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Duot M, Viel R, Viet J, Le Goff-Gaillard C, Paillard L, Lachke SA, Gautier-Courteille C, Reboutier D. Eye Lens Organoids Made Simple: Characterization of a New Three-Dimensional Organoid Model for Lens Development and Pathology. Cells 2023; 12:2478. [PMID: 37887322 PMCID: PMC10605248 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202478] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cataract, the opacification of the lens, is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Although effective, cataract surgery is costly and can lead to complications. Toward identifying alternate treatments, it is imperative to develop organoid models relevant for lens studies and drug screening. Here, we demonstrate that by culturing mouse lens epithelial cells under defined three-dimensional (3D) culture conditions, it is possible to generate organoids that display optical properties and recapitulate many aspects of lens organization and biology. These organoids can be rapidly produced in large amounts. High-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) on specific organoid regions isolated via laser capture microdissection (LCM) and immunofluorescence assays demonstrate that these lens organoids display a spatiotemporal expression of key lens genes, e.g., Jag1, Pax6, Prox1, Hsf4 and Cryab. Further, these lens organoids are amenable to the induction of opacities. Finally, the knockdown of a cataract-linked RNA-binding protein encoding gene, Celf1, induces opacities in these organoids, indicating their use in rapidly screening for genes that are functionally relevant to lens biology and cataract. In sum, this lens organoid model represents a compelling new tool to advance the understanding of lens biology and pathology and can find future use in the rapid screening of compounds aimed at preventing and/or treating cataracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Duot
- CNRS, UMR 6290, Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes (IGDR), Université de Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Roselyne Viel
- CNRS, Inserm UMS Biosit, H2P2 Core Facility, Université de Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Justine Viet
- CNRS, UMR 6290, Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes (IGDR), Université de Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Catherine Le Goff-Gaillard
- CNRS, UMR 6290, Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes (IGDR), Université de Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Luc Paillard
- CNRS, UMR 6290, Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes (IGDR), Université de Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Salil A. Lachke
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Carole Gautier-Courteille
- CNRS, UMR 6290, Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes (IGDR), Université de Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - David Reboutier
- CNRS, UMR 6290, Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes (IGDR), Université de Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France
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Duot M, Viel R, Viet J, Le Goff-Gaillard C, Paillard L, Lachke SA, Gautier-Courteille C, Reboutier D. Eye lens organoids going simple: characterization of a new 3-dimensional organoid model for lens development and pathology. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.12.548679. [PMID: 37503005 PMCID: PMC10370037 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.12.548679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The ocular lens, along with the cornea, focuses light on the retina to generate sharp images. Opacification of the lens, or cataract, is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Presently, the best approach for cataract treatment is to surgically remove the diseased lens and replace it with an artificial implant. Although effective, this is costly and can have post-surgical complications. Toward identifying alternate treatments, it is imperative to develop organoid models relevant for lens studies and anti-cataract drug screening. Here, we demonstrate that by culturing mouse lens epithelial cells under defined 3-dimensional (3D) culture conditions, it is possible to generate organoids that display optical properties and recapitulate many aspects of lens organization at the tissue, cellular and transcriptomic levels. These 3D cultured lens organoids can be rapidly produced in large amounts. High-throughput RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) on specific organoid regions isolated by laser capture microdissection (LCM) and immunofluorescence assays demonstrate that these lens organoids display spatiotemporal expression of key lens genes, e.g. , Jag1 , Pax6 , Prox1 , Hsf4 and Cryab . Further, these lens organoids are amenable to induction of opacities. Finally, knockdown of a cataract-linked RNA-binding protein encoding gene, Celf1 , induces opacities in these organoids, indicating their use in rapidly screening for genes functionally relevant to lens biology and cataract. In sum, this lens organoid model represents a compelling new tool to advance the understanding of lens biology and pathology, and can find future use in the rapid screening of compounds aimed at preventing and/or treating cataract.
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Wang P, Li YW, Lu X, Liu Y, Tian XL, Gao L, Liu QJ, Fan L, Tian M. Low-dose ionizing radiation: Effects on the proliferation and migration of lens epithelial cells via activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. MUTATION RESEARCH. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2023; 888:503637. [PMID: 37188435 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2023.503637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Eye lens opacification (cataract) induced by ionizing radiation is an important concern for radiation protection. Human lens epithelial cells (HLE-B3) were irradiated with γ-rays and radiation effects, including cell proliferation, cell migration, cell cycle distribution, and other changes related to the β-catenin pathway, were determined after 8-72 h and 7 d. In an in vivo model, mice were irradiated; DNA damage (γH2AX foci) in the cell nucleus of the anterior capsule of the lens was detected within 1 h, and radiation effects on the anterior and posterior lens capsules were observed after 3 months. Low-dose ionizing radiation promoted cell proliferation and migration. The expression levels of β-catenin, cyclin D1, and c-Myc were significantly increased in HLE-B3 cells after irradiation and β-catenin was translocated into the cell nucleus (activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway). In C57BL/6 J mouse lens, even a very low irradiation dose (0.05 Gy) induced the formation of γH2AX foci, 1 h after irradiation. At 3 months, migratory cells were found in the posterior capsule; expression of β-catenin was increased and it was clustered at the nucleus in the epithelial cells of the lens anterior capsule. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway may an important role in promoting abnormal proliferation and migration of lens epithelial cells after low-dose irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Radiation Protection and Nuclear Emergency, National Institute for Radiological Protection, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100088, PR China
| | - Yu-Wen Li
- National Center for Occupational Safety and Health, NHC, Beijing 102308, PR China
| | - Xue Lu
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Radiation Protection and Nuclear Emergency, National Institute for Radiological Protection, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100088, PR China
| | - Ya Liu
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Radiation Protection and Nuclear Emergency, National Institute for Radiological Protection, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100088, PR China
| | - Xue-Lei Tian
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Radiation Protection and Nuclear Emergency, National Institute for Radiological Protection, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100088, PR China
| | - Ling Gao
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Radiation Protection and Nuclear Emergency, National Institute for Radiological Protection, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100088, PR China
| | - Qing-Jie Liu
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Radiation Protection and Nuclear Emergency, National Institute for Radiological Protection, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100088, PR China
| | - Li Fan
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Radiation Protection and Nuclear Emergency, National Institute for Radiological Protection, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100088, PR China.
| | - Mei Tian
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Radiation Protection and Nuclear Emergency, National Institute for Radiological Protection, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100088, PR China.
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Li X, Liang C, Guo Y, Su J, Chen X, Macgregor RB, Zhang RX, Yan H. Clinical Translation of Long-Acting Drug Delivery Systems for Posterior Capsule Opacification Prophylaxis. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041235. [PMID: 37111720 PMCID: PMC10143098 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) remains the most common cause of vision loss post cataract surgery. The clinical management of PCO formation is limited to either physical impedance of residual lens epithelial cells (LECs) by implantation of specially designed intraocular lenses (IOL) or laser ablation of the opaque posterior capsular tissues; however, these strategies cannot fully eradicate PCO and are associated with other ocular complications. In this review, we critically appraise recent advances in conventional and nanotechnology-based drug delivery approaches to PCO prophylaxis. We focus on long-acting dosage forms, including drug-eluting IOL, injectable hydrogels, nanoparticles and implants, highlighting analysis of their controlled drug-release properties (e.g., release duration, maximum drug release, drug-release half-life). The rational design of drug delivery systems by considering the intraocular environment, issues of initial burst release, drug loading content, delivery of drug combination and long-term ocular safety holds promise for the development of safe and effective pharmacological applications in anti-PCO therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Li
- Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Northwest University, 21 Jiefang Road, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Chen Liang
- Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Northwest University, 21 Jiefang Road, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Yexuan Guo
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Jing Su
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Northwest University, 21 Jiefang Road, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Robert B Macgregor
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Rui Xue Zhang
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Hong Yan
- Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Northwest University, 21 Jiefang Road, Xi'an 710004, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an 710072, China
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Guo C, Zhang J, Wang J, Su L, Ning X, Guo Y, Han J, Ma N. Vascular endothelial cell-derived exosomal miR-1246 facilitates posterior capsule opacification development by targeting GSK-3β in diabetes mellitus. Exp Eye Res 2023; 231:109463. [PMID: 37044287 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is a serious complication after cataract surgery. Diabetes could increase the occurrence of PCO, but the mechanism is still unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) derived from diabetic aqueous humor in PCO process. Intraoperatively-derived aqueous humor sEVs from patients with diabetic related cataract (DRC) promoted the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis of human lens epithelial cells (LECs). Via mouse PCO surgical model and DiI labeled fluorescence detection of sEVs, the sEVs derived from vascular endothelium were discovered directly contacting with LECs. Furthermore, we demonstrated that high-glucose-cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) -derived sEVs facilitated EMT process of HLE-B3 using co-culture model in vitro. MiRNA-seq data and GEO datasets analysis revealed that miR-1246 was essential in EMT process with diabetes. The miR-1246 was highly expressed in diabetic aqueous humor sEVs and high-glucose-treated vascular-endothelial-cell-derived sEVs. Moreover, miR-1246 promoted the metastasis and EMT process of HLE-B3 cells by directly targeting GSK-3β. Inhibiting miR-1246 could negatively regulated EMT. This finding might serve as a potential therapy for diabetic PCO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenjun Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Jue Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Liping Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Xiaona Ning
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Yong Guo
- Xi'an Purui Eye Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, China
| | - Jing Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China.
| | - Nan Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China.
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Sun C, Zou H, Yang Z, Yang M, Chen X, Huang Y, Fan W, Yuan R. Proteomics and phosphoproteomics analysis of vitreous in idiopathic epiretinal membrane patients. Proteomics Clin Appl 2022; 16:e2100128. [PMID: 35510950 DOI: 10.1002/prca.202100128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the present study was to characterize the idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) through proteomics and phosphoproteomics analysis to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of iERM. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The vitreous of 25 patients with an iERM and 15 patients with an idiopathic macular hole were analyzed by proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis based on tandem mass tag. PRM was used to verify the differential proteins. RESULTS Proteomic analysis identified a total of 878 proteins, including 50 differential proteins. Tenascin-C, galectin-3-binding protein, glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, neuroserpin, collagen alpha-1(XI) chain, and collagen alpha-1(II) chain were verified to be upregulated in iERM by PRM. Phosphoproteomic analysis identified a total of 401 phosphorylation sites on 213 proteins, including 27 differential phosphorylation sites on 24 proteins. Mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase (MAPKAPK)3 and MAPKAPK5 were predicted as the major kinases in the vitreous of iERM. Twenty-six of the differential proteins and phosphorylated proteins may be closely related to fibrosis in iERM. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Our results indicated the potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for iERM, provided key kinases that may be involved in iERM. Fibrosis plays an essential role in iERM, and further exploration of related differential proteins has important clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Huan Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Zhouquan Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Mei Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Xiaofan Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Yanming Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Wei Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Rongdi Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
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Aniridia-related keratopathy relevant cell signaling pathways in human fetal corneas. Histochem Cell Biol 2022; 158:169-180. [PMID: 35551459 PMCID: PMC9338123 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-022-02099-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to study aniridia-related keratopathy (ARK) relevant cell signaling pathways [Notch1, Wnt/β-catenin, Sonic hedgehog (SHH) and mTOR] in normal human fetal corneas compared with normal human adult corneas and ARK corneas. We found that fetal corneas at 20 weeks of gestation (wg) and normal adult corneas showed similar staining patterns for Notch1; however 10–11 wg fetal corneas showed increased presence of Notch1. Numb and Dlk1 had an enhanced presence in the fetal corneas compared with the adult corneas. Fetal corneas showed stronger immunolabeling with antibodies against β-catenin, Wnt5a, Wnt7a, Gli1, Hes1, p-rpS6, and mTOR when compared with the adult corneas. Gene expression of Notch1, Wnt5A, Wnt7A, β-catenin, Hes1, mTOR, and rps6 was higher in the 9–12 wg fetal corneas compared with adult corneas. The cell signaling pathway differences found between human fetal and adult corneas were similar to those previously found in ARK corneas with the exception of Notch1. Analogous profiles of cell signaling pathway activation between human fetal corneas and ARK corneas suggests that there is a less differentiated host milieu in ARK.
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Patel SD, Aryal S, Mennetti LP, Parreno J. Whole mount staining of lenses for visualization of lens epithelial cell proteins. MethodsX 2021; 8:101376. [PMID: 34430272 PMCID: PMC8374519 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2021.101376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Whole mount imaging of the lens allows for high spatial resolution visualization of lens epithelial structures by using small molecule fluorescent probes. However, the visualization of specific proteins in lens epithelial cells within whole lenses remains a challenge as the capsule that surrounds the lens does not allow penetration of antibodies. Here we describe a whole mount imaging method that allows us to overcome this challenge by digesting the lens capsules of paraformaldehyde fixed lenses using collagenase. This method enables the penetration of antibodies for effective visualization of proteins in the epithelium of whole lenses.A limitation to lens whole mount imaging is the ability to visualize specific proteins as the collagen capsule surrounding the lens impedes the penetration of antibodies This protocol helps overcome this limitation by a light collagenase digestion of the capsule of fixed lenses prior to immunostaining This method allows for the imaging of specific proteins in the epithelium of the whole lens tissue
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaili D Patel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware USA
| | - Sandeep Aryal
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware USA
| | | | - Justin Parreno
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware USA
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A simple method for quantitating confocal fluorescent images. Biochem Biophys Rep 2021; 25:100916. [PMID: 33553685 PMCID: PMC7856428 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2021.100916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Western blotting (WB), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and flow cytometry (FC) have long been used to assess and quantitate relative protein expression in cultured cells and tissue samples. However, WB and ELISA have limited ability to meaningfully quantitate relative protein levels in tissues with complex cell composition, while tissue dissociation followed by FC is not feasible when tissue is limiting and/or cells difficult to isolate. While protein detection in tissue using immunofluorescent (IF) probes has traditionally been considered a qualitative technique, advances in probe stability and confocal imaging allow IF data to be easily quantitated, although reproducible quantitation of relative protein expression requires careful attention to appropriate controls, experiment design, and data collection. Here we describe the methods used to quantify the data presented in Shihan et al. Matrix Biology, 2020 which lays out a workflow where IF data collected on a confocal microscope can be used to quantitate the relative levels of a molecule of interest by measuring mean fluorescent intensity across a region of interest, cell number, and the percentage of cells in a sample “positive” for staining with the fluorescent probe of interest. Overall, this manuscript discusses considerations for collecting quantifiable fluorescent images on a confocal microscope and provides explicit methods for quantitating IF data using FIJI-ImageJ. These simple methods:Allow quantitation of molecules in small tissues using immunofluorescent (IF) detectionon tissue sections. Generate data that correlate well with that obtained from other methods. Yield reproducible data that expands the conclusions possible from IF imaging of tissues with complex cellular compositions.
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Chen X, Yan H, Chen Y, Li G, Bin Y, Zhou X. Moderate oxidative stress promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the lens epithelial cells via the TGF-β/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:1631-1642. [PMID: 33417163 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-020-04034-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a significant role in fibrosis and migration of lens epithelial cells (LECs), and eventually induces posterior capsule opacification (PCO). In the past, it was generally believed that the TGF-β/Smad pathway regulates lens EMT. A recent study found that attenuated glutathione level promotes LECs EMT via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which suggests a more complex pathogenesis of PCO. To test the hypothesis, we used the mouse cataract surgery PCO model and tested both canonical Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways. The results showed that both TGF-β/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin pathways were activated during the lens capsule fibrosis. Compared with the freshly isolated posterior capsule, the expression level of phosphorylated Smad2 was highest at day3 and then slightly decreased, but the expression level of Wnt10a gradually increased from day0 to day7. It shows that these two pathways are involved in the lens epithelium's fibrotic process and may play different roles in different periods. Subsequently, we established oxidative stress-induced EMT model in primary porcine lens epithelial cells and found that both the TGF-β/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin pathways were activated. Further study suggests that block Wnt/β-catenin pathway using XAV939 alone or block TGF-β/Smad pathway using LY2109761 could partially block pLECs fibrosis, but blocking Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β/Smad pathway using combined XAV939 and LY2109761 could completely block pLECs fibrosis. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that both TGF-β/Smad and canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathways play a significant role in regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of lens epithelial cells but might be in a different stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Hong Yan
- Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Affiliated Xi'an Fourth Hospital, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Affiliated Xi'an Fourth Hospital, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Guo Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Yue Bin
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xiyuan Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
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11
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Wang X, Wang L, Sun Y, Chen B, Xiong L, Chen J, Huang M, Wu J, Tan X, Zheng Y, Huang S, Liu Y. MiR-22-3p inhibits fibrotic cataract through inactivation of HDAC6 and increase of α-tubulin acetylation. Cell Prolif 2020; 53:e12911. [PMID: 32985730 PMCID: PMC7653254 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Fibrotic cataract, including posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and anterior subcapsular cataract (ASC), renders millions of people visually impaired worldwide. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, we report a miRNA-based regulatory pathway that controls pathological fibrosis of lens epithelium. MATERIALS AND METHODS Expression of miR-22-3p and histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) in normal and PCO patient samples were measured by qPCR. Human lens epithelial explants were treated with TGF-β2 in the presence or absence of miR-22-3p mimics or inhibitor. Cell proliferation was determined by MTS assay, and migration was tested by transwell assay. Expression of HDAC6 and EMT-related molecules were analysed by Western blot, qPCR and immunocytochemical experiments. RESULTS We identify miR-22-3p as a downregulated miRNA targeting HDAC6 in LECs during lens fibrosis and TGF-β2 treatment. Mechanistically, gain- and loss-of-function experiments in human LECs and lens epithelial explants reveal that miR-22-3p prevents proliferation, migration and TGF-β2 induced EMT of LECs via targeting HDAC6 and thereby promoting α-tubulin acetylation. Moreover, pharmacological targeting of HDAC6 deacetylase with Tubacin prevents fibrotic opaque formation through increasing α-tubulin acetylation under TGF-β2 stimulated conditions in both human lens epithelial explants and the whole rat lenses. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that miR-22-3p prevents lens fibrotic progression by targeting HDAC6 thereby promoting α-tubulin acetylation. The 'miR-22-HDAC6-α-tubulin (de)acetylation' signalling axis may be therapeutic targets for the treatment of fibrotic cataract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoran Wang
- State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Liping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Baoxin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Lang Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jieping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Mi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xuhua Tan
- State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yingfeng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Shan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyZhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
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Shihan MH, Kanwar M, Wang Y, Jackson EE, Faranda AP, Duncan MK. Fibronectin has multifunctional roles in posterior capsular opacification (PCO). Matrix Biol 2020; 90:79-108. [PMID: 32173580 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2020.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Fibrotic posterior capsular opacification (PCO), one of the major complications of cataract surgery, occurs when lens epithelial cells (LCs) left behind post cataract surgery (PCS) undergo epithelial to mesenchymal transition, migrate into the optical axis and produce opaque scar tissue. LCs left behind PCS robustly produce fibronectin, although its roles in fibrotic PCO are not known. In order to determine the function of fibronectin in PCO pathogenesis, we created mice lacking the fibronectin gene (FN conditional knock out -FNcKO) from the lens. While animals from this line have normal lenses, upon lens fiber cell removal which models cataract surgery, FNcKO LCs exhibit a greatly attenuated fibrotic response from 3 days PCS onward as assessed by a reduction in surgery-induced cell proliferation, and fibrotic extracellular matrix (ECM) production and deposition. This is correlated with less upregulation of Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) and integrin signaling in FNcKO LCs PCS concomitant with sustained Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling and elevation of the epithelial cell marker E cadherin. Although the initial fibrotic response of FNcKO LCs was qualitatively normal at 48 h PCS as measured by the upregulation of fibrotic marker protein αSMA, RNA sequencing revealed that the fibrotic response was already quantitatively attenuated at this time, as measured by the upregulation of mRNAs encoding molecules that control, and are controlled by, TGFβ signaling, including many known markers of fibrosis. Most notably, gremlin-1, a known regulator of TGFβ superfamily signaling, was upregulated sharply in WT LCs PCS, while this response was attenuated in FNcKO LCs. As exogenous administration of either active TGFβ1 or gremlin-1 to FNcKO lens capsular bags rescued the attenuated fibrotic response of fibronectin null LCs PCS including the loss of SMAD2/3 phosphorylation, this suggests that fibronectin plays multifunctional roles in fibrotic PCO development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahbubul H Shihan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Mallika Kanwar
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Erin E Jackson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Adam P Faranda
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Melinda K Duncan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
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Shihan MH, Novo SG, Duncan MK. Cataract surgeon viewpoints on the need for novel preventative anti-inflammatory and anti-posterior capsular opacification therapies. Curr Med Res Opin 2019; 35:1971-1981. [PMID: 31328581 PMCID: PMC6995282 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2019.1647012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: To determine cataract surgeon viewpoints on the efficacy of available therapies/preventatives for two common sequelae of cataract surgery: inflammation and posterior capsular opacification (PCO). Methods: Cataract surgeons practicing worldwide specializing in adult, pediatric and veterinary patients were interviewed between March and August 2018. Results: Ocular inflammation following cataract surgery is treated by either corticosteroids and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). Adult and pediatric cataract surgeons are satisfied with current treatments whereas this inflammation is still considered a problem by some in veterinary practice due to its slow resolution. Yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser therapy is the PCO treatment of choice for adult cataract surgeons and they are generally pleased with its outcome. However, pediatric cataract surgeons find YAG problematic, especially in patients under 6 years of age, and invasive surgery is often needed to correct PCO/visual axis opacification (VAO). Veterinary ophthalmologists report that YAG is not effective for PCO in animals, especially dogs, due to the density of the fibrotic plaques; 86% of adult and 100% of veterinary and pediatric cataract surgeons surveyed agree that effective anti-PCO therapeutics would improve clinical care. Conclusions: Surgeons treating human patients are pleased with the available treatments for ocular inflammation following cataract surgery, although some veterinary ophthalmologists disagree. The surgeons surveyed agree that PCO/VAO remains an unsolved problem in pediatric and veterinary cataract surgery while the long-term outcome of adult cataract surgery could be improved by additional attention to this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahbubul H Shihan
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Delaware , Newark , DE , USA
| | - Samuel G Novo
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Delaware , Newark , DE , USA
| | - Melinda K Duncan
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Delaware , Newark , DE , USA
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Li J, Perfetto M, Materna C, Li R, Thi Tran H, Vleminckx K, Duncan MK, Wei S. A new transgenic reporter line reveals Wnt-dependent Snai2 re-expression and cranial neural crest differentiation in Xenopus. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11191. [PMID: 31371771 PMCID: PMC6672020 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47665-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
During vertebrate embryogenesis, the cranial neural crest (CNC) forms at the neural plate border and subsequently migrates and differentiates into many types of cells. The transcription factor Snai2, which is induced by canonical Wnt signaling to be expressed in the early CNC, is pivotal for CNC induction and migration in Xenopus. However, snai2 expression is silenced during CNC migration, and its roles at later developmental stages remain unclear. We generated a transgenic X. tropicalis line that expresses enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) driven by the snai2 promoter/enhancer, and observed eGFP expression not only in the pre-migratory and migrating CNC, but also the differentiating CNC. This transgenic line can be used directly to detect deficiencies in CNC development at various stages, including subtle perturbation of CNC differentiation. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry confirm that Snai2 is re-expressed in the differentiating CNC. Using a separate transgenic Wnt reporter line, we show that canonical Wnt signaling is also active in the differentiating CNC. Blocking Wnt signaling shortly after CNC migration causes reduced snai2 expression and impaired differentiation of CNC-derived head cartilage structures. These results suggest that Wnt signaling is required for snai2 re-expression and CNC differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiejing Li
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of KMUST, Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Mark Perfetto
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Christopher Materna
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Rebecca Li
- Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Hong Thi Tran
- Department for Molecular Biomedical Research and Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, B-9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kris Vleminckx
- Department for Molecular Biomedical Research and Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, B-9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Melinda K Duncan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Shuo Wei
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA.
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Ma J, Lwigale P. Transformation of the Transcriptomic Profile of Mouse Periocular Mesenchyme During Formation of the Embryonic Cornea. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:661-676. [PMID: 30786278 PMCID: PMC6383728 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-26018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Defects in neural crest development are a major contributing factor in corneal dysgenesis, but little is known about the genetic landscape during corneal development. The purpose of this study was to provide a detailed transcriptome profile and evaluate changes in gene expression during mouse corneal development. Methods RNA sequencing was used to uncover the transcriptomic profile of periocular mesenchyme (pNC) isolated at embryonic day (E) 10.5 and corneas isolated at E14.5 and E16.5. The spatiotemporal expression of several differentially expressed genes was validated by in situ hybridization. Results Analysis of the whole-transcriptome profile between pNC and embryonic corneas identified 3815 unique differentially expressed genes. Pathway analysis revealed an enrichment of differentially expressed genes involved in signal transduction (retinoic acid, transforming growth factor-β, and Wnt pathways) and transcriptional regulation. Conclusions Our analyses, for the first time, identify a large number of differentially expressed genes during progressive stages of mouse corneal development. Our data provide a comprehensive transcriptomic profile of the developing cornea. Combined, these data serve as a valuable resource for the identification of novel regulatory networks crucial for the advancement of studies in congenital defects, stem cell therapy, bioengineering, and adult corneal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Ma
- BioSciences Department, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Peter Lwigale
- BioSciences Department, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States
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Vicente A, Byström B, Pedrosa Domellöf F. Altered Signaling Pathways in Aniridia-Related Keratopathy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 59:5531-5541. [DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-25175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- André Vicente
- Department of Clinical Science, Ophthalmology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Berit Byström
- Department of Clinical Science, Ophthalmology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Fátima Pedrosa Domellöf
- Department of Clinical Science, Ophthalmology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Section for Anatomy, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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