Thioredoxin-like 6 protects retinal cell line from photooxidative damage by upregulating NF-kappaB activity

NXNL1 negatively regulates osteoblast differentiation via GDF15-induced PP2A Cα dependent manner in MC3T3-E1 cells

Controlling the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) is important for the survival and differentiation of osteoblasts. Intracellular ROS levels are controlled by antioxidant enzymes that modulate the redox state of the cell. Nucleoredoxin-like 1 (NXNL1) is an antioxidant enzyme that increases the viability of rod and cone cells by protecting them from oxidative stress, and is a potential pharmacological target for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa. The present study investigated the role of NXNL on osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cells. Results from qPCR experiments demonstrated that growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) increased NXNL1 expression, and that GDF15-induced NXNL1 decreased the expression of osteogenic genes such as distal-less homeobox 5 (Dlx5) and Runt-related transcription factor 2. Furthermore, NXNL1 also inhibits bone morphogenetic protein 2-induced phosphorylation of Smad1/5/9 and alkaline phosphatase activity. The inhibitory effects of NXNL1 on osteoblast differentiation were mediated by protein phosphatase 2A Cα (PP2A Cα). The expression of PP2A Cα was regulated by GDF15, and overexpression of PP2A Cα increased the expression of NXNL1. Taken together, our results demonstrate that NXNL1 inhibits osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3-E1 due to GDF15-induced expression of PP2A Cα.

Activation inhibitors of nuclear factor kappa B protect neurons against the NMDA-induced damage in the rat retina

We reported that high-mobility group Box-1 (HMGB1) was involved in excitoneurotoxicity in the retina. HMGB1 is known to activate nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). However, the role of NF-κB in excitotoxicity is still controversial. Here, we demonstrated that NF-κB activation induced by NMDA led to the retinal neurotoxicity. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used, and NMDA (200 nmol/eye) and bovine HMGB1 (15 μg/eye) were intravitreally injected. Triptolide (500 pmol/eye), BAY 11-7082 (500 pmol/eye), and IMD-0354 (7.5 nmol/eye), NF-κB inhibitors, were co-injected with NMDA or HMGB1. Retinal sections were obtained seven days after intravitreal injection. Cell loss in the ganglion cell layer was observed in the HMGB1- and the NMDA-treated retina. All of the NF-κB inhibitors used in this study reduced the damage. BAY 11-7082 reduced the expression of phosphorylated NF-κB 12 h after NMDA injection, upregulation of GFAP immunoreactivity induced by NMDA 12 and 48 h after NMDA injection, and the number of TUNEL-positive cells 48 h after NMDA injection. The results suggest that NF-κB activation is one of the mechanisms of the retinal neuronal death that occurs 48 h after NMDA injection or later. Prevention of NF-kB activation is a candidate for the treatment of retinal neurodegeneration associated with excitotoxicity.

Metabolic and redox signaling in the retina

Visual perception by photoreceptors relies on the interaction of incident photons from light with a derivative of vitamin A that is covalently linked to an opsin molecule located in a special subcellular structure, the photoreceptor outer segment. The photochemical reaction produced by the photon is optimal when the opsin molecule, a seven-transmembrane protein, is embedded in a lipid bilayer of optimal fluidity. This is achieved in vertebrate photoreceptors by a high proportion of lipids made with polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have the detrimental property of being oxidized and damaged by light. Photoreceptors cannot divide, but regenerate their outer segments. This is an enormous energetic challenge that explains why photoreceptors metabolize glucose through aerobic glycolysis, as cancer cells do. Uptaken glucose produces metabolites to renew that outer segment as well as reducing power through the pentose phosphate pathway to protect photoreceptors against oxidative damage.

Transcriptional regulation of nucleoredoxin-like genes takes place on a daily basis in the retina and pineal gland of rats

The nucleoredoxin-like gene Nxnl1 (Txnl6) and its paralogue Nxnl2 encode the rod-derived cone viability factors (RdCVF and RdCVF2), which increase the resistance to photooxidative damage and have therapeutic potential for the survival of cones in retinitis pigmentosa. In this study, the transcription of Nxnl genes was investigated as a function of the day/night cycle in rats. The transcript levels of Nxnl1 and Nxnl2 were seen to display daily rhythms with steadily increasing values during the light phase and peak expression around dark onset in preparations of whole retina, photoreceptor cells and—but only in regard to Nxnl1—in photoreceptor-related pinealocytes. The cycling of Nxnl1 but not that of Nxnl2 persisted in constant darkness in the retina. This suggests that daily regulation of Nxnl1 is driven by a circadian clock, whereas that of Nxnl2 is promoted by environmental light. The present data indicate clock- and light-dependent regulations of nucleoredoxin-like genes that may be part of a protective shield against photooxidative damage.

Thioredoxin rod-derived cone viability factor protects against photooxidative retinal damage

Rod-derived cone viability factor (RdCVF) is a trophic factor of the thioredoxins family that promotes the survival of cone photoreceptors. It is encoded by the nucleoredoxin-like gene 1 Nxnl1 which also encodes by alternative splicing a long form of RdCVF (RdCVFL), a thioredoxin enzyme that interacts with TAU. The known role of thioredoxins in the defense mechanism against oxidative damage led us to examine the retinal phenotype of the Nxnl1(-/-) mice exposed to photooxidative stress. Here we found that, in contrast to wild-type mice, the rod photoreceptors of Nxnl1(-/-) mice are more sensitive to light after exposure to 1700 or 2500 lx. The delivery of RdCVF by AAV to mice deficient of Nxnl1(-/-) protects rod photoreceptors from light damage. Interestingly, the RdCVF2L protein, encoded by the paralog gene Nxnl2, is able to reduce TAU phosphorylation, as does RdCVFL, but does not protect the rod from light damage. Our result shows that the Nxnl1 gene, through the thioredoxin RdCVFL, is part of an endogenous defense mechanism against photooxidative stress that is likely of great importance for human vision.

Photo-damage, photo-protection and age-related macular degeneration

The course of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is described as the effect of light (400–580 nm) on various molecular targets in photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Photo-damage is followed by inflammation, increasing oxidative stress and, probably, unveiling new photosensitive molecules.

Viral-mediated RdCVF and RdCVFL expression protects cone and rod photoreceptors in retinal degeneration

Alternative splicing of nucleoredoxin-like 1 (Nxnl1) results in 2 isoforms of the rod-derived cone viability factor. The truncated form (RdCVF) is a thioredoxin-like protein secreted by rods that promotes cone survival, while the full-length isoform (RdCVFL), which contains a thioredoxin fold, is involved in oxidative signaling and protection against hyperoxia. Here, we evaluated the effects of these different isoforms in 2 murine models of rod-cone dystrophy. We used adeno-associated virus (AAV) to express these isoforms in mice and found that both systemic and intravitreal injection of engineered AAV vectors resulted in RdCVF and RdCVFL expression in the eye. Systemic delivery of AAV92YF vectors in neonates resulted in earlier onset of RdCVF and RdCVFL expression compared with that observed with intraocular injection using the same vectors at P14. We also evaluated the efficacy of intravitreal injection using a recently developed photoreceptor-transducing AAV variant (7m8) at P14. Systemic administration of AAV92YF-RdCVF improved cone function and delayed cone loss, while AAV92YF-RdCVFL increased rhodopsin mRNA and reduced oxidative stress by-products. Intravitreal 7m8-RdCVF slowed the rate of cone cell death and increased the amplitude of the photopic electroretinogram. Together, these results indicate different functions for Nxnl1 isoforms in the retina and suggest that RdCVF gene therapy has potential for treating retinal degenerative disease.

NMR structure of Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda thioredoxin-related protein 16 and its role in regulating transcription factor NF-κB activity

Thioredoxins (Trxs), which play a key role in maintaining a redox environment in the cell, are found in almost all organisms. Trxs act as potential reducing agents of disulfide bonds and contain two vicinal cysteines in a CXXC motif at the active site. Trx is also known to activate the DNA binding activity of NF-κB, an important transcription factor. Previously, Trx-related protein 16 from Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda (Cr-TRP16), a 16-kDa Trx-like protein that contains a WCPPC motif, was reported. Here we present the NMR structure of the reduced form of Cr-TRP16, along with its regulation of NF-κB activity. Unlike other 16-kDa Trx-like proteins, Cr-TRP16 contains an additional Cys residue (Cys-15, at the N terminus), through which it forms a homodimer. Moreover, we have explored the molecular basis of Cr-TRP16-mediated activation of NF-κB and showed that Cr-TRP16 exists as a dimer under physiological conditions, and only the dimeric form binds to NF-κB and enhances its DNA binding activity by directly reducing the cysteines in the DNA-binding motif of NF-κB. The C15S mutant of Cr-TRP16 was unable to dimerize and hence does not bind to NF-κB. Based on our finding and combined with the literature, we propose a model of how Cr-TRP16 is likely to bind to NF-κB. These findings elucidate the molecular mechanism by which NF-κB activation is regulated through Cr-TRP16.

TXNL6 is a novel oxidative stress-induced reducing system for methionine sulfoxide reductase a repair of α-crystallin and cytochrome C in the eye lens

A key feature of many age-related diseases is the oxidative stress-induced accumulation of protein methionine sulfoxide (PMSO) which causes lost protein function and cell death. Proteins whose functions are lost upon PMSO formation can be repaired by the enzyme methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) which is a key regulator of longevity. One disease intimately associated with PMSO formation and loss of MsrA activity is age-related human cataract. PMSO levels increase in the eye lens upon aging and in age-related human cataract as much as 70% of total lens protein is converted to PMSO. MsrA is required for lens cell maintenance, defense against oxidative stress damage, mitochondrial function and prevention of lens cataract formation. Essential for MsrA action in the lens and other tissues is the availability of a reducing system sufficient to catalytically regenerate active MsrA. To date, the lens reducing system(s) required for MsrA activity has not been defined. Here, we provide evidence that a novel thioredoxin-like protein called thioredoxin-like 6 (TXNL6) can serve as a reducing system for MsrA repair of the essential lens chaperone α-crystallin/sHSP and mitochondrial cytochrome c. We also show that TXNL6 is induced at high levels in human lens epithelial cells exposed to H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative stress. Collectively, these data suggest a critical role for TXNL6 in MsrA repair of essential lens proteins under oxidative stress conditions and that TXNL6 is important for MsrA defense protection against cataract. They also suggest that MsrA uses multiple reducing systems for its repair activity that may augment its function under different cellular conditions.

Oxidation and age-related macular degeneration: insights from molecular biology

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the developed world. It is a multifactorial disease, and current therapy predominantly limits damage only when it has already occurred. The macula is a source of high metabolic activity, and is therefore exposed to correspondingly high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). With age, the balance between production of ROS and local antioxidant levels is shifted, and damage ensues. Systemic ROS and antioxidant levels in AMD reflect these local processes. Genetic studies investigating mutations in antioxidant genes in AMD are inconclusive and further studies are indicated, especially to determine the role of mitochondria. Oral antioxidant supplements could be beneficial, and diet modification may help. Future treatments might either increase antioxidant capacity or reduce the production of ROS, using methods such as genetic manipulation. This article reviews the role of oxidative stress in AMD and the potential therapies that might have a role in preventing the blindness resulting from this disease.

Expression of rod-derived cone viability factor: dual role of CRX in regulating promoter activity and cell-type specificity

BACKGROUND

RdCVF and RdCVF2, encoded by the nucleoredoxin-like genes NXNL1 and NXNL2, are trophic factors with therapeutic potential that are involved in cone photoreceptor survival. Studying how their expression is regulated in the retina has implications for understanding both their activity and the mechanisms determining cell-type specificity within the retina.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

In order to define and characterize their promoters, a series of luciferase/GFP reporter constructs that contain various fragments of the 5'-upstream region of each gene, both murine and human, were tested in photoreceptor-like and non-photoreceptor cell lines and also in a biologically more relevant mouse retinal explant system. For NXNL1, 5'-deletion analysis identified the human -205/+57 bp and murine -351/+51 bp regions as having promoter activity. Moreover, in the retinal explants these constructs drove expression specifically to photoreceptor cells. For NXNL2, the human -393/+27 bp and murine -195/+70 bp regions were found to be sufficient for promoter activity. However, despite the fact that endogenous NXNL2 expression is photoreceptor-specific within the retina, neither of these DNA sequences nor larger upstream regions demonstrated photoreceptor-specific expression. Further analysis showed that a 79 bp NXNL2 positive regulatory sequence (-393 to 315 bp) combined with a 134 bp inactive minimal NXNL1 promoter fragment (-77 to +57 bp) was able to drive photoreceptor-specific expression, suggesting that the minimal NXNL1 fragment contains latent elements that encode cell-type specificity. Finally, based on bioinformatic analysis that suggested the importance of a CRX binding site within the minimal NXNL1 fragment, we found by mutation analysis that, depending on the context, the CRX site can play a dual role.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

The regulation of the Nucleoredoxin-like genes involves a CRX responsive element that can act as both as a positive regulator of promoter activity and as a modulator of cell-type specificity.

Redox regulation of Wnt signalling via nucleoredoxin

Numerous studies indicate that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are not merely cellular by-products of respiration, but are able to modulate various signalling pathways and play certain physiological roles. Recent studies have revealed the importance of translating ROS-generation to activation/suppression of specific signalling pathways. The Wnt signalling pathway, which is essential for early development and stem cell maintenance, is also regulated by ROS. A thioredoxin-related protein, nucleoredoxin (NRX), governs ROS-stimulated Wnt signalling in a temporal manner. NRX usually interacts with Dishevelled (Dvl), an essential adaptor protein for Wnt signalling, and blocks the activation of the Wnt pathway. Oxidative stress causes dissociation of NRX from Dvl, which enables Dvl to activate the downstream Wnt signalling pathway. This study also presents the latest research findings on NRX and its related molecules.

The disruption of the rod-derived cone viability gene leads to photoreceptor dysfunction and susceptibility to oxidative stress

Rod-derived cone viability factor (RdCVF) is a thioredoxin-like protein, which has therapeutic potential for rod-cone dystrophies such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Cone loss in rodent models of RP is effectively reduced by RdCVF treatment. In this study, we investigate the physiological role of RdCVF in the retina by analyzing the phenotype of the mouse lacking the RdCVF gene, Nxnl1. Although the mice do not show an obvious developmental defect, an age-related reduction of both cone and rod function and a delay in the dark-adaptation of the retina are recorded by electroretinogram (ERG). This functional change is accompanied by a 17% reduction in cone density and a 20% reduction in thickness of the outer nuclear layer. The transcriptome of the retina reveals early changes in the expression of genes involved in programmed cell death, stress-response and redox-signaling, which is followed by a generalized injury response with increased microglial activation, GFAP, FGF2 and lipid peroxidation levels. Furthermore, cones of the mice lacking Nxnl1 are more sensitive to oxidative stress with a reduction of 65% in the cone flicker ERG amplitude measured under hyperoxic conditions. We show here that the RdCVF gene, in addition to therapeutic properties, has an essential role in photoreceptor maintenance and resistance to retinal oxidative stress.

The thioredoxin-like protein rod-derived cone viability factor (RdCVFL) interacts with TAU and inhibits its phosphorylation in the retina

Rod-derived cone viability factor (RdCVF) is produced by the Nxnl1 gene that codes for a second polypeptide, RdCVFL, by alternative splicing. Although the role of RdCVF in promoting cone survival has been described, the implication of RdCVFL, a putative thioredoxin enzyme, in the protection of photoreceptors is presently unknown. Using a proteomics approach we identified 90 proteins interacting with RdCVFL including the microtubule-binding protein TAU. We demonstrate that the level of phosphorylation of TAU is increased in the retina of the Nxnl1(-/-) mice as it is hyperphosphorylated in the brain of patients suffering from Alzheimer disease, presumably in some cases through oxidative stress. Using a cell-based assay, we show that RdCVFL inhibits TAU phosphorylation. In vitro, RdCVFL protects TAU from oxidative damage. Photooxidative stress is implicated in retinal degeneration, particularly in retinitis pigmentosa, where it is considered to be a contributor to secondary cone death. The functional interaction between RdCVFL and TAU described here is the first characterization of the RdCVFL signaling pathway involved in neuronal cell death mediated by oxidative stress.

Functional cone rescue by RdCVF protein in a dominant model of retinitis pigmentosa

In retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a majority of causative mutations affect genes solely expressed in rods; however, cone degeneration inevitably follows rod cell loss. Following transplantation and in vitro studies, we demonstrated the role of photoreceptor cell paracrine interactions and identified a Rod-derived Cone Viability Factor (RdCVF), which increases cone survival. In order to establish the clinical relevance of such mechanism, we assessed the functional benefit afforded by the injection of this factor in a frequent type of rhodopsin mutation, the P23H rat. In this model of autosomal dominant RP, RdCVF expression decreases in parallel with primary rod degeneration, which is followed by cone loss. RdCVF protein injections induced an increase in cone cell number and, more important, a further increase in the corresponding electroretinogram (ERG). These results indicate that RdCVF can not only rescue cones but also preserve significantly their function. Interestingly, the higher amplitude of the functional versus the survival effect of RdCVF on cones indicates that RdCVF is acting more directly on cone function. The demonstration at the functional level of the therapeutic potential of RdCVF in the most frequent of dominant RP mutations paves the way toward the use of RdCVF for preserving central vision in many RP patients.