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Scarabosio A, Surico PL, Tereshenko V, Singh RB, Salati C, Spadea L, Caputo G, Parodi PC, Gagliano C, Winograd JM, Zeppieri M. Whole-eye transplantation: Current challenges and future perspectives. World J Transplant 2024; 14:95009. [PMID: 38947970 PMCID: PMC11212585 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v14.i2.95009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Whole-eye transplantation emerges as a frontier in ophthalmology, promising a transformative approach to irreversible blindness. Despite advancements, formidable challenges persist. Preservation of donor eye viability post-enucleation necessitates meticulous surgical techniques to optimize retinal integrity and ganglion cell survival. Overcoming the inhibitory milieu of the central nervous system for successful optic nerve regeneration remains elusive, prompting the exploration of neurotrophic support and immunomodulatory interventions. Immunological tolerance, paramount for graft acceptance, confronts the distinctive immunogenicity of ocular tissues, driving research into targeted immunosuppression strategies. Ethical and legal considerations underscore the necessity for stringent standards and ethical frameworks. Interdisciplinary collaboration and ongoing research endeavors are imperative to navigate these complexities. Biomaterials, stem cell therapies, and precision immunomodulation represent promising avenues in this pursuit. Ultimately, the aim of this review is to critically assess the current landscape of whole-eye transplantation, elucidating the challenges and advancements while delineating future directions for research and clinical practice. Through concerted efforts, whole-eye transplantation stands to revolutionize ophthalmic care, offering hope for restored vision and enhanced quality of life for those afflicted with blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Scarabosio
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Pier Luigi Surico
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Vlad Tereshenko
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Rohan Bir Singh
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Carlo Salati
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy
| | - Leopoldo Spadea
- Eye Clinic, Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome 00142, Italy
| | - Glenda Caputo
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy
| | - Pier Camillo Parodi
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy
| | - Caterina Gagliano
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Enna "Kore", Enna 94100, Italy
- Eye Clinic Catania University San Marco Hospital, Viale Carlo Azeglio Ciampi 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Jonathan M Winograd
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States
| | - Marco Zeppieri
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy
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Bou Ghanem GO, Wareham LK, Calkins DJ. Addressing neurodegeneration in glaucoma: Mechanisms, challenges, and treatments. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 100:101261. [PMID: 38527623 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101261] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally. The disease causes vision loss due to neurodegeneration of the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) projection to the brain through the optic nerve. Glaucoma is associated with sensitivity to intraocular pressure (IOP). Thus, mainstay treatments seek to manage IOP, though many patients continue to lose vision. To address neurodegeneration directly, numerous preclinical studies seek to develop protective or reparative therapies that act independently of IOP. These include growth factors, compounds targeting metabolism, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents, and neuromodulators. Despite success in experimental models, many of these approaches fail to translate into clinical benefits. Several factors contribute to this challenge. Firstly, the anatomic structure of the optic nerve head differs between rodents, nonhuman primates, and humans. Additionally, animal models do not replicate the complex glaucoma pathophysiology in humans. Therefore, to enhance the success of translating these findings, we propose two approaches. First, thorough evaluation of experimental targets in multiple animal models, including nonhuman primates, should precede clinical trials. Second, we advocate for combination therapy, which involves using multiple agents simultaneously, especially in the early and potentially reversible stages of the disease. These strategies aim to increase the chances of successful neuroprotective treatment for glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazi O Bou Ghanem
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Lauren K Wareham
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - David J Calkins
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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3
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Molecular Mechanisms in the Vascular and Nervous Systems following Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 13:life13010009. [PMID: 36675958 PMCID: PMC9866624 DOI: 10.3390/life13010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) induces various complex pathological processes that cause physical impairment and psychological devastation. The two phases of SCI are primary mechanical damage (the immediate result of trauma) and secondary injury (which occurs over a period of minutes to weeks). After the mechanical impact, vascular disruption, inflammation, demyelination, neuronal cell death, and glial scar formation occur during the acute phase. This sequence of events impedes nerve regeneration. In the nervous system, various extracellular secretory factors such as neurotrophic factors, growth factors, and cytokines are involved in these events. In the vascular system, the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) is damaged, allowing immune cells to infiltrate the parenchyma. Later, endogenous angiogenesis is promoted during the subacute phase. In this review, we describe the roles of secretory factors in the nervous and vascular systems following traumatic SCI, and discuss the outcomes of their therapeutic application in traumatic SCI.
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Brown C, Agosta P, McKee C, Walker K, Mazzella M, Alamri A, Svinarich D, Chaudhry GR. Human primitive mesenchymal stem cell-derived retinal progenitor cells improved neuroprotection, neurogenesis, and vision in rd12 mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:148. [PMID: 35395806 PMCID: PMC8994263 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02828-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Currently, there is no treatment for retinal degenerative diseases (RDD) such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Stem cell-based therapies could provide promising opportunities to repair the damaged retina and restore vision. Thus far, primarily adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been investigated in preclinical and clinical studies, and the results have not been convincing. We applied a new approach in which primitive (p) MSC-derived retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) were examined to treat retinal degeneration in an rd12 mouse model of RP. Methods Well-characterized pMSCs and RPCs labeled with PKH26 were intravitreally injected into rd12 mice. The vision and retinal function of transplanted animals were analyzed using electroretinography. Animals were killed 4 and 8 weeks after cell transplantation for histological, immunological, molecular, and transcriptomic analyses of the retina. Results Transplanted RPCs significantly improved vision and retinal thickness as well as function in rd12 mice. pMSCs and RPCs homed to distinct retinal layers. pMSCs homed to the retinal pigment epithelium, and RPCs migrated to the neural layers of the retina, where they improved the thickness of the respective layers and expressed cell-specific markers. RPCs induced anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective responses as well as upregulated the expression of genes involved in neurogenesis. The transcriptomic analysis showed that RPCs promoted neurogenesis and functional recovery of the retina through inhibition of BMP and activation of JAK/STAT and MAPK signaling pathways. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that RPCs countered inflammation, provided retinal protection, and promoted neurogenesis resulting in improved retinal structure and physiological function in rd12 mice. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-02828-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA.,OU-WB Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA
| | - Patrina Agosta
- Ascension Providence Hospital, Southfield, MI, 48075, USA
| | - Christina McKee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA.,OU-WB Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA
| | - Keegan Walker
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA.,OU-WB Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA
| | - Matteo Mazzella
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA.,OU-WB Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA
| | - Ali Alamri
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA.,OU-WB Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA
| | | | - G Rasul Chaudhry
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA. .,OU-WB Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA.
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Cell-Based Neuroprotection of Retinal Ganglion Cells in Animal Models of Optic Neuropathies. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10111181. [PMID: 34827174 PMCID: PMC8615038 DOI: 10.3390/biology10111181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) comprise a heterogenous group of projection neurons that transmit visual information from the retina to the brain. Progressive degeneration of these cells, as it occurs in inflammatory, ischemic, traumatic or glaucomatous optic neuropathies, results in visual deterioration and is among the leading causes of irreversible blindness. Treatment options for these diseases are limited. Neuroprotective approaches aim to slow down and eventually halt the loss of ganglion cells in these disorders. In this review, we have summarized preclinical studies that have evaluated the efficacy of cell-based neuroprotective treatment strategies to rescue retinal ganglion cells from cell death. Intraocular transplantations of diverse genetically nonmodified cell types or cells engineered to overexpress neurotrophic factors have been demonstrated to result in significant attenuation of ganglion cell loss in animal models of different optic neuropathies. Cell-based combinatorial neuroprotective approaches represent a potential strategy to further increase the survival rates of retinal ganglion cells. However, data about the long-term impact of the different cell-based treatment strategies on retinal ganglion cell survival and detailed analyses of potential adverse effects of a sustained intraocular delivery of neurotrophic factors on retina structure and function are limited, making it difficult to assess their therapeutic potential.
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6
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Stepankova K, Jendelova P, Machova Urdzikova L. Planet of the AAVs: The Spinal Cord Injury Episode. Biomedicines 2021; 9:613. [PMID: 34071245 PMCID: PMC8228984 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The spinal cord injury (SCI) is a medical and life-disrupting condition with devastating consequences for the physical, social, and professional welfare of patients, and there is no adequate treatment for it. At the same time, gene therapy has been studied as a promising approach for the treatment of neurological and neurodegenerative disorders by delivering remedial genes to the central nervous system (CNS), of which the spinal cord is a part. For gene therapy, multiple vectors have been introduced, including integrating lentiviral vectors and non-integrating adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. AAV vectors are a promising system for transgene delivery into the CNS due to their safety profile as well as long-term gene expression. Gene therapy mediated by AAV vectors shows potential for treating SCI by delivering certain genetic information to specific cell types. This review has focused on a potential treatment of SCI by gene therapy using AAV vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Stepankova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 14200 Prague, Czech Republic;
- Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 15006 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Jendelova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 14200 Prague, Czech Republic;
- Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 15006 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lucia Machova Urdzikova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 14200 Prague, Czech Republic;
- Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 15006 Prague, Czech Republic
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7
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da Silva-Junior AJ, Mesentier-Louro LA, Nascimento-Dos-Santos G, Teixeira-Pinheiro LC, Vasques JF, Chimeli-Ormonde L, Bodart-Santos V, de Carvalho LRP, Santiago MF, Mendez-Otero R. Human mesenchymal stem cell therapy promotes retinal ganglion cell survival and target reconnection after optic nerve crush in adult rats. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:69. [PMID: 33468246 PMCID: PMC7814601 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-02130-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optic-nerve injury results in impaired transmission of visual signals to central targets and leads to the death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and irreversible vision loss. Therapies with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from different sources have been used experimentally to increase survival and regeneration of RGCs. METHODS We investigated the efficacy of human umbilical Wharton's jelly-derived MSCs (hWJ-MSCs) and their extracellular vesicles (EVs) in a rat model of optic nerve crush. RESULTS hWJ-MSCs had a sustained neuroprotective effect on RGCs for 14, 60, and 120 days after optic nerve crush. The same effect was obtained using serum-deprived hWJ-MSCs, whereas transplantation of EVs obtained from those cells was ineffective. Treatment with hWJ-MSCs also promoted axonal regeneration along the optic nerve and reinnervation of visual targets 120 days after crush. CONCLUSIONS The observations showed that this treatment with human-derived MSCs promoted sustained neuroprotection and regeneration of RGCs after optic nerve injury. These findings highlight the possibility to use cell therapy to preserve neurons and to promote axon regeneration, using a reliable source of human MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almir Jordão da Silva-Junior
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil. .,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Medicina Regenerativa-REGENERE, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. .,Rede NanoSaúde, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Louise Alessandra Mesentier-Louro
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.,Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Gabriel Nascimento-Dos-Santos
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Medicina Regenerativa-REGENERE, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Leandro Coelho Teixeira-Pinheiro
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Medicina Regenerativa-REGENERE, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Juliana F Vasques
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Medicina Regenerativa-REGENERE, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luiza Chimeli-Ormonde
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Medicina Regenerativa-REGENERE, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Victor Bodart-Santos
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Medicina Regenerativa-REGENERE, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luiza Rachel Pinheiro de Carvalho
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Medicina Regenerativa-REGENERE, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Felippe Santiago
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Medicina Regenerativa-REGENERE, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rosalia Mendez-Otero
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Medicina Regenerativa-REGENERE, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Rede NanoSaúde, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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8
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Neurotrophic Factors in Glaucoma and Innovative Delivery Systems. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10249015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease and a worldwide leading cause of irreversible vision loss. In the last decades, high efforts have been made to develop novel treatments effective in inducing protection and/or recovery of neural function in glaucoma, including neurotrophic factors (NTFs). These approaches have shown encouraging data in preclinical setting; however, the challenge of sustained, targeted delivery to the retina and optic nerve still prevents the clinical translation. In this paper, the authors review and discuss the most recent advances for the use of NTFs treatment in glaucoma, including intraocular delivery. Novel strategies in drug and gene delivery technology for NTFs are proving effective in promoting long-term retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) survival and related functional improvements. Results of experimental and clinical studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of biodegradable slow-release NTF-loaded microparticle devices, encapsulated NTF-secreting cells implants, mimetic ligands for NTF receptors, and viral and non-viral NTF gene vehicles are discussed. NTFs are able to prevent and even reverse apoptotic ganglion cell death. Nevertheless, neuroprotection in glaucoma remains an open issue due to the unmet need of sustained delivery to the posterior segment of the eye. The recent advances in intraocular delivery systems pave the way for possible future use of NTFs in clinical practice for the treatment of glaucoma.
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9
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Huang T, Li H, Zhang S, Liu F, Wang D, Xu J. Nrn1 Overexpression Attenuates Retinal Ganglion Cell Apoptosis, Promotes Axonal Regeneration, and Improves Visual Function Following Optic Nerve Crush in Rats. J Mol Neurosci 2020; 71:66-79. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01627-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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10
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Chiha W, Bartlett CA, Petratos S, Fitzgerald M, Harvey AR. Intravitreal application of AAV-BDNF or mutant AAV-CRMP2 protects retinal ganglion cells and stabilizes axons and myelin after partial optic nerve injury. Exp Neurol 2020; 326:113167. [PMID: 31904385 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2019.113167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Secondary degeneration following an initial injury to the central nervous system (CNS) results in increased tissue loss and is associated with increasing functional impairment. Unilateral partial dorsal transection of the adult rat optic nerve (ON) has proved to be a useful experimental model in which to study factors that contribute to secondary degenerative events. Using this injury model, we here quantified the protective effects of intravitreally administered bi-cistronic adeno-associated viral (AAV2) vectors encoding either brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or a mutant, phospho-resistant, version of collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2T555A) on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), their axons, and associated myelin. To test for potential synergistic interactions, some animals received combined injections of both vectors. Three months post-injury, all treatments maintained RGC numbers in central retina, but only AAV2-BDNF significantly protected ventrally located RGCs exclusively vulnerable to secondary degeneration. Behaviourally, treatments that involved AAV2-BDNF significantly restored the number of smooth-pursuit phases of optokinetic nystagmus. While all therapeutic regimens preserved axonal density and proportions of typical complexes, including heminodes and single nodes, BDNF treatments were generally more effective in maintaining the length of the node of Ranvier in myelin surrounding ventral ON axons after injury. Both AAV2-BDNF and AAV2-CRMP2T555A prevented injury-induced changes in G-ratio and overall myelin thickness, but only AAV2-BDNF administration protected against large-scale myelin decompaction in ventral ON. In summary, in a model of secondary CNS degeneration, both BDNF and CRMP2T555A vectors were neuroprotective, however different efficacies were observed for these overexpressed proteins in the retina and ON, suggesting disparate cellular and molecular targets driving responses for neural repair. The potential use of these vectors to treat other CNS injuries and pathologies is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wissam Chiha
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, WA 6009, Australia; Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Belmont, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Carole A Bartlett
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Steven Petratos
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Melinda Fitzgerald
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Belmont, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Alan R Harvey
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, WA 6009, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia.
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11
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Immunological considerations and concerns as pertinent to whole eye transplantation. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2019; 24:726-732. [PMID: 31689262 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000000713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The advent of clinical vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA), offers hope for whole eye transplantation (WET) in patients with devastating vison loss that fails or defies current treatment options. Optic nerve regeneration and reintegration remain the overarching hurdles to WET. However, the realization of WET may indeed be limited by our lack of understanding of the singular immunological features of the eye as pertinent to graft survival and functional vision restoration in the setting of transplantation. RECENT FINDINGS Like other VCA, such as the hand or face, the eye includes multiple tissues with distinct embryonic lineage and differential antigenicity. The ultimate goal of vision restoration through WET requires optimal immune modulation of the graft for successful optic nerve regeneration. Our team is exploring barriers to our understanding of the immunology of the eye in the context of WET including the role of immune privilege and lymphatic drainage on rejection, as well as the effects ischemia, reperfusion injury and rejection on optic nerve regeneration. SUMMARY Elucidation of the unique immunological responses in the eye and adnexa after WET will provide foundational clues that will help inform therapies that prevent immune rejection without hindering optic nerve regeneration or reintegration.
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12
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Demonstration of technical feasibility and viability of whole eye transplantation in a rodent model. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2019; 72:1640-1650. [PMID: 31377202 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2019.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Whole eye transplantation (WET) holds promise for vision restoration in devastating/disabling visual loss (congenital or traumatic) not amenable to surgical or neuroprosthetic treatment options. The eye includes multiple tissues with distinct embryonic lineage and differential antigenicity. Anatomically and immunologically, the eye is unique due to its avascular (cornea) and highly vascular (retina) components. Our goal was to establish technical feasibility, demonstrate graft viability, and evaluate histologic changes in ocular tissues/adnexae in a novel experimental model of WET that included globe, adnexal, optic nerve (ON), and periorbital soft tissues. METHODS Outbred Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 5) received heterotopic vascularized WET from donors. Each WET included the entire globe, adnexa, ON, and periorbital soft tissues supplied by the common carotid artery and external jugular vein. Viability and perfusion were confirmed by clinical examination, angiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Globe, adnexal, and periorbital tissues were analyzed for histopathologic changes, and the ON was examined for neuro-regeneration at study endpoint (30 days) or Banff Grade 3 rejection in the periorbital skin (whichever was earlier). RESULTS Gross examination confirmed transplant viability and corneal transparency. Average operative duration was 64.0 ± 5.8 min. Average ischemia time was 26.0 ± 4.2 min. MRI revealed loss of globe volume by 36.0 ± 2.8% after transplantation. Histopathology of globe and adnexal tissues showed unique and differential patterns of inflammatory cell infiltration. The ON revealed a neurodegeneration pattern. CONCLUSION The present study is the first in the literature to establish an experimental model of WET. This model holds significant potential in investigating mechanistic pathways, monitoring strategies or developing management approaches involving ocular viability, immune rejection, and ON regeneration after WET.
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13
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Bartlett CA, Fitzgerald M. Partial Transection of Adult Rat Optic Nerve as a Model of Secondary Degeneration in the Central Nervous System. Bio Protoc 2018; 8:e3118. [PMID: 34532560 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Injury to the central nervous system is characterized by damage that spreads from the initial point of impact into the surrounding adjacent tissue, in a phenomenon referred to as secondary degeneration. The optic nerve can be used to effectively model injury and secondary degeneration to white matter tracts. Partial transection of the dorsal aspect of the nerve leaves the ventral aspect initially undamaged but vulnerable to secondary degeneration, allowing study of tissue exclusively vulnerable to secondary degeneration. Thus the partial optic nerve transection model of secondary degeneration is a valuable tool to study the pathology of spreading damage following neurotrauma and can be used to assess potential efficacy of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole A Bartlett
- Experimental and Regenerative Neurosciences, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands 6009 Western Australia, Australia.,Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Belmont, Australia
| | - Melinda Fitzgerald
- Experimental and Regenerative Neurosciences, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands 6009 Western Australia, Australia.,Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Belmont, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands 6009 Western Australia, Australia
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14
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Flachsbarth K, Jankowiak W, Kruszewski K, Helbing S, Bartsch S, Bartsch U. Pronounced synergistic neuroprotective effect of GDNF and CNTF on axotomized retinal ganglion cells in the adult mouse. Exp Eye Res 2018; 176:258-265. [PMID: 30237104 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Neuroprotection is among the potential treatment options for glaucoma and other retinal pathologies characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Here, we examined the impact of a neural stem (NS) cell-based intravitreal co-administration of two neuroprotective factors on the survival of axotomized RGCs. To this aim we used lentiviral vectors to establish clonal NS cell lines ectopically expressing either glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) or ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). The modified NS cell lines were intravitreally injected either separately or as a 1:1 mixture into adult mice one day after an optic nerve lesion, and the number of surviving RGCs was determined in retinal flat-mounts two, four and eight weeks after the lesion. For the transplantation experiments, we selected a GDNF- and a CNTF-expressing NS cell line that promoted the survival of axotomized RGCs with a similar efficacy. Eight weeks after the lesion, GDNF-treated retinas contained 3.8- and CNTF-treated retinas 3.7-fold more RGCs than control retinas. Of note, the number of surviving RGCs was markedly increased when both factors were administered simultaneously, with 14.3-fold more RGCs than in control retinas eight weeks after the lesion. GDNF and CNTF thus potently and synergistically rescued RGCs from axotomy-induced cell death, indicating that combinatorial neuroprotective approaches represent a promising strategy to effectively promote the survival of RGCs under pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Flachsbarth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wanda Jankowiak
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Kruszewski
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Helbing
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Bartsch
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Udo Bartsch
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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15
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Laughter MR, Bardill JR, Ammar DA, Pena B, Calkins DJ, Park D. Injectable Neurotrophic Factor Delivery System Supporting Retinal Ganglion Cell Survival and Regeneration Following Optic Nerve Crush. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2018; 4:3374-3383. [PMID: 31431919 PMCID: PMC6701853 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.8b00803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
In general, neurons belonging to the central nervous system (CNS), such as retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), do not regenerate. Due to this, strategies have emerged aimed at protecting and regenerating these cells. Neurotrophic factor (NTF) supplementation has been a promising approach but is limited by length of delivery and delivery vehicle. For this study, we tested a polymeric delivery system (sulfonated reverse thermal gel or SRTG) engineered to deliver cilliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), while also being injectable. A rat optic nerve crush (ONC) model was used to determine the neuroprotective and regenerative capacity of our system. The results demonstrate that one single intravitreal injection of SRTG-CNTF following ONC showed significant protection of RGC survival at both 1 and 2 week time points, when compared to the control groups. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the RGC count between the eyes that received the SRTG-CNTF following ONC and a healthy control eye. Intravitreal injection of the polymer system also induced noticeable axon regeneration 500 μm downstream from the lesion site compared to all other control groups. There was a significant increase in Müller cell response in groups that received the SRTG-CNTF injection following optic nerve crush also indicative of a regenerative response. Finally, higher concentrations of CNTF released from SRTG-CNTF showed a protective effect on RGCs and Müller cell response at a longer time point (4 weeks). In conclusion, we were able to show a neuroprotective and regenerative effect of this polymer SRTG-CNTF delivery system and the viability for treatment of neurodegenerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa R. Laughter
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - James R. Bardill
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - David A. Ammar
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Brisa Pena
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - David J. Calkins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Daewon Park
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
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16
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Cortical AAV-CNTF Gene Therapy Combined with Intraspinal Mesenchymal Precursor Cell Transplantation Promotes Functional and Morphological Outcomes after Spinal Cord Injury in Adult Rats. Neural Plast 2018; 2018:9828725. [PMID: 30245710 PMCID: PMC6139201 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9828725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) promotes survival and enhances long-distance regeneration of injured axons in parts of the adult CNS. Here we tested whether CNTF gene therapy targeting corticospinal neurons (CSN) in motor-related regions of the cerebral cortex promotes plasticity and regrowth of axons projecting into the female adult F344 rat spinal cord after moderate thoracic (T10) contusion injury (SCI). Cortical neurons were transduced with a bicistronic adeno-associated viral vector (AAV1) expressing a secretory form of CNTF coupled to mCHERRY (AAV-CNTFmCherry) or with control AAV only (AAV-GFP) two weeks prior to SCI. In some animals, viable or nonviable F344 rat mesenchymal precursor cells (rMPCs) were injected into the lesion site two weeks after SCI to modulate the inhibitory environment. Treatment with AAV-CNTFmCherry, as well as with AAV-CNTFmCherry combined with rMPCs, yielded functional improvements over AAV-GFP alone, as assessed by open-field and Ladderwalk analyses. Cyst size was significantly reduced in the AAV-CNTFmCherry plus viable rMPC treatment group. Cortical injections of biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) revealed more BDA-stained axons rostral and alongside cysts in the AAV-CNTFmCherry versus AAV-GFP groups. After AAV-CNTFmCherry treatments, many sprouting mCherry-immunopositive axons were seen rostral to the SCI, and axons were also occasionally found caudal to the injury site. These data suggest that CNTF has the potential to enhance corticospinal repair by transducing parent CNS populations.
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17
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Smith NM, Giacci MK, Gough A, Bailey C, McGonigle T, Black AMB, Clarke TO, Bartlett CA, Swaminathan Iyer K, Dunlop SA, Fitzgerald M. Inflammation and blood-brain barrier breach remote from the primary injury following neurotrauma. J Neuroinflammation 2018; 15:201. [PMID: 29981582 PMCID: PMC6035802 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-018-1227-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following injury to the central nervous system, increased microglia, secretion of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and altered blood-brain barrier permeability, a hallmark of degeneration, are observed at and immediately adjacent to the injury site. However, few studies investigate how regions remote from the primary injury could also suffer from inflammation and secondary degeneration. METHODS Adult female Piebald-Viral-Glaxo (PVG) rats underwent partial transection of the right optic nerve, with normal, age-matched, unoperated animals as controls. Perfusion-fixed brains and right optic nerves were harvested for immunohistochemical assessment of inflammatory markers and blood-brain barrier integrity; fresh-frozen brains were used for multiplex cytokine analysis. RESULTS Immediately ventral to the optic nerve injury, immunointensity of both the pro-inflammatory biomarker inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the anti-inflammatory biomarker arginase-1 (Arg1) increased at 7 days post-injury, with colocalization of iNOS and Arg1 immunoreactivity within individual cells. CD11b+ and CD45+ cells were increased 7 days post-injury, with altered BBB permeability still evident at this time. In the lower and middle optic tract and superior colliculus, IBA1+ resident microglia were first increased at 3 days; ED1+ and CD11b+ cells were first increased in the middle and upper tract and superior colliculus 7 days post-injury. Increased fibrinogen immunoreactivity indicative of altered BBB permeability was first observed in the contralateral upper tract at 3 days and middle tract at 7 days post-injury. Multiplex cytokine analysis of brain homogenates indicated significant increases in the pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-2 and TNFα, and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 1 day post-injury, decreasing to control levels at 3 days for TNFα and 7 days for IL-2. IL-10 was significantly elevated at 1 and 7 days post-injury with a dip at 3 days post-injury. CONCLUSIONS Partial injury to the optic nerve induces a complex remote inflammatory response, characterized by rapidly increased pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in brain homogenates, increased numbers of IBA1+ cells throughout the visual pathways, and increased CD11b+ and ED1+ inflammatory cells, particularly towards the synaptic terminals. BBB permeability can increase prior to inflammatory cell infiltration, dependent on the brain region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Smith
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Stirling Hwy, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Marcus K Giacci
- Experimental and Regenerative Neurosciences, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Stirling Hwy, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Alexander Gough
- Experimental and Regenerative Neurosciences, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Stirling Hwy, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Charlotte Bailey
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Stirling Hwy, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Terence McGonigle
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Verdun St, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Anna M B Black
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Verdun St, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Thomas O Clarke
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Verdun St, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Carole A Bartlett
- Experimental and Regenerative Neurosciences, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Stirling Hwy, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia.,Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Verdun St, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - K Swaminathan Iyer
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Stirling Hwy, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Sarah A Dunlop
- Experimental and Regenerative Neurosciences, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Stirling Hwy, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Melinda Fitzgerald
- Experimental and Regenerative Neurosciences, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Stirling Hwy, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia. .,Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Verdun St, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia. .,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Verdun St, Nedlands, Western Australia, 6009, Australia.
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18
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Huang ZR, Chen HY, Hu ZZ, Xie P, Liu QH. PTEN knockdown with the Y444F mutant AAV2 vector promotes axonal regeneration in the adult optic nerve. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:135-144. [PMID: 29451218 PMCID: PMC5840979 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.224381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The lack of axonal regeneration is the major cause of vision loss after optic nerve injury in adult mammals. Activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway has been shown to enhance the intrinsic growth capacity of neurons and to facilitate axonal regeneration in the central nervous system after injury. The deletion of the mTOR negative regulator phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) enhances regeneration of adult corticospinal neurons and ganglion cells. In the present study, we used a tyrosine-mutated (Y444F) AAV2 vector to efficiently express a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) for silencing PTEN expression in retinal ganglion cells. We evaluated cell survival and axonal regeneration in a rat model of optic nerve axotomy. The rats received an intravitreal injection of wildtype AAV2 or Y444F mutant AAV2 (both carrying shRNA to PTEN) 4 weeks before optic nerve axotomy. Compared with the wildtype AAV2 vector, the Y444F mutant AAV2 vector enhanced retinal ganglia cell survival and stimulated axonal regeneration to a greater extent 6 weeks after axotomy. Moreover, post-axotomy injection of the Y444F AAV2 vector expressing the shRNA to PTEN rescued ~19% of retinal ganglion cells and induced axons to regenerate near to the optic chiasm. Taken together, our results demonstrate that PTEN knockdown with the Y444F AAV2 vector promotes retinal ganglion cell survival and stimulates long-distance axonal regeneration after optic nerve axotomy. Therefore, the Y444F AAV2 vector might be a promising gene therapy tool for treating optic nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Ru Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing; Department of Ophthalmology, the Second People's Hospital of Changshu, Changshu, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hai-Ying Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second People's Hospital of Changshu, Changshu, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zi-Zhong Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ping Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qing-Huai Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
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19
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Dias MF, Joo K, Kemp JA, Fialho SL, da Silva Cunha A, Woo SJ, Kwon YJ. Molecular genetics and emerging therapies for retinitis pigmentosa: Basic research and clinical perspectives. Prog Retin Eye Res 2017; 63:107-131. [PMID: 29097191 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a hereditary retinopathy that affects about 2.5 million people worldwide. It is characterized with progressive loss of rods and cones and causes severe visual dysfunction and eventual blindness in bilateral eyes. In addition to more than 3000 genetic mutations from about 70 genes, a wide genetic overlap with other types of retinal dystrophies has been reported with RP. This diversity of genetic pathophysiology makes treatment extremely challenging. Although therapeutic attempts have been made using various pharmacologic agents (neurotrophic factors, antioxidants, and anti-apoptotic agents), most are not targeted to the fundamental cause of RP, and their clinical efficacy has not been clearly proven. Current therapies for RP in ongoing or completed clinical trials include gene therapy, cell therapy, and retinal prostheses. Gene therapy, a strategy to correct the genetic defects using viral or non-viral vectors, has the potential to achieve definitive treatment by replacing or silencing a causative gene. Among many clinical trials of gene therapy for hereditary retinal diseases, a phase 3 clinical trial of voretigene neparvovec (AAV2-hRPE65v2, Luxturna) recently showed significant efficacy for RPE65-mediated inherited retinal dystrophy including Leber congenital amaurosis and RP. It is about to be approved as the first ocular gene therapy biologic product. Despite current limitations such as limited target genes and indicated patients, modest efficacy, and the invasive administration method, development in gene editing technology and novel gene delivery carriers make gene therapy a promising therapeutic modality for RP and other hereditary retinal dystrophies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina França Dias
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kwangsic Joo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jessica A Kemp
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Silvia Ligório Fialho
- Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Ezequiel Dias Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Se Joon Woo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young Jik Kwon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
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20
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Shan K, Liu C, Liu BH, Chen X, Dong R, Liu X, Zhang YY, Liu B, Zhang SJ, Wang JJ, Zhang SH, Wu JH, Zhao C, Yan B. Circular Noncoding RNA HIPK3 Mediates Retinal Vascular Dysfunction in Diabetes Mellitus. Circulation 2017; 136:1629-1642. [PMID: 28860123 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.117.029004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 386] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kun Shan
- From Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, China (K.S., C.L., X.L., S.-J.Z., J.-J.W., S.-H.Z., J.-H.W., C.Z., B.Y.); Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, China (C.L.); Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China (B.-H.L., R.D.); Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China (X.C.); Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanghai East
| | - Chang Liu
- From Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, China (K.S., C.L., X.L., S.-J.Z., J.-J.W., S.-H.Z., J.-H.W., C.Z., B.Y.); Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, China (C.L.); Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China (B.-H.L., R.D.); Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China (X.C.); Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanghai East
| | - Bai-Hui Liu
- From Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, China (K.S., C.L., X.L., S.-J.Z., J.-J.W., S.-H.Z., J.-H.W., C.Z., B.Y.); Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, China (C.L.); Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China (B.-H.L., R.D.); Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China (X.C.); Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanghai East
| | - Xue Chen
- From Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, China (K.S., C.L., X.L., S.-J.Z., J.-J.W., S.-H.Z., J.-H.W., C.Z., B.Y.); Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, China (C.L.); Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China (B.-H.L., R.D.); Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China (X.C.); Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanghai East
| | - Rui Dong
- From Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, China (K.S., C.L., X.L., S.-J.Z., J.-J.W., S.-H.Z., J.-H.W., C.Z., B.Y.); Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, China (C.L.); Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China (B.-H.L., R.D.); Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China (X.C.); Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanghai East
| | - Xin Liu
- From Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, China (K.S., C.L., X.L., S.-J.Z., J.-J.W., S.-H.Z., J.-H.W., C.Z., B.Y.); Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, China (C.L.); Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China (B.-H.L., R.D.); Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China (X.C.); Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanghai East
| | - Yang-Yang Zhang
- From Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, China (K.S., C.L., X.L., S.-J.Z., J.-J.W., S.-H.Z., J.-H.W., C.Z., B.Y.); Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, China (C.L.); Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China (B.-H.L., R.D.); Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China (X.C.); Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanghai East
| | - Ban Liu
- From Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, China (K.S., C.L., X.L., S.-J.Z., J.-J.W., S.-H.Z., J.-H.W., C.Z., B.Y.); Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, China (C.L.); Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China (B.-H.L., R.D.); Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China (X.C.); Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanghai East
| | - Shu-Jie Zhang
- From Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, China (K.S., C.L., X.L., S.-J.Z., J.-J.W., S.-H.Z., J.-H.W., C.Z., B.Y.); Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, China (C.L.); Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China (B.-H.L., R.D.); Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China (X.C.); Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanghai East
| | - Jia-Jian Wang
- From Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, China (K.S., C.L., X.L., S.-J.Z., J.-J.W., S.-H.Z., J.-H.W., C.Z., B.Y.); Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, China (C.L.); Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China (B.-H.L., R.D.); Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China (X.C.); Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanghai East
| | - Sheng-Hai Zhang
- From Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, China (K.S., C.L., X.L., S.-J.Z., J.-J.W., S.-H.Z., J.-H.W., C.Z., B.Y.); Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, China (C.L.); Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China (B.-H.L., R.D.); Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China (X.C.); Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanghai East
| | - Ji-Hong Wu
- From Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, China (K.S., C.L., X.L., S.-J.Z., J.-J.W., S.-H.Z., J.-H.W., C.Z., B.Y.); Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, China (C.L.); Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China (B.-H.L., R.D.); Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China (X.C.); Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanghai East
| | - Chen Zhao
- From Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, China (K.S., C.L., X.L., S.-J.Z., J.-J.W., S.-H.Z., J.-H.W., C.Z., B.Y.); Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, China (C.L.); Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China (B.-H.L., R.D.); Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China (X.C.); Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanghai East
| | - Biao Yan
- From Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, China (K.S., C.L., X.L., S.-J.Z., J.-J.W., S.-H.Z., J.-H.W., C.Z., B.Y.); Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, China (C.L.); Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China (B.-H.L., R.D.); Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China (X.C.); Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanghai East
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21
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Nuzzi R, Tridico F. Glaucoma: Biological Trabecular and Neuroretinal Pathology with Perspectives of Therapy Innovation and Preventive Diagnosis. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:494. [PMID: 28928631 PMCID: PMC5591842 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a common degenerative disease affecting retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and optic nerve axons, with progressive and chronic course. It is one of the most important reasons of social blindness in industrialized countries. Glaucoma can lead to the development of irreversible visual field loss, if not treated. Diagnosis may be difficult due to lack of symptoms in early stages of disease. In many cases, when patients arrive at clinical evaluation, a severe neuronal damage may have already occurred. In recent years, newer perspective in glaucoma treatment have emerged. The current research is focusing on finding newer drugs and associations or better delivery systems in order to improve the pharmacological treatment and patient compliance. Moreover, the application of various stem cell types with restorative and neuroprotective intent may be found appealing (intravitreal autologous cellular therapy). Advances are made also in terms of parasurgical treatment, characterized by various laser types and techniques. Moreover, recent research has led to the development of central and peripheral retinal rehabilitation (featuring residing cells reactivation and replacement of defective elements), as well as innovations in diagnosis through more specific and refined methods and inexpensive tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Nuzzi
- Eye Clinic Section, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Ophthalmic HospitalTurin, Italy
| | - Federico Tridico
- Eye Clinic Section, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Ophthalmic HospitalTurin, Italy
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22
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Yang XT, Huang GH, Li HJ, Sun ZL, Xu NJ, Feng DF. Rac1 Guides Porf-2 to Wnt Pathway to Mediate Neural Stem Cell Proliferation. Front Mol Neurosci 2017. [PMID: 28626389 PMCID: PMC5454044 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the anti-proliferative effects of preoptic regulator factor 2 (Porf-2) on neural stem cells (NSCs) remain largely unknown. Here, we found that Porf-2 inhibits the activity of ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) protein in hippocampus-derived rat NSCs. Reduced Rac1 activity impaired the nuclear translocation of β-catenin, ultimately causing a repression of NSCs proliferation. Porf-2 knockdown enhanced NSCs proliferation but not in the presence of small molecule inhibitors of Rac1 or Wnt. At the same time, the repression of NSCs proliferation caused by Porf-2 overexpression was counteracted by small molecule activators of Rac1 or Wnt. By using a rat optic nerve crush model, we observed that Porf-2 knockdown enhanced the recovery of visual function. In particular, optic nerve injury in rats led to increased Wnt family member 3a (Wnt3a) protein expression, which we found responsible for enhancing Porf-2 knockdown-induced NSCs proliferation. These findings suggest that Porf-2 exerts its inhibitory effect on NSCs proliferation via Rac1-Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Porf-2 may therefore represent and interesting target for optic nerve injury recovery and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Tao Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China.,Institute of Traumatic Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China.,Department of Interventional Radiotherapy, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China
| | - Guo-Hui Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China.,Institute of Traumatic Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China
| | - Hong-Jiang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China.,Institute of Traumatic Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China
| | - Zhao-Liang Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China.,Institute of Traumatic Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China
| | - Nan-Jie Xu
- Neuroscience Division, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China
| | - Dong-Fu Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China.,Institute of Traumatic Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai, China
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23
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Huang Z, Hu Z, Xie P, Liu Q. Tyrosine-mutated AAV2-mediated shRNA silencing of PTEN promotes axon regeneration of adult optic nerve. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174096. [PMID: 28323869 PMCID: PMC5360277 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway via deleting phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) has been confirmed to enhance intrinsic growth capacity of neurons to facilitate the axons regeneration of central nervous system after injury. Considering conditional gene deletion is currently not available in clinical practice, we exploited capsid residue tyrosine 444 to phenylalanine mutated single-stranded adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (AAV2) as a vector delivering short hairpin RNA to silence PTEN to promote retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) survival and axons regeneration in adult rat optic nerve axotomy paradigm. We found that mutant AAV2 displayed higher infection efficiency to RGCs and Müller cells by intravitreal injection, mediated PTEN suppression, resulted in much more RGCs survival and more robust axons regeneration compared with wild type AAV2, due to the different extent of the mTOR complex-1 activation and glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST) regulation. These results suggest that high efficiency AAV2-mediated PTEN knockdown represents a practicable therapeutic strategy for optic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- ZhengRu Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second People´s Hospital of Changshu, Changshu, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - ZiZhong Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ping Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - QingHuai Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
- * E-mail:
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Hodgetts SI, Harvey AR. Neurotrophic Factors Used to Treat Spinal Cord Injury. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2016; 104:405-457. [PMID: 28215303 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2016.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The application of neurotrophic factors as a therapy to improve morphological and behavioral outcomes after experimental spinal cord injury (SCI) has been the focus of many studies. These studies vary markedly in the type of neurotrophic factor that is delivered, the mode of administration, and the location, timing, and duration of the treatment. Generally, the majority of studies have had significant success if neurotrophic factors are applied in or close to the lesion site during the acute or the subacute phase after SCI. Comparatively fewer studies have administered neurotrophic factors in order to directly target the somata of injured neurons. The mode of delivery varies between acute injection of recombinant proteins, subacute or chronic delivery using a variety of strategies including osmotic minipumps, cell-mediated delivery, delivery using polymer release vehicles or supporting bridges of some sort, or the use of gene therapy to modify neurons, glial cells, or precursor/stem cells. In this brief review, we summarize the state of play of many of the therapies using these factors, most of which have been undertaken in rodent models of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- S I Hodgetts
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia; Western Australian Neuroscience Research Institute, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - A R Harvey
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia; Western Australian Neuroscience Research Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
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25
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Cen LP, Liang JJ, Chen JH, Harvey AR, Ng TK, Zhang M, Pang CP, Cui Q, Fan YM. AAV-mediated transfer of RhoA shRNA and CNTF promotes retinal ganglion cell survival and axon regeneration. Neuroscience 2016; 343:472-482. [PMID: 28017835 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine whether adeno-associated viral vector (AAV) mediated transfer of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and RhoA shRNA has additive effects on promoting the survival and axon regeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after optic nerve crush (ONC). Silencing effects of AAV-RhoA shRNA were confirmed by examining neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells, and by quantifying RhoA expression levels with western blotting. Young adult Fischer rats received an intravitreal injection of (i) saline, (ii) AAV green fluorescent protein (GFP), (iii) AAV-CNTF, (iv) AAV-RhoA shRNA, or (v) a combination of both AAV-CNTF and AAV-RhoA shRNA. Two weeks later, the ON was completely crushed. Three weeks after ONC, RGC survival was estimated by counting βIII-tubulin-positive neurons in retinal whole mounts. Axon regeneration was evaluated by counting GAP-43-positive axons in the crushed ON. It was found that AAV-RhoA shRNA decreased RhoA expression levels and promoted neurite outgrowth in vitro. In the ONC model, AAV-RhoA shRNA by itself had only weak beneficial effects on RGC axon regeneration. However, when combined with AAV-CNTF, AAV-RhoA shRNA significantly improved the therapeutic effect of AAV-CNTF on axon regeneration by nearly two fold, even though there was no significant change in RGC viability. In sum, this combination of vectors increases the regenerative response and can lead to more successful therapeutic outcomes following neurotrauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Ping Cen
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, PR China.
| | - Jia-Jian Liang
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, PR China
| | - Jian-Huan Chen
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, PR China
| | - Alan R Harvey
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Tsz Kin Ng
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Mingzhi Zhang
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, PR China
| | - Chi Pui Pang
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, PR China; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Qi Cui
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, PR China; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - You-Ming Fan
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, PR China; Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University for Nationalities, Enshi, PR China.
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26
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Dvoriantchikova G, Pappas S, Luo X, Ribeiro M, Danek D, Pelaez D, Park KK, Ivanov D. Virally delivered, constitutively active NFκB improves survival of injured retinal ganglion cells. Eur J Neurosci 2016; 44:2935-2943. [PMID: 27564592 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 08/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
As axon damage and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss lead to blindness, therapies that increase RGC survival and axon regrowth have direct clinical relevance. Given that NFκB signaling is critical for neuronal survival and may regulate neurite growth, we investigated the therapeutic potential of NFκB signaling in RGC survival and axon regeneration. Although both NFκB subunits (p65 and p50) are present in RGCs, p65 exists in an inactive (unphosphorylated) state when RGCs are subjected to neurotoxic conditions. In this study, we used a phosphomimetic approach to generate DNA coding for an activated (phosphorylated) p65 (p65mut), then employed an adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (AAV2) to deliver the DNA into RGCs. We tested whether constitutive p65mut expression prevents death and facilitates neurite outgrowth in RGCs subjected to transient retinal ischemia or optic nerve crush (ONC), two models of neurotoxicity. Our data indicate that RGCs treated with AAV2-p65mut displayed a significant increase in survival compared to controls in ONC model (77 ± 7% vs. 25 ± 3%, P-value = 0.0001). We also found protective effect of modified p65 in RGCs of ischemic retinas (55 ± 12% vs. 35 ± 6%), but not to a statistically significant degree (P-value = 0.14). We did not detect a difference in axon regeneration between experimental and control animals after ONC. These findings suggest that increased NFκB signaling in RGCs attenuates retinal damage in animal models of neurodegeneration, but insignificantly impacts axon regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina Dvoriantchikova
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Steve Pappas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Xueting Luo
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Marcio Ribeiro
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Dagmara Danek
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Daniel Pelaez
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Kevin K Park
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Dmitry Ivanov
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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27
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You SW, Hellström M, Pollett MA, LeVaillant C, Moses C, Rigby PJ, Penrose M, Rodger J, Harvey AR. Large-scale reconstitution of a retina-to-brain pathway in adult rats using gene therapy and bridging grafts: An anatomical and behavioral analysis. Exp Neurol 2016; 279:197-211. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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28
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Correction of Pathological Morphofunctional Changes in the Mammalian Retina. NEUROPHYSIOLOGY+ 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s11062-016-9549-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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29
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Integrated analyses of zebrafish miRNA and mRNA expression profiles identify miR-29b and miR-223 as potential regulators of optic nerve regeneration. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:591. [PMID: 26265132 PMCID: PMC4534052 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1772-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Unlike mammals, zebrafish have the ability to regenerate damaged parts of their central nervous system (CNS) and regain functionality of the affected area. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in zebrafish regeneration may therefore provide insight into how CNS repair might be induced in mammals. Although many studies have described differences in gene expression in zebrafish during CNS regeneration, the regulatory mechanisms underpinning the differential expression of these genes have not been examined. Results We used microarrays to analyse and integrate the mRNA and microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of zebrafish retina after optic nerve crush to identify potential regulatory mechanisms that underpin central nerve regeneration. Bioinformatic analysis identified 3 miRNAs and 657 mRNAs that were differentially expressed after injury. We then combined inverse correlations between our miRNA expression and mRNA expression, and integrated these findings with target predictions from TargetScan Fish to identify putative miRNA-gene target pairs. We focused on two over-expressed miRNAs (miR-29b and miR-223), and functionally validated seven of their predicted gene targets using RT-qPCR and luciferase assays to confirm miRNA-mRNA binding. Gene ontology analysis placed the miRNA-regulated genes (eva1a, layna, nefmb, ina, si:ch211-51a6.2, smoc1, sb:cb252) in key biological processes that included cell survival/apoptosis, ECM-cytoskeleton signaling, and heparan sulfate proteoglycan binding, Conclusion Our results suggest a key role for miR-29b and miR-223 in zebrafish regeneration. The identification of miRNA regulation in a zebrafish injury model provides a framework for future studies in which to investigate not only the cellular processes required for CNS regeneration, but also how these mechanisms might be regulated to promote successful repair and return of function in the injured mammalian brain. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1772-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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30
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Harvey AR, Lovett SJ, Majda BT, Yoon JH, Wheeler LPG, Hodgetts SI. Neurotrophic factors for spinal cord repair: Which, where, how and when to apply, and for what period of time? Brain Res 2014; 1619:36-71. [PMID: 25451132 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.10.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Revised: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A variety of neurotrophic factors have been used in attempts to improve morphological and behavioural outcomes after experimental spinal cord injury (SCI). Here we review many of these factors, their cellular targets, and their therapeutic impact on spinal cord repair in different, primarily rodent, models of SCI. A majority of studies report favourable outcomes but results are by no means consistent, thus a major aim of this review is to consider how best to apply neurotrophic factors after SCI to optimize their therapeutic potential. In addition to which factors are chosen, many variables need be considered when delivering trophic support, including where and when to apply a given factor or factors, how such factors are administered, at what dose, and for how long. Overall, the majority of studies have applied neurotrophic support in or close to the spinal cord lesion site, in the acute or sub-acute phase (0-14 days post-injury). Far fewer chronic SCI studies have been undertaken. In addition, comparatively fewer studies have administered neurotrophic factors directly to the cell bodies of injured neurons; yet in other instructive rodent models of CNS injury, for example optic nerve crush or transection, therapies are targeted directly at the injured neurons themselves, the retinal ganglion cells. The mode of delivery of neurotrophic factors is also an important variable, whether delivered by acute injection of recombinant proteins, sub-acute or chronic delivery using osmotic minipumps, cell-mediated delivery, delivery using polymer release vehicles or supporting bridges of some sort, or the use of gene therapy to modify neurons, glial cells or precursor/stem cells. Neurotrophic factors are often used in combination with cell or tissue grafts and/or other pharmacotherapeutic agents. Finally, the dose and time-course of delivery of trophic support should ideally be tailored to suit specific biological requirements, whether they relate to neuronal survival, axonal sparing/sprouting, or the long-distance regeneration of axons ending in a different mode of growth associated with terminal arborization and renewed synaptogenesis. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan R Harvey
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Sarah J Lovett
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Bernadette T Majda
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Jun H Yoon
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Lachlan P G Wheeler
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Stuart I Hodgetts
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
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Liu X, Zuo Z, Liu W, Wang Z, Hou Y, Fu Y, Han Y. Upregulation of Nogo receptor expression induces apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells in diabetic rats. Neural Regen Res 2014; 9:815-20. [PMID: 25206894 PMCID: PMC4146255 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.131597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Nogo receptor is an essential factor for neuronal apoptosis, but the changes in Nogo receptor expression in the retina and the effects of the Nogo receptor on retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in diabetes mellitus remain unclear. We found that Nogo receptor expression was mainly visible in retinal ganglion cells of a rat model of diabetes mellitus induced by streptozotocin. At 12 weeks after onset of diabetes mellitus, Nogo receptor and Rho kinase expression significantly increased in the retina, and retinal ganglion cell apoptosis was apparent. When RNA interference was used to suppress Nogo receptor expression in rat retina, Rho kinase expression was obviously inhibited, and retinal ganglion cell apoptosis was evidently reduced in rats with diabetes mellitus. These results indicate that upregulation of Nogo receptor expression is an important mechanism of retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in rats with diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuezheng Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Zhongfu Zuo
- Department of Anatomy, Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Wanpeng Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Zhiyun Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yang Hou
- Scientific Experimental Center, Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yunjie Fu
- Department of Anatomy, Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yuzhi Han
- Department of Anatomy, Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China
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32
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Cyclic AMP and the regeneration of retinal ganglion cell axons. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2014; 56:66-73. [PMID: 24796847 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2014.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Revised: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In this paper we present a brief review of studies that have reported therapeutic benefits of elevated cAMP on plasticity and regeneration after injury to the central nervous system (CNS). We also provide new data on the cellular mechanisms by which elevation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) promotes cytokine driven regeneration of adult CNS axons, using the visual system as the experimental model. cAMP is a second messenger for many intracellular signalling pathways. Elevation of cAMP in the eye by intravitreal injection of the cell permeant analogue (8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-adenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate; CPT-cAMP), when added to recombinant ciliary neurotrophic factor (rCNTF), significantly enhances rCNTF-induced regeneration of adult rat retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons into peripheral nerve (PN) grafted onto transected optic nerve. This effect is mediated to some extent by protein kinase A (PKA) signalling, but CPT-cAMP also acts via PI3K/Akt signalling to reduce suppressor of cytokine signalling protein 3 (SOCS3) activity in RGCs. Another target for cAMP is the exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac), which can also mediate cAMP-induced axonal growth. Here we describe some novel results and discuss to what extent the pro-regenerative effects of CPT-cAMP on adult RGCs are mediated via Epac as well as via PKA-dependent pathways. We used the established PN-optic nerve graft model and quantified the survival and regenerative growth of adult rat RGCs after intravitreal injection of rCNTF in combination with a selective activator of PKA and/or a specific activator of Epac. Viable RGCs were identified by βIII-tubulin immunohistochemistry and regenerating RGCs retrogradely labelled and quantified after an injection of fluorogold into the distal end of the PN grafts, 4 weeks post-transplantation. The specific agonists of either PKA or Epac were both effective in enhancing the effects of rCNTF on RGC axonal regeneration, but interestingly, injections that combined rCNTF with both agonists were significantly less effective. The results are discussed in relation to previous CPT-cAMP studies on RGCs, and we also consider the need to modulate cAMP levels in order to obtain the most functionally effective regenerative response after CNS trauma. This article is part of a directed issue entitled: Regenerative Medicine: the challenge of translation.
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33
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Harvey AR. Gene therapy and the regeneration of retinal ganglion cell axons. Neural Regen Res 2014; 9:232-3. [PMID: 25206805 PMCID: PMC4146148 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.128213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
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Butt GF, Habib A, Mahgoub K, Sofela A, Tilley M, Guo L, Cordeiro MF. Optic nerve regeneration. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1586/eop.12.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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35
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Abstract
Experimental visual pathway lesion in the form of optic nerve (ON) crush or transection injury results in massive death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and permanent loss of synaptic connections (Berkelaar et al., J Neurosci 14:4368-4374, 1994). Despite the fact that RGC axon regeneration is inhibited in a manner typical of other CNS lesions, the rodent ON injury model is one of the few models where robust axon regeneration has been achieved after therapeutic intervention (Berry et al., Restor Neurol Neurosci 26:147-174, 2008). However, assessment of the efficacy of therapeutic approaches in promoting ON regeneration has traditionally relied on histological methods, which necessitate the sacrifice of experimental animals and thus preclude longitudinal in vivo monitoring of individual subjects. Manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI) utilizes the paramagnetic properties and uptake and transport mechanisms of manganese ions (Mn(2+)) by neurons, thus enabling serial in vivo monitoring of the entire axonal projections (Sandvig et al., J Magn Reson Imaging 34:670-675, 2011; Thuen et al., J Magn Reson Imaging 4:492-500, 2005; Pautler et al., Magn Res Med 50:33-39, 2003; Saleem et al., Neurotechnique 34:685-700, 2000). The above properties of Mn(2+) render MEMRI a highly suitable technique for assessment of ON regeneration after injury, especially with a view to in vivo monitoring of neuronal connectivity and axon-regenerative responses to treatment. In this chapter, we provide a generic protocol for ON lesioning and MEMRI application for assessment of ON regeneration in rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Sandvig
- MI Lab and Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7489, Trondheim, Norway,
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36
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Weber AJ, Harman CD. BDNF treatment and extended recovery from optic nerve trauma in the cat. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2013; 54:6594-604. [PMID: 23989190 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.13-12683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We examined the treatment period necessary to restore retinal and visual stability following trauma to the optic nerve. METHODS Cats received unilateral optic nerve crush and no treatment (NT), treatment of the injured eye with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), or treatment of the injured eye combined with treatment of visual cortex for 2 or 4 weeks. After 1-, 2-, 4-, or 6-week survival periods, pattern electroretinograms (PERGs) were obtained and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival determined. RESULTS In the peripheral retina, RGC survival for NT, eye only, and eye + cortex animals was 55%, 78%, and 92%, respectively, at 1 week, and 31%, 60%, and 93%, respectively, at 2 weeks. PERGs showed a similar pattern of improvement. After 4 weeks, RGC survival was 7%, 29%, and 53% in each group, with PERGs in the dual-treated animals similar to the 1- to 2-week animals. For area centralis (AC), the NT, eye only, and eye + cortex animals showed 47%, 78%, and 82% survival, respectively, at 2 weeks, and 13%, 54%, and 81% survival, respectively, at 4 weeks. Removing the pumps at 2 weeks resulted in ganglion cell survival levels of 76% and 74% in the AC at 4 and 6 weeks postcrush, respectively. The PERGs from 2-week treated, but 4- and 6-week survival animals were comparable to those of the 2-week animals. CONCLUSIONS Treating the entire central visual pathway is important following optic nerve trauma. Long-term preservation of central vision may be achieved with as little as 2 weeks of treatment using this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur J Weber
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience Training Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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37
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Pernet V, Joly S, Dalkara D, Jordi N, Schwarz O, Christ F, Schaffer DV, Flannery JG, Schwab ME. Long-distance axonal regeneration induced by CNTF gene transfer is impaired by axonal misguidance in the injured adult optic nerve. Neurobiol Dis 2012. [PMID: 23194670 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2012.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The optic nerve crush injury is a well-accepted model to study the mechanisms of axonal regeneration after trauma in the CNS. The infection of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) with an adeno-associated virus serotype 2 - ciliary neurotrophic factor (AAV2.CNTF) was previously shown to stimulate axonal regeneration. However, the transfection of axotomized neurons themselves may not be optimal to promote full axonal regeneration in the visual system. Here, we show that the release of CNTF by glial cells is a very powerful stimulus for optic fiber regeneration and RGC survival after optic nerve crush. After 8 weeks, long-distance regeneration of severed optic axons was induced by CNTF until and beyond the optic chiasm. Regenerated axons stayed for at least 6 months in the damaged optic nerve. Strikingly, however, many regenerated axons showed one or several sharp U-turns along their course, suggesting that guidance cues are missing and that long-distance axonal regeneration is limited by the return of the growing axons toward the retina. Even more surprisingly, massive axonal sprouting was observed within the eye, forming a dense plexus of neurites at the inner surface of the retina. These results indicate that massive stimulation of the neuronal growth program can lead to aberrant growth; the absence of local regulatory and guidance factors in the adult, injured optic nerve may therefore represent a major, so far underestimated obstacle to successful axon regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Pernet
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zürich, and Dept of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland.
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38
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Hellström M, Pollett MA, Harvey AR. Post-injury delivery of rAAV2-CNTF combined with short-term pharmacotherapy is neuroprotective and promotes extensive axonal regeneration after optic nerve trauma. J Neurotrauma 2012; 28:2475-83. [PMID: 21861632 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2011.1928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors expressing neurotrophic genes reduce neuronal death and promote axonal regeneration in central nervous system (CNS) injury models. Currently, however, use of rAAV to treat clinical neurotrauma is problematic because there is a delay in the onset of transgene expression. Using the adult rat retina and optic nerve (ON), we have tested whether rAAV gene therapy administered at the time of injury combined with short-term pharmacotherapy has synergistic effects that enhance neuronal survival and regeneration. The ON was transected and a 1.5 cm segment of autologous peripheral nerve (PN) was grafted onto the cut end. At this time, bicistronic rAAV2 encoding ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and green fluorescent protein (rAAV2-CNTF-GFP) was injected into the injured eye. To provide interim support for axotomized retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) during vector integration and therapeutic transgene expression, rCNTF protein and a cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) analogue (CPT-cAMP) were injected intravitreally 3 and 10 days postoperatively. For comparison, another rAAV2-CNTF-GFP group received two intravitreal saline injections 3 and 10 days after the PN-ON surgery. A further PN graft group received only postoperative intravitreal injections of rCNTF plus CPT-cAMP. After 4 weeks, regenerating RGCs were retrogradely labelled by applying fluorogold to the distal end of each PN graft. Compared to saline-injected animals, both RGC survival and axonal regrowth were significantly higher in the rCNTF and CPT-cAMP injected rAAV2-CNTF-GFP group; approximately one third of the RGC population survived axotomy, and 27% of these regrew an axon. These values were also higher than those obtained in rats that received only rCNTF plus CPT-cAMP injections. Therefore, we show for the first time that rAAV-mediated gene delivery at the time of, or just after, neurotrauma is most successful when combined with temporary post-injury trophic support, and is potentially a viable treatment strategy for patients after acute CNS injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mats Hellström
- School of Anatomy and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
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Alqawlaq S, Huzil JT, Ivanova MV, Foldvari M. Challenges in neuroprotective nanomedicine development: progress towards noninvasive gene therapy of glaucoma. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2012; 7:1067-83. [PMID: 22846092 DOI: 10.2217/nnm.12.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade the application of gene therapy of retinal diseases such as glaucoma has produced promising results. However, optic nerve regeneration and restoration of vision in patients with glaucoma is still far from reality. Neuroprotective approaches in the form of gene therapy may provide significant advantages, but are still limited by many factors both at the organ and cellular levels. In general, gene delivery systems for eye diseases range from simple eye drops and ointments to more advanced bio- and nanotechnology-based systems such as muco-adhesive systems, polymers, liposomes and ocular inserts. Most of these technologies were developed for front-of-the-eye ophthalmic therapies and are not applicable as back-of-the-eye delivery systems. Currently, only the invasive intravitreal injections are capable of successfully delivering genes to the retina. Here we review the challenges and possible strategies for the noninvasive gene therapy of glaucoma including the barriers in the eye and in neural cells, and present a cross-sectional view of gene delivery as it pertains to the prevention and treatment of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samih Alqawlaq
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - J Torin Huzil
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Marina V Ivanova
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Marianna Foldvari
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
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40
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Lorber B, Tassoni A, Bull ND, Moschos MM, Martin KR. Retinal ganglion cell survival and axon regeneration in WldS transgenic rats after optic nerve crush and lens injury. BMC Neurosci 2012; 13:56. [PMID: 22672534 PMCID: PMC3404964 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-13-56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2011] [Accepted: 06/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We have previously shown that the slow Wallerian degeneration mutation, whilst delaying axonal degeneration after optic nerve crush, does not protect retinal ganglion cell (RGC) bodies in adult rats. To test the effects of a combination approach protecting both axons and cell bodies we performed combined optic nerve crush and lens injury, which results in both enhanced RGC survival as well as axon regeneration past the lesion site in wildtype animals. Results As previously reported we found that the WldS mutation does not protect RGC bodies after optic nerve crush alone. Surprisingly, we found that WldS transgenic rats did not exhibit the enhanced RGC survival response after combined optic nerve crush and lens injury that was observed in wildtype rats. RGC axon regeneration past the optic nerve lesion site was, however, similar in WldS and wildtypes. Furthermore, activation of retinal glia, previously shown to be associated with enhanced RGC survival and axon regeneration after optic nerve crush and lens injury, was unaffected in WldS transgenic rats. Conclusions RGC axon regeneration is similar between WldS transgenic and wildtype rats, but WldS transgenic rats do not exhibit enhanced RGC survival after combined optic nerve crush and lens injury suggesting that the neuroprotective effects of lens injury on RGC survival may be limited by the WldS protein.
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Wohl SG, Schmeer CW, Isenmann S. Neurogenic potential of stem/progenitor-like cells in the adult mammalian eye. Prog Retin Eye Res 2012; 31:213-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2012.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2011] [Revised: 02/04/2012] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Zanin M, Pettingill L, Harvey A, Emerich D, Thanos C, Shepherd R. The development of encapsulated cell technologies as therapies for neurological and sensory diseases. J Control Release 2012; 160:3-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2012.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Accepted: 01/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Schmeer CW, Wohl SG, Isenmann S. Cell-replacement therapy and neural repair in the retina. Cell Tissue Res 2012; 349:363-74. [PMID: 22354517 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-012-1335-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2011] [Accepted: 01/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Visual impairment severely affects the quality of life of patients and their families and is also associated with a deep economic impact. The most common pathologies responsible for visual impairment and legally defined blindness in developed countries include age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. These conditions share common pathophysiological features: dysfunction and loss of retinal neurons. To date, two main approaches are being taken to develop putative therapeutic strategies: neuroprotection and cell replacement. Cell replacement is a novel therapeutic approach to restore visual capabilities to the degenerated adult neural retina and represents an emerging field of regenerative neurotherapy. The discovery of a population of proliferative cells in the mammalian retina has raised the possibility of harnessing endogenous retinal stem cells to elicit retinal repair. Furthermore, the development of suitable protocols for the reprogramming of differentiated somatic cells to a pluripotent state further increases the therapeutic potential of stem-cell-based technologies for the treatment of major retinal diseases. Stem-cell transplantation in animal models has been most effectively used for the replacement of photoreceptors, although this therapeutic approach is also being used for inner retinal pathologies. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the development of cell-replacement approaches for the treatment of currently incurable degenerative retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian W Schmeer
- Hans Berger Clinic of Neurology, University Hospital Jena, Erlanger Allee 101, 07747 Jena, Germany.
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Rodger J, Drummond ES, Hellström M, Robertson D, Harvey AR. Long-term gene therapy causes transgene-specific changes in the morphology of regenerating retinal ganglion cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31061. [PMID: 22347429 PMCID: PMC3275572 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2011] [Accepted: 12/31/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors can be used to introduce neurotrophic genes into injured CNS neurons, promoting survival and axonal regeneration. Gene therapy holds much promise for the treatment of neurotrauma and neurodegenerative diseases; however, neurotrophic factors are known to alter dendritic architecture, and thus we set out to determine whether such transgenes also change the morphology of transduced neurons. We compared changes in dendritic morphology of regenerating adult rat retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after long-term transduction with rAAV2 encoding: (i) green fluorescent protein (GFP), or (ii) bi-cistronic vectors encoding GFP and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or growth-associated protein-43 (GAP43). To enhance regeneration, rats received an autologous peripheral nerve graft onto the cut optic nerve of each rAAV2 injected eye. After 5–8 months, RGCs with regenerated axons were retrogradely labeled with fluorogold (FG). Live retinal wholemounts were prepared and GFP positive (transduced) or GFP negative (non-transduced) RGCs injected iontophoretically with 2% lucifer yellow. Dendritic morphology was analyzed using Neurolucida software. Significant changes in dendritic architecture were found, in both transduced and non-transduced populations. Multivariate analysis revealed that transgenic BDNF increased dendritic field area whereas GAP43 increased dendritic complexity. CNTF decreased complexity but only in a subset of RGCs. Sholl analysis showed changes in dendritic branching in rAAV2-BDNF-GFP and rAAV2-CNTF-GFP groups and the proportion of FG positive RGCs with aberrant morphology tripled in these groups compared to controls. RGCs in all transgene groups displayed abnormal stratification. Thus in addition to promoting cell survival and axonal regeneration, vector-mediated expression of neurotrophic factors has measurable, gene-specific effects on the morphology of injured adult neurons. Such changes will likely alter the functional properties of neurons and may need to be considered when designing vector-based protocols for the treatment of neurotrauma and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Rodger
- Experimental and Regenerative Neuroscience, School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Eleanor S. Drummond
- School of Anatomy and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Mats Hellström
- School of Anatomy and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Donald Robertson
- Discipline of Physiology, School of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Alan R. Harvey
- School of Anatomy and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Neurotrophic factors and the regeneration of adult retinal ganglion cell axons. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2012; 106:1-33. [PMID: 23211458 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407178-0.00002-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The adult central nervous system (CNS) has only a limited capacity to regenerate axons after injury. This is due to a number of factors including the presence of extrinsic inhibitory factors that limit plasticity, lack of effective trophic support, and intrinsic changes in neuronal responsiveness. In this review, we describe the expression and role of neurotrophins in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) during development and adulthood, and the receptors and miscellaneous signaling systems that influence axonal regeneration after injury. The impact of exogenous neurotrophic factors on adult RGCs injured at different sites in the visual pathway is described for several modes of delivery, including recombinant factors, viral vectors, cell transplantation, as well as combinatorial treatments involving other pharmacotherapeutic agents. Indirect, off-target effects of neurotrophic factors on RGC axonal regeneration are also considered. There remain unresolved issues relating to optimal delivery of neurotrophic factors, and we emphasize the need to develop safe, reliable methods for the regulation of exogenous supply of these factors to the injured CNS.
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46
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Activated retinal glia mediated axon regeneration in experimental glaucoma. Neurobiol Dis 2012; 45:243-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2011.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2011] [Revised: 06/14/2011] [Accepted: 08/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Lee ES, Yu SH, Jang YJ, Hwang DY, Jeon CJ. Transplantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells into the developing mouse eye. Acta Histochem Cytochem 2011; 44:213-21. [PMID: 22096261 PMCID: PMC3210426 DOI: 10.1267/ahc.11009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2011] [Accepted: 07/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been studied widely for their potential to differentiate into various lineage cells including neural cells in vitro and in vivo. To investigate the influence of the developing host environment on the integration and morphological and molecular differentiation of MSCs, human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) were transplanted into the developing mouse retina. Enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing BM-MSCs were transplanted by intraocular injections into mice, ranging in ages from 1 day postnatal (PN) to 10 days PN. The survival dates ranged from 7 days post-transplantation (DPT) to 28DPT, at which time an immunohistochemical analysis was performed on the eyes. The transplanted BM-MSCs survived and showed morphological differentiation into neural cells and some processes within the host retina. Some transplanted cells expressed microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2ab, marker for mature neural cells) or glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP, marker for glial cells) at 5PN 7DPT. In addition, some transplanted cells integrated into the developing retina. The morphological and molecular differentiation and integration within the 5PN 7DPT eye was greater than those of other-aged host eye. The present findings suggest that the age of the host environment can strongly influence the differentiation and integration of BM-MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Shil Lee
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, and Brain Science and Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University
| | - Song-Hee Yu
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, and Brain Science and Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University
| | - Yu-Jin Jang
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, and Brain Science and Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University
| | - Dong-Youn Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University
| | - Chang-Jin Jeon
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, and Brain Science and Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University
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48
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Wang YQ, Li XF, Zhou X, Liu XQ, Wang WP. [Protective effects of Chinese herbal medicine Zuogui Pill on retina ganglion cells after optical nerve clipping injury in rats]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 9:991-7. [PMID: 21906524 DOI: 10.3736/jcim20110910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the protective effects of Zuogui Pill (ZGP), a compound Chinese herbal medicine, on retina ganglion cells (RGCs) in rats after optical nerve clipping injury. METHODS Optic nerves in Sprague-Dawley rats were crushed intraorbitally at 2 mm behind eyeball by using a forceps with a 140-gram chucking power for 30 s to induce unilateral injured model. The injured rats were fed with ZGP (ZGP group, 4.0 g/kg body weight each day) and equal volume of normal saline (injury group) respectively. Morphological changes in the retina were observed and the RGCs were quantified in the specimens. Nestin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expressions in the retina were detected by immunohistochemical fluorescence staining at different time points after nerve injury. RESULTS After optical never crushing, the thickness of retina and the number of RGCs were significantly decreased in injury group as compared with the normal group. Nearly 50% of the total RGCs were disappeared at the 4th week in the injury group. The expression levels of nestin and GFAP in the retina were markedly increased after optical never crushing at the 2nd week and this lasted to the 8th week, and gradually decreased to the normal level at the 16th week. In contrast, the arrangement of retinal cells was regular in the ZGP group, and the number of survival RGCs was greater than that of the injury group. Meanwhile, the nestin and GFAP expressions in retina were significantly enhanced as compared with the injury group at all time points. CONCLUSION ZGP may have protective effects on rat optic nerve and RGCs after contusion by promoting the nestin and GFAP expressions in Müller cells of the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-qian Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Payne SC, Bartlett CA, Harvey AR, Dunlop SA, Fitzgerald M. Chronic Swelling and Abnormal Myelination during Secondary Degeneration after Partial Injury to a Central Nervous System Tract. J Neurotrauma 2011; 28:1077-88. [DOI: 10.1089/neu.2010.1665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie C. Payne
- Experimental and Regenerative Neurosciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, W.A., Australia
- School of Animal Biology and Western Australian Institute of Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, W.A., Australia
| | - Carole A. Bartlett
- Experimental and Regenerative Neurosciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, W.A., Australia
- School of Animal Biology and Western Australian Institute of Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, W.A., Australia
| | - Alan R. Harvey
- Experimental and Regenerative Neurosciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, W.A., Australia
- School of Anatomy and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, W.A., Australia
| | - Sarah A. Dunlop
- Experimental and Regenerative Neurosciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, W.A., Australia
- School of Animal Biology and Western Australian Institute of Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, W.A., Australia
| | - Melinda Fitzgerald
- Experimental and Regenerative Neurosciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, W.A., Australia
- School of Animal Biology and Western Australian Institute of Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, W.A., Australia
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50
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Olfactory ensheathing glia: Repairing injury to the mammalian visual system. Exp Neurol 2011; 229:99-108. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2010.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2010] [Revised: 08/31/2010] [Accepted: 09/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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