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Rao F, Cao J, Wang C, Xiang S, Wu K, Lin D, Lv J, Wang X, Wang M, Xiang L. Overexpression of miR-96 leads to retinal degeneration in mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 719:150048. [PMID: 38763044 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150048] [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: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Double knockout of miR-183 and miR-96 results in retinal degeneration in mice; however, single knockout of miR-96 leads to developmental delay but not substantial retinal degeneration. To further explore the role of miR-96, we overexpressed this miRNA in mouse retinas. Interestingly, we found that overexpression of miR-96 at a safe dose results in retinal degeneration in the mouse retina. The retinal photoreceptors dramatically degenerated in the miR-96-overexpressing group, as shown by OCT, ERG and cryosectioning at one month after subretinal injection. Degenerative features such as TUNEL signals and reactive gliosis were observed in the miR-96-overexpressing retina. RNA-seq data revealed that immune responses and microglial activation occurred in the degenerating retina. Further qRT‒PCR and immunostaining experiments verified the microglial activation. Moreover, the number of microglia in the miR-96-overexpressing retinas was significantly increased. Our findings demonstrate that appropriate miR-96 expression is required for mouse retinal homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengqin Rao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, China; Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; College of Nursing, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Jianbin Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, China
| | - Chenyu Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health & Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shengjin Xiang
- Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Kunchao Wu
- Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The First People's Hospital of Guiyang, China
| | - Dan Lin
- Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Jineng Lv
- Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
| | - Mingcang Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, China.
| | - Lue Xiang
- Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China.
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2
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Seidemann S, Salomon F, Hoffmann KB, Kurth T, Sbalzarini IF, Haase R, Ader M. Automated quantification of photoreceptor outer segments in developing and degenerating retinas on microscopy images across scales. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1398447. [PMID: 38854587 PMCID: PMC11157083 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1398447] [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: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The functionality of photoreceptors, rods, and cones is highly dependent on their outer segments (POS), a cellular compartment containing highly organized membranous structures that generate biochemical signals from incident light. While POS formation and degeneration are qualitatively assessed on microscopy images, reliable methodology for quantitative analyses is still limited. Here, we developed methods to quantify POS (QuaPOS) maturation and quality on retinal sections using automated image analyses. POS formation was examined during the development and in adulthood of wild-type mice via light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). To quantify the number, size, shape, and fluorescence intensity of POS, retinal cryosections were immunostained for the cone POS marker S-opsin. Fluorescence images were used to train the robust classifier QuaPOS-LM based on supervised machine learning for automated image segmentation. Characteristic features of segmentation results were extracted to quantify the maturation of cone POS. Subsequently, this quantification method was applied to characterize POS degeneration in "cone photoreceptor function loss 1" mice. TEM images were used to establish the ultrastructural quantification method QuaPOS-TEM for the alignment of POS membranes. Images were analyzed using a custom-written MATLAB code to extract the orientation of membranes from the image gradient and their alignment (coherency). This analysis was used to quantify the POS morphology of wild-type and two inherited retinal degeneration ("retinal degeneration 19" and "rhodopsin knock-out") mouse lines. Both automated analysis technologies provided robust characterization and quantification of POS based on LM or TEM images. Automated image segmentation by the classifier QuaPOS-LM and analysis of the orientation of membrane stacks by QuaPOS-TEM using fluorescent or TEM images allowed quantitative evaluation of POS formation and quality. The assessments showed an increase in POS number, volume, and membrane coherency during wild-type postnatal development, while a decrease in all three observables was detected in different retinal degeneration mouse models. All the code used for the presented analysis is open source, including example datasets to reproduce the findings. Hence, the QuaPOS quantification methods are useful for in-depth characterization of POS on retinal sections in developmental studies, for disease modeling, or after therapeutic interventions affecting photoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suse Seidemann
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Florian Salomon
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Karl B. Hoffmann
- Faculty of Computer Science, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Kurth
- Core Facility Electron Microscopy and Histology, Technology Platform, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ivo F. Sbalzarini
- Faculty of Computer Science, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- DFG Cluster of Excellence “Physics of Life”, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Scalable Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (ScaDS.AI), Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Robert Haase
- DFG Cluster of Excellence “Physics of Life”, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Scalable Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (ScaDS.AI), Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marius Ader
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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3
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Rajanala K, Upadhyay A. Epigenetic Switches in Retinal Homeostasis and Target for Drug Development. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2840. [PMID: 38474086 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052840] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinal homeostasis, a tightly regulated process maintaining the functional integrity of the retina, is vital for visual function. Emerging research has unveiled the critical role of epigenetic regulation in controlling gene expression patterns during retinal development, maintenance, and response to mutational loads and injuries. Epigenetic switches, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, play pivotal roles in orchestrating retinal gene expression and cellular responses through various intracellular, extracellular, and environmental modulators. This review compiles the current knowledge on epigenetic switches in retinal homeostasis, providing a deeper understanding of their impact on retinal structural integrity and function and using them as potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arun Upadhyay
- Ocugen Inc., 11 Great Valley Parkway, Malvern, PA 19355, USA
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4
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Kathirvel K, Fan X, Haribalaganesh R, Bharanidharan D, Sharmila R, Krishnadas R, Muthukkaruppan V, Willoughby CE, Senthilkumari S. Small RNA Sequencing Reveals a Distinct MicroRNA Signature between Glucocorticoid Responder and Glucocorticoid Non-Responder Primary Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells after Dexamethasone Treatment. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2012. [PMID: 38002955 PMCID: PMC10671261 DOI: 10.3390/genes14112012] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are known to regulate several physiological processes and are the mainstay in the management of inflammatory eye diseases. The long-term use of GC causes raised intraocular pressure (IOP) or ocular hypertension (OHT) in about 30-50% of the susceptible individuals depending on the route of administration, and can lead to steroid-induced secondary glaucoma. The present study aims to understand the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in differential glucocorticoid (GC) responsiveness in human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells using small RNA sequencing. The human organ-cultured anterior segment (HOCAS) model was used to identify whether donor eyes were from GC-responders (GC-R; n = 4) or GC-non-responders (GC-NR; n = 4) following treatment with either 100 nM dexamethasone (DEX) or ethanol (ETH) for 7 days. The total RNA was extracted from cultured HTM cells with known GC responsiveness, and the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMIRs) were compared among the following five groups: Group #1: ETH vs. DEX-treated GC-R; #2: ETH vs. DEX-treated GC-NR; #3: overlapping DEGs between Group #1 and #2; #4: Unique DEMIRs of GC-R; #5: Unique DEMIRs of GC-NR; and validated by RT-qPCR. There were 13 and 21 DEMIRs identified in Group #1 and Group #2, respectively. Seven miRNAs were common miRNAs dysregulated in both GC-R and GC-NR (Group #3). This analysis allowed the identification of DEMIRs that were unique to GC-R (6 miRNAs) and GC-NR (14 miRNAs) HTM cells, respectively. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis identified enriched pathways and biological processes associated with differential GC responsiveness in HTM cells. This is the first study to reveal a unique miRNA signature between GC-R and GC-NR HTM cells, which raises the possibility of developing new molecular targets for the management of steroid-OHT/glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kandasamy Kathirvel
- Department of Ocular Pharmacology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation #1, Anna Nagar, Madurai 625020, Tamilnadu, India
- Department of Bioinformatics, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai 625020, Tamilnadu, India;
| | - Xiaochen Fan
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZX, UK;
| | - Ravinarayanan Haribalaganesh
- Department of Ocular Pharmacology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation #1, Anna Nagar, Madurai 625020, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Devarajan Bharanidharan
- Department of Bioinformatics, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai 625020, Tamilnadu, India;
| | | | - Ramasamy Krishnadas
- Glaucoma Clinic, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai 625020, Tamilnadu, India (R.K.)
| | | | - Colin E. Willoughby
- Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, BT52 1SA Coleraine, UK
| | - Srinivasan Senthilkumari
- Department of Ocular Pharmacology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation #1, Anna Nagar, Madurai 625020, Tamilnadu, India
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5
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Li W, Gurdziel K, Pitchaikannu A, Gupta N, Hazlett LD, Xu S. The miR-183/96/182 cluster is a checkpoint for resident immune cells and shapes the cellular landscape of the cornea. Ocul Surf 2023; 30:17-41. [PMID: 37536656 PMCID: PMC10834862 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.07.012] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The conserved miR-183/96/182 cluster (miR-183C) regulates both corneal sensory innervation and corneal resident immune cells (CRICs). This study is to uncover its role in CRICs and in shaping the corneal cellular landscape at a single-cell (sc) level. METHODS Corneas of naïve, young adult [2 and 6 months old (mo)], female miR-183C knockout (KO) mice and wild-type (WT) littermates were harvested and dissociated into single cells. Dead cells were removed using a Dead Cell Removal kit. CD45+ CRICs were enriched by Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS). scRNA libraries were constructed and sequenced followed by comprehensive bioinformatic analyses. RESULTS The composition of major cell types of the cornea stays relatively stable in WT mice from 2 to 6 mo, however the compositions of subtypes of corneal cells shift with age. Inactivation of miR-183C disrupts the stability of the major cell-type composition and age-related transcriptomic shifts of subtypes of corneal cells. The diversity of CRICs is enhanced with age. Naïve mouse cornea contains previously-unrecognized resident fibrocytes and neutrophils. Resident macrophages (ResMφ) adopt cornea-specific function by expressing abundant extracellular matrix (ECM) and ECM organization-related genes. Naïve cornea is endowed with partially-differentiated proliferative ResMφ and contains microglia-like Mφ. Resident lymphocytes, including innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), NKT and γδT cells, are the major source of innate IL-17a. miR-183C limits the diversity and polarity of ResMφ. CONCLUSION miR-183C serves as a checkpoint for CRICs and imposes a global regulation of the cellular landscape of the cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifeng Li
- Predoctoral Training Program in Human Genetics, McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Department of Genetic Medicine, USA; Wilmer Eye Institute, School of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Ahalya Pitchaikannu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Naman Gupta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Linda D Hazlett
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Shunbin Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.
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6
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Celiker C, Weissova K, Cerna KA, Oppelt J, Dorgau B, Gambin FM, Sebestikova J, Lako M, Sernagor E, Liskova P, Barta T. Light-responsive microRNA molecules in human retinal organoids are differentially regulated by distinct wavelengths of light. iScience 2023; 26:107237. [PMID: 37485345 PMCID: PMC10362355 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells in the human retina must rapidly adapt to constantly changing visual stimuli. This fast adaptation to varying levels and wavelengths of light helps to regulate circadian rhythms and allows for adaptation to high levels of illumination, thereby enabling the rest of the visual system to remain responsive. It has been shown that retinal microRNA (miRNA) molecules play a key role in regulating these processes. However, despite extensive research using various model organisms, light-regulated miRNAs in human retinal cells remain unknown. Here, we aim to characterize these miRNAs. We generated light-responsive human retinal organoids that express miRNA families and clusters typically found in the retina. Using an in-house developed photostimulation device, we identified a subset of light-regulated miRNAs. Importantly, we found that these miRNAs are differentially regulated by distinct wavelengths of light and have a rapid turnover, highlighting the dynamic and adaptive nature of the human retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canan Celiker
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kamila Weissova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Amruz Cerna
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Oppelt
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Neuropathology, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Birthe Dorgau
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Francisco Molina Gambin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Sebestikova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Evelyne Sernagor
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Petra Liskova
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Barta
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
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7
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Davari M, Soheili ZS, Latifi-Navid H, Samiee S. Potential involvement of miR-183/96/182 cluster-gene target interactions in transdifferentiation of human retinal pigment epithelial cells into retinal neurons. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 663:87-95. [PMID: 37119770 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.04.044] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
miR-183/96/182 cluster plays a critical role in the developing retina by regulating many target genes involved in signaling pathways. This study aimed to survey the miR-183/96/182 cluster-target interactions that, potentially contribute to human retinal pigmented epithelial (hRPE) cell differentiation into photoreceptors. Target genes of the miR-183/96/182 cluster were obtained from miRNA-target databases and applied to construct miRNA-target networks. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway analysis was performed. miR-183/96/182 cluster sequence was cloned into an eGFP-intron splicing cassette in an AAV2 vector and overexpressed in hRPE cells. The expression level of target genes including HES1, PAX6, SOX2, CCNJ, and RORΒ was evaluated using qPCR. Our results showed that miR-183, miR-96, and miR-182 share 136 target genes that are involved in cell proliferation pathways such as PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathway. qPCR data indicated a 22-, 7-, and 4-fold overexpression of miR-183, miR-96, and miR-182, respectively, in infected hRPE cells. Consequently, the downregulation of several key targets such as PAX6, CCND2, CDK5R1, and CCNJ and upregulation of a few retina-specific neural markers such as Rhodopsin, red opsin, and CRX was detected. Our findings suggest that the miR-183/96/182 cluster may induce hRPE transdifferentiation by targeting key genes that involve in the cell cycle and proliferation pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maliheh Davari
- Molecular Medicine Department, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra-Soheila Soheili
- Molecular Medicine Department, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hamid Latifi-Navid
- Molecular Medicine Department, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Samiee
- Blood Transfusion Research Center High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
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8
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Ferdous S, Shelton DA, Getz TE, Chrenek MA, L’Hernault N, Sellers JT, Summers VR, Iuvone PM, Boss JM, Boatright JH, Nickerson JM. Deletion of histone demethylase Lsd1 (Kdm1a) during retinal development leads to defects in retinal function and structure. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1104592. [PMID: 36846208 PMCID: PMC9950115 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1104592] [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: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of Lysine specific demethylase 1 (Lsd1) in murine retinal development. LSD1 is a histone demethylase that can demethylate mono- and di-methyl groups on H3K4 and H3K9. Using Chx10-Cre and Rho-iCre75 driver lines, we generated novel transgenic mouse lines to delete Lsd1 in most retinal progenitor cells or specifically in rod photoreceptors. We hypothesize that Lsd1 deletion will cause global morphological and functional defects due to its importance in neuronal development. Methods We tested the retinal function of young adult mice by electroretinogram (ERG) and assessed retinal morphology by in vivo imaging by fundus photography and SD-OCT. Afterward, eyes were enucleated, fixed, and sectioned for subsequent hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) or immunofluorescence staining. Other eyes were plastic fixed and sectioned for electron microscopy. Results In adult Chx10-Cre Lsd1fl/fl mice, we observed a marked reduction in a-, b-, and c-wave amplitudes in scotopic conditions compared to age-matched control mice. Photopic and flicker ERG waveforms were even more sharply reduced. Modest reductions in total retinal thickness and outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness were observed in SD-OCT and H&E images. Lastly, electron microscopy revealed significantly shorter inner and outer segments and immunofluorescence showed modest reductions in specific cell type populations. We did not observe any obvious functional or morphological defects in the adult Rho-iCre75 Lsd1fl/fl animals. Conclusion Lsd1 is necessary for neuronal development in the retina. Adult Chx10-Cre Lsd1fl/fl mice show impaired retinal function and morphology. These effects were fully manifested in young adults (P30), suggesting that Lsd1 affects early retinal development in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma Ferdous
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Tatiana E. Getz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Micah A. Chrenek
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Nancy L’Hernault
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jana T. Sellers
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Vivian R. Summers
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - P. Michael Iuvone
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jeremy M. Boss
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jeffrey H. Boatright
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Atlanta Veterans Administration Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Decatur, GA, United States
| | - John M. Nickerson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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9
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Peters F, Grimm C. Regulation of ABCA1 by miR-33 and miR-34a in the Aging Eye. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1415:55-59. [PMID: 37440014 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-27681-1_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Many age-related diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), go along with local lipid accumulation and dysregulated lipid metabolism. Several genes involved in lipid metabolism, including ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), were associated with AMD through genome-wide association studies. Recent studies have shown that loss of ABCA1 in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) leads to lipid accumulation and RPE atrophy, a hallmark of AMD, and that antagonizing ABCA1-targeting microRNAs (miRNAs) attenuated pathological changes to the RPE or to macrophages. Here, we focus on two lipid metabolism-modulating miRNAs, miR-33 and miR-34a, which show increased expression in aging RPE cells, and on their potential to regulate ABCA1 levels, cholesterol efflux, and lipid accumulation in AMD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Peters
- Laboratory for Retinal Cell Biology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland.
| | - Christian Grimm
- Laboratory for Retinal Cell Biology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
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10
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Carrella S, Di Guida M, Brillante S, Piccolo D, Ciampi L, Guadagnino I, Garcia Piqueras J, Pizzo M, Marrocco E, Molinari M, Petrogiannakis G, Barbato S, Ezhova Y, Auricchio A, Franco B, De Leonibus E, Surace EM, Indrieri A, Banfi S. miR-181a/b downregulation: a mutation-independent therapeutic approach for inherited retinal diseases. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e15941. [PMID: 36194668 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202215941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a group of diseases whose common landmark is progressive photoreceptor loss. The development of gene-specific therapies for IRDs is hampered by their wide genetic heterogeneity. Mitochondrial dysfunction is proving to constitute one of the key pathogenic events in IRDs; hence, approaches that enhance mitochondrial activities have a promising therapeutic potential for these conditions. We previously reported that miR-181a/b downregulation boosts mitochondrial turnover in models of primary retinal mitochondrial diseases. Here, we show that miR-181a/b silencing has a beneficial effect also in IRDs. In particular, the injection in the subretinal space of an adeno-associated viral vector (AAV) that harbors a miR-181a/b inhibitor (sponge) sequence (AAV2/8-GFP-Sponge-miR-181a/b) improves retinal morphology and visual function both in models of autosomal dominant (RHO-P347S) and of autosomal recessive (rd10) retinitis pigmentosa. Moreover, we demonstrate that miR-181a/b downregulation modulates the level of the mitochondrial fission-related protein Drp1 and rescues the mitochondrial fragmentation in RHO-P347S photoreceptors. Overall, these data support the potential use of miR-181a/b downregulation as an innovative mutation-independent therapeutic strategy for IRDs, which can be effective both to delay disease progression and to aid gene-specific therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Carrella
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Di Guida
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Brillante
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Davide Piccolo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Ludovica Ciampi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Irene Guadagnino
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Jorge Garcia Piqueras
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Pizzo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Elena Marrocco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Marta Molinari
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Georgios Petrogiannakis
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Molecular Life Science, Department of Science and Environmental, Biological and Farmaceutical Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sara Barbato
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Yulia Ezhova
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Molecular Life Science, Department of Science and Environmental, Biological and Farmaceutical Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Advanced Biomedicine, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Brunella Franco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.,Scuola Superiore Meridionale, School of Advanced Studies, Naples, Italy
| | - Elvira De Leonibus
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Institute of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Maria Surace
- Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Indrieri
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
| | - Sandro Banfi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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11
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Gene-independent therapeutic interventions to maintain and restore light sensitivity in degenerating photoreceptors. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 90:101065. [PMID: 35562270 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative retinal diseases are a prime cause of blindness in industrialized countries. In many cases, there are no therapeutic treatments, although they are essential to improve patients' quality of life. A set of disease-causing genes, which primarily affect photoreceptors, has already been identified and is of major interest for developing gene therapies. Nevertheless, depending on the nature and the state of the disease, gene-independent strategies are needed. Various strategies to halt disease progression or maintain function of the retina are under research. These therapeutic interventions include neuroprotection, direct reprogramming of affected photoreceptors, the application of non-coding RNAs, the generation of artificial photoreceptors by optogenetics and cell replacement strategies. During recent years, major breakthroughs have been made such as the first optogenetic application to a blind patient whose visual function partially recovered by targeting retinal ganglion cells. Also, RPE cell transplantation therapies are under clinical investigation and show great promise to improve visual function in blind patients. These cells are generated from human stem cells. Similar therapies for replacing photoreceptors are extensively tested in pre-clinical models. This marks just the start of promising new cures taking advantage of developments in the areas of genetic engineering, optogenetics, and stem-cell research. In this review, we present the recent therapeutic advances of gene-independent approaches that are currently under clinical evaluation. Our main focus is on photoreceptors as these sensory cells are highly vulnerable to degenerative diseases, and are crucial for light detection.
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12
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Xiang L, Zhang J, Rao FQ, Yang QL, Zeng HY, Huang SH, Xie ZX, Lv JN, Lin D, Chen XJ, Wu KC, Lu F, Huang XF, Chen Q. Depletion of miR-96 Delays, But Does Not Arrest, Photoreceptor Development in Mice. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:24. [PMID: 35481839 PMCID: PMC9055555 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.4.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Abundant retinal microRNA-183 cluster (miR-183C) has been reported to be a key player in photoreceptor development and functionality in mice. However, whether there is a protagonist in this cluster remains unclear. Here, we used a mutant mouse model to study the role of miR-96, a member of miR-183C, in photoreceptor development and functionality. Methods The mature miR-96 sequence was removed using the CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing system. Electroretinogram (ERG) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) investigated the changes in structure and function in mouse retinas. Immunostaining determined the localization and morphology of the retinal cells. RNA sequencing was conducted to observe retinal transcription alterations. Results The miR-96 mutant mice exhibited cone developmental delay, as occurs in miR-183/96 double knockout mice. Immunostaining of cone-specific marker genes revealed cone nucleus mislocalization and exiguous Opn1mw/Opn1sw in the mutant (MT) mouse outer segments at postnatal day 10. Interestingly, this phenomenon could be relieved in the adult stages. Transcriptome analysis revealed activation of microtubule-, actin filament–, and cilia-related pathways, further supporting the findings. Based on ERG and OCT results at different ages, the MT mice displayed developmental delay not only in cones but also in rods. In addition, a group of miR-96 potential direct and indirect target genes was summarized for interpretation and further studies of miR-96–related retinal developmental defects. Conclusions Depletion of miR-96 delayed but did not arrest photoreceptor development in mice. This miRNA is indispensable for mouse photoreceptor maturation, especially for cones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lue Xiang
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Feng-Qin Rao
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qiao-Li Yang
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hui-Yi Zeng
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Sheng-Hai Huang
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhen-Xiang Xie
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ji-Neng Lv
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou, China
| | - Dan Lin
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xue-Jiao Chen
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou, China
| | - Kun-Chao Wu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Fan Lu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiu-Feng Huang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qi Chen
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou, China
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13
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Fishman ES, Han JS, La Torre A. Oscillatory Behaviors of microRNA Networks: Emerging Roles in Retinal Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:831750. [PMID: 35186936 PMCID: PMC8847441 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.831750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A broad repertoire of transcription factors and other genes display oscillatory patterns of expression, typically ranging from 30 min to 24 h. These oscillations are associated with a variety of biological processes, including the circadian cycle, somite segmentation, cell cycle, and metabolism. These rhythmic behaviors are often prompted by transcriptional feedback loops in which transcriptional activities are inhibited by their corresponding gene target products. Oscillatory transcriptional patterns have been proposed as a mechanism to drive biological clocks, the molecular machinery that transforms temporal information into accurate spatial patterning during development. Notably, several microRNAs (miRNAs) -small non-coding RNA molecules-have been recently shown to both exhibit rhythmic expression patterns and regulate oscillatory activities. Here, we discuss some of these new findings in the context of the developing retina. We propose that miRNA oscillations are a powerful mechanism to coordinate signaling pathways and gene expression, and that addressing the dynamic interplay between miRNA expression and their target genes could be key for a more complete understanding of many developmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anna La Torre
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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14
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Brunet AA, Harvey AR, Carvalho LS. Primary and Secondary Cone Cell Death Mechanisms in Inherited Retinal Diseases and Potential Treatment Options. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020726. [PMID: 35054919 PMCID: PMC8775779 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a leading cause of blindness. To date, 260 disease-causing genes have been identified, but there is currently a lack of available and effective treatment options. Cone photoreceptors are responsible for daylight vision but are highly susceptible to disease progression, the loss of cone-mediated vision having the highest impact on the quality of life of IRD patients. Cone degeneration can occur either directly via mutations in cone-specific genes (primary cone death), or indirectly via the primary degeneration of rods followed by subsequent degeneration of cones (secondary cone death). How cones degenerate as a result of pathological mutations remains unclear, hindering the development of effective therapies for IRDs. This review aims to highlight similarities and differences between primary and secondary cone cell death in inherited retinal diseases in order to better define cone death mechanisms and further identify potential treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia A. Brunet
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia;
- Lions Eye Institute Ltd., 2 Verdun St, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-423-359-714
| | - Alan R. Harvey
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia;
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, 8 Verdun St, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Livia S. Carvalho
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia;
- Lions Eye Institute Ltd., 2 Verdun St, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
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15
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Rajool Dezfuly A, Safaee A, Salehi H. Therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles' miRNAs on retinal regeneration: a review. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:530. [PMID: 34620234 PMCID: PMC8499475 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02588-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which consist of microvesicles and exosomes, are secreted from all cells to transform vital information in the form of lipids, proteins, mRNAs and small RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs). Many studies demonstrated that EVs' miRNAs have effects on target cells. Numerous people suffer from the blindness caused by retinal degenerations. The death of retinal neurons is irreversible and creates permanent damage to the retina. In the absence of acceptable cures for retinal degenerative diseases, stem cells and their paracrine agents including EVs have become a promising therapeutic approach. Several studies showed that the therapeutic effects of stem cells are due to the miRNAs of their EVs. Considering the effects of microRNAs in retinal cells development and function and studies which provide the possible roles of mesenchymal stem cells-derived EVs miRNA content on retinal diseases, we focused on the similarities between these two groups of miRNAs that could be helpful for promoting new therapeutic techniques for retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rajool Dezfuly
- Department of Anatomical and Molecular Biology Sciences, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Azadeh Safaee
- Department of Anatomical and Molecular Biology Sciences, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hossein Salehi
- Department of Anatomical and Molecular Biology Sciences, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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16
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Andreazzoli M, Barravecchia I, De Cesari C, Angeloni D, Demontis GC. Inducible Pluripotent Stem Cells to Model and Treat Inherited Degenerative Diseases of the Outer Retina: 3D-Organoids Limitations and Bioengineering Solutions. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092489. [PMID: 34572137 PMCID: PMC8471616 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal degenerations (IRD) affecting either photoreceptors or pigment epithelial cells cause progressive visual loss and severe disability, up to complete blindness. Retinal organoids (ROs) technologies opened up the development of human inducible pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) for disease modeling and replacement therapies. However, hiPSC-derived ROs applications to IRD presently display limited maturation and functionality, with most photoreceptors lacking well-developed outer segments (OS) and light responsiveness comparable to their adult retinal counterparts. In this review, we address for the first time the microenvironment where OS mature, i.e., the subretinal space (SRS), and discuss SRS role in photoreceptors metabolic reprogramming required for OS generation. We also address bioengineering issues to improve culture systems proficiency to promote OS maturation in hiPSC-derived ROs. This issue is crucial, as satisfying the demanding metabolic needs of photoreceptors may unleash hiPSC-derived ROs full potential for disease modeling, drug development, and replacement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ivana Barravecchia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | | | - Debora Angeloni
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Gian Carlo Demontis
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Correspondence: (M.A.); (G.C.D.)
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17
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Chen XJ, Zhang CJ, Wang YH, Jin ZB. Retinal Degeneration Caused by Ago2 Disruption. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:14. [PMID: 34529004 PMCID: PMC8447045 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.12.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Argonaute proteins are key players in small RNA-guided gene silencing processes. Ago2 is the member of the Argonaute subfamily with slicer endonuclease activity and is critical for microRNA homeostasis and indispensable for biological development. However, the impact of Ago2 dysregulation in the retina remains to be fully explored. In this study, we studied the role of Ago2 in mouse retina. Methods We explored the function of Ago2 in the mouse retina through an adeno-associated virus-mediated Ago2 disruption mouse model. An ERG was carried out to determine the retinal function. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography, fundus photographs, and immunostaining were performed to investigate the retinal structure. A quantitative RT-PCR assay was used to determine the expression of noncoding RNAs. Results Both silencing and overexpression of Ago2 in mouse retina resulted in significant retinal morphological alterations and severe impairment of retinal function, mainly with a thinned outer nuclear layer, shortened inner segment/outer segment, and diminished ERG responses. Furthermore, Ago2 disruption resulted in alterations of noncoding RNAs in retina. Conclusions Our finding demonstrated that Ago2 interruption led to severe retinal degeneration, suggested that Ago2 homeostasis contributed to retinal structural and functional maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Jiao Chen
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chang-Jun Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Science Key Laboratory, Beijing, China
| | - Ya-Han Wang
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Science Key Laboratory, Beijing, China
| | - Zi-Bing Jin
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Science Key Laboratory, Beijing, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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18
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Chu-Tan JA, Cioanca AV, Feng ZP, Wooff Y, Schumann U, Aggio-Bruce R, Patel H, Rutar M, Hannan K, Panov K, Provis J, Natoli R. Functional microRNA targetome undergoes degeneration-induced shift in the retina. Mol Neurodegener 2021; 16:60. [PMID: 34465369 PMCID: PMC8406976 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-021-00478-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNA (miRNA) play a significant role in the pathogenesis of complex neurodegenerative diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), acting as post-transcriptional gene suppressors through their association with argonaute 2 (AGO2) - a key member of the RNA Induced Silencing Complex (RISC). Identifying the retinal miRNA/mRNA interactions in health and disease will provide important insight into the key pathways miRNA regulate in disease pathogenesis and may lead to potential therapeutic targets to mediate retinal degeneration. METHODS To identify the active miRnome targetome interactions in the healthy and degenerating retina, AGO2 HITS-CLIP was performed using a rodent model of photoreceptor degeneration. Analysis of publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) data was performed to identify the cellular location of AGO2 and key members of the microRNA targetome in the retina. AGO2 findings were verified by in situ hybridization (RNA) and immunohistochemistry (protein). RESULTS Analysis revealed a similar miRnome between healthy and damaged retinas, however, a shift in the active targetome was observed with an enrichment of miRNA involvement in inflammatory pathways. This shift was further demonstrated by a change in the seed binding regions of miR-124-3p, the most abundant retinal AGO2-bound miRNA, and has known roles in regulating retinal inflammation. Additionally, photoreceptor cluster miR-183/96/182 were all among the most highly abundant miRNA bound to AGO2. Following damage, AGO2 expression was localized to the inner retinal layers and more in the OLM than in healthy retinas, indicating a locational miRNA response to retinal damage. CONCLUSIONS This study provides important insight into the alteration of miRNA regulatory activity that occurs as a response to retinal degeneration and explores the miRNA-mRNA targetome as a consequence of retinal degenerations. Further characterisation of these miRNA/mRNA interactions in the context of the degenerating retina may provide an important insight into the active role these miRNA may play in diseases such as AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A. Chu-Tan
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
- The Australian National University Medical School, College of Health and Medicine, Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Adrian V. Cioanca
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Zhi-Ping Feng
- The ANU Bioinformatics Consultancy, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Yvette Wooff
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
- The Australian National University Medical School, College of Health and Medicine, Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Ulrike Schumann
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Riemke Aggio-Bruce
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
- The Australian National University Medical School, College of Health and Medicine, Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Hardip Patel
- The ANU Bioinformatics Consultancy, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Matt Rutar
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617 Australia
| | - Katherine Hannan
- ACRF Department of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Konstantin Panov
- School of Biological Sciences Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL Northern Ireland
| | - Jan Provis
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
- The Australian National University Medical School, College of Health and Medicine, Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Riccardo Natoli
- Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
- The Australian National University Medical School, College of Health and Medicine, Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
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19
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A genome-wide microRNA screen identifies the microRNA-183/96/182 cluster as a modulator of circadian rhythms. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2020454118. [PMID: 33443164 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2020454118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The regulatory mechanisms of circadian rhythms have been studied primarily at the level of the transcription-translation feedback loops of protein-coding genes. Regulatory modules involving noncoding RNAs are less thoroughly understood. In particular, emerging evidence has revealed the important role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in maintaining the robustness of the circadian system. To identify miRNAs that have the potential to modulate circadian rhythms, we conducted a genome-wide miRNA screen using U2OS luciferase reporter cells. Among 989 miRNAs in the library, 120 changed the period length in a dose-dependent manner. We further validated the circadian regulatory function of an miRNA cluster, miR-183/96/182, both in vitro and in vivo. We found that all three members of this miRNA cluster can modulate circadian rhythms. Particularly, miR-96 directly targeted a core circadian clock gene, PER2. The knockout of the miR-183/96/182 cluster in mice showed tissue-specific effects on circadian parameters and altered circadian rhythms at the behavioral level. This study identified a large number of miRNAs, including the miR-183/96/182 cluster, as circadian modulators. We provide a resource for further understanding the role of miRNAs in the circadian network and highlight the importance of miRNAs as a genome-wide layer of circadian clock regulation.
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20
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Zolboot N, Du JX, Zampa F, Lippi G. MicroRNAs Instruct and Maintain Cell Type Diversity in the Nervous System. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:646072. [PMID: 33994943 PMCID: PMC8116551 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.646072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Characterizing the diverse cell types that make up the nervous system is essential for understanding how the nervous system is structured and ultimately how it functions. The astonishing range of cellular diversity found in the nervous system emerges from a small pool of neural progenitor cells. These progenitors and their neuronal progeny proceed through sequential gene expression programs to produce different cell lineages and acquire distinct cell fates. These gene expression programs must be tightly regulated in order for the cells to achieve and maintain the proper differentiated state, remain functional throughout life, and avoid cell death. Disruption of developmental programs is associated with a wide range of abnormalities in brain structure and function, further indicating that elucidating their contribution to cellular diversity will be key to understanding brain health. A growing body of evidence suggests that tight regulation of developmental genes requires post-transcriptional regulation of the transcriptome by microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that function by binding to mRNA targets containing complementary sequences and repressing their translation into protein, thereby providing a layer of precise spatial and temporal control over gene expression. Moreover, the expression profiles and targets of miRNAs show great specificity for distinct cell types, brain regions and developmental stages, suggesting that they are an important parameter of cell type identity. Here, we provide an overview of miRNAs that are critically involved in establishing neural cell identities, focusing on how miRNA-mediated regulation of gene expression modulates neural progenitor expansion, cell fate determination, cell migration, neuronal and glial subtype specification, and finally cell maintenance and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norjin Zolboot
- The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Jessica X. Du
- The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Federico Zampa
- The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Giordano Lippi
- The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
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21
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Völkner M, Kurth T, Schor J, Ebner LJA, Bardtke L, Kavak C, Hackermüller J, Karl MO. Mouse Retinal Organoid Growth and Maintenance in Longer-Term Culture. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:645704. [PMID: 33996806 PMCID: PMC8114082 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.645704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Using retinal organoid systems, organ-like 3D tissues, relies implicitly on their robustness. However, essential key parameters, particularly retinal growth and longer-term culture, are still insufficiently defined. Here, we hypothesize that a previously optimized protocol for high yield of evenly-sized mouse retinal organoids with low variability facilitates assessment of such parameters. We demonstrate that these organoids reliably complete retinogenesis, and can be maintained at least up to 60 days in culture. During this time, the organoids continue to mature on a molecular and (ultra)structural level: They develop photoreceptor outer segments and synapses, transiently maintain its cell composition for about 5-10 days after completing retinogenesis, and subsequently develop pathologic changes - mainly of the inner but also outer retina and reactive gliosis. To test whether this organoid system provides experimental access to the retina during and upon completion of development, we defined and stimulated organoid growth by activating sonic hedgehog signaling, which in patients and mice in vivo with a congenital defect leads to enlarged eyes. Here, a sonic hedgehog signaling activator increased retinal epithelia length in the organoid system when applied during but not after completion of development. This experimentally supports organoid maturation, stability, and experimental reproducibility in this organoid system, and provides a potential enlarged retina pathology model, as well as a protocol for producing larger organoids. Together, our study advances the understanding of retinal growth, maturation, and maintenance, and further optimizes the organoid system for future utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Völkner
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Kurth
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technology Platform, Electron Microscopy and Histology Facility, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jana Schor
- Young Investigators Group Bioinformatics and Transcriptomics, Department Molecular Systems Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lynn J A Ebner
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Lara Bardtke
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Cagri Kavak
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jörg Hackermüller
- Young Investigators Group Bioinformatics and Transcriptomics, Department Molecular Systems Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mike O Karl
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,CRTD - Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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22
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Fishman ES, Louie M, Miltner AM, Cheema SK, Wong J, Schlaeger NM, Moshiri A, Simó S, Tarantal AF, La Torre A. MicroRNA Signatures of the Developing Primate Fovea. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:654385. [PMID: 33898453 PMCID: PMC8060505 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.654385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rod and cone photoreceptors differ in their shape, photopigment expression, synaptic connection patterns, light sensitivity, and distribution across the retina. Although rods greatly outnumber cones, human vision is mostly dependent on cone photoreceptors since cones are essential for our sharp visual acuity and color discrimination. In humans and other primates, the fovea centralis (fovea), a specialized region of the central retina, contains the highest density of cones. Despite the vast importance of the fovea for human vision, the molecular mechanisms guiding the development of this region are largely unknown. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small post-transcriptional regulators known to orchestrate developmental transitions and cell fate specification in the retina. Here, we have characterized the transcriptional landscape of the developing rhesus monkey retina. Our data indicates that non-human primate fovea development is significantly accelerated compared to the equivalent retinal region at the other side of the optic nerve head, as described previously. Notably, we also identify several miRNAs differentially expressed in the presumptive fovea, including miR-15b-5p, miR-342-5p, miR-30b-5p, miR-103-3p, miR-93-5p as well as the miRNA cluster miR-183/-96/-182. Interestingly, miR-342-5p is enriched in the nasal primate retina and in the peripheral developing mouse retina, while miR-15b is enriched in the temporal primate retina and increases over time in the mouse retina in a central-to-periphery gradient. Together our data constitutes the first characterization of the developing rhesus monkey retinal miRNome and provides novel datasets to attain a more comprehensive understanding of foveal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Fishman
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Mikaela Louie
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Adam M Miltner
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Simranjeet K Cheema
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Joanna Wong
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Nicholas M Schlaeger
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Ala Moshiri
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Sergi Simó
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Alice F Tarantal
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Anna La Torre
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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23
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Neurodegeneration, Neuroprotection and Regeneration in the Zebrafish Retina. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030633. [PMID: 33809186 PMCID: PMC8000332 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative retinal diseases, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, involve a gradual loss of neurons in the retina as the disease progresses. Central nervous system neurons are not able to regenerate in mammals, therefore, an often sought after course of treatment for neuronal loss follows a neuroprotective or regenerative strategy. Neuroprotection is the process of preserving the structure and function of the neurons that have survived a harmful insult; while regenerative approaches aim to replace or rewire the neurons and synaptic connections that were lost, or induce regrowth of damaged axons or dendrites. In order to test the neuroprotective effectiveness or the regenerative capacity of a particular agent, a robust experimental model of retinal neuronal damage is essential. Zebrafish are being used more often in this type of study because their eye structure and development is well-conserved between zebrafish and mammals. Zebrafish are robust genetic tools and are relatively inexpensive to maintain. The large array of functional and behavioral tests available in zebrafish makes them an attractive model for neuroprotection studies. Some common insults used to model retinal disease and study neuroprotection in zebrafish include intense light, chemical toxicity and mechanical damage. This review covers the existing retinal neuroprotection and regeneration literature in the zebrafish and highlights their potential for future studies.
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24
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Pawlick JS, Zuzic M, Pasquini G, Swiersy A, Busskamp V. MiRNA Regulatory Functions in Photoreceptors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:620249. [PMID: 33553155 PMCID: PMC7858257 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.620249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of gene expression. These small, non-coding RNAs post-transcriptionally silence messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in a sequence-specific manner. In this way, miRNAs control important regulatory functions, also in the retina. If dysregulated, these molecules are involved in several retinal pathologies. For example, several miRNAs have been linked to essential photoreceptor functions, including light sensitivity, synaptic transmission, and modulation of inflammatory responses. Mechanistic miRNA knockout and knockdown studies further linked their functions to degenerative retinal diseases. Of note, the type and timing of genetic manipulation before, during, or after retinal development, is important when studying specific miRNA knockout effects. Within this review, we focus on miR-124 and the miR-183/96/182 cluster, which have assigned functions in photoreceptors in health and disease. As a single miRNA can regulate hundreds of mRNAs, we will also discuss the experimental validation and manipulation approaches to study complex miRNA/mRNA regulatory networks. Revealing these networks is essential to understand retinal pathologies and to harness miRNAs as precise therapeutic and diagnostic tools to stabilize the photoreceptors’ transcriptomes and, thereby, function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Sophie Pawlick
- Universitäts-Augenklinik Bonn, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marta Zuzic
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Giovanni Pasquini
- Universitäts-Augenklinik Bonn, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anka Swiersy
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Volker Busskamp
- Universitäts-Augenklinik Bonn, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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25
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Carrella S, Banfi S, Karali M. Sophisticated Gene Regulation for a Complex Physiological System: The Role of Non-coding RNAs in Photoreceptor Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:629158. [PMID: 33537317 PMCID: PMC7848107 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.629158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptors (PRs) are specialized neuroepithelial cells of the retina responsible for sensory transduction of light stimuli. In the highly structured vertebrate retina, PRs have a highly polarized modular structure to accommodate the demanding processes of phototransduction and the visual cycle. Because of their function, PRs are exposed to continuous cellular stress. PRs are therefore under pressure to maintain their function in defiance of constant environmental perturbation, besides being part of a highly sophisticated developmental process. All this translates into the need for tightly regulated and responsive molecular mechanisms that can reinforce transcriptional programs. It is commonly accepted that regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), and in particular microRNAs (miRNAs), are not only involved but indeed central in conferring robustness and accuracy to developmental and physiological processes. Here we integrate recent findings on the role of regulatory ncRNAs (e.g., miRNAs, lncRNAs, circular RNAs, and antisense RNAs), and of their contribution to PR pathophysiology. We also outline the therapeutic implications of translational studies that harness ncRNAs to prevent PR degeneration and promote their survival and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Carrella
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sandro Banfi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Marianthi Karali
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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26
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Urbani A, Prosdocimi E, Carrer A, Checchetto V, Szabò I. Mitochondrial Ion Channels of the Inner Membrane and Their Regulation in Cell Death Signaling. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:620081. [PMID: 33585458 PMCID: PMC7874202 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.620081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are bioenergetic organelles with a plethora of fundamental functions ranging from metabolism and ATP production to modulation of signaling events leading to cell survival or cell death. Ion channels located in the outer and inner mitochondrial membranes critically control mitochondrial function and, as a consequence, also cell fate. Opening or closure of mitochondrial ion channels allow the fine-tuning of mitochondrial membrane potential, ROS production, and function of the respiratory chain complexes. In this review, we critically discuss the intracellular regulatory factors that affect channel activity in the inner membrane of mitochondria and, indirectly, contribute to cell death. These factors include various ligands, kinases, second messengers, and lipids. Comprehension of mitochondrial ion channels regulation in cell death pathways might reveal new therapeutic targets in mitochondria-linked pathologies like cancer, ischemia, reperfusion injury, and neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Urbani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Carrer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Ildikò Szabò
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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27
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Xu S, Coku A, Muraleedharan CK, Harajli A, Mishulin E, Dahabra C, Choi J, Garcia WJ, Webb K, Birch D, Goetz K, Li W. Mutation Screening in the miR-183/96/182 Cluster in Patients With Inherited Retinal Dystrophy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:619641. [PMID: 33425925 PMCID: PMC7785829 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.619641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophy (IRD) is a heterogenous blinding eye disease and affects more than 200,000 Americans and millions worldwide. By far, 270 protein-coding genes have been identified to cause IRD when defective. However, only one microRNA (miRNA), miR-204, has been reported to be responsible for IRD when a point-mutation occurs in its seed sequence. Previously, we identified that a conserved, polycistronic, paralogous miRNA cluster, the miR-183/96/182 cluster, is highly specifically expressed in all photoreceptors and other sensory organs; inactivation of this cluster in mice resulted in syndromic IRD with multi-sensory defects. We hypothesized that mutations in the miR-183/96/182 cluster in human cause IRD. To test this hypothesis, we perform mutation screening in the pre-miR-183, -96, -182 in >1000 peripheral blood DNA samples of patients with various forms of IRD. We identified six sequence variants, three in pre-miR-182 and three in pre-miR-96. These variants are in the pre-miRNA-182 or -96, but not in the mature miRNAs, and are unlikely to be the cause of the IRD in these patients. In spite of this, the nature and location of these sequence variants in the pre-miRNAs suggest that some may have impact on the biogenesis and maturation of miR-182 or miR-96 and potential roles in the susceptibility to diseases. Although reporting on negative results so far, our study established a system for mutation screening in the miR-183/96/182 cluster in human for a continued effort to unravel and provides deeper insight into the potential roles of miR-183/96/182 cluster in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunbin Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Ardian Coku
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Chithra K. Muraleedharan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Ali Harajli
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Eric Mishulin
- College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Chafic Dahabra
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Joanne Choi
- Class of 2020, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - William J. Garcia
- College of Natural Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Kaylie Webb
- Retina Foundation of the Southwest, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - David Birch
- Retina Foundation of the Southwest, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Kerry Goetz
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Weifeng Li
- Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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28
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Chan HW, Yang B, Wong W, Blakeley P, Seah I, Tan QSW, Wang H, Bhargava M, Lin HA, Chai CHC, Mangunkusumo EA, Thet N, Yuen YS, Sethi R, Wang S, Hunziker W, Lingam G, Su X. A Pilot Study on MicroRNA Profile in Tear Fluid to Predict Response to Anti-VEGF Treatments for Diabetic Macular Edema. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E2920. [PMID: 32927780 PMCID: PMC7564365 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9092920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) is an established treatment for center-involving diabetic macular edema (ci-DME). However, the clinical response is heterogeneous. This study investigated miRNAs as a biomarker to predict treatment response to anti-VEGF in DME. (2) Methods: Tear fluid, aqueous, and blood were collected from patients with treatment-naïve DME for miRNA expression profiling with quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Differentially expressed miRNAs between good and poor responders were identified from tear fluid. Bioinformatics analysis with the miEAA tool, miRTarBase Annotations, Gene Ontology categories, KEGG, and miRWalk pathways identified interactions between enriched miRNAs and biological pathways. (3) Results: Of 24 participants, 28 eyes received bevacizumab (15 eyes) or aflibercept (13 eyes). Tear fluid had the most detectable miRNA species (N = 315), followed by serum (N = 309), then aqueous humor (N = 134). MiRNAs that correlated with change in macular thickness were miR-214-3p, miR-320d, and hsa-miR-874-3p in good responders; and miR-98-5p, miR-196b-5p, and miR-454-3p in poor responders. VEGF-related pathways and the angiogenin-PRI complex were enriched in good responders, while transforming growth factor-β and insulin-like growth factor pathways were enriched in poor responders. (4) Conclusions: We reported a panel of novel miRNAs that provide insight into biological pathways in DME. Validation in larger independent cohorts is needed to determine the predictive performance of these miRNA candidate biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwei Wuen Chan
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore S118177, Singapore; (H.W.C.); (W.W.); (I.S.); (M.B.); (H.A.L.); (C.H.C.); (E.A.M.); (N.T.); (Y.S.Y.); (G.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore; (P.B.); (S.W.)
| | - Binxia Yang
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138673, Singapore; (B.Y.); (Q.S.W.T.); (H.W.); (R.S.); (W.H.)
| | - Wendy Wong
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore S118177, Singapore; (H.W.C.); (W.W.); (I.S.); (M.B.); (H.A.L.); (C.H.C.); (E.A.M.); (N.T.); (Y.S.Y.); (G.L.)
| | - Paul Blakeley
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore; (P.B.); (S.W.)
| | - Ivan Seah
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore S118177, Singapore; (H.W.C.); (W.W.); (I.S.); (M.B.); (H.A.L.); (C.H.C.); (E.A.M.); (N.T.); (Y.S.Y.); (G.L.)
| | - Queenie Shu Woon Tan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138673, Singapore; (B.Y.); (Q.S.W.T.); (H.W.); (R.S.); (W.H.)
| | - Haofei Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138673, Singapore; (B.Y.); (Q.S.W.T.); (H.W.); (R.S.); (W.H.)
| | - Mayuri Bhargava
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore S118177, Singapore; (H.W.C.); (W.W.); (I.S.); (M.B.); (H.A.L.); (C.H.C.); (E.A.M.); (N.T.); (Y.S.Y.); (G.L.)
| | - Hazel Anne Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore S118177, Singapore; (H.W.C.); (W.W.); (I.S.); (M.B.); (H.A.L.); (C.H.C.); (E.A.M.); (N.T.); (Y.S.Y.); (G.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore; (P.B.); (S.W.)
| | - Charmaine HC Chai
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore S118177, Singapore; (H.W.C.); (W.W.); (I.S.); (M.B.); (H.A.L.); (C.H.C.); (E.A.M.); (N.T.); (Y.S.Y.); (G.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore; (P.B.); (S.W.)
| | - Erlangga Ariadarma Mangunkusumo
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore S118177, Singapore; (H.W.C.); (W.W.); (I.S.); (M.B.); (H.A.L.); (C.H.C.); (E.A.M.); (N.T.); (Y.S.Y.); (G.L.)
| | - Naing Thet
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore S118177, Singapore; (H.W.C.); (W.W.); (I.S.); (M.B.); (H.A.L.); (C.H.C.); (E.A.M.); (N.T.); (Y.S.Y.); (G.L.)
| | - Yew Sen Yuen
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore S118177, Singapore; (H.W.C.); (W.W.); (I.S.); (M.B.); (H.A.L.); (C.H.C.); (E.A.M.); (N.T.); (Y.S.Y.); (G.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore; (P.B.); (S.W.)
| | - Raman Sethi
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138673, Singapore; (B.Y.); (Q.S.W.T.); (H.W.); (R.S.); (W.H.)
| | - Si Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore; (P.B.); (S.W.)
| | - Walter Hunziker
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138673, Singapore; (B.Y.); (Q.S.W.T.); (H.W.); (R.S.); (W.H.)
| | - Gopal Lingam
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore S118177, Singapore; (H.W.C.); (W.W.); (I.S.); (M.B.); (H.A.L.); (C.H.C.); (E.A.M.); (N.T.); (Y.S.Y.); (G.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore; (P.B.); (S.W.)
| | - Xinyi Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore S118177, Singapore; (H.W.C.); (W.W.); (I.S.); (M.B.); (H.A.L.); (C.H.C.); (E.A.M.); (N.T.); (Y.S.Y.); (G.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore; (P.B.); (S.W.)
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138673, Singapore; (B.Y.); (Q.S.W.T.); (H.W.); (R.S.); (W.H.)
- Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore
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29
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Peskova L, Jurcikova D, Vanova T, Krivanek J, Capandova M, Sramkova Z, Sebestikova J, Kolouskova M, Kotasova H, Streit L, Barta T. miR-183/96/182 cluster is an important morphogenetic factor targeting PAX6 expression in differentiating human retinal organoids. Stem Cells 2020; 38:1557-1567. [PMID: 32875669 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small, noncoding RNA molecules represent important regulators of gene expression. Recent reports have implicated their role in the cell specification process acting as "fine-tuners" to ensure the precise gene expression at the specific stage of cell differentiation. Here, we used retinal organoids differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) as a model to closely investigate the role of a sensory organ-specific and evolutionary conserved miR-183/96/182 cluster. Using a miRNA tough decoy approach, we inhibited the miR-183/96/182 cluster in hPSCs. Inhibition of the miRNA cluster resulted in an increased expansion of neuroepithelium leading to abnormal "bulged" neural retina in organoids, associated with upregulation of neural-specific and retinal-specific genes. Importantly, we identified PAX6, a well-known essential gene in neuroectoderm specification, as a target of the miR-183/96/182 cluster members. Taken together, the miR-183/96/182 cluster not only represents an important regulator of PAX6 expression, but it also plays a crucial role in retinal tissue morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Peskova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Denisa Jurcikova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Vanova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Krivanek
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Capandova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Sramkova
- CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Sebestikova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Magdalena Kolouskova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Kotasova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Libor Streit
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Barta
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
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30
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Kaarniranta K, Pawlowska E, Szczepanska J, Blasiak J. DICER1 in the Pathogenesis of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) - Alu RNA Accumulation versus miRNA Dysregulation. Aging Dis 2020; 11:851-862. [PMID: 32765950 PMCID: PMC7390522 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2019.0809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
DICER1 deficiency in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) was associated with the accumulation of Alu transcripts and implicated in geographic atrophy (GA), a form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an eye disease leading to blindness in millions of people. Although the exact mechanism of this association is not fully known, the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, maturation of caspase-1 and disruption in mitochondrial homeostasis in RPE cells were shown as critical for it. DICER1 deficiency results in dysregulation of miRNAs and changes in the expression of many genes important for RPE homeostasis, which may also contribute to AMD. DICER1 deficiency can change the functions of the miR-183/96/182 cluster that regulates photoreceptors and their synaptic transmission. Aging, the main AMD risk factor, is associated with decreased expression of DICER1 and changes in its diurnal pattern that are not synchronized with circadian regulation in the retina. The initial insult inducing DICER1 deficiency in AMD may be oxidative stress, another major risk factor of AMD, but further studies on the role of deficient DICER1 in AMD pathogenesis and its therapeutic potential are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Kaarniranta
- 1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland and Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio 70029, Finland
| | - Elzbieta Pawlowska
- 2Department of Orthodontics, Medical University of Lodz, 92-216 Lodz, Poland
| | - Joanna Szczepanska
- 3Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-216 Lodz, Poland
| | - Janusz Blasiak
- 4Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
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31
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Sun L, Chen X, Jin Z. Emerging roles of non‐coding RNAs in retinal diseases: A review. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2020; 48:1085-1101. [PMID: 32519377 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.13806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lan‐Fang Sun
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Retinal Regeneration, Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Xue‐Jiao Chen
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Retinal Regeneration, Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Zi‐Bing Jin
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Laboratory Beijing China
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Zhang CJ, Xiang L, Chen XJ, Wang XY, Wu KC, Zhang BW, Chen DF, Jin GH, Zhang H, Chen YC, Liu WQ, Li ML, Ma Y, Jin ZB. Ablation of Mature miR-183 Leads to Retinal Dysfunction in Mice. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:12. [PMID: 32176259 PMCID: PMC7401733 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.3.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The microRNA cluster miR-183C, which includes miR-183 and two other genes, is critical for multiple sensory systems. In mouse retina, removal of this cluster results in photoreceptor defects in polarization, phototransduction, and outer segment elongation. However, the individual roles of the three components of this cluster are not clearly known. We studied the separate role of mouse miR-183 in in vivo. Methods miR-183 knockout mice were generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing system. Electroretinography were carried out to investigate the changes of retinal structures and function. miR-183 was overexpressed by subretinal adeno-associated virus (AAV) injection in vivo. Rnf217, a target of miR-183 was overexpressed by cell transfection of the photoreceptor-derived cell line 661W in vitro. RNA sequencing and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were performed to compare the gene expression changes in AAV-injected mice and transfected cells. Results The miR-183 knockout mice showed progressively attenuated electroretinogram responses. Over- or under-expression of Rnf217, a direct target of miR-183, misregulated expression of cilia-related BBSome genes. Rnf217 overexpression also led to compromised electroretinography responses in WT mice, indicating that it may contribute to functional abnormalities in miR-183 knockout mice. Conclusions miR-183 is essential for mouse retinal function mediated directly and indirectly through Rnf217 and cilia-related genes. Our findings provide valuable insights into the explanation and analysis of the regulatory role of the individual miR-183 in miR-183C.
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33
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Hydrogel-based milliwell arrays for standardized and scalable retinal organoid cultures. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10275. [PMID: 32581233 PMCID: PMC7314858 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67012-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of improved methods to culture retinal organoids is relevant for the investigation of mechanisms of retinal development under pathophysiological conditions, for screening of neuroprotective compounds, and for providing a cellular source for clinical transplantation. We report a tissue-engineering approach to accelerate and standardize the production of retinal organoids by culturing mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) in optimal physico-chemical microenvironments. Arrayed round-bottom milliwells composed of biomimetic hydrogels, combined with an optimized medium formulation, promoted the rapid generation of retina-like tissue from mESC aggregates in a highly efficient and stereotypical manner: ∼93% of the aggregates contained retinal organoid structures. 26 day-old retinal organoids were composed of ∼80% of photoreceptors, of which ∼22% are GNAT2-positive cones, an important and rare sensory cell type that is difficult to study in rodent models. The compartmentalization of retinal organoids into predefined locations on a two-dimensional array not only allowed us to derive almost all aggregates into retinal organoids, but also to reliably capture the dynamics of individual organoids, an advantageous requirement for high-throughput experimentation. Our improved retinal organoid culture system should be useful for applications that require scalability and single-organoid traceability.
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34
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Chu-Tan JA, Natoli R. The potential for microRNA-based therapeutics in retinal disorders. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:419. [PMID: 32395463 PMCID: PMC7210186 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2020.03.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A Chu-Tan
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, Australia.,The Australian National University Medical School, College of Health and Medicine, Acton, Australia
| | - Riccardo Natoli
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, Australia.,The Australian National University Medical School, College of Health and Medicine, Acton, Australia
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35
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Indrieri A, Carrella S, Carotenuto P, Banfi S, Franco B. The Pervasive Role of the miR-181 Family in Development, Neurodegeneration, and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062092. [PMID: 32197476 PMCID: PMC7139714 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs playing a fundamental role in the regulation of gene expression. Evidence accumulating in the past decades indicate that they are capable of simultaneously modulating diverse signaling pathways involved in a variety of pathophysiological processes. In the present review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the function of a highly conserved group of miRNAs, the miR-181 family, both in physiological as well as in pathological conditions. We summarize a large body of studies highlighting a role for this miRNA family in the regulation of key biological processes such as embryonic development, cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, mitochondrial function, and immune response. Importantly, members of this family have been involved in many pathological processes underlying the most common neurodegenerative disorders as well as different solid tumors and hematological malignancies. The relevance of this miRNA family in the pathogenesis of these disorders and their possible influence on the severity of their manifestations will be discussed. A better understanding of the miR-181 family in pathological conditions may open new therapeutic avenues for devasting disorders such as neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Indrieri
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy; (S.C.); (P.C.)
- Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), 20090 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.I.); (S.B.); (B.F.); Tel.: +39-081-19230655 (A.I.); +39-081-19230606 (S.B.); +39-081-19230615 (B.F.)
| | - Sabrina Carrella
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy; (S.C.); (P.C.)
- Medical Genetics, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro Carotenuto
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy; (S.C.); (P.C.)
- The Institute of Cancer Research, Cancer Therapeutics Unit 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Sandro Banfi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy; (S.C.); (P.C.)
- Medical Genetics, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.I.); (S.B.); (B.F.); Tel.: +39-081-19230655 (A.I.); +39-081-19230606 (S.B.); +39-081-19230615 (B.F.)
| | - Brunella Franco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy; (S.C.); (P.C.)
- Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.I.); (S.B.); (B.F.); Tel.: +39-081-19230655 (A.I.); +39-081-19230606 (S.B.); +39-081-19230615 (B.F.)
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36
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Dong H, Dong B, Zhang N, Liu S, Zhao H. microRNA-182 Negatively Influences the Neuroprotective Effect of Apelin Against Neuronal Injury in Epilepsy. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2020; 16:327-338. [PMID: 32099369 PMCID: PMC6996621 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s238826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of Apelin (APLN), and to study the regulation of APLN expression by microRNA (miRNA) in epilepsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS In vitro and in vivo epileptic models were established with hippocampal neurons and Wistar rats. Apoptosis of neurons was identified by flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of proteins, and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to analyze the expression of miRNA and messenger RNA (mRNA). Bioinformatics software was used to predict target genes of miRNA, which were confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter gene system and functional experiments. RESULTS Our study demonstrated protective effects of APLN against neuronal death in epilepsy both in vitro and in vivo. The underlying mechanisms involved are inhibiting the expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1), Bax, and caspase-3; promoting the expression of Bcl-2; and increasing phosphorylated-AKT (p-AKT) levels in neurons. For the first time, we found that miR-182 could negatively regulate both transcriptional and translational levels of APLN, and that the up-regulation of miR-182 inhibited the expression of APLN and Bcl-2, and promoted the expression of Bax and caspase-3. CONCLUSION APLN could protect the neurons from injury in epilepsy by regulating the expression of apoptosis-associated proteins and mGluR1 and increasing p-AKT levels, which were attenuated by miR-182. Hence, miR-182/APLN may be potential targets for epilepsy control and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Dong
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Dong
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Zhang
- Department of Electrical Diagnosis, Jilin Province FAW General Hospital, Changchun, Jilin Province 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Songyan Liu
- Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiying Zhao
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province 130021, People's Republic of China
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37
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Amini-Farsani Z, Asgharzade S. The impact of miR-183/182/96 gene regulation on the maturation, survival, and function of photoreceptor cells in the retina. J Comp Neurol 2019; 528:1616-1625. [PMID: 31785157 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) play important roles in posttranscriptional processes to regulate gene expression. MiRNAs control various biological processes, such as growth, development, and differentiation. The continuous physiological function of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium requires precise regulation to maintain their homeostasis and function; hence, these cells are highly susceptible to premature death in retinal degenerative disorders. MiRNAs are essential for the retinal cell maturation and function; the miR-183 cluster represents one of the most important regulatory factors for the photoreceptor cells. Various studies together with bioinformatics analyses have shown that many genes contributing to the differentiation pathway of photoreceptors are targets of the miR-183 cluster, and the miR-183 cluster dysregulation causes certain defects in the differentiation of the photoreceptors and other retinal neurons by influencing the expression of target genes. Misexpression of miR-183 cluster in the human retinal epithelial cells leads to the reprogramming and transformation of these cells to neuron- and photoreceptor-like cells, which are associated with the expression of neuron- and photoreceptor-specific markers in human retinal pigment epitheliums cells. The knockout of this cluster causes the destruction of the outer segment of the photoreceptors, which subsequently causes the cells to exhibit severe susceptibility to light and eventually degenerate. Hundreds of target genes in this family are likely to affect the development and maintenance of the retina. Identifying the genes that are regulated by the miRNA-183 cluster provides researchers with important insights into the complex development and regeneration mechanism of the retina and may offer a new way for maintaining and regenerating photoreceptor cells in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Amini-Farsani
- Young Researchers and Elites Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Samira Asgharzade
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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38
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Overexpression of MiR-183/96/182 Triggers Retina-Like Fate in Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hBMSCs) in Culture. J Ophthalmol 2019; 2019:2454362. [PMID: 31885884 PMCID: PMC6927023 DOI: 10.1155/2019/2454362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration is considered as a condition ensued by different blinding disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, which can cause loss of photoreceptor cells and also lead to significant vision deficiencies. Although there is no efficient treatment in this domain, transplantation of stem cells has been regarded as a therapeutic approach for retinal degeneration. Thus, the purpose of this study was to analyze the potential of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) to differentiate into photoreceptor cells via transfection of microRNA (miRNA) in vitro for regenerative medicine purposes. To this end, miR-183/96/182 cluster was transfected into hBMSCs; then, qRT-PCR was performed to measure the expression levels of miR-183/96/182 cluster and some retina-specific neuronal genes such as OTX2, NRL, PKCα, and recoverin. CRX and rhodopsin (RHO) levels were also measured through qRT-PCR and immunocytochemistry, and subsequently, cellular change morphology was detected. The findings showed no changes in the morphology of the given cells, and the expression of the neuroretinal genes such as OTX2, NRL, and PKCα. Moreover, recoverin was upregulated upon miR-183/-96/-182 overexpression in cultured hBMSCs. Ectopic overexpression of the miR-183 cluster could further increase the expression of CRX and RHO at the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels. Furthermore, the data indicated that the miR-183 cluster could serve as a crucial function in photoreceptor cell differentiation. In fact, miRNAs could be assumed as potential targets to exploit silent neuronal differentiation. Ultimately, it was suggested that in vitro overexpression of miR-183 cluster could trigger reprogramming of the hBMSCs to retinal neuron fate, especially photoreceptor cells.
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39
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Blond F, Léveillard T. Functional Genomics of the Retina to Elucidate its Construction and Deconstruction. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4922. [PMID: 31590277 PMCID: PMC6801968 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The retina is the light sensitive part of the eye and nervous tissue that have been used extensively to characterize the function of the central nervous system. The retina has a central position both in fundamental biology and in the physiopathology of neurodegenerative diseases. We address the contribution of functional genomics to the understanding of retinal biology by reviewing key events in their historical perspective as an introduction to major findings that were obtained through the study of the retina using genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics. We illustrate our purpose by showing that most of the genes of interest for retinal development and those involved in inherited retinal degenerations have a restricted expression to the retina and most particularly to photoreceptors cells. We show that the exponential growth of data generated by functional genomics is a future challenge not only in terms of storage but also in terms of accessibility to the scientific community of retinal biologists in the future. Finally, we emphasize on novel perspectives that emerge from the development of redox-proteomics, the new frontier in retinal biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Blond
- Department of Genetics, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France.
| | - Thierry Léveillard
- Department of Genetics, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France.
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40
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Xu S, Hazlett LD. MicroRNAs in Ocular Infection. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7090359. [PMID: 31533211 PMCID: PMC6780979 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7090359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding, regulatory RNA molecules and constitute a newly recognized, important layer of gene-expression regulation at post-transcriptional levels. miRNAs quantitatively fine tune the expression of their downstream genes in a cell type- and developmental stage-specific fashion. miRNAs have been proven to play important roles in the normal development and function as well as in the pathogenesis of diseases in all tissues and organ systems. miRNAs have emerged as new therapeutic targets and biomarkers for treatment and diagnosis of various diseases. Although miRNA research in ocular infection remains in its early stages, a handful of pioneering studies have provided insight into the roles of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of parasitic, fungal, bacterial, and viral ocular infections. Here, we review the current status of research in miRNAs in several major ocular infectious diseases. We predict that the field of miRNAs in ocular infection will greatly expand with the discovery of novel miRNA-involved molecular mechanisms that will inform development of new therapies and identify novel diagnostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunbin Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
| | - Linda D Hazlett
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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41
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Wohl SG, Hooper MJ, Reh TA. MicroRNAs miR-25, let-7 and miR-124 regulate the neurogenic potential of Müller glia in mice. Development 2019; 146:dev179556. [PMID: 31383796 PMCID: PMC6765125 DOI: 10.1242/dev.179556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Müller glial cells (MG) generate retinal progenitor (RPC)-like cells after injury in non-mammalian species, although this does not occur in the mammalian retina. Studies have profiled gene expression in these cells to define genes that may be relevant to their differences in neurogenic potential. However, less is known about differences in micro-RNA (miRNA) expression. In this study, we compared miRNAs from RPCs and MG to identify miRNAs more highly expressed in RPCs, and others more highly expressed in MG. To determine whether these miRNAs are relevant to the difference in neurogenic potential between these two cell types, we tested them in dissociated cultures of MG using either mimics or antagomiRs to increase or reduce expression, respectively. Among the miRNAs tested, miR-25 and miR-124 overexpression, or let-7 antagonism, induced Ascl1 expression and conversion of ∼40% of mature MG into a neuronal/RPC phenotype. Our results suggest that the differences in miRNA expression between MG and RPCs contribute to their difference in neurogenic potential, and that manipulations in miRNAs provide a new tool with which to reprogram MG for retinal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie G Wohl
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Biological and Vision Sciences, The State University of New York, College of Optometry, New York, NY 10036, USA
| | - Marcus J Hooper
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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42
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Van Hook MJ, Nawy S, Thoreson WB. Voltage- and calcium-gated ion channels of neurons in the vertebrate retina. Prog Retin Eye Res 2019; 72:100760. [PMID: 31078724 PMCID: PMC6739185 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In this review, we summarize studies investigating the types and distribution of voltage- and calcium-gated ion channels in the different classes of retinal neurons: rods, cones, horizontal cells, bipolar cells, amacrine cells, interplexiform cells, and ganglion cells. We discuss differences among cell subtypes within these major cell classes, as well as differences among species, and consider how different ion channels shape the responses of different neurons. For example, even though second-order bipolar and horizontal cells do not typically generate fast sodium-dependent action potentials, many of these cells nevertheless possess fast sodium currents that can enhance their kinetic response capabilities. Ca2+ channel activity can also shape response kinetics as well as regulating synaptic release. The L-type Ca2+ channel subtype, CaV1.4, expressed in photoreceptor cells exhibits specific properties matching the particular needs of these cells such as limited inactivation which allows sustained channel activity and maintained synaptic release in darkness. The particular properties of K+ and Cl- channels in different retinal neurons shape resting membrane potentials, response kinetics and spiking behavior. A remaining challenge is to characterize the specific distributions of ion channels in the more than 100 individual cell types that have been identified in the retina and to describe how these particular ion channels sculpt neuronal responses to assist in the processing of visual information by the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Van Hook
- Truhlsen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Scott Nawy
- Truhlsen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Department Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience(2), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Wallace B Thoreson
- Truhlsen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Department Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience(2), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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43
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Wu KC, Chen XJ, Jin GH, Wang XY, Yang DD, Li YP, Xiang L, Zhang BW, Zhou GH, Zhang CJ, Jin ZB. Deletion of miR-182 Leads to Retinal Dysfunction in Mice. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:1265-1274. [PMID: 30924851 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose MicroRNA-182 (miR-182) is abundantly expressed in mammalian retinas; however, the association between miR-182 and retinal function remains unclear. In this study, we explored whether miR-182 contributes to functional decline in retinas using a miR-182 depleted mouse. Methods Electroretinogram (ERG) amplitudes at different ages were measured in miR-182 knockout (KO) mice. The thickness and lamination of retinas were assessed using a color fundus camera and high-resolution optical coherence tomography. Expression levels of key photoreceptor-specific genes and the miR-183/96/182 cluster (miR-183C) were quantified using quantitative real-time PCR. RNA sequencing and light-induced damage were carried out to observe the changes in the retinal transcriptome and sensitivity to light damage in the miR-182 KO mice. Results The ERG recording reveals that the ERG response amplitude decreased both at early and later ages when compared with control littermates. The expression of some key photoreceptor-specific genes was down-regulated with deletion of miR-182 in retina. RNA sequencing indicated that some biological processes of visual system were affected, and the numbers of potential target genes of miR-182 were presented in the mouse retina using bioinformatics analysis. The miR-182 KO mice were characterized by progressively losing the outer segment after being treated with light-damage exposure. The thickness and lamination of retina as well as compensatory expression of miR-183C showed no apparent changes in retina of miR-182 KO mice under normal laboratory lighting condition. Conclusions Our findings provided new insights into the relationship between the miR-182 and retinal development and revealed that miR-182 may play a critical role in maintaining retinal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Chao Wu
- Lab for Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xue-Jiao Chen
- Lab for Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Guang-Hui Jin
- Lab for Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Yun Wang
- Lab for Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Dan-Dan Yang
- Lab for Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yan-Ping Li
- Lab for Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lue Xiang
- Lab for Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Bo-Wen Zhang
- Lab for Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Gao-Hui Zhou
- Lab for Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chang-Jun Zhang
- Lab for Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zi-Bing Jin
- Lab for Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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44
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Banks SA, Pierce ML, Soukup GA. Sensational MicroRNAs: Neurosensory Roles of the MicroRNA-183 Family. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 57:358-371. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01717-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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45
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Della Volpe-Waizel M, Traber GL, Maloca P, Zinkernagel M, Schmidt-Erfurth U, Rubin G, Roska B, Otto T, Weleber RG, Scholl HPN. New Technologies for Outcome Measures in Retinal Disease: Review from the European Vision Institute Special Interest Focus Group. Ophthalmic Res 2019; 63:77-87. [PMID: 31352462 DOI: 10.1159/000501887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Novel diagnostic tools to measure retinal function and structure are rapidly being developed and introduced into clinical use. Opportunities exist to use these informative and robust measures as endpoints for clinical trials to determine efficacy and to monitor safety of therapeutic interventions. In order to inform researchers and clinician-scientists about these new diagnostic tools, a workshop was organized by the European Vision Institute. Invited speakers highlighted the recent advances in state-of-the-art technologies for outcome measures in the field of retina. This review highlights the workshop's presentations in the context of published literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Della Volpe-Waizel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology (IOB), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ghislaine L Traber
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology (IOB), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter Maloca
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology (IOB), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Zinkernagel
- Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Clinical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Gary Rubin
- UCL University College London, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Botond Roska
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology (IOB), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tilman Otto
- Heidelberg Engineering GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Richard G Weleber
- Casey Eye Institute, Departments of Ophthalmology and Molecular and Medical Genetics, University of Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Hendrik P N Scholl
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland, .,Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology (IOB), Basel, Switzerland,
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46
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Genomic non-redundancy of the mir-183/96/182 cluster and its requirement for hair cell maintenance. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10302. [PMID: 31311951 PMCID: PMC6635406 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46593-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
microRNAs are important regulators of gene expression. In the retina, the mir-183/96/182 cluster is of particular interest due to its robust expression and studies in which loss of the cluster caused photoreceptor degeneration. However, it is unclear which of the three miRNAs in the cluster are ultimately required in photoreceptors, whether each may have independent, contributory roles, or whether a single miRNA from the cluster compensates for the loss of another. These are important questions that will not only help us to understand the role of these particular miRNAs in the retina, but will deepen our understanding of how clustered microRNAs evolve and operate. To that end, we have developed a complete panel of single, double, and triple mir-183/96/182 mutant zebrafish. While the retinas of all mutant animals were normal, the triple mutants exhibited acute hair cell degeneration which corresponded with impaired swimming and death at a young age. By measuring the penetrance of this phenotype in each mutant line, we determine which of the three miRNAs in the cluster are necessary and/or sufficient to ensure normal hair cell development and function.
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47
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Thoreson WB, Dacey DM. Diverse Cell Types, Circuits, and Mechanisms for Color Vision in the Vertebrate Retina. Physiol Rev 2019; 99:1527-1573. [PMID: 31140374 PMCID: PMC6689740 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00027.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic interactions to extract information about wavelength, and thus color, begin in the vertebrate retina with three classes of light-sensitive cells: rod photoreceptors at low light levels, multiple types of cone photoreceptors that vary in spectral sensitivity, and intrinsically photosensitive ganglion cells that contain the photopigment melanopsin. When isolated from its neighbors, a photoreceptor confounds photon flux with wavelength and so by itself provides no information about color. The retina has evolved elaborate color opponent circuitry for extracting wavelength information by comparing the activities of different photoreceptor types broadly tuned to different parts of the visible spectrum. We review studies concerning the circuit mechanisms mediating opponent interactions in a range of species, from tetrachromatic fish with diverse color opponent cell types to common dichromatic mammals where cone opponency is restricted to a subset of specialized circuits. Distinct among mammals, primates have reinvented trichromatic color vision using novel strategies to incorporate evolution of an additional photopigment gene into the foveal structure and circuitry that supports high-resolution vision. Color vision is absent at scotopic light levels when only rods are active, but rods interact with cone signals to influence color perception at mesopic light levels. Recent evidence suggests melanopsin-mediated signals, which have been identified as a substrate for setting circadian rhythms, may also influence color perception. We consider circuits that may mediate these interactions. While cone opponency is a relatively simple neural computation, it has been implemented in vertebrates by diverse neural mechanisms that are not yet fully understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wallace B Thoreson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha, Nebraska ; and Department of Biological Structure, Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington
| | - Dennis M Dacey
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha, Nebraska ; and Department of Biological Structure, Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington
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48
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Retinal miRNA Functions in Health and Disease. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10050377. [PMID: 31108959 PMCID: PMC6562649 DOI: 10.3390/genes10050377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The health and function of our visual system relies on accurate gene expression. While many genetic mutations are associated with visual impairment and blindness, we are just beginning to understand the complex interplay between gene regulation and retinal pathologies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs, are important regulators of gene expression that exert their function through post-transcriptional silencing of complementary mRNA targets. According to recent transcriptomic analyses, certain miRNA species are expressed in all retinal cell types, while others are cell type-specific. As miRNAs play important roles in homeostasis, cellular function, and survival of differentiated retinal cell types, their dysregulation is associated with retinal degenerative diseases. Thus, advancing our understanding of the genetic networks modulated by miRNAs is central to harnessing their potential as therapeutic agents to overcome visual impairment. In this review, we summarize the role of distinct miRNAs in specific retinal cell types, the current knowledge on their implication in inherited retinal disorders, and their potential as therapeutic agents.
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49
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Guo WT, Wang Y. Dgcr8 knockout approaches to understand microRNA functions in vitro and in vivo. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:1697-1711. [PMID: 30694346 PMCID: PMC11105204 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03020-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Biologic function of the majority of microRNAs (miRNAs) is still unknown. Uncovering the function of miRNAs is hurdled by redundancy among different miRNAs. The deletion of Dgcr8 leads to the deficiency in producing all canonical miRNAs, therefore, overcoming the redundancy issue. Dgcr8 knockout strategy has been instrumental in understanding the function of miRNAs in a variety of cells in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we will first give a brief introduction about miRNAs, miRNA biogenesis pathway and the role of Dgcr8 in miRNA biogenesis. We will then summarize studies performed with Dgcr8 knockout cell models with a focus on embryonic stem cells. After that, we will summarize results from various in vivo Dgcr8 knockout models. Given significant phenotypic differences in various tissues between Dgcr8 and Dicer knockout, we will also briefly review current progresses on understanding miRNA-independent functions of miRNA biogenesis factors. Finally, we will discuss the potential use of a new strategy to stably express miRNAs in Dgcr8 knockout cells. In future, Dgcr8 knockout approaches coupled with innovations in miRNA rescue strategy may provide further insights into miRNA functions in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ting Guo
- Central Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Yangming Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, People's Republic of China.
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50
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Völkner M, Kurth T, Karl MO. The Mouse Retinal Organoid Trisection Recipe: Efficient Generation of 3D Retinal Tissue from Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1834:119-141. [PMID: 30324441 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8669-9_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
The introduction of stem cell-based technologies for the derivation of three-dimensional retinal tissues, the so-called retinal organoids, offers many new possibilities for vision research: Organoids facilitate studies on retinal development and in vitro retinal disease modeling, as well as being valuable for drug testing. Further, retinal organoids also provide an unlimited cell source for cell replacement therapies. Here, we describe our protocol for efficiently differentiating large, stratified retinal organoids from mouse embryonic stem cells: unbiased manual dissection of the developing retinal organoid at an early stage into three evenly sized neuroepithelial portions (trisection step) doubles the yield of high-quality organoids. We also describe some useful applications of the protocol, e.g., generation of rod- or cone-enriched retinal organoids, AAV transfection, and cell birth dating. In addition, we provide details of how to process retinal organoids for single organoid gene expression analysis, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Völkner
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Dresden (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Kurth
- Technische Universität Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Dresden, Germany
| | - Mike O Karl
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Dresden (DZNE), Dresden, Germany. .,Technische Universität Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Dresden, Germany.
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