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Sun Y, Hao M, Wu H, Zhang C, Wei D, Li S, Song Z, Tao Y. Unveiling the role of CaMKII in retinal degeneration: from biological mechanism to therapeutic strategies. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:59. [PMID: 38725013 PMCID: PMC11084033 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01236-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is a family of broad substrate specificity serine (Ser)/threonine (Thr) protein kinases that play a crucial role in the Ca2+-dependent signaling pathways. Its significance as an intracellular Ca2+ sensor has garnered abundant research interest in the domain of neurodegeneration. Accumulating evidences suggest that CaMKII is implicated in the pathology of degenerative retinopathies such as diabetic retinopathy (DR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and glaucoma optic neuropathy. CaMKII can induce the aberrant proliferation of retinal blood vessels, influence the synaptic signaling, and exert dual effects on the survival of retinal ganglion cells and pigment epithelial cells. Researchers have put forth multiple therapeutic agents, encompassing small molecules, peptides, and nucleotides that possess the capability to modulate CaMKII activity. Due to its broad range isoforms and splice variants therapeutic strategies seek to inhibit specifically the CaMKII are confronted with considerable challenges. Therefore, it becomes crucial to discern the detrimental and advantageous aspects of CaMKII, thereby facilitating the development of efficacious treatment. In this review, we summarize recent research findings on the cellular and molecular biology of CaMKII, with special emphasis on its metabolic and regulatory mechanisms. We delve into the involvement of CaMKII in the retinal signal transduction pathways and discuss the correlation between CaMKII and calcium overload. Furthermore, we elaborate the therapeutic trials targeting CaMKII, and introduce recent developments in the zone of CaMKII inhibitors. These findings would enrich our knowledge of CaMKII, and shed light on the development of a therapeutic target for degenerative retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Mengyu Hao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Chengzhi Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Dong Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Siyu Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Zongming Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China.
| | - Ye Tao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China.
- College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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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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Kim M, Kim JY, Rhim WK, Cimaglia G, Want A, Morgan JE, Williams PA, Park CG, Han DK, Rho S. Extracellular vesicle encapsulated nicotinamide delivered via a trans-scleral route provides retinal ganglion cell neuroprotection. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2024; 12:65. [PMID: 38649962 PMCID: PMC11036688 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01777-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The progressive and irreversible degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons is the major characteristic of glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a cofactor and metabolite of redox reaction critical for neuronal survival. Supplementation with nicotinamide (NAM), a precursor of NAD, can confer neuroprotective effects against glaucomatous damage caused by an age-related decline of NAD or mitochondrial dysfunction, reflecting the high metabolic activity of RGCs. However, oral supplementation of drug is relatively less efficient in terms of transmissibility to RGCs compared to direct delivery methods such as intraocular injection or delivery using subconjunctival depots. Neither method is ideal, given the risks of infection and subconjunctival scarring without novel techniques. By contrast, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have advantages as a drug delivery system with low immunogeneity and tissue interactions. We have evaluated the EV delivery of NAM as an RGC protective agent using a quantitative assessment of dendritic integrity using DiOlistics, which is confirmed to be a more sensitive measure of neuronal health in our mouse glaucoma model than the evaluation of somatic loss via the immunostaining method. NAM or NAM-loaded EVs showed a significant neuroprotective effect in the mouse retinal explant model. Furthermore, NAM-loaded EVs can penetrate the sclera once deployed in the subconjunctival space. These results confirm the feasibility of using subconjunctival injection of EVs to deliver NAM to intraocular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myungjin Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13496, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Yong Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Intelligent Precision of Healthcare Convergence, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Jangan-gu, Suwon-Si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Kyu Rhim
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Gloria Cimaglia
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Andrew Want
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - James E Morgan
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Pete A Williams
- Division of Eye and Vision, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Chun Gwon Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Intelligent Precision of Healthcare Convergence, SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Jangan-gu, Suwon-Si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Keun Han
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungsoo Rho
- Department of Ophthalmology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13496, Republic of Korea.
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Van Hook MJ, McCool S. Nonuniform scaling of synaptic inhibition in the dorsolateral geniculate nucleus in a mouse model of glaucoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.27.587036. [PMID: 38586044 PMCID: PMC10996666 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.27.587036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) triggers glaucoma by damaging the output neurons of the retina called retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). This leads to the loss of RGC signaling to visual centers of the brain such as the dorsolateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), which is critical for processing and relaying information to the cortex for conscious vision. In response to altered levels of activity or synaptic input, neurons can homeostatically modulate postsynaptic neurotransmitter receptor numbers, allowing them to scale their synaptic responses to stabilize spike output. While prior work has indicated unaltered glutamate receptor properties in the glaucomatous dLGN, it is unknown whether glaucoma impacts dLGN inhibition. Here, using DBA/2J mice, which develop elevated IOP beginning at 6-7 months of age, we tested whether the strength of inhibitory synapses on dLGN thalamocortical relay neurons is altered in response to the disease state. We found an enhancement of feed-forward disynaptic inhibition arising from local interneurons along with increased amplitude of quantal inhibitory synaptic currents. A combination of immunofluorescence staining for the GABA A -α1 receptor subunit, peak-scaled nonstationary fluctuation analysis, and measures of homeostatic synaptic scaling indicated this was the result of an approximately 1.4-fold increase in GABA receptor number at post-synaptic inhibitory synapses, although several pieces of evidence strongly indicate a non-uniform scaling across inhibitory synapses within individual relay neurons. Together, these results indicate an increase in inhibitory synaptic strength in the glaucomatous dLGN, potentially pointing toward homeostatic compensation for disruptions in network and neuronal function triggered by increased IOP. Significance Statement Elevated eye pressure in glaucoma leads to loss of retinal outputs to the dorsolateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), which is critical for relaying information to the cortex for conscious vision. Alterations in neuronal activity, as could arise from excitatory synapse loss, can trigger homeostatic adaptations to synaptic function that attempt to maintain activity within a meaningful dynamic range, although whether this occurs uniformly at all synapses within a given neuron or is a non-uniform process is debated. Here, using a mouse model of glaucoma, we show that dLGN inhibitory synapses undergo non-uniform upregulation due to addition of post-synaptic GABA receptors. This is likely to be a neuronal adaptation to glaucomatous pathology in an important sub-cortical visual center.
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Almeida J, Costa TR, Vivas M, Monteiro C, Vaz FT, Ferreira Q, Prieto I, Pinto LA, Ferreira JT. Vitamin B 3 Supplementation for Optic Neuropathies: A Comprehensive Review. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2024; 40:111-116. [PMID: 38150537 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2023.0125] [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] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Optic neuropathies, such as glaucoma, are some of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. There has been a lot of research for potential therapies that could attenuate and even reduce the impact of the pathological pathways that lead to the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). In recent years, vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) has gained some interest as a viable option for these neurodegenerative diseases due to its fundamental role in enhancing the mitochondria metabolism of the RGCs. This review focuses on elucidating the impact of vitamin B3 on retinal cells, especially when in a dysfunctional state like what happens in optic neuropathies, especially glaucoma. This review also summarizes the existing and future research on the clinical effects of vitamin B3 in these optic neuropathies, and determines appropriate recommendations regarding its dosing, efficacy, and eventual side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlio Almeida
- Ophthalmology Department, Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca Hospital, EPE, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Tomás R Costa
- Ophthalmology Department, Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca Hospital, EPE, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Maria Vivas
- Ophthalmology Department, Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca Hospital, EPE, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Catarina Monteiro
- Ophthalmology Department, Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca Hospital, EPE, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Fernando T Vaz
- Ophthalmology Department, Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca Hospital, EPE, Amadora, Portugal
| | | | - Isabel Prieto
- Ophthalmology Department, Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca Hospital, EPE, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Luís A Pinto
- Ophthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, EPE, Lisbon, Portugal
- Visual Sciences Study Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana T Ferreira
- Ophthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, EPE, Lisbon, Portugal
- Visual Sciences Study Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Ophthalmology Department, Hospital CUF Descobertas, Lisbon, Portugal
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Hariani HN, Ghosh AK, Rosen SM, Tso HY, Kessinger C, Zhang C, Jones WK, Sappington RM, Mitchell CH, Stubbs EB, Rao VR, Kaja S. Lysyl oxidase like-1 deficiency in optic nerve head astrocytes elicits reactive astrocytosis and alters functional effects of astrocyte derived exosomes. Exp Eye Res 2024; 240:109813. [PMID: 38331016 PMCID: PMC10962968 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a multifactorial progressive ocular pathology that manifests clinically with damage to the optic nerve (ON) and the retina, ultimately leading to blindness. The optic nerve head (ONH) shows the earliest signs of glaucoma pathology, and therefore, is an attractive target for drug discovery. The goal of this study was to elucidate the effects of reactive astrocytosis on the elastin metabolism pathway in primary rat optic nerve head astrocytes (ONHA), the primary glial cell type in the unmyelinated ONH. Following exposure to static equibiaxial mechanical strain, we observed prototypic molecular and biochemical signatures of reactive astrocytosis that were associated with a decrease in lysyl oxidase like 1 (Loxl1) expression and a concomitant decrease in elastin (Eln) gene expression. We subsequently investigated the role of Loxl1 in reactive astrocytosis by generating primary rat ONHA cultures with ∼50% decreased Loxl1 expression. Our results suggest that reduced Loxl1 expression is sufficient to elicit molecular signatures of elastinopathy in ONHA. Astrocyte derived exosomes (ADE) significantly increased the length of primary neurites of primary neurons in vitro. In contrast, ADE from Loxl1-deficient ONHA were deficient of trophic effects on neurite outgrowth in vitro, positing that Loxl1 dysfunction and the ensuing impaired elastin synthesis during reactive astrocytosis in the ONH may contribute to impaired neuron-glia signaling in glaucoma. Our data support a role of dysregulated Loxl1 function in eliciting reactive astrocytosis in glaucoma subtypes associated with increased IOP, even in the absence of genetic polymorphisms in LOXL1 typically associated with exfoliation glaucoma. This suggests the need for a paradigm shift toward considering lysyl oxidase activity and elastin metabolism and signaling as contributors to an altered secretome of the ONH that may lead to the progression of glaucomatous changes. Future research is needed to investigate cargo of exosomes in the context of reactive astrocytosis and identify the pathways leading to the observed transcriptome changes during reactive astrocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsh N Hariani
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA; Research Service, Edward Hines Jr Veterans Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, 60141, USA
| | - Anita K Ghosh
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA; Research Service, Edward Hines Jr Veterans Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, 60141, USA
| | - Sasha M Rosen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA; Department of Radiology, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Huen-Yee Tso
- Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Cassidy Kessinger
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - Chongyu Zhang
- Graduate Program in Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - W Keith Jones
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - Rebecca M Sappington
- Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27109, USA; Translational Eye and Vision Research Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27109, USA
| | - Claire H Mitchell
- Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Evan B Stubbs
- Department of Ophthalmology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA; Research Service, Edward Hines Jr Veterans Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, 60141, USA
| | - Vidhya R Rao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA; Research Service, Edward Hines Jr Veterans Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, 60141, USA
| | - Simon Kaja
- Department of Ophthalmology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA; Research Service, Edward Hines Jr Veterans Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, 60141, USA.
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Li H, Zhang H, Chen L, Shen Y, Cao Y, Li X, Yao J. Indirubin alleviates retinal neurodegeneration through the regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling. J Biomed Res 2024; 38:256-268. [PMID: 38387889 PMCID: PMC11144936 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.37.20230078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinal neurodegenerative disease is a leading cause of blindness among the elderly in developed countries, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, traumatic optic neuropathy and optic neuritis, etc. The current clinical treatment is not very effective. We investigated indirubin, one of the main bioactive components of the traditional Chinese medicine Danggui Longhui Pill, in the present study for its role in retinal neurodegeneration. Indirubin exhibited no detectable tissue toxicity in vivo or cytotoxicity in vitro. Moreover, indirubin improved visual function and ameliorated retinal neurodegeneration in mice after optic nerve crush injury in vivo. Furthermore, indirubin reduced the apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells induced by oxidative stress in vitro. In addition, indirubin significantly suppressed the increased production of intracellular reactive oxygen species and the decreased activity of superoxide dismutase induced by oxidative stress. Mechanically, indirubin played a neuroprotective role by regulating the PI3K/AKT/BAD/BCL-2 signaling. In conclusion, indirubin protected retinal ganglion cells from oxidative damage and alleviated retinal neurodegeneration induced by optic nerve crush injury. The present study provides a potential therapeutic medicine for retinal neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Huiying Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Lushu Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yaming Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yuan Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Xiumiao Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Jin Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
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Feng L, Dai S, Zhang C, Zhang W, Zhu W, Wang C, He Y, Song W. Ripa-56 protects retinal ganglion cells in glutamate-induced retinal excitotoxic model of glaucoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3834. [PMID: 38360971 PMCID: PMC10869350 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54075-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a prevalent cause of blindness globally, characterized by the progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Among various factors, glutamate excitotoxicity stands out as a significant contributor of RGCs loss in glaucoma. Our study focused on Ripa-56 and its protective effect against NMDA-induced retinal damage in mice, aiming to delve into the potential underlying mechanism. The R28 cells were categorized into four groups: glutamate (Glu), Glu + Ripa-56, Ripa-56 and Control group. After 24 h of treatment, cell death was assessed by PI / Hoechst staining. Mitochondrial membrane potential changes, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were analyzed using flow cytometry. The alterations in the expression of RIP-1, p-MLKL, Bcl-2, BAX, Caspase-3, Gpx4 and SLC7A11 were examined using western blot analysis. C57BL/6j mice were randomly divided into NMDA, NMDA + Ripa-56, Ripa-56 and control groups. Histological changes in the retina were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. RGCs survival and the protein expression changes of RIP-1, Caspase-3, Bcl-2, Gpx4 and SLC7A11 were observed using immunofluorescence. Ripa-56 exhibited a significant reduction in the levels of RIP-1, p-MLKL, Caspase-3, and BAX induced by glutamate, while promoting the expression of Bcl-2, Gpx-4, and SLC7A1 in the Ripa-56-treated group. In our study, using an NMDA-induced normal tension glaucoma mice model, we employed immunofluorescence and H&E staining to observe that Ripa-56 treatment effectively ameliorated retinal ganglion cell loss, mitigating the decrease in retinal ganglion cell layer and bipolar cell layer thickness caused by NMDA. In this study, we have observed that Ripa-56 possesses remarkable anti- necroptotic, anti-apoptotic and anti-ferroptosis properties. It demonstrates the ability to combat not only glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in R28 cells, but also NMDA-induced retinal excitotoxicity in mice. Therefore, Ripa-56 could be used as a potential retinal protective agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lemeng Feng
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Shirui Dai
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China
- Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Wulong Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiming Zhu
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye He
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China
- Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Weitao Song
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China.
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9
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Wareham LK, Baratta RO, Del Buono BJ, Schlumpf E, Calkins DJ. Collagen in the central nervous system: contributions to neurodegeneration and promise as a therapeutic target. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:11. [PMID: 38273335 PMCID: PMC10809576 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-024-00704-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix is a richly bioactive composition of substrates that provides biophysical stability, facilitates intercellular signaling, and both reflects and governs the physiological status of the local microenvironment. The matrix in the central nervous system (CNS) is far from simply an inert scaffold for mechanical support, instead conducting an active role in homeostasis and providing broad capacity for adaptation and remodeling in response to stress that otherwise would challenge equilibrium between neuronal, glial, and vascular elements. A major constituent is collagen, whose characteristic triple helical structure renders mechanical and biochemical stability to enable bidirectional crosstalk between matrix and resident cells. Multiple members of the collagen superfamily are critical to neuronal maturation and circuit formation, axon guidance, and synaptogenesis in the brain. In mature tissue, collagen interacts with other fibrous proteins and glycoproteins to sustain a three-dimensional medium through which complex networks of cells can communicate. While critical for matrix scaffolding, collagen in the CNS is also highly dynamic, with multiple binding sites for partnering matrix proteins, cell-surface receptors, and other ligands. These interactions are emerging as critical mediators of CNS disease and injury, particularly regarding changes in matrix stiffness, astrocyte recruitment and reactivity, and pro-inflammatory signaling in local microenvironments. Changes in the structure and/or deposition of collagen impact cellular signaling and tissue biomechanics in the brain, which in turn can alter cellular responses including antigenicity, angiogenesis, gliosis, and recruitment of immune-related cells. These factors, each involving matrix collagen, contribute to the limited capacity for regeneration of CNS tissue. Emerging therapeutics that attempt to rebuild the matrix using peptide fragments, including collagen-enriched scaffolds and mimetics, hold great potential to promote neural repair and regeneration. Recent evidence from our group and others indicates that repairing protease-degraded collagen helices with mimetic peptides helps restore CNS tissue and promote neuronal survival in a broad spectrum of degenerative conditions. Restoration likely involves bolstering matrix stiffness to reduce the potential for astrocyte reactivity and local inflammation as well as repairing inhibitory binding sites for immune-signaling ligands. Facilitating repair rather than endogenous replacement of collagen degraded by disease or injury may represent the next frontier in developing therapies based on protection, repair, and regeneration of neurons in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren K Wareham
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute , Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue S, 37232, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Robert O Baratta
- Stuart Therapeutics, Inc., 411 SE Osceola St, 34994, Stuart, FL, USA
| | - Brian J Del Buono
- Stuart Therapeutics, Inc., 411 SE Osceola St, 34994, Stuart, FL, USA
| | - Eric Schlumpf
- Stuart Therapeutics, Inc., 411 SE Osceola St, 34994, Stuart, FL, USA
| | - David J Calkins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute , Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue S, 37232, Nashville, TN, USA
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10
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Hamel AR, Yan W, Rouhana JM, Monovarfeshani A, Jiang X, Mehta PA, Advani J, Luo Y, Liang Q, Rajasundaram S, Shrivastava A, Duchinski K, Mantena S, Wang J, van Zyl T, Pasquale LR, Swaroop A, Gharahkhani P, Khawaja AP, MacGregor S, Chen R, Vitart V, Sanes JR, Wiggs JL, Segrè AV. Integrating genetic regulation and single-cell expression with GWAS prioritizes causal genes and cell types for glaucoma. Nat Commun 2024; 15:396. [PMID: 38195602 PMCID: PMC10776627 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44380-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), characterized by retinal ganglion cell death, is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. However, its molecular and cellular causes are not well understood. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor, but many patients have normal IOP. Colocalization and Mendelian randomization analysis of >240 POAG and IOP genome-wide association study (GWAS) loci and overlapping expression and splicing quantitative trait loci (e/sQTLs) in 49 GTEx tissues and retina prioritizes causal genes for 60% of loci. These genes are enriched in pathways implicated in extracellular matrix organization, cell adhesion, and vascular development. Analysis of single-nucleus RNA-seq of glaucoma-relevant eye tissues reveals that the POAG and IOP colocalizing genes and genome-wide associations are enriched in specific cell types in the aqueous outflow pathways, retina, optic nerve head, peripapillary sclera, and choroid. This study nominates IOP-dependent and independent regulatory mechanisms, genes, and cell types that may contribute to POAG pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Hamel
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Wenjun Yan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - John M Rouhana
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Aboozar Monovarfeshani
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Xinyi Jiang
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Puja A Mehta
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jayshree Advani
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MA, USA
| | - Yuyang Luo
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Qingnan Liang
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Skanda Rajasundaram
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Arushi Shrivastava
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Katherine Duchinski
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Bioinformatics and Integrative Genomics (BIG) PhD Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sreekar Mantena
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard/MIT MD-PhD Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jiali Wang
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Tavé van Zyl
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Louis R Pasquale
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MA, USA
| | - Puya Gharahkhani
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4029, Australia
| | - Anthony P Khawaja
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Stuart MacGregor
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4029, Australia
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Veronique Vitart
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Joshua R Sanes
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Janey L Wiggs
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ayellet V Segrè
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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11
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Chiarugi A. Glaucoma: neuroprotection with NAD-based therapeutic interventions. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:869-879. [PMID: 37880000 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.09.010] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Clinical evidence shows that intraocular hypertension is not the primary pathogenetic event of glaucoma, whereas early neurodegeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) represents a key therapeutic target. Unfortunately, failure of clinical trials with neuroprotective agents, in particular those testing the anti-excitotoxic drug memantine, generated widespread skepticism regarding the possibility of counteracting neurodegeneration during glaucoma. New avenues for neuroprotective approaches to counteract glaucoma evolution have been opened by the identification of a programmed axonal degeneration (PAD) program triggered by increased nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)/NAD concentration ratio. Positive results of proof-of-concept clinical studies based on sustaining axonal NAD homeostasis facilitated the design of Phase 2/3 trials. Here, I share my opinion on how neurodegeneration in glaucoma should be put into context, together with an appraisal of the pharmacological rationale of NAD-supporting therapies for use during glaucoma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Chiarugi
- Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Headache Center and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.
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12
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Boccaccini A, Cavaterra D, Carnevale C, Tanga L, Marini S, Bocedi A, Lacal PM, Manni G, Graziani G, Sbardella D, Tundo GR. Novel frontiers in neuroprotective therapies in glaucoma: Molecular and clinical aspects. Mol Aspects Med 2023; 94:101225. [PMID: 38000334 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101225] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
In the last years, neuroprotective therapies have attracted the researcher interests as modern and challenging approach for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, aimed at protecting the nervous system from injuries. Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive excavation of the optic nerve head, retinal axonal injury and corresponding vision loss that affects millions of people on a global scale. The molecular basis of the pathology is largely uncharacterized yet, and the therapeutic approaches available do not change the natural course of the disease. Therefore, in accordance with the therapeutic regimens proposed for other neurodegenerative diseases, a modern strategy to treat glaucoma includes prescription of drugs with neuroprotective activities. With respect to this, several preclinical and clinical investigations on a plethora of different drugs are currently ongoing. In this review, first, the conceptualization of the rationale for the adoption of neuroprotective strategies for retina is summarized. Second, the molecular aspects highlighting glaucoma as a neurodegenerative disease are reported. In conclusion, the molecular and pharmacological properties of most promising direct neuroprotective drugs used to delay glaucoma progression are examined, including: neurotrophic factors, NMDA receptor antagonists, the α2-adrenergic agonist, brimonidine, calcium channel blockers, antioxidant agents, nicotinamide and statins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dario Cavaterra
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università di Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Stefano Marini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier n. 1, 00133, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessio Bocedi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università di Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Pedro M Lacal
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, IDI-IRCCS, Via Monti di Creta 104, 00167, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Manni
- IRCCS - Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier n. 1, 00133, Roma, Italy
| | - Grazia Graziani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Grazia Raffaella Tundo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier n. 1, 00133, Roma, Italy.
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13
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Spurlock M, An W, Reshetnikova G, Wen R, Wang H, Braha M, Solis G, Kurtenbach S, Galindez OJ, de Rivero Vaccari JP, Chou TH, Porciatti V, Shestopalov VI. The Inflammasome-Dependent Dysfunction and Death of Retinal Ganglion Cells after Repetitive Intraocular Pressure Spikes. Cells 2023; 12:2626. [PMID: 37998361 PMCID: PMC10670000 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The dysfunction and selective loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is a known cause of vision loss in glaucoma and other neuropathies, where ocular hypertension (OHT) is the major risk factor. We investigated the impact of transient non-ischemic OHT spikes (spOHT) on RGC function and viability in vivo to identify cellular pathways linking low-grade repetitive mechanical stress to RGC pathology. We found that repetitive spOHT had an unexpectedly high impact on intraocular homeostasis and RGC viability, while exposure to steady OHT (stOHT) of a similar intensity and duration failed to induce pathology. The repetitive spOHT induced the rapid activation of the inflammasome, marked by the upregulation of NLRP1, NLRP3, AIM2, caspases -1, -3/7, -8, and Gasdermin D (GSDMD), and the release of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and other cytokines into the vitreous. Similar effects were also detected after 5 weeks of exposure to chronic OHT in an induced glaucoma model. The onset of these immune responses in both spOHT and glaucoma models preceded a 50% deficit in pattern electroretinogram (PERG) amplitude and a significant loss of RGCs 7 days post-injury. The inactivation of inflammasome complexes in Nlrp1-/-, Casp1-/-, and GsdmD-/- knockout animals significantly suppressed the spOHT-induced inflammatory response and protected RGCs. Our results demonstrate that mechanical stress produced by acute repetitive spOHT or chronic OHT is mechanistically linked to inflammasome activation, which leads to RGC dysfunction and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Spurlock
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Weijun An
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Galina Reshetnikova
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Rong Wen
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Hua Wang
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Michelle Braha
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Gabriela Solis
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Stefan Kurtenbach
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Orlando J. Galindez
- Department of Neurological Surgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Juan Pablo de Rivero Vaccari
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
- Department of Neurological Surgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Tsung-Han Chou
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
| | - Valery I. Shestopalov
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.S.); (W.A.); (G.R.); (R.W.); (H.W.); (M.B.); (G.S.); (S.K.); (V.P.)
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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14
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Alarcon-Martinez L, Shiga Y, Villafranca-Baughman D, Cueva Vargas JL, Vidal Paredes IA, Quintero H, Fortune B, Danesh-Meyer H, Di Polo A. Neurovascular dysfunction in glaucoma. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 97:101217. [PMID: 37778617 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101217] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells, the neurons that die in glaucoma, are endowed with a high metabolism requiring optimal provision of oxygen and nutrients to sustain their activity. The timely regulation of blood flow is, therefore, essential to supply firing neurons in active areas with the oxygen and glucose they need for energy. Many glaucoma patients suffer from vascular deficits including reduced blood flow, impaired autoregulation, neurovascular coupling dysfunction, and blood-retina/brain-barrier breakdown. These processes are tightly regulated by a community of cells known as the neurovascular unit comprising neurons, endothelial cells, pericytes, Müller cells, astrocytes, and microglia. In this review, the neurovascular unit takes center stage as we examine the ability of its members to regulate neurovascular interactions and how their function might be altered during glaucomatous stress. Pericytes receive special attention based on recent data demonstrating their key role in the regulation of neurovascular coupling in physiological and pathological conditions. Of particular interest is the discovery and characterization of tunneling nanotubes, thin actin-based conduits that connect distal pericytes, which play essential roles in the complex spatial and temporal distribution of blood within the retinal capillary network. We discuss cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurovascular interactions and their pathophysiological implications, while highlighting opportunities to develop strategies for vascular protection and regeneration to improve functional outcomes in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Alarcon-Martinez
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Yukihiro Shiga
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Deborah Villafranca-Baughman
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jorge L Cueva Vargas
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Isaac A Vidal Paredes
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Heberto Quintero
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Brad Fortune
- Discoveries in Sight Research Laboratories, Devers Eye Institute and Legacy Research Institute, Legacy Healthy, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Helen Danesh-Meyer
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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15
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Brooks CD, Kodati B, Stankowska DL, Krishnamoorthy RR. Role of mitophagy in ocular neurodegeneration. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1299552. [PMID: 37965225 PMCID: PMC10641468 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1299552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons in the central nervous system are among the most metabolically active cells in the body, characterized by high oxygen consumption utilizing glucose both aerobically and anaerobically. Neurons have an abundance of mitochondria which generate adequate ATP to keep up with the high metabolic demand. One consequence of the oxidative phosphorylation mechanism of ATP synthesis, is the generation of reactive oxygen species which produces cellular injury as well as damage to mitochondria. Mitochondria respond to injury by fusion which serves to ameliorate the damage through genetic complementation. Mitochondria also undergo fission to meet an increased energy demand. Loss of mitochondria is also compensated by increased biogenesis to generate new mitochondria. Damaged mitochondria are removed by mitophagy, an autophagic process, in which damaged mitochondria are surrounded by a membrane to form an autophagosome which ultimately fuses with the lysosome resulting in degradation of faulty mitochondria. Dysregulation of mitophagy has been reported in several central nervous system disorders, including, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Recent studies point to aberrant mitophagy in ocular neurodegenerative disorders which could be an important contributor to the disease etiology/pathology. This review article highlights some of the recent findings that point to dysregulation of mitophagy and it's underlying mechanisms in ocular neurodegenerative diseases, including, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin D. Brooks
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Bindu Kodati
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Dorota L. Stankowska
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Raghu R. Krishnamoorthy
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
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16
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Naguib S, Backstrom JR, Artis E, Ghose P, Stahl A, Hardin R, Haider AA, Ang J, Calkins DJ, Rex TS. NRF2/ARE mediated antioxidant response to glaucoma: role of glia and retinal ganglion cells. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:171. [PMID: 37875948 PMCID: PMC10594672 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01663-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma, the second leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, is associated with age and sensitivity to intraocular pressure (IOP). We have shown that elevated IOP causes an early increase in levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the microbead occlusion mouse model. We also detected an endogenous antioxidant response mediated by Nuclear factor erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (NRF2), a transcription factor that binds to the antioxidant response element (ARE) and increases transcription of antioxidant genes. Our previous studies show that inhibiting this pathway results in earlier and greater glaucoma pathology. In this study, we sought to determine if this endogenous antioxidant response is driven by the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) or glial cells. We used Nrf2fl/fl mice and cell-type specific adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) expressing Cre to alter Nrf2 levels in either the RGCs or glial cells. Then, we quantified the endogenous antioxidant response, visual function and optic nerve histology after IOP elevation. We found that knock-down of Nrf2 in either cell type blunts the antioxidant response and results in earlier pathology and vision loss. Further, we show that delivery of Nrf2 to the RGCs is sufficient to provide neuroprotection. In summary, both the RGCs and glial cells contribute to the antioxidant response, but treatment of the RGCs alone with increased Nrf2 is sufficient to delay onset of vision loss and axon degeneration in this induced model of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Naguib
- Neuroscience Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jon R Backstrom
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Elisabeth Artis
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Purnima Ghose
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Amy Stahl
- Neuroscience Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Rachael Hardin
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ameer A Haider
- Neuroscience Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - John Ang
- Neuroscience Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - David J Calkins
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Tonia S Rex
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Nashville, TN, USA.
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17
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Liao J, Peng B, Huang G, Diao C, Qin Y, Hong Y, Lin J, Lin Y, Jiang L, Tang N, Tang F, Liang J, Zhang J, Yan Y, Chen Q, Zhou Z, Shen C, Huang W, Huang K, Lan Q, Cui L, Zhong H, Xu F, Li M, Wei Y, Lu P, Zhang M. Inhibition of NOX4 with GLX351322 alleviates acute ocular hypertension-induced retinal inflammation and injury by suppressing ROS mediated redox-sensitive factors activation. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115052. [PMID: 37399715 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115052] [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: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction plays an essential role in the etiology of ischemic/hypoxic retinopathy caused by acute glaucoma. NADPH oxidase (NOX) 4 was discovered as one of the main sources of ROS in glaucoma. However, the role and potential mechanisms of NOX4 in acute glaucoma have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the NOX4 inhibitor GLX351322 that targets NOX4 inhibition in acute ocular hypertension (AOH)-induced retinal ischemia/hypoxia injury in mice. Herein, NOX4 was highly expressed in AOH retinas, particularly the retinal ganglion cell layer (GCL). Importantly, the NOX4 inhibitor GLX351322 reduced ROS overproduction, inhibited inflammatory factor release, suppressed glial cell activation and hyperplasia, inhibited leukocyte infiltration, reduced retinal cell senescence and apoptosis in damaged areas, reduced retinal degeneration and improved retinal function. This neuroprotective effect is at least partially associated with mediated redox-sensitive factor (HIF-1α, NF-κB, and MAPKs) pathways by NOX4-derived ROS overproduction. These results suggest that inhibition of NOX4 with GLX351322 attenuated AOH-induced retinal inflammation, cellular senescence, and apoptosis by inhibiting the activation of the redox-sensitive factor pathway mediated by ROS overproduction, thereby protecting retinal structure and function. Targeted inhibition of NOX4 is expected to be a new idea in the treatment of acute glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liao
- Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences & Department of Ophthalmology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health & Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Biyan Peng
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; School of Basic Medical Science, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Guangyi Huang
- Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences & Department of Ophthalmology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health & Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Chunli Diao
- Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences & Department of Ophthalmology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health & Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuanjun Qin
- Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences & Department of Ophthalmology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health & Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Yiyi Hong
- Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences & Department of Ophthalmology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health & Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Jiali Lin
- Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences & Department of Ophthalmology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health & Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Yunru Lin
- Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences & Department of Ophthalmology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health & Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Li Jiang
- Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences & Department of Ophthalmology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health & Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Ningning Tang
- Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences & Department of Ophthalmology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health & Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Fen Tang
- Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences & Department of Ophthalmology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health & Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Jiamin Liang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; School of Basic Medical Science, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yumei Yan
- Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences & Department of Ophthalmology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health & Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences & Department of Ophthalmology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health & Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhou Zhou
- Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences & Department of Ophthalmology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health & Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Chaolan Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 7 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 7 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Kongqian Huang
- Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences & Department of Ophthalmology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health & Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Qianqian Lan
- Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences & Department of Ophthalmology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health & Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Ling Cui
- Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences & Department of Ophthalmology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health & Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Haibin Zhong
- Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences & Department of Ophthalmology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health & Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Fan Xu
- Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences & Department of Ophthalmology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health & Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Min Li
- Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences & Department of Ophthalmology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health & Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China.
| | - Yantao Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 7 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou 510060, China.
| | - Peng Lu
- Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences & Department of Ophthalmology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region & Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health & Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China.
| | - Mingyuan Zhang
- Life Science Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; School of Basic Medical Science, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China.
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18
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Monavarfeshani A, Yan W, Pappas C, Odenigbo KA, He Z, Segrè AV, van Zyl T, Hageman GS, Sanes JR. Transcriptomic analysis of the ocular posterior segment completes a cell atlas of the human eye. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2306153120. [PMID: 37566633 PMCID: PMC10450437 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2306153120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the visual system extends through the brain, most vision loss originates from defects in the eye. Its central element is the neural retina, which senses light, processes visual signals, and transmits them to the rest of the brain through the optic nerve (ON). Surrounding the retina are numerous other structures, conventionally divided into anterior and posterior segments. Here, we used high-throughput single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) to classify and characterize cells in six extraretinal components of the posterior segment: ON, optic nerve head (ONH), peripheral sclera, peripapillary sclera (PPS), choroid, and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Defects in each of these tissues are associated with blinding diseases-for example, glaucoma (ONH and PPS), optic neuritis (ON), retinitis pigmentosa (RPE), and age-related macular degeneration (RPE and choroid). From ~151,000 single nuclei, we identified 37 transcriptomically distinct cell types, including multiple types of astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, fibroblasts, and vascular endothelial cells. Our analyses revealed a differential distribution of many cell types among distinct structures. Together with our previous analyses of the anterior segment and retina, the data presented here complete a "Version 1" cell atlas of the human eye. We used this atlas to map the expression of >180 genes associated with the risk of developing glaucoma, which is known to involve ocular tissues in both anterior and posterior segments as well as the neural retina. Similar methods can be used to investigate numerous additional ocular diseases, many of which are currently untreatable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aboozar Monavarfeshani
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115
| | - Wenjun Yan
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
| | - Christian Pappas
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT84132
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT84132
| | - Kenechukwu A. Odenigbo
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
| | - Zhigang He
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115
| | - Ayellet V. Segrè
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02142
| | - Tavé van Zyl
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT065101
| | - Gregory S. Hageman
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT84132
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT84132
| | - Joshua R. Sanes
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
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19
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Kwong JMK, Caprioli J, Lee JCY, Song Y, Yu FJ, Bian J, Sze YH, Li KK, Do CW, To CH, Lam TC. Differential Responses of Retinal Neurons and Glia Revealed via Proteomic Analysis on Primary and Secondary Retinal Ganglion Cell Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12109. [PMID: 37569482 PMCID: PMC10418669 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
To explore the temporal profile of retinal proteomes specific to primary and secondary retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss. Unilateral partial optic nerve transection (pONT) was performed on the temporal side of the rat optic nerve. Temporal and nasal retinal samples were collected at 1, 4 and 8 weeks after pONT (n = 4 each) for non-biased profiling with a high-resolution hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry running on label-free SWATHTM acquisition (SCIEX). An information-dependent acquisition ion library was generated using ProteinPilot 5.0 and OneOmics cloud bioinformatics. Combined proteome analysis detected 2531 proteins with a false discovery rate of <1%. Compared to the nasal retina, 10, 25 and 61 significantly regulated proteins were found in the temporal retina at 1, 4, and 8 weeks, respectively (p < 0.05, FC ≥ 1.4 or ≤0.7). Eight proteins (ALDH1A1, TRY10, GFAP, HBB-B1, ALB, CDC42, SNCG, NEFL) were differentially expressed for at least two time points. The expressions of ALDH1A1 and SNCG at nerve fibers were decreased along with axonal loss. Increased ALDH1A1 localization in the inner nuclear layer suggested stress response. Increased GFAP expression demonstrated regional reactivity of astrocytes and Muller cells. Meta-analysis of gene ontology showed a pronounced difference in endopeptidase and peptidase inhibitor activity. Temporal proteomic profiling demonstrates established and novel protein targets associated with RGC damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacky M. K. Kwong
- Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (J.C.); (J.C.Y.L.); (Y.S.)
| | - Joseph Caprioli
- Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (J.C.); (J.C.Y.L.); (Y.S.)
| | - Joanne C. Y. Lee
- Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (J.C.); (J.C.Y.L.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yifan Song
- Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (J.C.); (J.C.Y.L.); (Y.S.)
| | - Feng-Juan Yu
- Centre for Myopia Research, School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (F.-J.Y.); (J.B.); (Y.-H.S.); (K.-K.L.); (C.-W.D.); (C.-H.T.)
- Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jingfang Bian
- Centre for Myopia Research, School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (F.-J.Y.); (J.B.); (Y.-H.S.); (K.-K.L.); (C.-W.D.); (C.-H.T.)
- Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ying-Hon Sze
- Centre for Myopia Research, School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (F.-J.Y.); (J.B.); (Y.-H.S.); (K.-K.L.); (C.-W.D.); (C.-H.T.)
| | - King-Kit Li
- Centre for Myopia Research, School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (F.-J.Y.); (J.B.); (Y.-H.S.); (K.-K.L.); (C.-W.D.); (C.-H.T.)
| | - Chi-Wai Do
- Centre for Myopia Research, School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (F.-J.Y.); (J.B.); (Y.-H.S.); (K.-K.L.); (C.-W.D.); (C.-H.T.)
- Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 17W, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi-Ho To
- Centre for Myopia Research, School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (F.-J.Y.); (J.B.); (Y.-H.S.); (K.-K.L.); (C.-W.D.); (C.-H.T.)
- Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 17W, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Thomas Chuen Lam
- Centre for Myopia Research, School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (F.-J.Y.); (J.B.); (Y.-H.S.); (K.-K.L.); (C.-W.D.); (C.-H.T.)
- Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 17W, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Shenzhen 518052, China
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20
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Shiga Y, Nishida T, Jeoung JW, Di Polo A, Fortune B. Optical Coherence Tomography and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography: Essential Tools for Detecting Glaucoma and Disease Progression. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2023; 3:1217125. [PMID: 37982032 PMCID: PMC10655832 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2023.1217125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Early diagnosis and detection of disease progression are critical to successful therapeutic intervention in glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that allows objective quantification in vivo of key glaucomatous structural changes in the retina and the optic nerve head (ONH). Advances in OCT technology have increased the scan speed and enhanced image quality, contributing to early glaucoma diagnosis and monitoring, as well as the visualization of critically important structures deep within the ONH, such as the lamina cribrosa. OCT angiography (OCTA) is a dye-free technique for noninvasively assessing ocular microvasculature, including capillaries within each plexus serving the macula, peripapillary retina and ONH regions, as well as the deeper vessels of the choroid. This layer-specific assessment of the microvasculature has provided evidence that retinal and choroidal vascular impairments can occur during early stages of glaucoma, suggesting that OCTA-derived measurements could be used as biomarkers for enhancing detection of glaucoma and its progression, as well as to reveal novel insights about pathophysiology. Moreover, these innovations have demonstrated that damage to the macula, a critical region for the vision-related quality of life, can be observed in the early stages of glaucomatous eyes, leading to a paradigm shift in glaucoma monitoring. Other advances in software and hardware, such as artificial intelligence-based algorithms, adaptive optics, and visible-light OCT, may further benefit clinical management of glaucoma in the future. This article reviews the utility of OCT and OCTA for glaucoma diagnosis and disease progression detection, emphasizes the importance of detecting macula damage in glaucoma, and highlights the future perspective of OCT and OCTA. We conclude that the OCT and OCTA are essential glaucoma detection and monitoring tools, leading to clinical and economic benefits for patients and society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukihiro Shiga
- Neuroscience Division, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H2X 0A9, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Takashi Nishida
- Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute, Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Jin Wook Jeoung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Neuroscience Division, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H2X 0A9, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Brad Fortune
- Discoveries in Sight Research Laboratories, Devers Eye Institute and Legacy Research Institute, Legacy Health, 1225 NE Second Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232, USA
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21
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Wang HN, Qian WJ, Zhao GL, Li F, Miao YY, Lei B, Sun XH, Wang ZF. L- and T-type Ca 2+ channels dichotomously contribute to retinal ganglion cell injury in experimental glaucoma. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:1570-1577. [PMID: 36571364 PMCID: PMC10075096 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.360277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cell apoptotic death is the main pathological characteristic of glaucoma, which is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Disruption of Ca2+ homeostasis plays an important role in glaucoma. Voltage-gated Ca2+ channel blockers have been shown to improve vision in patients with glaucoma. However, whether and how voltage-gated Ca2+ channels are involved in retinal ganglion cell apoptotic death are largely unknown. In this study, we found that total Ca2+ current densities in retinal ganglion cells were reduced in a rat model of chronic ocular hypertension experimental glaucoma, as determined by whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiological recordings. Further analysis showed that L-type Ca2+ currents were downregulated while T-type Ca2+ currents were upregulated at the later stage of glaucoma. Western blot assay and immunofluorescence experiments confirmed that expression of the CaV1.2 subunit of L-type Ca2+ channels was reduced and expression of the CaV3.3 subunit of T-type Ca2+ channels was increased in retinas of the chronic ocular hypertension model. Soluble tumor necrosis factor-α, an important inflammatory factor, inhibited the L-type Ca2+ current of isolated retinal ganglion cells from control rats and enhanced the T-type Ca2+ current. These changes were blocked by the tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitor XPro1595, indicating that both types of Ca2+ currents may be mediated by soluble tumor necrosis factor-α. The intracellular mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway and nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathway mediate the effects of tumor necrosis factor-α. TUNEL assays revealed that mibefradil, a T-type calcium channel blocker, reduced the number of apoptotic retinal ganglion cells in the rat model of chronic ocular hypertension. These results suggest that T-type Ca2+ channels are involved in disrupted Ca2+ homeostasis and apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma, and application of T-type Ca2+ channel blockers, especially a specific CaV3.3 blocker, may be a potential strategy for the treatment of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Ning Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Jing Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Li Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Ying Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Lei
- Institutes of Neuroscience and Third Affiliated Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Xing-Huai Sun
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhong-Feng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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22
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Xiao R, Lei C, Zhang Y, Zhang M. Interleukin-6 in retinal diseases: From pathogenesis to therapy. Exp Eye Res 2023:109556. [PMID: 37385535 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine that participates in immunomodulation, inflammation, increases vascular permeability, hematopoiesis, and stimulates cell proliferation, among other biological processes. It exerts effects primarily through the classic and trans-signaling pathways. Many studies have demonstrated that IL-6 plays a critical role in the development of retinal diseases including diabetic retinopathy, uveitis, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinal vein occlusion, central serous chorioretinopathy and proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Thus, the progressive development of drugs targeting IL-6 and IL-6 receptor may play a role in the treatment of multiple retinal diseases. In this article, we comprehensively review the IL-6's biological functions of and its mechanisms in the pathogenesis of various retinal diseases. Furthermore, we summarize the drugs targeting IL-6 and its receptor and prospect their potential application in retinal diseases, hoping to provide new ideas for the treatment of retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihan Xiao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Research Laboratory of Macular Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chunyan Lei
- Department of Ophthalmology and Research Laboratory of Macular Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Research Laboratory of Macular Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Meixia Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Research Laboratory of Macular Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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23
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Grannonico M, Miller DA, Gao J, McHaney KM, Liu M, Krause MA, Netland PA, Zhang HF, Liu X. Longitudinal Analysis of Retinal Ganglion Cell Damage at Individual Axon Bundle Level in Mice Using Visible-Light Optical Coherence Tomography Fibergraphy. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:10. [PMID: 37163286 PMCID: PMC10179604 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.5.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose We developed a new analytic tool based on visible-light optical coherence tomography fibergraphy (vis-OCTF) to longitudinally track individual axon bundle transformation as a new in vivo biomarker for retinal ganglion cell (RGC) damage. Methods After acute optic nerve crush injury (ONC) in mice, we analyzed four parameters: lateral bundle width, axial bundle height, cross-sectional area, and the shape of individual bundles. We next correlated the morphological changes in RGC axon bundles with RGC soma loss. Results We showed that axon bundles became wider and taller at three days post ONC (pONC), which correlated with about 15% RGC soma loss. At six days pONC, axon bundles showed a significant reduction in lateral width and cross-sectional area, followed by a reduction in bundle height at nine days pONC. Bundle shrinking at nine days pONC correlated with about 68% RGC soma loss. Both experimental and simulated results suggested that the cross-sectional area of individual RGC axon bundles is more sensitive than bundle width and height to indicate RGC soma loss. Conclusions This study is the first to track and quantify individual RGC axon bundles in vivo after ONC injury. Translational Relevance Recognizing RGC loss at its earliest stage is crucial for disease diagnosis and treatment. However, current clinical methods to detect the functional and structural changes in the inner retina are not sensitive enough to directly assess RGC health. In this study, we developed vis-OCTF-based parameters to track RGC damage, making possible to establishing a quantifiable biomarker for glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Grannonico
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - David A. Miller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Jingyi Gao
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Kara M. McHaney
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Mingna Liu
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Michael A. Krause
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Peter A. Netland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Hao F. Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Xiaorong Liu
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Monavarfeshani A, Yan W, Pappas C, Odenigbo KA, He Z, Segrè AV, van Zyl T, Hageman GS, Sanes JR. Transcriptomic Analysis of the Ocular Posterior Segment Completes a Cell Atlas of the Human Eye. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.26.538447. [PMID: 37162855 PMCID: PMC10168356 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.26.538447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Although the visual system extends through the brain, most vision loss originates from defects in the eye. Its central element is the neural retina, which senses light, processes visual signals, and transmits them to the rest of the brain through the optic nerve (ON). Surrounding the retina are numerous other structures, conventionally divided into anterior and posterior segments. Here we used high-throughput single nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) to classify and characterize cells in the extraretinal components of the posterior segment: ON, optic nerve head (ONH), peripheral sclera, peripapillary sclera (PPS), choroid, and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Defects in each of these tissues are associated with blinding diseases - for example, glaucoma (ONH and PPS), optic neuritis (ON), retinitis pigmentosa (RPE), and age-related macular degeneration (RPE and choroid). From ∼151,000 single nuclei, we identified 37 transcriptomically distinct cell types, including multiple types of astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, fibroblasts, and vascular endothelial cells. Our analyses revealed a differential distribution of many cell types among distinct structures. Together with our previous analyses of the anterior segment and retina, the new data complete a "Version 1" cell atlas of the human eye. We used this atlas to map the expression of >180 genes associated with the risk of developing glaucoma, which is known to involve ocular tissues in both anterior and posterior segments as well as neural retina. Similar methods can be used to investigate numerous additional ocular diseases, many of which are currently untreatable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aboozar Monavarfeshani
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Equal contributions
| | - Wenjun Yan
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
- Equal contributions
| | - Christian Pappas
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Kenechukwu A. Odenigbo
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Zhigang He
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ayellet V. Segrè
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA
| | - Tavé van Zyl
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114
- Present address: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Gregory S. Hageman
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Joshua R. Sanes
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
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Boal AM, McGrady NR, Chamling X, Kagitapalli BS, Zack DJ, Calkins DJ, Risner ML. Microfluidic Platforms Promote Polarization of Human-Derived Retinal Ganglion Cells That Model Axonopathy. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:1. [PMID: 37010860 PMCID: PMC10080917 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.4.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Axons depend on long-range transport of proteins and organelles which increases susceptibility to metabolic stress in disease. The axon initial segment (AIS) is particularly vulnerable due to the high bioenergetic demand of action potential generation. Here, we prepared retinal ganglion cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hRGCs) to probe how axonal stress alters AIS morphology. Methods hRGCs were cultured on coverslips or microfluidic platforms. We assayed AIS specification and morphology by immunolabeling against ankyrin G (ankG), an axon-specific protein, and postsynaptic density 95 (PSD-95), a dendrite-specific protein. Using microfluidic platforms that enable fluidic isolation, we added colchicine to the axon compartment to lesion axons. We verified axonopathy by measuring the anterograde axon transport of cholera toxin subunit B and immunolabeling against cleaved caspase 3 (CC3) and phosphorylated neurofilament H (SMI-34). We determined the influence of axon injury on AIS morphology by immunolabeling samples against ankG and measuring AIS distance from soma and length. Results Based on measurements of ankG and PSD-95 immunolabeling, microfluidic platforms promote the formation and separation of distinct somatic-dendritic versus axonal compartments in hRGCs compared to coverslip cultures. Chemical lesioning of axons by colchicine reduced hRGC anterograde axon transport, increased varicosity density, and enhanced expression of CC3 and SMI-34. Interestingly, we found that colchicine selectively affected hRGCs with axon-carrying dendrites by reducing AIS distance from somas and increasing length, thus suggesting reduced capacity to maintain excitability. Conclusions Thus, microfluidic platforms promote polarized hRGCs that enable modeling of axonopathy. Translational Relevance Microfluidic platforms may be used to assay compartmentalized degeneration that occurs during glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M. Boal
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Nolan R. McGrady
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Xitiz Chamling
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bhanu S. Kagitapalli
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Donald J. Zack
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David J. Calkins
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Michael L. Risner
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Shen Y, Sun J, Sun X. Intraocular nano-microscale drug delivery systems for glaucoma treatment: design strategies and recent progress. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:84. [PMID: 36899348 PMCID: PMC9999627 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-01838-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible visual impairment and blindness, affecting over 76.0 million people worldwide in 2020, with a predicted increase to 111.8 million by 2040. Hypotensive eye drops remain the gold standard for glaucoma treatment, while inadequate patient adherence to medication regimens and poor bioavailability of drugs to target tissues are major obstacles to effective treatment outcomes. Nano/micro-pharmaceuticals, with diverse spectra and abilities, may represent a hope of removing these obstacles. This review describes a set of intraocular nano/micro drug delivery systems involved in glaucoma treatment. Particularly, it investigates the structures, properties, and preclinical evidence supporting the use of these systems in glaucoma, followed by discussing the route of administration, the design of systems, and factors affecting in vivo performance. Finally, it concludes by highlighting the emerging notion as an attractive approach to address the unmet needs for managing glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuening Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Jianguo Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200031, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Xinghuai Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200031, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration (Fudan University), Shanghai, 200031, China.
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27
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Dan QQ, Chen L, Shi LL, Zhou X, Wang TH, Liu H. Urine-derived mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes enhances survival and proliferation of aging retinal ganglion cells. BMC Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:8. [PMID: 36879194 PMCID: PMC9990288 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-023-00467-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was designed to investigate to test the effect of exosomes from urine-derived mesenchymal stem cells (USCs) on the survival and viability of aging retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), and explored the preliminary related mechanisms. METHODS Primary USCs were cultured and identified by immunofluorescence staining. Aging RGCs models were established by D-galactose treatment and identified by β-Galactosidase staining. After treatment with USCs conditioned medium (with USCs removal), flow cytometry was performed to examine the apoptosis and cell cycle of RGCs. Cell viability of RGCs was detected by Cell-counting Kit 8 (CCK8) assay. Moreover, gene sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were applied to analyze the genetic variation after medium treatment in RGCs along with the biological functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). RESULTS The number of apoptotic aging RGCs was significantly reduced in USCs medium-treated RGCs. Besides, USCs-derived exosomes exert significant promotion on the cell viability and proliferation of aging RGCs. Further, sequencing data analyzed and identified DEGs expressed in aging RGCs and aging RGCs treated with USCs conditioned medium. The sequencing outcomes demonstrated 117 upregulated genes and 186 downregulated genes in normal RGCs group vs aging RGCs group, 137 upregulated ones and 517 downregulated ones in aging RGCs group vs aging RGCs + USCs medium group. These DEGs involves in numerous positive molecular activities to promote the recovery of RGCs function. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, the therapeutic potentials of USCs-derived exosomes include suppression on cell apoptosis, enhancement on cell viability and proliferation of aging RGCs. The underlying mechanism involves multiple genetic variation and changes of transduction signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Qin Dan
- Institute of Neurological Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 88 Keyuan South Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Li Chen
- Institute of Neurological Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 88 Keyuan South Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lan-Lan Shi
- Department of Human Anatomy and Tissue Embryology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Xiu Zhou
- Laboratory Animal Department, Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Ting-Hua Wang
- Institute of Neurological Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 88 Keyuan South Road, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Hua Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Eyes, Jinzhou Medical University, No.40, Section 3, Songpo Road, Linghe District, JinzhouLiaoning, 121001, China.
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Risk of dementia in newly diagnosed glaucoma: a nationwide cohort study in Korea. Ophthalmology 2023:S0161-6420(23)00128-8. [PMID: 36822436 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2023.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the risk of dementia in participants with newly diagnosed glaucoma. DESIGN A nationwide cohort study using authorized data provided by the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). PARTICIPANTS A total of 788,961 participants aged ≥ 45 years in 2006, who did not have dementia or glaucoma between 2002 and 2005, were included. METHODS Data were collected from a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study using the Korean NHIS database. From January 2006 to December 2017, participants were tracked for the diagnosis of glaucoma or dementia using claims data. The prospective association between newly diagnosed glaucoma and the risk of dementia was investigated using a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model adjusted for age, sex, behavioral factors, and systemic and ocular comorbidities. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for dementia development according to the parameters, including glaucoma diagnosis. RESULTS Overall, 7.0% of the participants developed dementia after an average of 7.4 years. A newly diagnosed glaucoma was associated with a higher risk of dementia (hazards ratio [HR] 1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.57 to 2.27) independent of age, sex, body mass index, income, smoking and drinking status, visual acuity, and other systemic comorbidities, such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and depression. An association between the risk of dementia and glaucoma was noted in participants with Alzheimer's disease (AD) but not in those with vascular dementia. The risk of dementia in relation to glaucoma was higher in older participants (HR = 3.15 (≥ 65 years) vs. 1.56 (< 65 years), P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION This nationwide cohort study found that individuals with newly diagnosed glaucoma were at a higher risk of developing dementia, particularly AD. This association was greater among older individuals in the studied population.
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Melo P, S Silveira M, Mendes-Pinto I, Relvas JB. MorphoMacro for in vivo and ex vivo quantitative morphometric analysis of microglia. Methods Cell Biol 2023; 174:75-92. [PMID: 36710053 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Microglia cells dynamically survey the central nervous system microenvironment and, in response to tissue damage inflicted by radiation therapy, disease or infection, undergo morphological and functional changes that culminate in microglia activation. Cell shape transformation can be assessed descriptively or, alternatively, it can be quantified as a continuous variable for parameters including total cell size as well as protrusion length, ramification and complexity. The purpose of the MorphoMacro method is to quantitatively profile multiple and single microglia cells using the available ImageJ platform. This method outlines the required steps and ImageJ plugins to convert fluorescence and bright-field photomicrographs into representative binary and skeletonized images and to analyze them using the MorphoMacro software plugin for multiparametric and multilevel description of microglia cell morphology in vivo and ex vivo. Overall, the protocol provides a quantitative and comprehensive tool that can be used to identify, stratify, and monitor diverse microglia morphologies in homeostatic, different disease conditions and subsequent therapeutic monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Melo
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana S Silveira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Inês Mendes-Pinto
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - João B Relvas
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Departmento de Biomedicina, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Loss of Retinogeniculate Synaptic Function in the DBA/2J Mouse Model of Glaucoma. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0421-22.2022. [PMID: 36526366 PMCID: PMC9794376 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0421-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons comprise the optic nerve and carry information to the dorsolateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), which is then relayed to the cortex for conscious vision. Glaucoma is a blinding neurodegenerative disease that commonly results from intraocular pressure (IOP)-associated injury leading to RGC axonal pathology, disruption of RGC outputs to the brain, and eventual apoptotic loss of RGC somata. The consequences of elevated IOP and glaucomatous pathology on RGC signaling to the dLGN are largely unknown yet are likely to contribute to vision loss. Here, we used anatomic and physiological approaches to study the structure and function of retinogeniculate (RG) synapses in male and female DBA/2J (D2) mice with inherited glaucoma before and after IOP elevation. D2 mice showed progressive loss of anterograde optic tract transport to the dLGN and vGlut2 labeling of RGC axon terminals while patch-clamp measurements of RG synaptic function showed that synaptic transmission was reduced in 9-month and 12-month D2 mice because of the loss of individual RGC axon inputs. TC neuron dendrites had reduced Sholl complexity at 12 months, suggestive of delayed reorganization following reduced synaptic input. There was no detectable change in RGC density in 11- to 12-month D2 retinas, quantified as the number of ganglion cell layer-residing somata immuno-positive for NeuN and immuno-negative for the amacrine marker choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). Thus, observed synaptic defects appear to precede RGC somatic loss. These findings identify glaucoma-associated and IOP-associated deficits in an important subcortical RGC projection target, shedding light on processes linking IOP to vision loss.
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Silicone Oil-Induced Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration in Rhesus Macaques. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415896. [PMID: 36555536 PMCID: PMC9781764 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, we developed a simple procedure of intracameral injection of silicone oil (SO) into mouse eyes and established the mouse SOHU (SO-induced ocular hypertension under-detected) glaucoma model with reversible intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation and significant glaucomatous neurodegeneration. Because the anatomy of the non-human primate (NHP) visual system closely resembles that of humans, it is the most likely to predict human responses to diseases and therapies. Here we tried to replicate the mouse SOHU glaucoma model in rhesus macaque monkeys. All six animals that we tested showed significant retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death, optic nerve (ON) degeneration, and visual functional deficits at both 3 and 6 months. In contrast to the mouse SOHU model, however, IOP changed dynamically in these animals, probably due to individual differences in ciliary body tolerance capability. Further optimization of this model is needed to achieve consistent IOP elevation without permanent damage of the ciliary body. The current form of the NHP SOHU model recapitulates the severe degeneration of acute human glaucoma, and is therefore suitable for assessing experimental therapies for neuroprotection and regeneration, and therefore for translating relevant findings into novel and effective treatments for patients with glaucoma and other neurodegenerations.
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Li L, Feng X, Fang F, Miller DA, Zhang S, Zhuang P, Huang H, Liu P, Liu J, Sredar N, Liu L, Sun Y, Duan X, Goldberg JL, Zhang HF, Hu Y. Longitudinal in vivo Ca 2+ imaging reveals dynamic activity changes of diseased retinal ganglion cells at the single-cell level. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2206829119. [PMID: 36409915 PMCID: PMC9889883 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2206829119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are heterogeneous projection neurons that convey distinct visual features from the retina to brain. Here, we present a high-throughput in vivo RGC activity assay in response to light stimulation using noninvasive Ca2+ imaging of thousands of RGCs simultaneously in living mice. Population and single-cell analyses of longitudinal RGC Ca2+ imaging reveal distinct functional responses of RGCs and unprecedented individual RGC activity conversions during traumatic and glaucomatous degeneration. This study establishes a foundation for future in vivo RGC function classifications and longitudinal activity evaluations using more advanced imaging techniques and visual stimuli under normal, disease, and neural repair conditions. These analyses can be performed at both the population and single-cell levels using temporal and spatial information, which will be invaluable for understanding RGC pathophysiology and identifying functional biomarkers for diverse optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Li
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304
| | - Xue Feng
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304
| | - Fang Fang
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha410011, China
| | - David A. Miller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL60208
| | - Shaobo Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94143
| | - Pei Zhuang
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304
| | - Haoliang Huang
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304
| | - Pingting Liu
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304
| | - Junting Liu
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304
| | - Nripun Sredar
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304
| | - Liang Liu
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304
| | - Yang Sun
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304
| | - Xin Duan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94143
| | - Jeffrey L. Goldberg
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304
| | - Hao F. Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL60208
| | - Yang Hu
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA94304
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Haider AA, Rex TS, Wareham LK. cGMP Signaling in the Neurovascular Unit—Implications for Retinal Ganglion Cell Survival in Glaucoma. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12111671. [PMID: 36421684 PMCID: PMC9687235 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a progressive age-related disease of the visual system and the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Currently, intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only modifiable risk factor for the disease, but even as IOP is lowered, the pathology of the disease often progresses. Hence, effective clinical targets for the treatment of glaucoma remain elusive. Glaucoma shares comorbidities with a multitude of vascular diseases, and evidence in humans and animal models demonstrates an association between vascular dysfunction of the retina and glaucoma pathology. Integral to the survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is functional neurovascular coupling (NVC), providing RGCs with metabolic support in response to neuronal activity. NVC is mediated by cells of the neurovascular unit (NVU), which include vascular cells, glial cells, and neurons. Nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO-cGMP) signaling is a prime mediator of NVC between endothelial cells and neurons, but emerging evidence suggests that cGMP signaling is also important in the physiology of other cells of the NVU. NO-cGMP signaling has been implicated in glaucomatous neurodegeneration in humans and mice. In this review, we explore the role of cGMP signaling in the different cell types of the NVU and investigate the potential links between cGMP signaling, breakdown of neurovascular function, and glaucoma pathology.
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Nam MH, Nahomi RB, Pantcheva MB, Dhillon A, Chiodo VA, Smith WC, Nagaraj RH. AAV2-Mediated Expression of HspB1 in RGCs Prevents Somal Damage and Axonal Transport Deficits in a Mouse Model of Ocular Hypertension. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:8. [DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.11.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Hyun Nam
- Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center and Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Rooban B. Nahomi
- Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center and Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Mina B. Pantcheva
- Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center and Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Armaan Dhillon
- Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center and Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Vince A. Chiodo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - W. Clay Smith
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ram H. Nagaraj
- Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center and Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Wu HJ, Kuchtey RW, Kuchtey J. Optic neuropathy associated with TGFβ dysregulation in mice with a glaucoma-causative mutation of ADAMTS10. Matrix Biol 2022; 113:83-99. [PMID: 36216203 PMCID: PMC10001177 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease that causes irreversible blindness due to loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons. We previously identified a G661R mutation of ADAMTS10 (A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase with ThromboSpondin type 1 motif 10) as the disease-causing mutation in a beagle model of glaucoma. ADAMTS10 is a secreted matrix metalloproteinase that belongs to the ADAMTS family which is involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover. Previous studies have shown that ADAMTS10 binds fibrillin microfibrils, promotes their formation, and influences their fibrillin isoform composition. Here, we established a mouse model carrying the G661R mutation of ADAMTS10 (ADAMTS10G661R/G661R) to investigate its ocular phenotypes related to glaucoma and to explore possible functions of ADAMTS10. We found that ADAMTS10 was expressed in the inner retina and along RGC axons in the optic nerve. However, ADAMTS10 was not colocalized with fibrillin microfibrils in these tissues, suggesting fibrillin-independent function for ADAMTS10. In electroretinogram experiments, we found that ADAMTS10G661R/G661R mice had reduced amplitude of retinal responses to dim light stimulus, indicating RGC dysfunction. The reduced RGC function coincided with RGC axon structural changes manifested as smaller optic nerves and fewer optic nerve axons, which may contribute to glaucoma. The reduced number of optic nerve axons found for ADAMTS10G661R/G661R mice occurred early, suggesting developmental deficits. Subsequent experiments found increased apoptosis in the retina of ADAMTS10G661R/G661R mice during postnatal development, which could result in fewer RGCs produced, accounting for fewer optic nerve axons in adulthood. Consistent with a protective effect of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling against apoptosis during retinal development as shown previously by others, we found increased apoptosis accompanied by decreased TGFβ signaling in the developing retina of ADAMTS10G661R/G661R mice, suggesting a novel role for ADAMTS10 in regulating TGFβ signaling which could involve direct interaction between ADAMTS10 and latent TGFβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang-Jing Wu
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Ave S, AA7100 MCN, Nashville, TN 37232-8808, USA
| | - Rachel W Kuchtey
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Ave S, AA7100 MCN, Nashville, TN 37232-8808, USA; Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-0022, USA
| | - John Kuchtey
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Ave S, AA7100 MCN, Nashville, TN 37232-8808, USA.
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Croteau LP, Risner ML, Wareham LK, McGrady NR, Chamling X, Zack DJ, Calkins DJ. Ex Vivo Integration of Human Stem Retinal Ganglion Cells into the Mouse Retina. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203241. [PMID: 36291110 PMCID: PMC9600680 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell replacement therapies may be key in achieving functional recovery in neurodegenerative optic neuropathies diseases such as glaucoma. One strategy that holds promise in this regard is the use of human embryonic stem cell and induced pluripotent stem-derived retinal ganglion cells (hRGCs). Previous hRGC transplantation studies have shown modest success. This is in part due to the low survival and integration of the transplanted cells in the host retina. The field is further challenged by mixed assays and outcome measurements that probe and determine transplantation success. Thefore, we have devised a transplantation assay involving hRGCs and mouse retina explants that bypasses physical barriers imposed by retinal membranes. We show that hRGC neurites and somas are capable of invading mouse explants with a subset of hRGC neurites being guided by mouse RGC axons. Neonatal mouse retina explants, and to a lesser extent, adult explants, promote hRGC integrity and neurite outgrowth. Using this assay, we tested whether suppmenting cultures with brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the adenylate cyclase activator, forskolin, enhances hRGC neurite integration, neurite outgrowth, and integrity. We show that supplementing cultures with a combination BDNF and forskolin strongly favors hRGC integrity, increasing neurite outgrowth and complexity as well as the invasion of mouse explants. The transplantation assay presented here is a practical tool for investigating strategies for testing and optimizing the integration of donor cells into host tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis-Philippe Croteau
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Michael L. Risner
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Lauren K. Wareham
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Nolan R. McGrady
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Xitiz Chamling
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Donald J. Zack
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - David J. Calkins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Correspondence:
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Van Hook MJ. Influences of Glaucoma on the Structure and Function of Synapses in the Visual System. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 37:842-861. [PMID: 35044228 PMCID: PMC9587776 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Glaucoma is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder of the visual system associated with sensitivity to intraocular pressure (IOP). It is the leading irreversible cause of vision loss worldwide, and vision loss results from damage and dysfunction of the retinal output neurons known as retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Recent Advances: Elevated IOP and optic nerve injury triggers pruning of RGC dendrites, altered morphology of excitatory inputs from presynaptic bipolar cells, and disrupted RGC synaptic function. Less is known about RGC outputs, although evidence to date indicates that glaucoma is associated with altered mitochondrial and synaptic structure and function in RGC-projection targets in the brain. These early functional changes likely contribute to vision loss and might be a window into early diagnosis and treatment. Critical Issues: Glaucoma affects different RGC populations to varying extents and along distinct time courses. The influence of glaucoma on RGC synaptic function as well as the mechanisms underlying these effects remain to be determined. Since RGCs are an especially energetically demanding population of neurons, altered intracellular axon transport of mitochondria and mitochondrial function might contribute to RGC synaptic dysfunction in the retina and brain as well as RGC vulnerability in glaucoma. Future Directions: The mechanisms underlying differential RGC vulnerability remain to be determined. Moreover, the timing and mechanisms of RGCs synaptic dysfunction and degeneration will provide valuable insight into the disease process in glaucoma. Future work will be able to capitalize on these findings to better design diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to detect disease and prevent vision loss. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 842-861.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Van Hook
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science and Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Department of Cellular & Integrative Physiology, Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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Gao J, Provencio I, Liu X. Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:992747. [PMID: 36212698 PMCID: PMC9537624 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.992747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases afflicting more than 70 million people worldwide. It is characterized by damage to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) that ultimately leads to the death of the cells and vision loss. The diversity of RGC types has been appreciated for decades, and studies, including ours, have shown that RGCs degenerate and die in a type-specific manner in rodent models of glaucoma. The type-specific loss of RGCs results in differential damage to visual and non-visual functions. One type of RGC, the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGC), expressing the photopigment melanopsin, serves a broad array of non-visual responses to light. Since its discovery, six subtypes of ipRGC have been described, each contributing to various image-forming and non-image-forming functions such as circadian photoentrainment, the pupillary light reflex, the photic control of mood and sleep, and visual contrast sensitivity. We recently demonstrated a link between type-specific ipRGC survival and behavioral deficits in a mouse model of chronic ocular hypertension. This review focuses on the type-specific ipRGC degeneration and associated behavioral changes in animal models and glaucoma patients. A better understanding of how glaucomatous insult impacts the ipRGC-based circuits will have broad impacts on improving the treatment of glaucoma-associated non-visual disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Gao
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Ignacio Provencio
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Xiaorong Liu
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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Wareham LK, Whitener AE, Wu HJ, Wu SY, Mchaourab HS, Mortlock DP, Kuchtey RW, Kuchtey J. Adamts10 controls transforming growth factor β family signaling that contributes to retinal ganglion cell development. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:989851. [PMID: 36148008 PMCID: PMC9485804 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.989851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although mutations in ADAMTS10 have long been known to cause autosomal recessive Weill-Marchesani Syndrome which is characterized by short stature and ocular abnormalities, more recent work has shown that certain mutations in ADAMTS10 cause glaucoma in dogs. In humans, glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss that affects tens of millions of people world-wide. Vision loss in glaucoma is a result of neurodegeneration of retinal ganglion cells that form the inner-most layer of the retina and whose axons form the optic nerve which relays visual information to the brain. ADAMTS10 contributes to the formation of microfibrils which sequester latent transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). Among its many biological functions, TGFβ promotes the development of retinal ganglion cells and is also known to play other roles in glaucoma pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that ADAMTS10 plays a role in retinal ganglion cell development through regulation of TGFβ signaling. To this end, Adamts10 expression was targeted for reduction in zebrafish embryos carrying either a fluorescent reporter that labels retinal ganglion cells, or a fluorescent reporter of pSmad3-mediated TGFβ family signaling. Loss of adamts10 function in zebrafish embryos reduced retinal ganglion cell reporter fluorescence and prevented formation of an ordered retinal ganglion cell layer. Targeting adamts10 expression also drastically reduced constitutive TGFβ signaling in the eye. Direct inhibition of the TGFβ receptor reduced retinal ganglion cell reporter fluorescence similar to the effect of targeting adamts10 expression. These findings unveil a previously unknown role for Adamts10 in retinal ganglion cell development and suggest that the developmental role of Adamts10 is mediated by active TGFβ family signaling. In addition, our results show for the first time that Adamts10 is necessary for pSmad3-mediated constitutive TGFβ family signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren K. Wareham
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Amy E. Whitener
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Hang-Jing Wu
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Shu-Yu Wu
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Hassane S. Mchaourab
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Douglas P. Mortlock
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Rachel W. Kuchtey
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - John Kuchtey
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States,*Correspondence: John Kuchtey,
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Xue Z, Yuan J, Chen F, Yao Y, Xing S, Yu X, Li K, Wang C, Bao J, Qu J, Su J, Chen H. Genome-wide association meta-analysis of 88,250 individuals highlights pleiotropic mechanisms of five ocular diseases in UK Biobank. EBioMedicine 2022; 82:104161. [PMID: 35841873 PMCID: PMC9297108 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ocular diseases may exhibit common clinical symptoms and epidemiological comorbidity. However, the extent of pleiotropic mechanisms across ocular diseases remains unclear. We aim to examine shared genetic etiology in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), glaucoma, retinal detachment (RD), and myopia. METHODS We analyzed genome-wide association analyses for the five ocular diseases in 43,877 cases and 44,373 controls of European ancestry from UK Biobank, estimated their genetic relationships (LDSC, GNOVA, and Genomic SEM), and identified pleiotropic loci (ASSET and METASOFT). FINDINGS The genetic correlation of common SNPs revealed a meaningful genetic structure within these diseases, identifying genetic correlations between AMD, DR, and glaucoma. Cross-trait meta-analysis identified 23 pleiotropic loci associated with at least two ocular diseases and 14 loci unique to individual disorders (non-pleiotropic). We found that the genes associated with these shared genetic loci are involved in neuron differentiation (P = 8.80 × 10-6) and eye development systems (P = 3.86 × 10-5), and single cell RNA sequencing data reveals their heightened gene expression from multipotent progenitors to other differentiated retinal cells during retina developmental process. INTERPRETATION These results highlighted the potential common genetic architectures among these ocular diseases and can deepen the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the related diseases. FUNDING The National Natural Science Foundation of China (61871294), Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (LR19C060001), and the Scientific Research Foundation for Talents of Wenzhou Medical University (QTJ18023).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengbo Xue
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jian Yuan
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fukun Chen
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yinghao Yao
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325105, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shilai Xing
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiangyi Yu
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kai Li
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325105, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chenxiao Wang
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinhua Bao
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jia Qu
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health, Wenzhou 325101, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianzhong Su
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health, Wenzhou 325101, Zhejiang, China; Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325105, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Hao Chen
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China.
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Association between Serum Potassium with Risk of Onset and Visual Field Progression in Patients with Primary Angle Close Glaucoma: A Cross-Sectional and Prospective Cohort Study. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:2275171. [PMID: 35783194 PMCID: PMC9246612 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2275171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that ion metabolism may be associated with oxidative stress in the ocular tissue in glaucoma patients. This study is aimed at determining whether serum ion levels are associated with the onset and/or visual field (VF) progression of PACG. A total of 265 PACG and 166 healthy subjects were included in the cross-sectional study. Meanwhile, 265 subjects with PACG were followed up every six months for at least two years in the cohort study. All subjects were evaluated for serum concentrations of ions (calcium, phosphorus, potassium (K+), sodium, and chlorine) and underwent VF examination. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the risk factors for PACG. Cox regression analyses and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed to identify factors associated with VF progression in PACG subjects. In the cross-sectional study, the K+ level (4.31 ± 0.39 mmol/L) was significantly higher in the PACG group than in the normal group (4.16 ± 0.35 mmol/L, P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression showed that the increased K+ level was a risk factor of PACG (OR = 2.94, 95%CI = 1.63–5.32, P < 0.001). In the cohort study, there were 105 PACG subjects with progression and 160 PACG subjects without progression. The progression group had significantly higher baseline serum K+ levels (4.41 ± 0.37 mmol/L) than the no progression group (4.25 ± 0.39 mmol/L) (P = 0.002). The increased level of K+ at baseline was associated with faster VF progression (HR = 2.07, 95%CI = 1.23–3.46, P = 0.006). PACG subjects with higher baseline K+ levels had significantly lower VF nonprogression rates (51.94%) than subjects with lower K+ levels (68.38%, log-rank test P = 0.01). This study found that increased serum K+ level is a risk factor of PACG and is associated with faster VF progression in PACG, which might result from its influence on the oxidative stress process.
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Ko MK, Woo JI, Gonzalez JM, Kim G, Sakai L, Peti-Peterdi J, Kelber JA, Hong YK, Tan JC. Fibrillin-1 mutant mouse captures defining features of human primary open glaucoma including anomalous aqueous humor TGF beta-2. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10623. [PMID: 35739142 PMCID: PMC9226129 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14062-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) features an optic neuropathy, elevated aqueous humor (AH) TGFβ2, and major risk factors of central corneal thickness (CCT), increasing age and intraocular pressure (IOP). We examined Tight skin (Tsk) mice to see if mutation of fibrillin-1, a repository for latent TGFβ, is associated with characteristics of human POAG. We measured: CCT by ocular coherence tomography (OCT); IOP; retinal ganglion cell (RGC) and optic nerve axon counts by microscopic techniques; visual electrophysiologic scotopic threshold responses (STR) and pattern electroretinogram (PERG); and AH TGFβ2 levels and activity by ELISA and MINK epithelial cell-based assays respectively. Tsk mice had open anterior chamber angles and compared with age-matched wild type (WT) mice: 23% thinner CCT (p < 0.003); IOP that was higher (p < 0.0001), more asymmetric (p = 0.047), rose with age (p = 0.04) and had a POAG-like frequency distribution. Tsk mice also had RGCs that were fewer (p < 0.04), declined with age (p = 0.0003) and showed increased apoptosis and glial activity; fewer optic nerve axons (p = 0.02); abnormal axons and glia; reduced STR (p < 0.002) and PERG (p < 0.007) visual responses; and higher AH TGFβ2 levels (p = 0.0002) and activity (p = 1E-11) especially with age. Tsk mice showed defining features of POAG, implicating aberrant fibrillin-1 homeostasis as a pathogenic contributor to emergence of a POAG phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Lynn Sakai
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Janos Peti-Peterdi
- Departments of Physiology, Biophysics and Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan A Kelber
- Developmental Oncogene Laboratory, California State University Northridge, Northridge, CA, USA
| | - Young-Kwon Hong
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - James C Tan
- Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Sightgene, Inc., 9227 Reseda Blvd, #182, Northridge, CA, 91324-3137, USA.
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Lee PY, Zhao D, Wong VHY, Chrysostomou V, Crowston JG, Bui BV. The Effect of Aging on Retinal Function and Retinal Ganglion Cell Morphology Following Intraocular Pressure Elevation. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:859265. [PMID: 35645783 PMCID: PMC9133539 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.859265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) are two major risk factors for glaucomatous optic neuropathy; a condition characterized by the selective, progressive injury, and subsequent loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). We examined how age modified the capacity for RGCs to functionally recover following a reproducible IOP elevation (50 mmHg for 30 min). We found that RGC functional recovery (measured using electroretinography) was complete by 7 days in 3-month-old mice but was delayed in 12-month-old mice until 14 days. At the 7-day recovery endpoint when RGC function had recovered in young but not older eyes, we examined RGC structural responses to IOP-related stress by analyzing RGC dendritic morphology. ON-RGC cell volume was attenuated following IOP elevation in both young and older mice. We also found that following IOP elevation OFF-RGC dendritic morphology became less complex per cell volume in young mice, an effect that was not observed in older eyes. Our data suggest that adaptations in OFF-RGCs in young eyes were associated with better functional recovery 7 days after IOP elevation. Loss of RGC cellular adaptations may account for delayed functional recovery in older eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Ying Lee
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Da Zhao
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Vickie H. Y. Wong
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Vicki Chrysostomou
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jonathan G. Crowston
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bang V. Bui
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia,*Correspondence: Bang V. Bui,
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Noailles A, Kutsyr O, Mayordomo-Febrer A, Lax P, López-Murcia M, Sanz-González SM, Pinazo-Durán MD, Cuenca N. Sodium Hyaluronate-Induced Ocular Hypertension in Rats Damages the Direction-Selective Circuit and Inner/Outer Retinal Plexiform Layers. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:2. [PMID: 35503230 PMCID: PMC9078050 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.5.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To assess the changes in retinal morphology in a rat model of chronic glaucoma induced by ocular hypertension. Methods Intraocular pressure (IOP) was surgically increased through weekly injections of sodium hyaluronate (HYA) in the anterior eye chamber of the left eye of male Wistar rats, whereas the right eyes were sham operated (salt solution). During the 10-week experimental period, IOP was measured weekly with a rebound tonometer. Retinal cryosections were prepared for histological/immunohistochemical analysis and morphometry. Results IOP was higher in HYA-treated eyes than in sham-operated eyes along the 10-week period, which was significant from the fourth to the nineth week. Ocular hypertension in HYA-treated eyes was associated with morphologic and morphometric changes in bipolar cells, ON-OFF direction-selective ganglion cells, ON/OFF starburst amacrine cells, and inner plexiform layer sublamina. Conclusions Serial HYA treatment in the rat anterior eye chamber results in mild-to-moderate elevated and sustained IOP and ganglion cell death, which mimics most human open-angle glaucoma hallmarks. The reduced number of direction-selective ganglion cells and starburst amacrine cells accompanied by a deteriorated ON/OFF plexus in this glaucoma model could lend insight to the abnormalities in motion perception observed in patients with glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustina Noailles
- Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Spain.,OFTARED. Spanish Net of Ophthalmic Research. Institute of health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Oksana Kutsyr
- Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Spain.,OFTARED. Spanish Net of Ophthalmic Research. Institute of health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aloma Mayordomo-Febrer
- Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Valencia, Spain.,OFTARED. Spanish Net of Ophthalmic Research. Institute of health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Mixed Research Unit for Visual Health and Veterinary Ophthalmology CEU/FISABIO, Valencia, Spain
| | - Pedro Lax
- Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Spain.,OFTARED. Spanish Net of Ophthalmic Research. Institute of health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María López-Murcia
- Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Valencia, Spain.,Mixed Research Unit for Visual Health and Veterinary Ophthalmology CEU/FISABIO, Valencia, Spain
| | - Silvia M Sanz-González
- OFTARED. Spanish Net of Ophthalmic Research. Institute of health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Cellular and Molecular Ophthalmo-biology Research Group, Department of Surgery, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Ophthalmic Research Unit "Santiago Grisolía"/FISABIO, Valencia, Spain
| | - María Dolores Pinazo-Durán
- OFTARED. Spanish Net of Ophthalmic Research. Institute of health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Cellular and Molecular Ophthalmo-biology Research Group, Department of Surgery, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Ophthalmic Research Unit "Santiago Grisolía"/FISABIO, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nicolás Cuenca
- Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Spain.,OFTARED. Spanish Net of Ophthalmic Research. Institute of health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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45
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Li B, Ning B, Yang F, Guo C. Nerve Growth Factor Promotes Retinal Neurovascular Unit Repair: A Review. Curr Eye Res 2022; 47:1095-1105. [PMID: 35499266 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2022.2055084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the imbalance of neurogenic factor (NGF) and its precursor (pro-NGF) mediates structural and functional impairment of retinal neurovascular unit (RNVU) that plays a role in retinal degenerative diseases.Methods: A literature search of electronic databases was performed.Results: The pro-apoptotic effect of pro-NGF and the pro-growth effect of NGF are essential for the pathological and physiological activities of RNVU. Studies show that NGF-based treatment of retinal degenerative diseases, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and diabetic retinopathy, has achieved remarkable efficacy.Conclusions: RNVU plays a complex and multifaceted role in retinal degenerative diseases. The exploration of the differential signaling expression of proNGF-NGF homeostasis under physiological and pathological conditions, and the corresponding pathological processes induced by its regulation, has prompted us to focus on earlier retinal neuroprotective therapeutic strategies to prevent retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohua Li
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, PR China
| | - Bobiao Ning
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, PR China
| | - Fan Yang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, PR China
| | - Chengwei Guo
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, PR China
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46
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Gerberich BG, Hannon BG, Brown DM, Read AT, Ritch MD, Schrader Echeverri E, Nichols L, Potnis C, Sridhar S, Toothman MG, Schwaner SA, Winger EJ, Huang H, Gershon GS, Feola AJ, Pardue MT, Prausnitz MR, Ethier CR. Evaluation of Spatially Targeted Scleral Stiffening on Neuroprotection in a Rat Model of Glaucoma. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:7. [PMID: 35536721 PMCID: PMC9100482 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.5.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Scleral stiffening may protect against glaucomatous retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss or dysfunction associated with ocular hypertension. Here, we assess the potential neuroprotective effects of two treatments designed to stiffen either the entire posterior sclera or only the sclera adjacent to the peripapillary sclera in an experimental model of glaucoma. Methods Rat sclerae were stiffened in vivo using either genipin (crosslinking the entire posterior sclera) or a regionally selective photosensitizer, methylene blue (stiffening only the juxtaperipapillary region surrounding the optic nerve). Ocular hypertension was induced using magnetic microbeads delivered to the anterior chamber. Morphological and functional outcomes, including optic nerve axon count and appearance, retinal thickness measured by optical coherence tomography, optomotor response, and electroretinography traces, were assessed. Results Both local (juxtaperipapillary) and global (whole posterior) scleral stiffening treatments were successful at increasing scleral stiffness, but neither provided demonstrable neuroprotection in hypertensive eyes as assessed by RGC axon counts and appearance, optomotor response, or electroretinography. There was a weak indication that scleral crosslinking protected against retinal thinning as assessed by optical coherence tomography. Conclusions Scleral stiffening was not demonstrated to be neuroprotective in ocular hypertensive rats. We hypothesize that the absence of benefit may in part be due to RGC loss associated with the scleral stiffening agents themselves (mild in the case of genipin, and moderate in the case of methylene blue), negating any potential benefit of scleral stiffening. Translational Relevance The development of scleral stiffening as a neuroprotective treatment will require the identification of better tolerated stiffening protocols and further preclinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon G. Gerberich
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bailey G. Hannon
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dillon M. Brown
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - A. Thomas Read
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Matthew D. Ritch
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Elisa Schrader Echeverri
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lauren Nichols
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cahil Potnis
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veteran Affairs Healthcare System, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sreesh Sridhar
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Maya G. Toothman
- College of Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stephen A. Schwaner
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Exponent, Inc., Biomechanics Practice, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Erin J. Winger
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hannah Huang
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gabby S. Gershon
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Andrew J. Feola
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veteran Affairs Healthcare System, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Machelle T. Pardue
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veteran Affairs Healthcare System, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mark R. Prausnitz
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - C. Ross Ethier
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
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47
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Biochemical mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy and other diabetic complications in humans: the methanol-formaldehyde-formic acid hypothesis. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2022; 54:415-451. [PMID: 35607958 PMCID: PMC9828688 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2022012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperglycemia in diabetic patients is associated with abnormally-elevated cellular glucose levels. It is hypothesized that increased cellular glucose will lead to increased formation of endogenous methanol and/or formaldehyde, both of which are then metabolically converted to formic acid. These one-carbon metabolites are known to be present naturally in humans, and their levels are increased under diabetic conditions. Mechanistically, while formaldehyde is a cross-linking agent capable of causing extensive cytotoxicity, formic acid is an inhibitor of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase, capable of inducing histotoxic hypoxia, ATP deficiency and cytotoxicity. Chronic increase in the production and accumulation of these toxic one-carbon metabolites in diabetic patients can drive the pathogenesis of ocular as well as other diabetic complications. This hypothesis is supported by a large body of experimental and clinical observations scattered in the literature. For instance, methanol is known to have organ- and species-selective toxicities, including the characteristic ocular lesions commonly seen in humans and non-human primates, but not in rodents. Similarly, some of the diabetic complications (such as ocular lesions) also have a characteristic species-selective pattern, closely resembling methanol intoxication. Moreover, while alcohol consumption or combined use of folic acid plus vitamin B is beneficial for mitigating acute methanol toxicity in humans, their use also improves the outcomes of diabetic complications. In addition, there is also a large body of evidence from biochemical and cellular studies. Together, there is considerable experimental support for the proposed hypothesis that increased metabolic formation of toxic one-carbon metabolites in diabetic patients contributes importantly to the development of various clinical complications.
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48
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Sex Hormones and Their Effects on Ocular Disorders and Pathophysiology: Current Aspects and Our Experience. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063269. [PMID: 35328690 PMCID: PMC8949880 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex hormones are molecules produced by the gonads and to a small extent by the adrenal gland, which not only determine the primary and secondary sexual characteristics of an individual, differentiating man from woman, but also participate in the functioning of the various systems of the body. The evidence that many eye diseases differ in terms of prevalence between men and women has allowed us, in recent years, to carry out several studies that have investigated the association between sex hormones and the pathophysiology of eye tissues. Specific receptors for sex hormones have been found on the lacrimal and meibomian glands, conjunctiva, cornea, lens, retina, and choroid. This work summarizes the current knowledge on the role that sex hormones play in the pathogenesis of the most common ocular disorders and indicates our clinical experience in these situations. The aim is to stimulate an interdisciplinary approach between endocrinology, neurology, molecular biology, and ophthalmology to improve the management of these diseases and to lay the foundations for new therapeutic strategies.
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Ribeiro M, McGrady NR, Baratta RO, Del Buono BJ, Schlumpf E, Calkins DJ. Intraocular Delivery of a Collagen Mimetic Peptide Repairs Retinal Ganglion Cell Axons in Chronic and Acute Injury Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23062911. [PMID: 35328332 PMCID: PMC8949359 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Vision loss through the degeneration of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons occurs in both chronic and acute conditions that target the optic nerve. These include glaucoma, in which sensitivity to intraocular pressure (IOP) causes early RGC axonal dysfunction, and optic nerve trauma, which causes rapid axon degeneration from the site of injury. In each case, degeneration is irreversible, necessitating new therapeutics that protect, repair, and regenerate RGC axons. Recently, we demonstrated the reparative capacity of using collagen mimetic peptides (CMPs) to heal fragmented collagen in the neuronal extracellular milieu. This was an important step in the development of neuronal-based therapies since neurodegeneration involves matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-mediated remodeling of the collagen-rich environment in which neurons and their axons exist. We found that intraocular delivery of a CMP comprising single-strand fractions of triple helix human type I collagen prevented early RGC axon dysfunction in an inducible glaucoma model. Additionally, CMPs also promoted neurite outgrowth from dorsal root ganglia, challenged in vitro by partial digestion of collagen. Here, we compared the ability of a CMP sequence to protect RGC axons in both inducible glaucoma and optic nerve crush. A three-week +40% elevation in IOP caused a 67% degradation in anterograde transport to the superior colliculus, the primary retinal projection target in rodents. We found that a single intravitreal injection of CMP during the period of IOP elevation significantly reduced this degradation. The same CMP delivered shortly after optic nerve crush promoted significant axonal recovery during the two-week period following injury. Together, these findings support a novel protective and reparative role for the use of CMPs in both chronic and acute conditions affecting the survival of RGC axons in the optic projection to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcio Ribeiro
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (M.R.); (N.R.M.)
| | - Nolan R. McGrady
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (M.R.); (N.R.M.)
| | - Robert O. Baratta
- Stuart Therapeutics, Inc., 411 SE Osceola St., Suite 203, Stuart, FL 34994, USA; (R.O.B.); (B.J.D.B.); (E.S.)
| | - Brian J. Del Buono
- Stuart Therapeutics, Inc., 411 SE Osceola St., Suite 203, Stuart, FL 34994, USA; (R.O.B.); (B.J.D.B.); (E.S.)
| | - Eric Schlumpf
- Stuart Therapeutics, Inc., 411 SE Osceola St., Suite 203, Stuart, FL 34994, USA; (R.O.B.); (B.J.D.B.); (E.S.)
| | - David J. Calkins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (M.R.); (N.R.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(615)-936-1424; Fax: +1-(615)-936-6410
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50
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Transcriptional control of retinal ganglion cell death after axonal injury. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:244. [PMID: 35296661 PMCID: PMC8927149 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04666-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Injury to the axons of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is a key pathological event in glaucomatous neurodegeneration. The transcription factors JUN (the target of the c-Jun N-terminal kinases, JNKs) and DDIT3/CHOP (a mediator of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response) have been shown to control the majority of proapoptotic signaling after mechanical axonal injury in RGCs and in other models of neurodegeneration. The downstream transcriptional networks controlled by JUN and DDIT3, which are critical for RGC death, however, are not well defined. To determine these networks, RNA was isolated from the retinas of wild-type mice and mice deficient in Jun, Ddit3, and both Jun and Ddit3 three days after mechanical optic nerve crush injury (CONC). RNA-sequencing data analysis was performed and immunohistochemistry was used to validate potential transcriptional signaling changes after axonal injury. This study identified downstream transcriptional changes after injury including both neuronal survival and proinflammatory signaling that were attenuated to differing degrees by loss of Ddit3, Jun, and Ddit3/Jun. These data suggest proinflammatory signaling in the retina might be secondary to activation of pro-death pathways in RGCs after acute axonal injury. These results determine the downstream transcriptional networks important for apoptotic signaling which may be important for ordering and staging the pro-degenerative signals after mechanical axonal injury.
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