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Bernardo-Colón A, Bighinati A, Parween S, Debnath S, Piano I, Adani E, Corsi F, Gargini C, Vergara N, Marigo V, Becerra SP. H105A peptide eye drops promote photoreceptor survival in murine and human models of retinal degeneration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.10.602890. [PMID: 39109177 PMCID: PMC11302621 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.10.602890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Photoreceptor death causes blinding inheritable retinal diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). As disease progression often outpaces therapeutic advances, finding effective treatments is urgent. This study focuses on developing a targeted approach by evaluating the efficacy of small peptides derived from pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), known to restrict common cell death pathways associated with retinal diseases. Peptides with affinity for the PEDF receptor, PEDF-R, (17-mer and H105A) delivered via eye drops reached the retina, efficiently promoted photoreceptor survival, and improved retinal function in RP mouse models based on both the rd10 mutation and the rhodopsin P23H mutation. Additionally, intravitreal delivery of AAV-H105A vectors delayed photoreceptor degeneration in the latter RP mouse model. Furthermore, peptide H105A specifically prevented photoreceptor death induced by oxidative stress, a contributing factor to RP progression, in human retinal organoids. This promising approach for peptide eye drop delivery holds significant potential as a therapeutic for preventing photoreceptor death in retinal disorders, offering a high safety profile, low invasiveness and multiple delivery options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Bernardo-Colón
- Section of Protein Structure and Function, Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andrea Bighinati
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia; 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Shama Parween
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Subrata Debnath
- Section of Protein Structure and Function, Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ilaria Piano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa; 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Adani
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia; 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Corsi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa; 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Gargini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa; 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Natalia Vergara
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome and University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Valeria Marigo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia; 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - S. Patricia Becerra
- Section of Protein Structure and Function, Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, MD, USA
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Bernardo-Colón A, Dong L, Abu-Asab M, Brush RS, Agbaga MP, Becerra SP. Ablation of pigment epithelium-derived factor receptor (PEDF-R/Pnpla2) causes photoreceptor degeneration. J Lipid Res 2023; 64:100358. [PMID: 36934843 PMCID: PMC10233210 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2023.100358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptor cells express the patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 2 (PNPLA2) gene that codes for pigment epithelium-derived factor receptor (PEDF-R) (also known as ATGL). PEDF-R exhibits phospholipase activity that mediates the neurotrophic action of its ligand PEDF. Because phospholipids are the most abundant lipid class in the retina, we investigated the role of PEDF-R in photoreceptors by generating CRISPR Pnpla2 knock-out mouse lines in a retinal degeneration-free background. Pnpla2-/- mice had undetectable retinal Pnpla2 gene expression and PEDF-R protein levels as assayed by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence, respectively. The photoreceptors of mice deficient in PEDF-R had deformities as examined by histology and transmission electron microscopy. Pnpla2 knockdown diminished the PLA2 enzymatic activity of PEDF-R in the retina. Lipidomic analyses revealed the accumulation of lysophosphatidyl choline-DHA and lysophosphatidyl ethanolamine-DHA in PEDF-R-deficient retinas, suggesting a possible causal link to photoreceptor dysfunction. Loss of PEDF-R decreased levels of rhodopsin, opsin, PKCα, and synaptophysin relative to controls. Pnpla2-/- photoreceptors had surface-exposed phosphatidylserine, and their nuclei were TUNEL positive and condensed, revealing an apoptotic onset. Paralleling its structural defects, PEDF-R deficiency compromised photoreceptor function in vivo as indicated by the attenuation of photoreceptor a- and b-waves in Pnpla2-/- and Pnpla2+/- mice relative to controls as determined by electroretinography. In conclusion, ablation of PEDF-R in mice caused alteration in phospholipid composition associated with malformation and malperformance of photoreceptors. These findings identify PEDF-R as an important component for photoreceptor structure and function, highlighting its role in phospholipid metabolism for retinal survival and its consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Bernardo-Colón
- Section of Protein Structure and Function, Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lijin Dong
- Genetic Engineering Core, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mones Abu-Asab
- Histopathology Core Facility, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Richard S Brush
- Department of Ophthalmology(,) and Dean A. McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Martin-Paul Agbaga
- Department of Ophthalmology(,) and Dean A. McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - S Patricia Becerra
- Section of Protein Structure and Function, Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Ma X, Chen H, Jian S, He J, Liu Y, Han S, Chang L, Li P, Chen YA, Liu X, Hu X, Chen Y, Hou L. DAPL1 deficiency in mice impairs antioxidant defenses in the RPE and leads to retinal degeneration with AMD-like features. Redox Biol 2023; 62:102675. [PMID: 36933392 PMCID: PMC10031543 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The decreased antioxidant capacity in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is the hallmark of retinal degenerative diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Nevertheless, the exact regulatory mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of retinal degenerations remain largely unknown. Here we show in mice that deficiencies in Dapl1, a susceptibility gene for human AMD, impair the antioxidant capacity of the RPE and lead to age-related retinal degeneration in the 18-month-old mice homozygous for a partial deletion of Dapl1. Dapl1-deficiency is associated with a reduction of the RPE's antioxidant capacity, and experimental re-expression of Dapl1 reverses this reduction and protects the retina from oxidative damage. Mechanistically, DAPL1 directly binds the transcription factor E2F4 and inhibits the expression of MYC, leading to upregulation of the transcription factor MITF and its targets NRF2 and PGC1α, both of which regulate the RPE's antioxidant function. When MITF is experimentally overexpressed in the RPE of DAPL1 deficient mice, antioxidation is restored and retinas are protected from degeneration. These findings suggest that the DAPL1-MITF axis functions as a novel regulator of the antioxidant defense system of the RPE and may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of age-related retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyin Ma
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003, China.
| | - Huaicheng Chen
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, 322000, China
| | - Shuhui Jian
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, China; The Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Junhao He
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Youjia Liu
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Shuxian Han
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Lifu Chang
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Pingping Li
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Ying-Ao Chen
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Xiaojuan Hu
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003, China
| | - Ling Hou
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003, China.
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Rebustini IT, Crawford SE, Becerra SP. PEDF Deletion Induces Senescence and Defects in Phagocytosis in the RPE. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:7745. [PMID: 35887093 PMCID: PMC9316002 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) expresses the Serpinf1 gene to produce pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), a retinoprotective protein that is downregulated with cell senescence, aging and retinal degenerations. We determined the expression of senescence-associated genes in the RPE of 3-month-old mice that lack the Serpinf1 gene and found that Serpinf1 deletion induced H2ax for histone H2AX protein, Cdkn1a for p21 protein, and Glb1 gene for β-galactosidase. Senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity increased in the Serpinf1 null RPE when compared with wild-type RPE. We evaluated the subcellular morphology of the RPE and found that ablation of Serpinf1 increased the volume of the nuclei and the nucleoli number of RPE cells, implying chromatin reorganization. Given that the RPE phagocytic function declines with aging, we assessed the expression of the Pnpla2 gene, which is required for the degradation of photoreceptor outer segments by the RPE. We found that both the Pnpla2 gene and its protein PEDF-R declined with the Serpinf1 gene ablation. Moreover, we determined the levels of phagocytosed rhodopsin and lipids in the RPE of the Serpinf1 null mice. The RPE of the Serpinf1 null mice accumulated rhodopsin and lipids compared to littermate controls, implying an association of PEDF deficiency with RPE phagocytosis dysfunction. Our findings establish PEDF loss as a cause of senescence-like changes in the RPE, highlighting PEDF as both a retinoprotective and a regulatory protein of aging-like changes associated with defective degradation of the photoreceptor outer segment in the RPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan T. Rebustini
- Section of Protein Structure and Function, Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Susan E. Crawford
- Department of Surgery, North Shore University Research Institute, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60201, USA;
| | - S. Patricia Becerra
- Section of Protein Structure and Function, Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
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Santos FM, Mesquita J, Castro-de-Sousa JP, Ciordia S, Paradela A, Tomaz CT. Vitreous Humor Proteome: Targeting Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Neurodegeneration in Vitreoretinal Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:505. [PMID: 35326156 PMCID: PMC8944522 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11030505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is defined as an unbalance between pro-oxidants and antioxidants, as evidenced by an increase in reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species production over time. It is important in the pathophysiology of retinal disorders such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and proliferative vitreoretinopathy, which are the focus of this article. Although the human organism's defense mechanisms correct autoxidation caused by endogenous or exogenous factors, this may be insufficient, causing an imbalance in favor of excessive ROS production or a weakening of the endogenous antioxidant system, resulting in molecular and cellular damage. Furthermore, modern lifestyles and environmental factors contribute to increased chemical exposure and stress induction, resulting in oxidative stress. In this review, we discuss the current information about oxidative stress and the vitreous proteome with a special focus on vitreoretinal diseases. Additionally, we explore therapies using antioxidants in an attempt to rescue the body from oxidation, restore balance, and maximize healthy body function, as well as new investigational therapies that have shown significant therapeutic potential in preclinical studies and clinical trial outcomes, along with their goals and strategic approaches to combat oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fátima Milhano Santos
- CICS-UBI—Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal; or (J.P.C.-d.-S.)
- Unidad de Proteomica, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, CSIC, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (S.C.); (A.P.)
- C4-UBI, Cloud Computing Competence Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-501 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Joana Mesquita
- CICS-UBI—Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal; or (J.P.C.-d.-S.)
| | - João Paulo Castro-de-Sousa
- CICS-UBI—Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal; or (J.P.C.-d.-S.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar de Leiria, 2410-197 Leiria, Portugal
| | - Sergio Ciordia
- Unidad de Proteomica, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, CSIC, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (S.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Alberto Paradela
- Unidad de Proteomica, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, CSIC, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (S.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Cândida Teixeira Tomaz
- CICS-UBI—Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal; or (J.P.C.-d.-S.)
- C4-UBI, Cloud Computing Competence Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-501 Covilhã, Portugal
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
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Liu S, Miyaji M, Hosoya O, Matsuo T. Effect of NK-5962 on Gene Expression Profiling of Retina in a Rat Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413276. [PMID: 34948073 PMCID: PMC8703378 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: NK-5962 is a key component of photoelectric dye-coupled polyethylene film, designated Okayama University type-retinal prosthesis (OUReP™). Previously, we found that NK-5962 solution could reduce the number of apoptotic photoreceptors in the eyes of the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats by intravitreal injection under a 12 h light/dark cycle. This study aimed to explore possible molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-apoptotic effect of NK-5962 in the retina of RCS rats. Methods: RCS rats received intravitreal injections of NK-5962 solution in the left eye at the age of 3 and 4 weeks, before the age of 5 weeks when the speed in the apoptotic degeneration of photoreceptors reaches its peak. The vehicle-treated right eyes served as controls. All rats were housed under a 12 h light/dark cycle, and the retinas were dissected out at the age of 5 weeks for RNA sequence (RNA-seq) analysis. For the functional annotation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), the Metascape and DAVID databases were used. Results: In total, 55 up-regulated DEGs, and one down-regulated gene (LYVE1) were found to be common among samples treated with NK-5962. These DEGs were analyzed using Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Reactome pathway analyses. We focused on the up-regulated DEGs that were enriched in extracellular matrix organization, extracellular exosome, and PI3K–Akt signaling pathways. These terms and pathways may relate to mechanisms to protect photoreceptor cells. Moreover, our analyses suggest that SERPINF1, which encodes pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), is one of the key regulatory genes involved in the anti-apoptotic effect of NK-5962 in RCS rat retinas. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that photoelectric dye NK-5962 may delay apoptotic death of photoreceptor cells in RCS rats by up-regulating genes related to extracellular matrix organization, extracellular exosome, and PI3K–Akt signaling pathways. Overall, our RNA-seq and bioinformatics analyses provide insights in the transcriptome responses in the dystrophic RCS rat retinas that were induced by NK-5962 intravitreal injection and offer potential target genes for developing new therapeutic strategies for patients with retinitis pigmentosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihui Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama City 700-8558, Japan;
| | - Mary Miyaji
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama City 700-8558, Japan; (M.M.); (O.H.)
| | - Osamu Hosoya
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama City 700-8558, Japan; (M.M.); (O.H.)
| | - Toshihiko Matsuo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama City 700-8558, Japan;
- Correspondence:
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Ye Q, Wang J, Liu X, Liu Z, BaZong L, Ma J, Shen R, Ye W, Zhang W, Wang D. The Role of RAD6B and PEDF in Retinal Degeneration. Neuroscience 2021; 480:19-31. [PMID: 34774969 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.11.010] [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: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
RAD6B is an E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, playing an important role in DNA damage repair, gene expression, senescence, apoptosis and protein degradation. However, the specific mechanism between ubiquitin and retinal degeneration requires more investigation. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) has a potent neurotrophic effect on the retina, protecting retinal neurons and photoreceptors from cell death caused by pathological damage. In this study, we found that loss of RAD6B leads to retinal degeneration in mice, especially in old age. Affymetrix microarray analysis showed that the PEDF signal was changed in RAD6B deficient groups. The expression of γ-H2AX, β-Gal, P53, Caspase-3, P21 and P16 was increased significantly in retinas of RAD6B knockout (KO) mice. Our studies suggest that RAD6B and PEDF play an important role in the health of retina, whereas the absence of RAD6B accelerates the degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Ye
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Basic Medical College, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, 82 Cuiying Door, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Basic Medical College, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiangwen Liu
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Basic Medical College, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zihua Liu
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Basic Medical College, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - LuoSong BaZong
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, 82 Cuiying Door, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jinhai Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, 82 Cuiying Door, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Rong Shen
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Basic Medical College, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Weichun Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Wenfang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, 82 Cuiying Door, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Degui Wang
- Institute of Human Anatomy and Histoembryology, Basic Medical College, Lanzhou University, 199 Donggang West Road, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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Miralles de Imperial-Ollero JA, Gallego-Ortega A, Ortín-Martínez A, Villegas-Pérez MP, Valiente-Soriano FJ, Vidal-Sanz M. Animal Models of LED-Induced Phototoxicity. Short- and Long-Term In Vivo and Ex Vivo Retinal Alterations. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11111137. [PMID: 34833013 PMCID: PMC8617611 DOI: 10.3390/life11111137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Phototoxicity animal models have been largely studied due to their degenerative communalities with human pathologies, e.g., age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Studies have documented not only the effects of white light exposure, but also other wavelengths using LEDs, such as blue or green light. Recently, a blue LED-induced phototoxicity (LIP) model has been developed that causes focal damage in the outer layers of the superior-temporal region of the retina in rodents. In vivo studies described a progressive reduction in retinal thickness that affected the most extensively the photoreceptor layer. Functionally, a transient reduction in a- and b-wave amplitude of the ERG response was observed. Ex vivo studies showed a progressive reduction of cones and an involvement of retinal pigment epithelium cells in the area of the lesion and, in parallel, an activation of microglial cells that perfectly circumscribe the damage in the outer retinal layer. The use of neuroprotective strategies such as intravitreal administration of trophic factors, e.g., basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) or pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and topical administration of the selective alpha-2 agonist (Brimonidine) have demonstrated to increase the survival of the cone population after LIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A. Miralles de Imperial-Ollero
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Virgen de la Arrixaca, Campus de CC de la Salud, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.A.M.d.I.-O.); (A.G.-O.); (M.P.V.-P.)
| | - Alejandro Gallego-Ortega
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Virgen de la Arrixaca, Campus de CC de la Salud, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.A.M.d.I.-O.); (A.G.-O.); (M.P.V.-P.)
| | - Arturo Ortín-Martínez
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada;
| | - María Paz Villegas-Pérez
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Virgen de la Arrixaca, Campus de CC de la Salud, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.A.M.d.I.-O.); (A.G.-O.); (M.P.V.-P.)
| | - Francisco J. Valiente-Soriano
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Virgen de la Arrixaca, Campus de CC de la Salud, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.A.M.d.I.-O.); (A.G.-O.); (M.P.V.-P.)
- Correspondence: (F.J.V.-S.); (M.V.-S.); Tel.: +34-868-88-4503 (F.J.V-S.); +34-868-88-4330 (M.V.-S.)
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Virgen de la Arrixaca, Campus de CC de la Salud, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.A.M.d.I.-O.); (A.G.-O.); (M.P.V.-P.)
- Correspondence: (F.J.V.-S.); (M.V.-S.); Tel.: +34-868-88-4503 (F.J.V-S.); +34-868-88-4330 (M.V.-S.)
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9
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Michelis G, German OL, Villasmil R, Soto T, Rotstein NP, Politi L, Becerra SP. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and derived peptides promote survival and differentiation of photoreceptors and induce neurite-outgrowth in amacrine neurons. J Neurochem 2021; 159:840-856. [PMID: 34133756 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a cytoprotective protein for the retina. We hypothesize that this protein acts on neuronal survival and differentiation of photoreceptor cells in culture. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the neurotrophic effects of PEDF and its fragments in an in vitro model of cultured primary retinal neurons that die spontaneously in the absence of trophic factors. We used Wistar albino rats. Cell death was assayed by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry through TUNEL assay, propidium iodide, mitotracker, and annexin V. Immunofluorescence of cells for visualizing rhodopsin, CRX, and antisyntaxin under confocal microscopy was performed. Neurite outgrowth was also quantified. Results show that PEDF protected photoreceptor precursors from apoptosis, preserved mitochondrial function and promoted polarization of opsin enhancing their developmental process, as well as induced neurite outgrowth in amacrine neurons. These effects were abolished by an inhibitor of the PEDF receptor or receptor-derived peptides that block ligand/receptor interactions. While all the activities were specifically conferred by short peptide fragments (17 amino acid residues) derived from the PEDF neurotrophic domain, no effects were triggered by peptides from the PEDF antiangiogenic region. The observed effects on retinal neurons imply a specific activation of the PEDF receptor by a small neurotrophic region of PEDF. Our findings support the neurotrophic PEDF peptides as neuronal guardians for the retina, highlighting their potential as promoters of retinal differentiation, and inhibitors of retinal cell death and its blinding consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germán Michelis
- Section of Protein Structure and Function, Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute - National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Department of Biology, Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas (INIBIBB), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Olga Lorena German
- Department of Biology, Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas (INIBIBB), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Rafael Villasmil
- Section of Protein Structure and Function, Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute - National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tamara Soto
- Department of Biology, Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas (INIBIBB), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Nora P Rotstein
- Department of Biology, Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas (INIBIBB), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Luis Politi
- Department of Biology, Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas (INIBIBB), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - S Patricia Becerra
- Section of Protein Structure and Function, Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye Institute - National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Delivery Systems of Retinoprotective Proteins in the Retina. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105344. [PMID: 34069505 PMCID: PMC8160820 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoprotective proteins play important roles for retinal tissue integrity. They can directly affect the function and the survival of photoreceptors, and/or indirectly target the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and endothelial cells that support these tissues. Retinoprotective proteins are used in basic, translational and in clinical studies to prevent and treat human retinal degenerative disorders. In this review, we provide an overview of proteins that protect the retina and focus on pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), and its effects on photoreceptors, RPE cells, and endothelial cells. We also discuss delivery systems such as pharmacologic and genetic administration of proteins to achieve photoreceptor survival and retinal tissue integrity.
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11
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Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor (PEDF) Fragments Prevent Mouse Cone Photoreceptor Cell Loss Induced by Focal Phototoxicity In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197242. [PMID: 33008127 PMCID: PMC7582775 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we evaluated the effects of PEDF (pigment epithelium-derived factor) and PEDF peptides on cone-photoreceptor cell damage in a mouse model of focal LED-induced phototoxicity (LIP) in vivo. Swiss mice were dark-adapted overnight, anesthetized, and their left eyes were exposed to a blue LED placed over the cornea. Immediately after, intravitreal injection of PEDF, PEDF-peptide fragments 17-mer, 17-mer[H105A] or 17-mer[R99A] (all at 10 pmol) were administered into the left eye of each animal. BDNF (92 pmol) and bFGF (27 pmol) injections were positive controls, and vehicle negative control. After 7 days, LIP resulted in a consistent circular lesion located in the supratemporal quadrant and the number of S-cones were counted within an area centered on the lesion. Retinas treated with effectors had significantly greater S-cone numbers (PEDF (60%), 17-mer (56%), 17-mer [H105A] (57%), BDNF (64%) or bFGF (60%)) relative to their corresponding vehicle groups (≈42%). The 17-mer[R99A] with no PEDF receptor binding and no neurotrophic activity, PEDF combined with a molar excess of the PEDF receptor blocker P1 peptide, or with a PEDF-R enzymatic inhibitor had undetectable effects in S-cone survival. The findings demonstrated that the cone survival effects were mediated via interactions between the 17-mer region of the PEDF molecule and its PEDF-R receptor.
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