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Xu K, Yu L, Wang Z, Lin P, Zhang N, Xing Y, Yang N. Use of gene therapy for optic nerve protection: Current concepts. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1158030. [PMID: 37090805 PMCID: PMC10117674 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1158030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy has become an essential treatment for optic nerve injury (ONI) in recent years, and great strides have been made using animal models. ONI, which is characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and axons, can induce abnormalities in the pupil light reflex, visual field defects, and even vision loss. The eye is a natural organ to target with gene therapy because of its high accessibility and certain immune privilege. As such, numerous gene therapy trials are underway for treating eye diseases such as glaucoma. The aim of this review was to cover research progress made in gene therapy for ONI. Specifically, we focus on the potential of gene therapy to prevent the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and protect both RGCs and axons. We cover the basic information of gene therapy, including the classification of gene therapy, especially focusing on genome editing therapy, and then we introduce common editing tools and vector tools such as Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) -Cas9 and adeno-associated virus (AAV). We also summarize the progress made on understanding the roles of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), phosphatase-tensin homolog (PTEN), suppressor of cytokine signal transduction 3 (SOCS3), histone acetyltransferases (HATs), and other important molecules in optic nerve protection. However, gene therapy still has many challenges, such as misalignment and mutations, immunogenicity of AAV, time it takes and economic cost involved, which means that these issues need to be addressed before clinical trials can be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lu Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aier Eye Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhiyi Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Pei Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ningzhi Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yiqiao Xing
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aier Eye Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- *Correspondence: Yiqiao Xing,
| | - Ning Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Ning Yang,
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Rhee J, Shih KC. Use of Gene Therapy in Retinal Ganglion Cell Neuroprotection: Current Concepts and Future Directions. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11040581. [PMID: 33920974 PMCID: PMC8071340 DOI: 10.3390/biom11040581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We systematically reviewed published translational research on gene-based therapy for retinal ganglion cell (RGC) neuroprotection. A search was conducted on Entrez PubMed on 23 December 2020 using the keywords "gene therapy", "retinal ganglion cell" and "neuroprotection". The initial search yielded 82 relevant articles. After restricting publications to those with full text available and in the English language, and then curating for only original articles on gene-based therapy, the final yield was 18 relevant articles. From the 18 papers, 17 of the papers utilized an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector for gene therapy encoding specific genes of interest. Specifically, six of the studies utilized an AAV vector encoding brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), two of the studies utilized an AAV vector encoding erythropoietin (EPO), the remaining 10 papers utilized AAV vectors encoding different genes and one microRNA study. Although the literature shows promising results in both in vivo and in vitro models, there is still a significant way to go before gene-based therapy for RGC neuroprotection can proceed to clinical trials. Namely, the models of injury in many of the studies were more acute in nature, unlike the more progressive and neurodegenerative pathophysiology of diseases, such as glaucoma. The regulation of gene expression is also highly unexplored despite the use of AAV vectors in the majority of the studies reviewed. It is also expected that with the successful launch of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)-based vaccinations in 2020, we will see a shift towards this technology for gene-based therapy in glaucoma neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jess Rhee
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A3K7, Canada;
| | - Kendrick Co Shih
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence:
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Tsai JC. Innovative IOP-Independent Neuroprotection and Neuroregeneration Strategies in the Pipeline for Glaucoma. J Ophthalmol 2020; 2020:9329310. [PMID: 33014446 PMCID: PMC7512103 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9329310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
While sustained reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) has been shown to halt and/or delay the progressive death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in glaucoma, there exists great interest in the development and validation of IOP-independent therapeutic strategies for neuroprotection and/or neuroregeneration. Multiple etiologies for RGC death have been implicated in glaucoma including defective axonal transport, ischemia, excitotoxicity, reactive oxygen species, trophic factor withdrawal, and loss of RGC electrical activity. However, IOP lowering with medical, laser, and surgical therapies is itself neuroprotective, and investigators are seeking to identify agents that are able to confer neuroprotection independent of IOP reduction, as well as providing for regeneration of nonviable RGCs and their axons to restore and/or maintain functional vision. These innovative strategies in the pipeline include investigation of neurotrophic factors, gene therapy, immune system modulation, and novel neuroregeneration pathways. Alongside this new knowledge, enhanced opportunities for discovery of vision preservation and/or restoration therapies must be weighed against the potential disadvantages of perturbing the complex central nervous system environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C. Tsai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Kim KL, Park SP. Up-to-date knowledge on age-related macular degeneration. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION 2018. [DOI: 10.5124/jkma.2018.61.7.416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung Lae Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Pyo Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Abstract
Background Visual impairment in elderly people is a considerable health problem that significantly affects quality of life of millions worldwide. The magnitude of this issue is becoming more evident with an aging population and an increasing number of older individuals. Objective The objective of this article was to review the clinical and pathological aspects of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diagnostic tools, and therapeutic modalities presently available or underway for both atrophic and wet forms of the disease. Methods An online review of the PubMed database was performed, searching for the key words. The search was limited to articles published since 1980 to date. Results Several risk factors have been linked to AMD, such as age (>60 years), lifestyle (smoking and diet), and family history. Although the pathogenesis of AMD remains unclear, genetic factors have been implicated in the condition. Treatment for atrophic AMD is mainly close observation, coupled with nutritional supplements such as zinc and antioxidants, whereas treatment of wet AMD is based on targeting choroidal neovascular membranes. Conclusion Identification of modifiable risk factors would improve the possibilities of preventing the progression of AMD. The role of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents has transformed the therapeutic approach of the potentially blinding disease “wet AMD” into a more favorable outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem M Al-Zamil
- Department of Ophthalmology, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sanaa A Yassin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia
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Ramin S, Pakravan M, Habibi G, Ghazavi R. Scientometric analysis and mapping of 20 years of glaucoma research. Int J Ophthalmol 2016; 9:1329-35. [PMID: 27672601 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2016.09.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To provide a scientometric analysis in the field of glaucoma. METHODS A bibliometric method was used to obtain a view of the scientific production in field of glaucoma by data extracted from the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) from 1993 to 2013. Specific parameters were retrieved from the ISI. Articles about glaucoma were analyzed regarding the topics' structure, history, and document relationships using HistCite software. Also, the trends in the most influential publications and authors were analyzed. RESULTS The number of articles was constantly increasing, and most highly cited articles addressed clinical and epidemiologic topics in this field. During the past three years, there has been a trend towards genomic research studies and also more molecular translational research. CONCLUSION This was the first scientometric report on glaucoma, analyzing the characteristics of papers and the trends in scientific production. A constant increase was observed in the number of papers, while the subject of papers had a shift in the past three years towards genomic research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahrokh Ramin
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14416, Iran
| | - Mohammad Pakravan
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14416, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Habibi
- Farzan Scientometric Group, Farzan Clinical Research Institute, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roghayeh Ghazavi
- Farzan Scientometric Group, Farzan Clinical Research Institute, Tehran, Iran
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Johnson TV, Oglesby EN, Steinhart MR, Cone-Kimball E, Jefferys J, Quigley HA. Time-Lapse Retinal Ganglion Cell Dendritic Field Degeneration Imaged in Organotypic Retinal Explant Culture. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2016; 57:253-64. [PMID: 26811145 PMCID: PMC4736988 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.15-17769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To develop an ex vivo organotypic retinal explant culture system suitable for multiple time-point imaging of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) dendritic arbors over a period of 1 week, and capable of detecting dendrite neuroprotection conferred by experimental treatments. Methods Thy1-YFP mouse retinas were explanted and maintained in organotypic culture. Retinal ganglion cell dendritic arbors were imaged repeatedly using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Maximal projection z-stacks were traced by two masked investigators and dendritic fields were analyzed for characteristics including branch number, size, and complexity. One group of explants was treated with brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) added to the culture media. Changes in individual dendritic fields over time were detected using pair-wise comparison testing. Results Retinal ganglion cells in mouse retinal explant culture began to degenerate after 3 days with 52.4% surviving at 7 days. Dendritic field parameters showed minimal change over 8 hours in culture. Intra- and interobserver measurements of dendrite characteristics were strongly correlated (Spearman rank correlations consistently > 0.80). Statistically significant (P < 0.001) dendritic tree degeneration was detected following 7 days in culture including: 40% to 50% decreases in number of branch segments, number of junctions, number of terminal branches, and total branch length. Scholl analyses similarly demonstrated a significant decrease in dendritic field complexity. Treatment of explants with BDNF+CNTF significantly attenuated dendritic field degeneration. Conclusions Retinal explant culture of Thy1-YFP tissue provides a useful model for time-lapse imaging of RGC dendritic field degeneration over a course of several days, and is capable of detecting neuroprotective amelioration of dendritic pruning within individual RGCs.
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Schmidl D, Schmetterer L, Garhöfer G, Popa-Cherecheanu A. Pharmacotherapy of glaucoma. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2015; 31:63-77. [PMID: 25587905 PMCID: PMC4346603 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2014.0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2014] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a group of diseases involving the optic nerve and associated structures, which is characterized by progressive visual field loss and typical changes of the optic nerve head (ONH). The only known treatment of the disease is reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP), which has been shown to reduce glaucoma progression in a variety of large-scale clinical trials. Nowadays, a relatively wide array of topical antiglaucoma drugs is available, including prostaglandin analogues, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, beta-receptor antagonists, adrenergic agonists, and parasympathomimetics. In clinical routine, this allows for individualized treatment taking risk factors, efficacy, and safety into account. A major challenge is related to adherence to therapy. Sustained release devices may help minimize this problem but are not yet available for clinical routine use. Another hope arises from non-IOP-related treatment concepts. In recent years, much knowledge has been gained regarding the molecular mechanisms that underlie the disease process in glaucoma. This also strengthens the hope that glaucoma therapy beyond IOP lowering will become available. Implementing this concept with clinical trials remains, however, a challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doreen Schmidl
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leopold Schmetterer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard Garhöfer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Yonekawa Y, Miller JW, Kim IK. Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Advances in Management and Diagnosis. J Clin Med 2015; 4:343-59. [PMID: 26239130 PMCID: PMC4470128 DOI: 10.3390/jcm4020343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Revised: 12/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of irreversible visual impairment in older populations in industrialized nations. AMD is a late-onset deterioration of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium in the central retina caused by various environmental and genetic factors. Great strides in our understanding of AMD pathogenesis have been made in the past several decades, which have translated into revolutionary therapeutic agents in recent years. In this review, we describe the clinical and pathologic features of AMD and present an overview of current diagnosis and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Yonekawa
- Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Joan W Miller
- Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Ivana K Kim
- Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Ishikawa M, Yoshitomi T, Zorumski CF, Izumi Y. Neurosteroids are endogenous neuroprotectants in an ex vivo glaucoma model. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2014; 55:8531-41. [PMID: 25406290 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.14-15624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Allopregnanolone is a neurosteroid and powerful modulator of neuronal excitability. The neuroprotective effects of allopregnanolone involve potentiation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibitory responses. Although glutamate excitotoxicity contributes to ganglion cell death in glaucoma, the role of GABA in glaucoma remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to determine whether allopregnanolone synthesis is induced by high pressure in the retina and whether allopregnanolone modulates pressure-mediated toxicity. METHODS Ex vivo rat retinas were exposed to hydrostatic pressure (10, 35, and 75 mm Hg) for 24 hours. Endogenous allopregnanolone production was determined by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and immunochemistry. We also examined the effects of allopregnanolone, finasteride, and dutasteride (inhibitors of 5α-reductase), picrotoxin (a GABA(A) receptor antagonist), and D-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (APV, a broad-spectrum N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor [NMDAR] antagonist). RESULTS Pressure loading at 75 mm Hg significantly increased allopregnanolone levels as measured by LC-MS/MS. Elevated hydrostatic pressure also increased neurosteroid immunofluorescence, especially in the ganglion cell layer and inner nuclear layers. Staining was negligible at lower pressures. Enhanced allopregnanolone levels and immunostaining were substantially blocked by finasteride, but more effectively inhibited by dutasteride and APV. Administration of exogenous allopregnanolone suppressed pressure-induced axonal swelling in a concentration-dependent manner, while picrotoxin overcame these neuroprotective effects. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that the synthesis of allopregnanolone is enhanced mainly via NMDARs in the pressure-loaded retina, and that allopregnanolone diminishes pressure-mediated retinal degeneration via GABAA receptors. Allopregnanolone and other related neurosteroids may serve as potential novel therapeutic targets for the prevention of pressure-induced retinal damage in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Ishikawa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Akita Graduate University School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yoshitomi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Akita Graduate University School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Charles F Zorumski
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Yukitoshi Izumi
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
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Yonekawa Y, Kim IK. Clinical characteristics and current treatment of age-related macular degeneration. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2014; 5:a017178. [PMID: 25280900 PMCID: PMC4292078 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a017178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial degeneration of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium. The societal impact is significant, with more than 2 million individuals in the United States alone affected by advanced stages of AMD. Recent progress in our understanding of this complex disease and parallel developments in therapeutics and imaging have translated into new management paradigms in recent years. However, there are many unanswered questions, and diagnostic and prognostic precision and treatment outcomes can still be improved. In this article, we discuss the clinical features of AMD, provide correlations with modern imaging and histopathology, and present an overview of treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Yonekawa
- Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
| | - Ivana K Kim
- Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
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