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Hu H, Liu F, Gao P, Huang Y, Jia D, Reilly J, Chen X, Han Y, Sun K, Luo J, Li P, Zhang Z, Wang Q, Lu Q, Luo D, Shu X, Tang Z, Liu M, Ren X. Cross-species single-cell landscapes identify the pathogenic gene characteristics of inherited retinal diseases. Front Genet 2024; 15:1409016. [PMID: 39055259 PMCID: PMC11269129 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1409016] [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: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) affect ∼4.5 million people worldwide. Elusive pathogenic variants in over 280 genes are associated with one or more clinical forms of IRDs. It is necessary to understand the complex interaction among retinal cell types and pathogenic genes by constructing a regulatory network. In this study, we attempt to establish a panoramic expression view of the cooperative work in retinal cells to understand the clinical manifestations and pathogenic bases underlying IRDs. Methods Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data on the retinas from 35 retina samples of 3 species (human, mouse, and zebrafish) including 259,087 cells were adopted to perform a comparative analysis across species. Bioinformatic tools were used to conduct weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), single-cell regulatory network analysis, cell-cell communication analysis, and trajectory inference analysis. Results The cross-species comparison revealed shared or species-specific gene expression patterns at single-cell resolution, such as the stathmin family genes, which were highly expressed specifically in zebrafish Müller glias (MGs). Thirteen gene modules were identified, of which nine were associated with retinal cell types, and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment of module genes was consistent with cell-specific highly expressed genes. Many IRD genes were identified as hub genes and cell-specific regulons. Most IRDs, especially the retinitis pigmentosa (RP) genes, were enriched in rod-specific regulons. Integrated expression and transcription regulatory network genes, such as congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) genes GRK1, PDE6B, and TRPM1, showed cell-specific expression and transcription characteristics in either rods or bipolar cells (BCs). IRD genes showed evolutionary conservation (GNAT2, PDE6G, and SAG) and divergence (GNAT2, MT-ND4, and PDE6A) along the trajectory of photoreceptors (PRs) among species. In particular, the Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) gene OTX2 showed high expression at the beginning of the trajectory of both PRs and BCs. Conclusion We identified molecular pathways and cell types closely connected with IRDs, bridging the gap between gene expression, genetics, and pathogenesis. The IRD genes enriched in cell-specific modules and regulons suggest that these diseases share common etiological bases. Overall, mining of interspecies transcriptome data reveals conserved transcriptomic features of retinas across species and promising applications in both normal retina anatomy and retina pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualei Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuwen Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Danna Jia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jamas Reilly
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Xiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yunqiao Han
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kui Sun
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiong Luo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pei Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zuxiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qunwei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Daji Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinhua Shu
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Zhaohui Tang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mugen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiang Ren
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Bai D, Guo R, Huang D, Ji J, Liu W. Compound heterozygous mutations in GRM6 causing complete Schubert-Bornschein type congenital stationary night blindness. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27039. [PMID: 38434377 PMCID: PMC10907788 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background To explore the genetic defects of a Chinese family with complete Schubert-Bornschein type congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB). Methods A Chinese family with complete Schubert-Bornschein type CSNB was enrolled in this study. The detailed ocular presentations of the patient were recorded. Targeted gene sequencing including 156 genes related to retinal diseases was used to detect the gene mutation. Sanger sequencing was performed to validate the potential pathogenic variants, and segregation analysis was performed on all available family members. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to predict the impact of the mutations. Results By targeted gene sequencing and Sanger sequencing, we identified compound heterozygous mutations in GRM6: c.152G>T (p.Gly51Val) and c.727delG (p.Val243SerfsX21). Segregation analysis demonstrated that the mother of the proband carried the missense mutation (c.152G>T) while her father carried the frameshift mutation (c.727delG), indicating CSNB was autosomal recessively inherited in this family. Several bioinformatics prediction programs revealed the mutations were "Damaging" or "Disease Causing" and conservation analysis showed both the codons Gly51 and Val243 were highly conserved among species, suggesting the changes were pathogenic. Conclusion By targeted gene sequencing and Sanger sequencing, we detected compound heterozygous mutations (c.152G>T, p.Gly51Val and c.727delG, p.Val243SerfsX21) in GRM6. The mutations co-segregated with the phenotype of the family members and are considered to be responsible for complete Schubert-Bornschein type CSNB. However, functional experiments in the future are needed to confirm the pathogenicity of the variants and to elucidate their exact molecular mechanisms causing CSNB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong'e Bai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Characteristic Medical Center of Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Tianjin, China
| | - Ruru Guo
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Dandan Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Jian Ji
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, 300384, China
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Kellish PC, Marsic D, Crosson SM, Choudhury S, Scalabrino ML, Strang CE, Hill J, McCullough KT, Peterson JJ, Fajardo D, Gupte S, Makal V, Kondratov O, Kondratova L, Iyer S, Witherspoon CD, Gamlin PD, Zolotukhin S, Boye SL, Boye SE. Intravitreal injection of a rationally designed AAV capsid library in non-human primate identifies variants with enhanced retinal transduction and neutralizing antibody evasion. Mol Ther 2023; 31:3441-3456. [PMID: 37814449 PMCID: PMC10727955 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.10.001] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) continues to be the gold standard vector for therapeutic gene delivery and has proven especially useful for treating ocular disease. Intravitreal injection (IVtI) is a promising delivery route because it increases accessibility of gene therapies to larger patient populations. However, data from clinical and non-human primate (NHP) studies utilizing currently available capsids indicate that anatomical barriers to AAV and pre-existing neutralizing antibodies can restrict gene expression to levels that are "sub-therapeutic" in a substantial proportion of patients. Here, we performed a combination of directed evolution in NHPs of an AAV2-based capsid library with simultaneous mutations across six surface-exposed variable regions and rational design to identify novel capsid variants with improved retinal transduction following IVtI. Following two rounds of screening in NHP, enriched variants were characterized in intravitreally injected mice and NHPs and shown to have increased transduction relative to AAV2. Lead capsid variant, P2-V1, demonstrated an increased ability to evade neutralizing antibodies in human vitreous samples relative to AAV2 and AAV2.7m8. Taken together, this study further contributed to our understanding of the selective pressures associated with retinal transduction via the vitreous and identified promising novel AAV capsid variants for clinical consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick C Kellish
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Damien Marsic
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Sean M Crosson
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Shreyasi Choudhury
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Miranda L Scalabrino
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Christianne E Strang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham AL 35294, USA
| | - Julie Hill
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham AL 35294, USA
| | - K Tyler McCullough
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - James J Peterson
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Diego Fajardo
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Siddhant Gupte
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Victoria Makal
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Oleksandr Kondratov
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Liudmyla Kondratova
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Siva Iyer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - C Douglas Witherspoon
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham AL 35294, USA
| | - Paul D Gamlin
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham AL 35294, USA
| | - Sergei Zolotukhin
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Sanford L Boye
- Powell Gene Therapy Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Shannon E Boye
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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Yang TH, Kang EYC, Lin PH, Wu PL, Sachs JA, Wang NK. The Value of Electroretinography in Identifying Candidate Genes for Inherited Retinal Dystrophies: A Diagnostic Guide. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3041. [PMID: 37835784 PMCID: PMC10572658 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13193041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a group of heterogeneous diseases caused by genetic mutations that specifically affect the function of the rod, cone, or bipolar cells in the retina. Electroretinography (ERG) is a diagnostic tool that measures the electrical activity of the retina in response to light stimuli, and it can help to determine the function of these cells. A normal ERG response consists of two waves, the a-wave and the b-wave, which reflect the activity of the photoreceptor cells and the bipolar and Muller cells, respectively. Despite the growing availability of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, identifying the precise genetic mutation causing an IRD can be challenging and costly. However, certain types of IRDs present with unique ERG features that can help guide genetic testing. By combining these ERG findings with other clinical information, such as on family history and retinal imaging, physicians can effectively narrow down the list of candidate genes to be sequenced, thereby reducing the cost of genetic testing. This review article focuses on certain types of IRDs with unique ERG features. We will discuss the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of, and ERG findings on, these disorders, emphasizing the unique role ERG plays in their diagnosis and genetic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsai-Hsuan Yang
- Department of Education, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan;
- College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
| | - Eugene Yu-Chuan Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan;
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hsuan Lin
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Yunlin 640203, Taiwan;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (P.-L.W.); (J.A.S.)
| | - Pei-Liang Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (P.-L.W.); (J.A.S.)
- Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Jacob Aaron Sachs
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (P.-L.W.); (J.A.S.)
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Nan-Kai Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan;
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (P.-L.W.); (J.A.S.)
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Takahashi K, Kwok JC, Sato Y, Aguirre GD, Miyadera K. Extended functional rescue following AAV gene therapy in a canine model of LRIT3-congenital stationary night blindness. Vision Res 2023; 209:108260. [PMID: 37220680 PMCID: PMC10524691 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2023.108260] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) is a group of inherited retinal diseases in which either rod-to-ON-bipolar cell (ON-BC) signaling, or rod function is affected leading to impaired vision under low light conditions. One type of CSNB is associated with defects in genes (NYX, GRM6, TRPM1, GPR179, and LRIT3) involved in the mGluR6 signaling cascade at the ON-BC dendritic tips. We have previously characterized a canine model of LRIT3-CSNB and demonstrated short-term safety and efficacy of an ON-BC targeting AAV-LRIT3 (AAVK9#4-shGRM6-cLRIT3-WPRE) gene therapy. Herein, we demonstrate long-term functional recovery and molecular restoration following subretinal injection of the ON-BC targeting AAV-LRIT3 vector in all eight treated eyes for up to 32 months. Following subretinal administration of the therapeutic vector, expression of the LRIT3 transgene, as well as restoration of mGluR6 signaling cascade member TRPM1, were confirmed in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) of the treated area. However, further investigation of the transgene LRIT3 transcript expression by RNA in situ hybridization (RNA-ISH) revealed off-target expression in non-BCs including the photoreceptors, inner nuclear, and ganglion cell layers, despite the use of a mutant AAVK9#4 capsid and an improved mGluR6 promoter designed to specifically transduce and promote expression in ON-BCs. While the long-term therapeutic potential of AAVK9#4-shGRM6-cLRIT3-WPRE is promising, we highlight the necessity for further optimization of AAV-LRIT3 therapy in the canine CSNB model prior to its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Takahashi
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jennifer C Kwok
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yu Sato
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Keiko Miyadera
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Gregg RG, Hasan N, Borghuis BG. LRIT3 expression in cone photoreceptors restores post-synaptic bipolar cell signalplex assembly and partial function in Lrit3 -/- mice. iScience 2023; 26:106499. [PMID: 37091241 PMCID: PMC10113827 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106499] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Complete congenital stationary night blindness (cCSNB) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by poor dim-light vision, myopia, and nystagmus that is caused by mutations in genes critical for signal transmission between photoreceptors and depolarizing bipolar cells (DBCs). One such gene, LRIT3, is required for assembly of the post-synaptic signaling complex (signalplex) at the dendritic tips of DBCs, although the number of signalplex components impacted is greater in cone DBCs (all components) than in rod bipolar cells (only TRPM1 and Nyctalopin). Here we show that rAAV-mediated expression of LRIT3 in cones results in robust rescue of cone DBC signalplex components and partially restores downstream visual function, as measured by the light-adapted electroretinogram (ERG) b-wave and electrophysiological recordings of bipolar cells (BCs) and RGCs. These data show that LRIT3 successfully restores partial function to cone DBCs most likely in a trans-synaptic manner, potentially paving the way for therapeutic intervention in LRIT3-associated cCSNB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald G. Gregg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
- Corresponding author
| | - Nazarul Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Bart G. Borghuis
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
- Corresponding author
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7
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Congenital Stationary Night Blindness: Clinical and Genetic Features. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314965. [PMID: 36499293 PMCID: PMC9740538 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) is an inherited retinal disease (IRD) that causes night blindness in childhood with heterogeneous genetic, electrophysical, and clinical characteristics. The development of sequencing technologies and gene therapy have increased the ease and urgency of diagnosing IRDs. This study describes seven Taiwanese patients from six unrelated families examined at a tertiary referral center, diagnosed with CSNB, and confirmed by genetic testing. Complete ophthalmic exams included best corrected visual acuity, retinal imaging, and an electroretinogram. The effects of identified novel variants were predicted using clinical details, protein prediction tools, and conservation scores. One patient had an autosomal dominant CSNB with a RHO variant; five patients had complete CSNB with variants in GRM6, TRPM1, and NYX; and one patient had incomplete CSNB with variants in CACNA1F. The patients had Riggs and Schubert-Bornschein types of CSNB with autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and X-linked inheritance patterns. This is the first report of CSNB patients in Taiwan with confirmed genetic testing, providing novel perspectives on molecular etiology and genotype-phenotype correlation of CSNB. Particularly, variants in TRPM1, NYX, and CACNA1F in our patient cohort have not previously been described, although their clinical significance needs further study. Additional study is needed for the genotype-phenotype correlation of different mutations causing CSNB. In addition to genetic etiology, the future of gene therapy for CSNB patients is reviewed and discussed.
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Cao Y, Fajardo D, Guerrero-Given D, Samuel MA, Ohtsuka T, Boye SE, Kamasawa N, Martemyanov KA. Post-developmental plasticity of the primary rod pathway allows restoration of visually guided behaviors. Curr Biol 2022; 32:4783-4796.e3. [PMID: 36179691 PMCID: PMC9691582 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The formation of neural circuits occurs in a programmed fashion, but proper activity in the circuit is essential for refining the organization necessary for driving complex behavioral tasks. In the retina, sensory deprivation during the critical period of development is well known to perturb the organization of the visual circuit making the animals unable to use vision for behavior. However, the extent of plasticity, molecular factors involved, and malleability of individual channels in the circuit to manipulations outside of the critical period are not well understood. In this study, we selectively disconnected and reconnected rod photoreceptors in mature animals after completion of the retina circuit development. We found that introducing synaptic rod photoreceptor input post-developmentally allowed their integration into the circuit both anatomically and functionally. Remarkably, adult mice with newly integrated rod photoreceptors gained high-sensitivity vision, even when it was absent from birth. These observations reveal plasticity of the retina circuit organization after closure of the critical period and encourage the development of vision restoration strategies for congenital blinding disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Cao
- Department of Neuroscience, UF Scripps Biomedical Research, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Diego Fajardo
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Debbie Guerrero-Given
- The Imaging Center, Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Max Planck Florida Institute, 1 Max Planck Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Melanie A Samuel
- Department of Neuroscience, Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Toshihisa Ohtsuka
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Shannon E Boye
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Naomi Kamasawa
- The Imaging Center, Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Max Planck Florida Institute, 1 Max Planck Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Kirill A Martemyanov
- Department of Neuroscience, UF Scripps Biomedical Research, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
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Miyadera K, Santana E, Roszak K, Iffrig S, Visel M, Iwabe S, Boyd RF, Bartoe JT, Sato Y, Gray A, Ripolles-Garcia A, Dufour VL, Byrne LC, Flannery JG, Beltran WA, Aguirre GD. Targeting ON-bipolar cells by AAV gene therapy stably reverses LRIT3-congenital stationary night blindness. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2117038119. [PMID: 35316139 PMCID: PMC9060458 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2117038119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
SignificanceCanine models of inherited retinal diseases have helped advance adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapies targeting specific cells in the outer retina for treating blinding diseases in patients. However, therapeutic targeting of diseases such as congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) that exhibit defects in ON-bipolar cells (ON-BCs) of the midretina remains underdeveloped. Using a leucine-rich repeat, immunoglobulin-like and transmembrane domain 3 (LRIT3) mutant canine model of CSNB exhibiting ON-BC dysfunction, we tested the ability of cell-specific AAV capsids and promotors to specifically target ON-BCs for gene delivery. Subretinal injection of one vector demonstrated safety and efficacy with robust and stable rescue of electroretinography signals and night vision up to 1 y, paving the way for clinical trials in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Miyadera
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Evelyn Santana
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Karolina Roszak
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Sommer Iffrig
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Meike Visel
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Simone Iwabe
- Ophthalmology Services, Charles River Laboratories, Mattawan, MI 49071
| | - Ryan F. Boyd
- Ophthalmology Services, Charles River Laboratories, Mattawan, MI 49071
| | - Joshua T. Bartoe
- Ophthalmology Services, Charles River Laboratories, Mattawan, MI 49071
| | - Yu Sato
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Alexa Gray
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Ana Ripolles-Garcia
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Valérie L. Dufour
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Leah C. Byrne
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - John G. Flannery
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - William A. Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Gustavo D. Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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