechanism to increase their ability to resist oxidative stress and apoptosis, while fueling their glutamine addicted metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Lulli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università Degli Studi di Firenze, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, Firenze, 50134, Italy.
| | - Daniele Nencioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università Degli Studi di Firenze, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, Firenze, 50134, Italy
| | - Laura Papucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università Degli Studi di Firenze, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, Firenze, 50134, Italy
| | - Nicola Schiavone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università Degli Studi di Firenze, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, Firenze, 50134, Italy.
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12
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Loganovsky KN, Fedirko PA, Kuts KV, Marazziti D, Antypchuk KY, Perchuk IV, Babenko TF, Loganovska TK, Kolosynska OO, Kreinis GY, Gresko MV, Masiuk SV, Zdorenko LL, Zdanevich NA, Garkava NA, Dorichevska RY, Vasilenko ZL, Kravchenko VI, Drosdova NV, Yefimova YV. BRAIN AND EYE AS POTENTIAL TARGETS FOR IONIZING RADIATION IMPACT. Part І. THE CONSEQUENCES OF IRRADIATION OF THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE LIQUIDATION OF THE CHORNOBYL ACCIDENT. PROBLEMY RADIAT︠S︡IĬNOÏ MEDYT︠S︡YNY TA RADIOBIOLOHIÏ 2020; 25:90-129. [PMID: 33361831 DOI: 10.33145/2304-8336-2020-25-90-129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to ionizing radiation could affect the brain and eyes leading to cognitive and vision impairment, behavior disorders and performance decrement during professional irradiation at medical radiology, includinginterventional radiological procedures, long-term space flights, and radiation accidents. OBJECTIVE The objective was to analyze the current experimental, epidemiological, and clinical data on the radiation cerebro-ophthalmic effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS In our analytical review peer-reviewed publications via the bibliographic and scientometric bases PubMed / MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and selected papers from the library catalog of NRCRM - theleading institution in the field of studying the medical effects of ionizing radiation - were used. RESULTS The probable radiation-induced cerebro-ophthalmic effects in human adults comprise radiation cataracts,radiation glaucoma, radiation-induced optic neuropathy, retinopathies, angiopathies as well as specific neurocognitive deficit in the various neuropsychiatric pathology including cerebrovascular pathology and neurodegenerativediseases. Specific attention is paid to the likely stochastic nature of many of those effects. Those prenatally and inchildhood exposed are a particular target group with a higher risk for possible radiation effects and neurodegenerative diseases. CONCLUSIONS The experimental, clinical, epidemiological, anatomical and pathophysiological rationale for visualsystem and central nervous system (CNS) radiosensitivity is given. The necessity for further international studieswith adequate dosimetric support and the follow-up medical and biophysical monitoring of high radiation riskcohorts is justified. The first part of the study currently being published presents the results of the study of theeffects of irradiation in the participants of emergency works at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (ChNPP).
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Affiliation(s)
- K N Loganovsky
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Illyenko Street, Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - P A Fedirko
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Illyenko Street, Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - K V Kuts
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Illyenko Street, Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - D Marazziti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 67, I 56100, Pisa, Italy
| | - K Yu Antypchuk
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Illyenko Street, Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - I V Perchuk
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Illyenko Street, Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - T F Babenko
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Illyenko Street, Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - T K Loganovska
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Illyenko Street, Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - O O Kolosynska
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Illyenko Street, Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - G Yu Kreinis
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Illyenko Street, Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - M V Gresko
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Illyenko Street, Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - S V Masiuk
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Illyenko Street, Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - L L Zdorenko
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Illyenko Street, Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - N A Zdanevich
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Illyenko Street, Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - N A Garkava
- State Institution «Dnipropetrovsk Medical Academy of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine», 9 Vernadsky Street, Dnipro, 49044, Ukraine
| | - R Yu Dorichevska
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Illyenko Street, Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - Z L Vasilenko
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Illyenko Street, Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - V I Kravchenko
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Illyenko Street, Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - N V Drosdova
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Illyenko Street, Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - Yu V Yefimova
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Illyenko Street, Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
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13
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Abstract
Visual responses to gratings alternating in contrast have been studied in humans and several mammalian species. Previous evidence from human patients and animal models of neurodegeneration has highlighted the importance to record simultaneously the pattern electroretinogram (P-ERG) and visual evoked cortical potentials (VEPs) to investigate retinal and post-retinal sites of neurodegeneration.In view of the increasing importance of research on experimental models of neurodegenerative diseases, we present here the parametric properties of visual evoked responses in animal models of glaucoma and Alzheimer's disease. Glaucoma and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are two distinct multifactorial neurodegenerative and progressive diseases, primarily affecting the elderly.
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14
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Prats E, Gómez-Canela C, Ben-Lulu S, Ziv T, Padrós F, Tornero D, Garcia-Reyero N, Tauler R, Admon A, Raldúa D. Modelling acrylamide acute neurotoxicity in zebrafish larvae. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13952. [PMID: 29066856 PMCID: PMC5655329 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14460-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acrylamide (ACR), a type-2 alkene, may lead to a synaptopathy characterized by ataxia, skeletal muscles weakness and numbness of the extremities in exposed human and laboratory animals. Currently, only the mildly affected patients undergo complete recovery, and identification of new molecules with therapeutic bioactivity against ACR acute neurotoxicity is urgently needed. Here, we have generated a zebrafish model for ACR neurotoxicity by exposing 5 days post-fertilization zebrafish larvae to 1 mM ACR for 3 days. Our results show that zebrafish mimics most of the pathophysiological processes described in humans and mammalian models. Motor function was altered, and specific effects were found on the presynaptic nerve terminals at the neuromuscular junction level, but not on the axonal tracts or myelin sheath integrity. Transcriptional markers of proteins involved in synaptic vesicle cycle were selectively altered, and the proteomic analysis showed that ACR-adducts were formed on cysteine residues of some synaptic proteins. Finally, analysis of neurotransmitters profile showed a significant effect on cholinergic and dopaminergic systems. These data support the suitability of the developed zebrafish model for screening of molecules with therapeutic value against this toxic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Prats
- CID-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Shani Ben-Lulu
- The Smoler Proteomics Center and the Department of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Tamar Ziv
- The Smoler Proteomics Center and the Department of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Francesc Padrós
- Fish Diseases Diagnostic Service, Facultat de Veterinària. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08190, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain
| | | | - Natàlia Garcia-Reyero
- Environmental Laboratory-US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS, USA
| | - Romà Tauler
- IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Arie Admon
- The Smoler Proteomics Center and the Department of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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15
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Criscuolo C, Fabiani C, Cerri E, Domenici L. Synaptic Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease and Glaucoma: From Common Degenerative Mechanisms Toward Neuroprotection. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:53. [PMID: 28289378 PMCID: PMC5326746 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and glaucoma are two distinct multifactorial neurodegenerative diseases, primarily affecting the elderly. Common pathophysiological mechanisms have been elucidated in the past decades. First of all both diseases are progressive, with AD leading to dementia and glaucoma inducing blindness. Pathologically, they all feature synaptic dysfunction with changes of neuronal circuitry, progressive accumulation of protein aggregates such as the beta amyloid (Aβ) and intracellular microtubule inclusions containing hyperphosphorylated tau, which belongs to microtubule associated protein family. During an early phase of degeneration, both diseases are characterized by synaptic dysfunction and changes of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). Common degenerative mechanisms underlying both diseases are discussed here, along with recent results on the potential use of the visual system as a biomarker for diagnosis and progression of AD. Common neuropathological changes and mechanisms in AD and glaucoma have facilitated the transfer of therapeutic strategies between diseases. In particular, we discuss past and present evidence for neuroprotective effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Criscuolo
- Neuroscience Institute of the National Council of Research (CNR) Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlotta Fabiani
- Neuroscience Institute of the National Council of Research (CNR) Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Cerri
- Neuroscience Institute of the National Council of Research (CNR) Pisa, Italy
| | - Luciano Domenici
- Neuroscience Institute of the National Council of Research (CNR)Pisa, Italy; Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'AquilaL'Aquila, Italy
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