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Xia CH, Lin W, Li R, Xing X, Shang GJ, Zhang H, Gong X. Altered Cell Clusters and Upregulated Aqp1 in Connexin 50 Knockout Lens Epithelium. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:27. [PMID: 39287589 PMCID: PMC11412383 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.11.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To characterize the heterogeneity and cell clusters of postnatal lens epithelial cells (LECs) and to investigate the downstream targets of connexin 50 (Cx50) in the regulation of lens homeostasis and lens growth. To determine differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the connexin 50 knockout (Cx50KO) lens epithelial cells that shed light on novel mechanism underlying the cataract and small size of the Cx50KO lenses. Methods Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of lens epithelial cells isolated from one-month-old Cx50KO and wild-type (WT) mice were performed. Differentially expressed genes were identified, and selected DEGs were further studied by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis and Western blot analysis. Results The expression profiles of several thousand genes were identified by scRNA-seq data analysis. In comparison to the WT control, many DEGs were identified in the Cx50KO lens epithelial cells, including growth regulating transcriptional factors and genes encoding water channels. Significantly upregulated aquaporin 1 (Aqp1) gene expression was confirmed by RT-qPCR, and upregulated AQP1 protein expression was confirmed by Western blot analysis and immunostaining both in vivo and in vitro. Conclusions Lens epithelial cells exhibit an intrinsic heterogeneity of different cell clusters in regulating lens homeostasis and lens growth. Upregulated Aqp1 in Cx50KO lens epithelial cells suggests that both connexin 50 and AQP1 likely play important roles in regulating water homeostasis in lens epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hong Xia
- Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science Program, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - William Lin
- Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science Program, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - Rachel Li
- Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science Program, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - Xinfang Xing
- Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science Program, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - Guangdu Jack Shang
- Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science Program, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - Haiwei Zhang
- Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science Program, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - Xiaohua Gong
- Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science Program, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
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2
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Safrina O, Vorontsova I, Donaldson PJ, Schilling TF. Zebrafish Optical Development Requires Regulated Water Permeability by Aquaporin 0. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:42. [PMID: 39330988 PMCID: PMC11437712 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.11.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Optical development of the zebrafish eye relies on the movement of the highly refractive lens nucleus from an anterior to a central location in the optical axis during development. We have shown that this mechanism in turn depends on the function of Aquaporin 0a (Aqp0a), a multifunctional and extremely abundant protein in lens fiber cell membranes. Here, we probe the specific cellular functions necessary for rescuing lens nucleus centralization defects in aqp0a-/- null mutants by stable overexpression of an Aqp0 orthologue from a killifish, MIPfun. Methods We test in vivo requirements for lens transparency and nucleus centralization of MIPfun for auto-adhesion, water permeability (Pf), and Pf sensitivity to regulation by Ca2+ or pH by overexpression of MIPfun mutants previously shown to have defects in these functions in vitro or in silico. Results Water permeability of MIPfun is essential for rescuing lens transparency and nucleus centralization defects, whereas auto-adhesion is not. Furthermore, water permeability regulation by Ca2+ and pH appear residue-dependent, because some Ca2+-insensitive mutants fail to rescue, and pH-insensitive mutants only partially rescue defects. MIPfun lacking Pf sensitivity to both, Ca2+ and pH, also fails to rescue lens nucleus centralization. Conclusion This study shows that regulation of water permeability by Aqp0 plays a key role in the centralization of the zebrafish lens nucleus, providing the first direct evidence for water transport in this aspect of optical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Safrina
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Irene Vorontsova
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, California, United States
- Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand National Eye Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Paul J Donaldson
- Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand National Eye Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Thomas F Schilling
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, California, United States
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Maceo Heilman B, Mote K, Batchelor W, Rowaan C, Gonzalez A, Arrieta E, Ruggeri M, Ziebarth N, Cabrera-Ghayouri S, Dibas M, Parel JM, Manns F. Effect of compound treatments on mouse lens viscoelasticity. Exp Eye Res 2024; 246:109992. [PMID: 38972445 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109992] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that pharmaceutical agents such as lipoic acid have the ability to soften the lens, presenting a promising avenue for treating presbyopia. One obstacle encountered in the preclinical stage of such agents is the need for precise measurements of lens elasticity in experimental models. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 25-hydroxycholesterol, lipoic acid, and obeticholic acid on the viscoelastic properties of mouse lenses using a custom-built elastometer system. Data were acquired on lenses from C57BL/6J female mice from two age groups: young (age: 8-10 weeks) and old (age: 32-43 weeks). OD lenses were used as the control and OS lenses were treated. Control lenses were immersed in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) and treatment lenses were immersed in a compound solution containing 25-hydroxycholesterol (5 young and 5 old), lipoic acid at 2.35 mM (5 young and 5 old), lipoic acid at 0.66 mM (5 old), or obeticholic acid (5 old) at 37 °C for 18 h. After treatment, the mouse lenses were placed in a DMEM-filled chamber within a custom-built elastometer system that recorded the load and lens shape as the lens was compressed by 600 μm at a speed of 50 μm/s. The load was continuously recorded during compression and during stress-relaxation. The compression phase was fit with a linear function to quantify lens stiffness. The stress-relaxation phase was fit with a 3-term exponential relaxation model providing relaxation time constants (t1, t2, t3), and equilibrium load. The lens stiffness, time constants and equilibrium load were compared for the control and treated groups. Results revealed an increase in stiffness with age for the control group (young: 1.16 ± 0.11 g/mm, old: 1.29 ± 0.14 g/mm) and relaxation time constants decreased with age (young: t1 = 221.9 ± 29.0 s, t2 = 24.7 ± 3.8 s, t3 = 3.12 ± 0.87 s, old: t1 = 183.0 ± 22.0 s, t2 = 20.6 ± 2.6 s and t3 = 2.24 ± 0.43 s). Among the compounds tested, only 25-hydroxycholesterol produced statistically significant changes in the lens stiffness, relaxation time constants, and equilibrium load. In conclusion, older mouse lenses are stiffer and less viscous than young mouse lenses. Notably, no significant change in lens stiffness was observed following treatment with lipoic acid, contrary to previous findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Maceo Heilman
- Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami College of Engineering, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Kelly Mote
- Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami College of Engineering, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Wyndham Batchelor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami College of Engineering, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Cornelis Rowaan
- Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Alex Gonzalez
- Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Esdras Arrieta
- Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Marco Ruggeri
- Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Noel Ziebarth
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami College of Engineering, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Jean-Marie Parel
- Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami College of Engineering, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Fabrice Manns
- Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami College of Engineering, Coral Gables, FL, USA.
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Khalatyan AS, Shishparenok AN, Avetisov KS, Gladilina YA, Blinova VG, Zhdanov DD. Association of Telomere Length in T Lymphocytes, B Lymphocytes, NK Cells and Monocytes with Different Forms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1893. [PMID: 39200358 PMCID: PMC11351114 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081893] [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: 07/16/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age plays a primary role in the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Telomere length (TL) is one of the most relevant biomarkers of aging. In our study, we aimed to determine the association of TL with T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, NK cells or monocytes with different forms of AMD. METHODS Our study included 62 patients with AMD: geographic atrophy (GA), neovascular AMD (NVAMD) with and without macular atrophy and 22 healthy controls. Each leukocyte subtype was isolated from peripheral blood by immunomagnetic separation, and the DNA was purified. The TL in the genomic DNA was determined using qPCR by amplifying the telomere region with specific oligonucleotide primers and normalizing to the control gene. Statistical analysis was performed using R version 4.5.1. RESULTS We observed a statistically significant increase in TL in the T cells between the control and NVAMD groups but not for the GA group. The B cells and monocytes showed a significant decrease in TL in all AMD groups. The TL in the NK cells did not decrease in any of the AMD groups. CONCLUSIONS The TL in the monocytes had the strongest association with AMD. It reflects a person's "telomeric status" and may become a diagnostic hallmark of these degenerative processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anait S. Khalatyan
- Krasnov Research Institute of Eye Diseases, 11A, B, Rossolimo Str., Moscow 119021, Russia;
| | - Anastasiya N. Shishparenok
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 10/8 Pogodinskaya St., Moscow 119121, Russia; (A.N.S.); (Y.A.G.); (V.G.B.); (D.D.Z.)
| | - Konstantin S. Avetisov
- Krasnov Research Institute of Eye Diseases, 11A, B, Rossolimo Str., Moscow 119021, Russia;
| | - Yulia A. Gladilina
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 10/8 Pogodinskaya St., Moscow 119121, Russia; (A.N.S.); (Y.A.G.); (V.G.B.); (D.D.Z.)
| | - Varvara G. Blinova
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 10/8 Pogodinskaya St., Moscow 119121, Russia; (A.N.S.); (Y.A.G.); (V.G.B.); (D.D.Z.)
| | - Dmitry D. Zhdanov
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 10/8 Pogodinskaya St., Moscow 119121, Russia; (A.N.S.); (Y.A.G.); (V.G.B.); (D.D.Z.)
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5
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Fernández Jiménez-Ortiz H, Toledano Fernández N. Pharmacological treatments for the correction of presbyopia. ARCHIVOS DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE OFTALMOLOGIA 2024; 99:331-339. [PMID: 38663714 DOI: 10.1016/j.oftale.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Presbyopia affects between 1.7 and 2 billion people worldwide. Presbyopia significantly impacts productivity and quality of life in both developed and developing countries. During accommodation, the human eye changes its dioptric power by altering the shape of the lens, but the exact nature of this change has not been fully explained. Recently, topical treatments have been marketed for the treatment of presbyopia and others are under investigation. In order to prepare a review of these novel therapies, we searched the major biomedical search engines. We found 15 randomized clinical trials and 12 reviews that met our review criteria. There are two different strategies for this purpose, the pinhole effect that increases depth of focus and "crystalline lens relaxation" for which parasympathetic mimetics and lens oxidation intermediates have been used. The results are generally favorable in terms of improvement of near visual acuity, although the follow-up period of the studies is short. These are novel strategies in the early stages of research that could be useful in the treatment of presbyopia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - N Toledano Fernández
- Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada, Fuenlabrada, Madrid, Spain
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6
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Feng L, Pierscionek B, Weeber H, Canovas Vidal C, Rozema JJ. The Effect of the Zonular Fiber Angle of Insertion on Accommodation. Vision (Basel) 2024; 8:45. [PMID: 39189183 PMCID: PMC11348028 DOI: 10.3390/vision8030045] [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: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: With age, there is an anterior shift of the ciliary body in the eye, which alters the angle of zonular insertion in older eyes compared with younger eyes. This study aims to simulate lens accommodation with different zonular angles to consider the influence of zonular position on lens accommodative capacity. Methods: Models were constructed based on lenses aged 11, 29, and 45 years using a 2D axisymmetric structure that included a capsule, cortex, nucleus, and zonular fibers. The different zonular fibers were simulated by changing the position of the point where the zonular fibers connect to the ciliary body. The effect of the different zonular fiber insertion angles on the model shape and optical power was analyzed. Results: The models show that smaller angles made by zonular fibers to the surface of the lens lead to larger optical power changes with simulated stretching. When the models were stretched, and when varying the zonule angles, the optical power of the 11-, 29-, and 45-year-old models changed up to 0.17 D, 0.24 D, and 0.30 D, respectively. The effect of zonular angles on the anterior radius of curvature of the anterior surface varied by 0.29 mm, 0.23 mm, and 0.25 mm for the 11-, 29-, and 45-year-old models, respectively. Conclusions: Larger zonular fiber insertion angles cause smaller deformation and less accommodative change, while parallel zonules induce the largest change in lens shape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liying Feng
- Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, 9728 NX Groningen, The Netherlands; (H.W.); (C.C.V.)
- Visual Optics Lab Antwerp (VOLANTIS), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Barbara Pierscionek
- Faculty of Health Medicine and Social Care, Medical Technology Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ, UK;
| | - Henk Weeber
- Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, 9728 NX Groningen, The Netherlands; (H.W.); (C.C.V.)
| | - Carmen Canovas Vidal
- Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, 9728 NX Groningen, The Netherlands; (H.W.); (C.C.V.)
| | - Jos J. Rozema
- Visual Optics Lab Antwerp (VOLANTIS), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Ophthalmology, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
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7
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Greiling TM, Clark JM, Clark JI. The significance of growth shells in development of symmetry, transparency, and refraction of the human lens. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2024; 4:1434327. [PMID: 39100140 PMCID: PMC11294239 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2024.1434327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Human visual function depends on the biological lens, a biconvex optical element formed by coordinated, synchronous generation of growth shells produced from ordered cells at the lens equator, the distal edge of the epithelium. Growth shells are comprised of straight (St) and S-shaped (SSh) lens fibers organized in highly symmetric, sinusoidal pattern which optimizes both the refractile, transparent structure and the unique microcirculation that regulates hydration and nutrition over the lifetime of an individual. The fiber cells are characterized by diversity in composition and age. All fiber cells remain interconnected in their growth shells throughout the life of the adult lens. As an optical element, cellular differentiation is constrained by the physical properties of light and its special development accounts for its characteristic symmetry, gradient of refractive index (GRIN), short range transparent order (SRO), and functional longevity. The complex sinusoidal structure is the basis for the lens microcirculation required for the establishment and maintenance of image formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teri M. Greiling
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Judy M. Clark
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - John I. Clark
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Biological Structure & Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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8
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Shah DM, Xu EM, Gholap RS, Sallman ZF, Kolosky T, Levin MR, Vashist S, Alexander JL. Characterization of the anterior segment in Trisomy 21-associated cataract using ultrasound biomicroscopy. Heliyon 2024; 10:e34118. [PMID: 39091934 PMCID: PMC11292548 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Backgroundobjectives To compare the structural anatomy of the anterior segment in pediatric Trisomy 21 (T21) subjects with and without cataracts to age-matched controls. Design Prospective case-control study. Participants 40 subjects (57 eyes) age 0-25 years old (9.1 ± 10.6 years). Methods This prospective case-control study evaluated anterior segment measurements from ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) imaging on 342 images. Results Among persons with T21 cataract, the iris was significantly thinner than T21 individuals without cataract (0.28 vs 0.32 mm, p = 0.0181). T21/cataract subjects also had significantly thinner lenses than subjects without cataract, regardless of whether they have T21 or are controls (3.1 mm vs 3.5 mm, p = 0.0074).Thinner lens (<3.5 mm) was insignificantly associated with increased odds of cataract (OR = 9.5 [0.872,104], p = 0.065). Thinner iris (<0.32 mm) was associated with increased odds of cataract (OR = 8.4 [1.188, 59.273], p = 0.033). Conclusions These findings support the hypothesis that subtle quantitative anatomic variants are present in the anterior eye of individuals with T21. Specific anatomic variants are unique to the presence of cataract among subjects with T21.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhruv M. Shah
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 419 West Redwood Street, Suite 479, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Esther M. Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 419 West Redwood Street, Suite 479, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Radhika S. Gholap
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 419 West Redwood Street, Suite 479, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Zahur F. Sallman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 419 West Redwood Street, Suite 479, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Taylor Kolosky
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 419 West Redwood Street, Suite 479, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Moran R. Levin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 419 West Redwood Street, Suite 479, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Sudhir Vashist
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 South Greene Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Janet L. Alexander
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 419 West Redwood Street, Suite 479, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
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Su Y, Sun D, Cao C, Wang Y. Lanosterol regulates abnormal amyloid accumulation in LECs through the mediation of cholesterol pathway metabolism. Biochem Biophys Rep 2024; 38:101679. [PMID: 38501050 PMCID: PMC10945048 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2024.101679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related cataract (ARC) is the predominant cause of global blindness, linked to the progressive aging of the lens, oxidative stress, perturbed calcium homeostasis, hydration irregularities, and modifications in crystallin proteins. Currently, surgical intervention remains the sole efficacious remedy, albeit carrying inherent risks of complications that may culminate in irreversible blindness. It is urgent to explore alternative, cost-effective, and uncomplicated treatment modalities for cataracts. Lanosterol has been widely reported to reverse cataracts, but the mechanism of action is not yet clear. In this study, we elucidated the mechanism through which lanosterol operates in the context of cataract reversal. Through the targeted suppression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2) followed by lanosterol treatment, we observed the restoration of lipid metabolism disorders induced by SREBP2 knockdown in lens epithelial cells (LECs). Notably, lanosterol exhibited the ability to effectively counteract amyloid accumulation and cellular apoptosis triggered by lipid metabolism disorders. In summary, our findings suggest that lanosterol, a pivotal intermediate in lipid metabolism, may exert its therapeutic effects on cataracts by influencing lipid metabolism. This study shed light on the treatment and pharmaceutical development targeting Age-related Cataracts (ARC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxue Su
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Ophthalmic Drug Creation and Evaluation, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Danyuan Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Chen Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Ophthalmic Drug Creation and Evaluation, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yandong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Ophthalmic Drug Creation and Evaluation, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
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10
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Shiels A. Through the Cat-Map Gateway: A Brief History of Cataract Genetics. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:785. [PMID: 38927721 PMCID: PMC11202810 DOI: 10.3390/genes15060785] [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: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Clouding of the transparent eye lens, or cataract(s), is a leading cause of visual impairment that requires surgical replacement with a synthetic intraocular lens to effectively restore clear vision. Most frequently, cataract is acquired with aging as a multifactorial or complex trait. Cataract may also be inherited as a classic Mendelian trait-often with an early or pediatric onset-with or without other ocular and/or systemic features. Since the early 1990s, over 85 genes and loci have been genetically associated with inherited and/or age-related forms of cataract. While many of these underlying genes-including those for lens crystallins, connexins, and transcription factors-recapitulate signature features of lens development and differentiation, an increasing cohort of unpredicted genes, including those involved in cell-signaling, membrane remodeling, and autophagy, has emerged-providing new insights regarding lens homeostasis and aging. This review provides a brief history of gene discovery for inherited and age-related forms of cataract compiled in the Cat-Map database and highlights potential gene-based therapeutic approaches to delay, reverse, or even prevent cataract formation that may help to reduce the increasing demand for cataract surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Shiels
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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11
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Zhang L, Liu X, Li W, Liu K, Zhang J, Liu X, Wang J. Integrative transcriptomic profiling of ncRNAs and mRNAs in developing mouse lens. Front Genet 2024; 15:1405715. [PMID: 38933921 PMCID: PMC11199715 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1405715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, burgeoning research has underscored the pivotal role of non-coding RNA in orchestrating the growth, development, and pathogenesis of various diseases across organisms. However, despite these advances, our understanding of the specific contributions of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) to lens development remains notably limited. Clarifying the intricate gene regulatory networks is imperative for unraveling the molecular underpinnings of lens-related disorders. In this study, we aimed to address this gap by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the expression profiles of messenger RNAs (mRNAs), lncRNAs, and circRNAs at critical developmental time points of the mouse lens, encompassing both embryonic (E10.5, E12.5, and E16.5) and postnatal stages (P0.5, P10.5, and P60). Leveraging RNA-sequencing technology, we identified key transcripts pivotal to lens development. Our analysis revealed differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs across various developmental stages. Particularly noteworthy, there were 1831 co-differentially expressed (CO-DE) mRNAs, 150 CO-DE lncRNAs, and 13 CO-DE circRNAs identified during embryonic stages. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis unveiled associations primarily related to lens development, DNA conformational changes, and angiogenesis among DE mRNAs and lncRNAs. Furthermore, employing protein-protein interaction networks, mRNA-lncRNA co-expression networks, and circRNA-microRNA-mRNA networks, we predicted candidate key molecules implicated in lens development. Our findings underscore the pivotal roles of lncRNAs and circRNAs in this process, offering fresh insights into the pathogenesis of lens-related disorders and paving the way for future exploration in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyun Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kaiqing Liu
- The Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinhua Liu
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiantao Wang
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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12
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Wang K, Pu Y, Chen L, Hoshino M, Uesugi K, Yagi N, Chen X, Usui Y, Hanashima A, Hashimoto K, Mohri S, Pierscionek BK. Optical development in the murine eye lens of accelerated senescence-prone SAMP8 and senescence-resistant SAMR1 strains. Exp Eye Res 2024; 241:109858. [PMID: 38467176 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109858] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
The eye lens is responsible for focusing objects at various distances onto the retina and its refractive power is determined by its surface curvature as well as its internal gradient refractive index (GRIN). The lens continues to grow with age resulting in changes to the shape and to the GRIN profile. The present study aims to investigate how the ageing process may influence lens optical development. Murine lenses of accelerated senescence-prone strain (SAMP8) aged from 4 to 50 weeks; senescence-resistant strain (SAMR1) aged from 5 to 52 weeks as well as AKR strain (served as control) aged from 6 to 70 weeks were measured using the X-ray interferometer at the SPring-8 synchrotron Japan within three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022. Three dimensional distributions of the lens GRIN were reconstructed using the measured data and the lens shapes were determined using image segmentation in MatLab. Variations in the parameters describing the lens shape and the GRIN profile with age were compared amongst three mouse strains. With advancing age, both the lens anterior and posterior surface flattens and the lens sagittal thickness increase in all three mouse strains (Anterior radius of curvature increase at 0.008 mm/week, 0.007 mm/week and 0.002 mm/week while posterior radius of curvature increase at 0.002 mm/week, 0.007 mm/week and 0.003 mm/week respectively in AKR, SAMP8 and SAMR1 lenses). Compared with the AKR strain, the SAMP8 samples demonstrate a higher rate of increase in the posterior curvature radius (0.007 mm/week) and the thickness (0.015 mm/week), whilst the SAMR1 samples show slower increases in the anterior curvature radius (0.002 mm/week) and its thickness (0.013 mm/week). There are similar age-related trends in GRIN shape in the radial direction (in all three types of murine lenses nr2 and nr6 increase with age while nr4 decrease with age consistently) but not in the axial direction amongst three mouse strains (nz1 of AKR lens decrease while of SAMP8 and SAMR1 increase with age; nz2 of all three models increase with age; nz3 of AKR lens increase while of SAMP8 and SAMR1 decrease with age). The ageing process can influence the speed of lens shape change and affect the GRIN profile mainly in the axial direction, contributing to an accelerated decline rate of the optical power in the senescence-prone strain (3.5 D/week compared to 2.3 D/week in the AKR control model) but a retardatory decrease in the senescence-resistant strain (2.1 D/week compared to the 2.3D/week in the AKR control model).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kehao Wang
- School of Engineering Medicine and School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.
| | - Yutian Pu
- School of Engineering Medicine and School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.
| | - Leran Chen
- Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Masato Hoshino
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (Spring-8), 1-1-1, Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo, 679-5198, Japan.
| | - Kentaro Uesugi
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (Spring-8), 1-1-1, Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo, 679-5198, Japan.
| | - Naoto Yagi
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (Spring-8), 1-1-1, Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo, 679-5198, Japan.
| | - Xiaoyong Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Peking University Third Hospital, China.
| | - Yuu Usui
- First Department of Physiology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan.
| | - Akira Hanashima
- First Department of Physiology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan.
| | - Ken Hashimoto
- First Department of Physiology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Mohri
- First Department of Physiology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan.
| | - Barbara K Pierscionek
- Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Medical Technology Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Bishops Hall Lane, Chelmsford, United Kingdom.
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13
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Islam ST, Cheheltani S, Cheng C, Fowler VM. Disease-related non-muscle myosin IIA D1424N rod domain mutation, but not R702C motor domain mutation, disrupts mouse ocular lens fiber cell alignment and hexagonal packing. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2024:10.1002/cm.21853. [PMID: 38516850 PMCID: PMC11416570 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21853] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The mouse ocular lens is an excellent vertebrate model system for studying hexagonal cell packing and shape changes during tissue morphogenesis and differentiation. The lens is composed of two types of cells, epithelial and fiber cells. During the initiation of fiber cell differentiation, lens epithelial cells transform from randomly packed cells to hexagonally shaped and packed cells to form meridional row cells. The meridional row cells further differentiate and elongate into newly formed fiber cells that maintain hexagonal cell shape and ordered packing. In other tissues, actomyosin contractility regulates cell hexagonal packing geometry during epithelial tissue morphogenesis. Here, we use the mouse lens as a model to study the effect of two human disease-related non-muscle myosin IIA (NMIIA) mutations on lens cellular organization during fiber cell morphogenesis and differentiation. We studied genetic knock-in heterozygous mice with NMIIA-R702C motor domain or NMIIA-D1424N rod domain mutations. We observed that while one allele of NMIIA-R702C has no impact on lens meridional row epithelial cell shape and packing, one allele of the NMIIA-D1424N mutation can cause localized defects in cell hexagonal packing. Similarly, one allele of NMIIA-R702C motor domain mutation does not affect lens fiber cell organization while the NMIIA-D1424N mutant proteins disrupt fiber cell organization and packing. Our work demonstrates that disease-related NMIIA rod domain mutations (D1424N or E1841K) disrupt mouse lens fiber cell morphogenesis and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadia T. Islam
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Sepideh Cheheltani
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Catherine Cheng
- School of Optometry and Vision Science Program, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Velia M. Fowler
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
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14
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Xiao Y, McGhee CNJ, Zhang J. Adult stem cells in the eye: Identification, characterisation, and therapeutic application in ocular regeneration - A review. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024; 52:148-166. [PMID: 38214071 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14309] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Adult stem cells, present in various parts of the human body, are undifferentiated cells that can proliferate and differentiate to replace dying cells within tissues. Stem cells have specifically been identified in the cornea, trabecular meshwork, crystalline lens, iris, ciliary body, retina, choroid, sclera, conjunctiva, eyelid, lacrimal gland, and orbital fat. The identification of ocular stem cells broadens the potential therapeutic strategies for untreatable eye diseases. Currently, stem cell transplantation for corneal and conjunctival diseases remains the most common stem cell-based therapy in ocular clinical management. Lens epithelial stem cells have been applied in the treatment of paediatric cataracts. Several early-phase clinical trials for corneal and retinal regeneration using ocular stem cells are also underway. Extensive preclinical studies using ocular stem cells have been conducted, showing encouraging outcomes. Ocular stem cells currently demonstrate great promise in potential treatments of eye diseases. In this review, we focus on the identification, characterisation, and therapeutic application of adult stem cells in the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Xiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Charles N J McGhee
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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15
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Wazin F, Lovicu FJ. Conditional Ablation of Spred1 and Spred2 in the Eye Lens Negatively Impacts Its Development and Growth. Cells 2024; 13:290. [PMID: 38391903 PMCID: PMC10886530 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040290] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The development and growth of the eye depends on normal lens morphogenesis and its growth. This growth, in turn, is dependent on coordinated proliferation of the lens epithelial cells and their subsequent differentiation into fiber cells. These cellular processes are tightly regulated to maintain the precise cellular structure and size of the lens, critical for its transparency and refractive properties. Growth factor-mediated MAPK signaling driven by ERK1/2 has been reported as essential for regulating cellular processes of the lens, with ERK1/2 signaling tightly regulated by endogenous antagonists, including members of the Sprouty and related Spred families. Our previous studies have demonstrated the importance of both these inhibitory molecules in lens and eye development. In this study, we build on these findings to highlight the importance of Spreds in regulating early lens morphogenesis by modulating ERK1/2-mediated lens epithelial cell proliferation and fiber differentiation. Conditional loss of both Spred1 and Spred2 in early lens morphogenesis results in elevated ERK1/2 phosphorylation, hyperproliferation of lens epithelia, and an associated increase in the rate of fiber differentiation. This results in transient microphakia and microphthalmia, which disappears, owing potentially to compensatory Sprouty expression. Our data support an important temporal role for Spreds in the early stages of lens morphogenesis and highlight how negative regulation of ERK1/2 signaling is critical for maintaining lens proliferation and fiber differentiation in situ throughout life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Wazin
- Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Frank J. Lovicu
- Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
- Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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16
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He JC. Refractive Index Measurement of the Crystalline Lens in Vivo. Optom Vis Sci 2023; 100:823-832. [PMID: 37890121 PMCID: PMC10841399 DOI: 10.1097/opx.0000000000002081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE This study provides a new method to measure the refractive index of crystalline lens in the human eye in vivo . PURPOSE Accessing the refractive index of crystalline lenses in the human eye in vivo has long been a challenge. This study aimed to measure the refractive index of a lens in vivo using an anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) system combined with a Scheimpflug imaging system. METHOD A ray-traceable Scheimpflug imaging was developed and integrated into an AS-OCT system. A theoretical study revealed that the combination of these two systems provides a unique solution for simultaneously measuring the refractive index and the thickness of the lens. The average lens refractive index along the ray pathway ( Nav ) and lens shape were measured for seven subjects. RESULTS The lens Nav along the central ray varies from 1.383 to 1.419 between subjects. The lens refractive index function across the lens diameter varies from subject to subject. The lens Nav increases for accommodated eyes. The thicknesses and profiles of the lenses are also determined. CONCLUSIONS The lens refractive index varies substantially from individual eye to individual eye, not only along the central ray pathway but also for the lens refractive index function across the lens diameter. Ray-traceable Scheimpflug imaging-equipped AS-OCT is useful for testing the refractive index of lenses in the human eye in vivo .
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17
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Saranya P, Shekhar M, Haripriya A, Muthukkaruppan V, Gowri Priya C. Towards the Identification and Characterization of Putative Adult Human Lens Epithelial Stem Cells. Cells 2023; 12:2727. [PMID: 38067155 PMCID: PMC10706574 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The anterior lens epithelium has the ability to differentiate into lens fibres throughout its life. The present study aims to identify and functionally characterize the adult stem cells in the human lens epithelium. Whole mounts of lens epithelium from donor eyes (normal/cataract) were immunostained for SOX2, gap junction protein alpha 1 (GJA1), PAX6, α, β and γ-crystallins, followed by a confocal analysis. The functional property of adult stem cells was analysed by their sphere forming ability using cultured lens epithelial cells from different zones. Based on marker expression, the lens epithelium was divided into four zones: the central zone, characterized by a small population of PAX6+, GJA1-, β-crystallin- and γ-crystallin- cells; the germinative zone, characterized by PAX6+, GJA1+, β-crystallin- and γ-crystallin-; the transitional zone, characterized by PAX6+, GJA1+, β-crystallin+ and γ-crystallin-; and the equatorial zone, characterized by PAX6+/-, GJA1+, β-crystallin+, and γ-crystallin+ cells. The putative lens epithelial stem cells identified as SOX2+ and GJA1 membrane expression negative cells were located only in the central zone (1.89 ± 0.84%). Compared to the other zones, a significant percentage of spheres were identified in the central zone (1.68 ± 1.04%), consistent with the location of the putative adult lens epithelial stem cells. In the cataractous lens, an absence of SOX2 expression and a significant reduction in sphere forming ability (0.33 ± 0.11%) were observed in the central zone. The above findings confirmed the presence of putative stem cells in the central zone of the adult human lens epithelium and indicated their probable association with cataract development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pandi Saranya
- Department of Immunology and Stem Cell Biology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai 625020, India; (P.S.); (V.M.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation—Affiliated to Alagappa University, Karaikudi 630003, India
| | - Madhu Shekhar
- Cataract and IOL Services, Aravind Eye Hospital and Post Graduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai 625020, India;
| | - Aravind Haripriya
- Intraocular Lens and Cataract Services, Aravind Eye Hospital, Chennai 600077, India;
| | - Veerappan Muthukkaruppan
- Department of Immunology and Stem Cell Biology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai 625020, India; (P.S.); (V.M.)
| | - Chidambaranathan Gowri Priya
- Department of Immunology and Stem Cell Biology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai 625020, India; (P.S.); (V.M.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation—Affiliated to Alagappa University, Karaikudi 630003, India
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18
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Zhu M, Hu W, Lin L, Yang Q, Zhang L, Xu J, Xu Y, Liu J, Zhang M, Tong X, Zhu K, Feng K, Feng Y, Su J, Huang X, Li J. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals new subtypes of lens superficial tissue in humans. Cell Prolif 2023; 56:e13477. [PMID: 37057399 PMCID: PMC10623935 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the cell atlas of the human ocular anterior segment of the human eye was revealed by single-nucleus RNA sequencing, whether subtypes of lens stem/progenitor cells exist among epithelial cells and the molecular characteristics of cell differentiation of the human lens remain unclear. Single-cell RNA sequencing is a powerful tool to analyse the heterogeneity of tissues at the single cell level, leading to a better understanding of the processes of cell differentiation. By profiling 18,596 cells in human lens superficial tissue through single-cell sequencing, we identified two subtypes of lens epithelial cells that specifically expressed C8orf4 and ADAMTSL4 with distinct spatial localization, a new type of fibre cells located directly adjacent to the epithelium, and a subpopulation of ADAMTSL4+ cells that might be lens epithelial stem/progenitor cells. We also found two trajectories of lens epithelial cell differentiation and changes of some important genes during differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng‐Chao Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Fudan Institutes of Integrative MedicineFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Lei Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
| | - Qing‐Wen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
| | - Lu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
| | - Jia‐Lin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
| | - Yi‐Tong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
| | - Jia‐Sheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
| | - Meng‐Di Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
| | - Xiao‐Yu Tong
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Pediatric DiseaseThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Kai‐Yi Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
| | - Ke Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
| | - Yi Feng
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Fudan Institutes of Integrative MedicineFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jian‐Zhong Su
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
| | - Xiu‐Feng Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Pediatric DiseaseThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Jin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
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19
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Duot M, Viel R, Viet J, Le Goff-Gaillard C, Paillard L, Lachke SA, Gautier-Courteille C, Reboutier D. Eye Lens Organoids Made Simple: Characterization of a New Three-Dimensional Organoid Model for Lens Development and Pathology. Cells 2023; 12:2478. [PMID: 37887322 PMCID: PMC10605248 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202478] [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] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cataract, the opacification of the lens, is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Although effective, cataract surgery is costly and can lead to complications. Toward identifying alternate treatments, it is imperative to develop organoid models relevant for lens studies and drug screening. Here, we demonstrate that by culturing mouse lens epithelial cells under defined three-dimensional (3D) culture conditions, it is possible to generate organoids that display optical properties and recapitulate many aspects of lens organization and biology. These organoids can be rapidly produced in large amounts. High-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) on specific organoid regions isolated via laser capture microdissection (LCM) and immunofluorescence assays demonstrate that these lens organoids display a spatiotemporal expression of key lens genes, e.g., Jag1, Pax6, Prox1, Hsf4 and Cryab. Further, these lens organoids are amenable to the induction of opacities. Finally, the knockdown of a cataract-linked RNA-binding protein encoding gene, Celf1, induces opacities in these organoids, indicating their use in rapidly screening for genes that are functionally relevant to lens biology and cataract. In sum, this lens organoid model represents a compelling new tool to advance the understanding of lens biology and pathology and can find future use in the rapid screening of compounds aimed at preventing and/or treating cataracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Duot
- CNRS, UMR 6290, Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes (IGDR), Université de Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Roselyne Viel
- CNRS, Inserm UMS Biosit, H2P2 Core Facility, Université de Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Justine Viet
- CNRS, UMR 6290, Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes (IGDR), Université de Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Catherine Le Goff-Gaillard
- CNRS, UMR 6290, Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes (IGDR), Université de Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Luc Paillard
- CNRS, UMR 6290, Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes (IGDR), Université de Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Salil A. Lachke
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Carole Gautier-Courteille
- CNRS, UMR 6290, Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes (IGDR), Université de Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - David Reboutier
- CNRS, UMR 6290, Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes (IGDR), Université de Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France
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20
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Giannone AA, Sellitto C, Rosati B, McKinnon D, White TW. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Analysis of the Early Postnatal Mouse Lens Epithelium. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:37. [PMID: 37870847 PMCID: PMC10599162 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.13.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The lens epithelium maintains the overall health of the organ. We used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology to assess transcriptional heterogeneity between cells in the postnatal day 2 (P2) epithelium and identify distinct epithelial cell subtypes. Analysis of these data was used to better understand lens growth, differentiation, and homeostasis on P2. Methods scRNA-seq on P2 mouse lenses was performed using the 10x Genomics Chromium Single Cell 3' Kit (v3.1) and short-read Illumina sequencing. Sequence alignment and preprocessing of data were conducted using 10x Genomics Cell Ranger software. Seurat was employed for preprocessing, quality control, dimensionality reduction, and cell clustering, and Monocle was utilized for trajectory analysis to understand the developmental progression of the lens cells. CellChat and GO analyses were used to explore cell-cell communication networks and signaling interactions. Results Lens epithelial cells (LECs) were divided into seven subclusters, classified by specific gene markers. The expression of crystallin, cell-cycle, and metabolic genes was not uniform, indicating distinct functional roles of LECs. Trajectory analysis predicted a bifurcation of differentiating and cycling cells from an Igfbp5+ progenitor pool. We also identified heterogeneity in signaling molecules and pathways, suggesting that cycling and progenitor subclusters have prominent roles in coordinating crosstalk. Conclusions scRNA-seq corroborated many known markers of epithelial differentiation and proliferation while providing further insight into the pathways and genes directing these processes. Interestingly, we demonstrated that the developing epithelium can be divided into distinct subpopulations. These clusters reflect the transcriptionally diverse roles of the epithelium in proliferation, signaling, and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne A. Giannone
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States
| | - Caterina Sellitto
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States
| | - Barbara Rosati
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York, United States
| | - David McKinnon
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States
| | - Thomas W. White
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States
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21
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Rodriguez J, Tan Q, Šikić H, Taber LA, Bassnett S. The effect of fibre cell remodelling on the power and optical quality of the lens. J R Soc Interface 2023; 20:20230316. [PMID: 37727073 PMCID: PMC10509584 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2023.0316] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate eye lenses are uniquely adapted to form a refractive index gradient (GRIN) for improved acuity, and to grow slowly in size despite constant cell proliferation. The mechanisms behind these adaptations remain poorly understood. We hypothesize that cell compaction contributes to both. To test this notion, we examined the relationship between lens size and shape, refractive characteristics and the cross-sectional areas of constituent fibre cells in mice of different ages. We developed a block-face imaging method to visualize cellular cross sections and found that the cross-sectional areas of fibre cells rose and then decreased over time, with the most significant reduction occurring in denucleating cells in the adult lens cortex, followed by cells in the embryonic nucleus. These findings help reconcile differences between the predictions of lens growth models and empirical data. Biomechanical simulations suggested that compressive forces generated from continuous deposition of fibre cells could contribute to cellular compaction. However, optical measurements revealed that the GRIN did not mirror the pattern of cellular compaction, implying that compaction alone cannot account for GRIN formation and that additional mechanisms are likely to be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Rodriguez
- Department of Basic Sciences, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, 1 Pharmacy Place, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Q. Tan
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Ave, Campus Box 8096, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - H. Šikić
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - L. A. Taber
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - S. Bassnett
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Ave, Campus Box 8096, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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22
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Xue Y, Cao Y, Fan S, Xu M, Yang Z, Zhou L, Shi L, Ou L, Li Y, Qing W, Zou Z, Mao F, Wang N, Duh EJ, Yi W, Liu X. Nonhuman Primate Eyes Display Variable Growth and Aging Rates in Alignment With Human Eyes. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:23. [PMID: 37589983 PMCID: PMC10440610 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.11.23] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To assess age-related biometric changes of the eye in nonhuman primates (NHPs), to and decipher the growth and aging rates and their comparability with humans. Methods Ocular anatomic measurements were performed on 341 macaca fascicularis aged 0.5 to 23 years via multimodal approaches including IOLMaster 700. Linear or polynomial regression models were simulated to determine the best fitted age-related function. The metrics were compared with human equivalents in published reports. Results Macaques exhibited a postnatal eye growth pattern similar to humans, characterized by continuous eye extension coordinated with dramatic reshaping of the lens but not the cornea. The age-related growth of lens thickness (LT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and axis length (AL) exhibited nonlinear and bipolar patterns. The inflection points were 10 to 12 years old for LT and ACD and 13 to 15 years old for AL in macaques, which were comparable in chronological age at a ratio of ∼1: ratio with that in humans. In contrast, the speed of aging, including the increase in lens density and the decrease in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, was comparable in relative age at a ratio of ∼1:3 according to the differences in lifespan between macaques and humans. Lens density was a robust indicator for the aging process. Conclusions Macaque eyes recapitulated the age-related process of human eyes to varying extents with different growth and aging rates. Chronological age or relative age should be considered in different scenarios when macaques are included in preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingxue Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuxin Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingming Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziqi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingli Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Le Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lechun Ou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjie Qing
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhicheng Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fuxiang Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ningli Wang
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing, China
| | - Elia J. Duh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Wei Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xialin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
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23
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Duot M, Viel R, Viet J, Le Goff-Gaillard C, Paillard L, Lachke SA, Gautier-Courteille C, Reboutier D. Eye lens organoids going simple: characterization of a new 3-dimensional organoid model for lens development and pathology. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.12.548679. [PMID: 37503005 PMCID: PMC10370037 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.12.548679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The ocular lens, along with the cornea, focuses light on the retina to generate sharp images. Opacification of the lens, or cataract, is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Presently, the best approach for cataract treatment is to surgically remove the diseased lens and replace it with an artificial implant. Although effective, this is costly and can have post-surgical complications. Toward identifying alternate treatments, it is imperative to develop organoid models relevant for lens studies and anti-cataract drug screening. Here, we demonstrate that by culturing mouse lens epithelial cells under defined 3-dimensional (3D) culture conditions, it is possible to generate organoids that display optical properties and recapitulate many aspects of lens organization at the tissue, cellular and transcriptomic levels. These 3D cultured lens organoids can be rapidly produced in large amounts. High-throughput RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) on specific organoid regions isolated by laser capture microdissection (LCM) and immunofluorescence assays demonstrate that these lens organoids display spatiotemporal expression of key lens genes, e.g. , Jag1 , Pax6 , Prox1 , Hsf4 and Cryab . Further, these lens organoids are amenable to induction of opacities. Finally, knockdown of a cataract-linked RNA-binding protein encoding gene, Celf1 , induces opacities in these organoids, indicating their use in rapidly screening for genes functionally relevant to lens biology and cataract. In sum, this lens organoid model represents a compelling new tool to advance the understanding of lens biology and pathology, and can find future use in the rapid screening of compounds aimed at preventing and/or treating cataract.
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24
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Daruich A, Duncan M, Robert MP, Lagali N, Semina EV, Aberdam D, Ferrari S, Romano V, des Roziers CB, Benkortebi R, De Vergnes N, Polak M, Chiambaretta F, Nischal KK, Behar-Cohen F, Valleix S, Bremond-Gignac D. Congenital aniridia beyond black eyes: From phenotype and novel genetic mechanisms to innovative therapeutic approaches. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 95:101133. [PMID: 36280537 PMCID: PMC11062406 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Congenital PAX6-aniridia, initially characterized by the absence of the iris, has progressively been shown to be associated with other developmental ocular abnormalities and systemic features making congenital aniridia a complex syndromic disorder rather than a simple isolated disease of the iris. Moreover, foveal hypoplasia is now recognized as a more frequent feature than complete iris hypoplasia and a major visual prognosis determinant, reversing the classical clinical picture of this disease. Conversely, iris malformation is also a feature of various anterior segment dysgenesis disorders caused by PAX6-related developmental genes, adding a level of genetic complexity for accurate molecular diagnosis of aniridia. Therefore, the clinical recognition and differential genetic diagnosis of PAX6-related aniridia has been revealed to be much more challenging than initially thought, and still remains under-investigated. Here, we update specific clinical features of aniridia, with emphasis on their genotype correlations, as well as provide new knowledge regarding the PAX6 gene and its mutational spectrum, and highlight the beneficial utility of clinically implementing targeted Next-Generation Sequencing combined with Whole-Genome Sequencing to increase the genetic diagnostic yield of aniridia. We also present new molecular mechanisms underlying aniridia and aniridia-like phenotypes. Finally, we discuss the appropriate medical and surgical management of aniridic eyes, as well as innovative therapeutic options. Altogether, these combined clinical-genetic approaches will help to accelerate time to diagnosis, provide better determination of the disease prognosis and management, and confirm eligibility for future clinical trials or genetic-specific therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Daruich
- Ophthalmology Department, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Cité University, Paris, France; INSERM, UMRS1138, Team 17, From Physiopathology of Ocular Diseases to Clinical Development, Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Melinda Duncan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Matthieu P Robert
- Ophthalmology Department, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Cité University, Paris, France; Borelli Centre, UMR 9010, CNRS-SSA-ENS Paris Saclay-Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Neil Lagali
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Ophthalmology, Sørlandet Hospital Arendal, Arendal, Norway
| | - Elena V Semina
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Research Institute at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Daniel Aberdam
- INSERM, UMRS1138, Team 17, From Physiopathology of Ocular Diseases to Clinical Development, Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Stefano Ferrari
- Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto, Via Paccagnella 11, Venice, Italy
| | - Vito Romano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiolological Sciences, and Public Health, Ophthalmology Clinic, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - Cyril Burin des Roziers
- INSERM, UMRS1138, Team 17, From Physiopathology of Ocular Diseases to Clinical Development, Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France; Service de Médecine Génomique des Maladies de Système et d'Organe, APHP. Centre Université de Paris, Fédération de Génétique et de Médecine Génomique Hôpital Cochin, 27 rue du Fbg St-Jacques, 75679, Paris Cedex 14, France
| | - Rabia Benkortebi
- Ophthalmology Department, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie De Vergnes
- Ophthalmology Department, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Michel Polak
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Gynecology and Diabetology, Hôpital Universitaire Necker Enfants Malades, AP-HP, Paris Cité University, INSERM U1016, Institut IMAGINE, France
| | | | - Ken K Nischal
- Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Strabismus, and Adult Motility, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Eye Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Francine Behar-Cohen
- INSERM, UMRS1138, Team 17, From Physiopathology of Ocular Diseases to Clinical Development, Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Valleix
- INSERM, UMRS1138, Team 17, From Physiopathology of Ocular Diseases to Clinical Development, Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France; Service de Médecine Génomique des Maladies de Système et d'Organe, APHP. Centre Université de Paris, Fédération de Génétique et de Médecine Génomique Hôpital Cochin, 27 rue du Fbg St-Jacques, 75679, Paris Cedex 14, France
| | - Dominique Bremond-Gignac
- Ophthalmology Department, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Cité University, Paris, France; INSERM, UMRS1138, Team 17, From Physiopathology of Ocular Diseases to Clinical Development, Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.
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25
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Islam ST, Cheng C, Parreno J, Fowler VM. Nonmuscle Myosin IIA Regulates the Precise Alignment of Hexagonal Eye Lens Epithelial Cells During Fiber Cell Formation and Differentiation. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:20. [PMID: 37070941 PMCID: PMC10123325 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.4.20] [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: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Epithelial cells in the equatorial region of the ocular lens undergo a remarkable transition from randomly packed cells into precisely aligned and hexagon-shaped cells organized into meridional rows. We investigated the function of nonmuscle myosin IIA (encoded by Myh9) in regulating equatorial epithelial cell alignment to form meridional rows during secondary fiber cell morphogenesis. Methods We used genetic knock-in mice to study a common human Myh9 mutation, E1841K, in the rod domain. The E1841K mutation disrupts bipolar filament assembly. Lens shape, clarity, and stiffness were evaluated, and Western blots were used to determine the level of normal and mutant myosins. Cryosections and lens whole mounts were stained and imaged by confocal microscopy to investigate cell shape and organization. Results We observed no obvious changes in lens size, shape, and biomechanical properties (stiffness and resilience) between the control and nonmuscle myosin IIA-E1841K mutant mice at 2 months of age. Surprisingly, we found misalignment and disorder of fiber cells in heterozygous and homozygous mutant lenses. Further analysis revealed misshapen equatorial epithelial cells that cause disorientation of the meridional rows before fiber cell differentiation in homozygous mutant lenses. Conclusions Our data indicate that nonmuscle myosin IIA bipolar filament assembly is required for the precise alignment of the meridional rows at the lens equator and that the organization of lens fiber cells depends on the proper patterning of meridional row epithelial cells. These data also suggest that lens fiber cell organization and a hexagonal shape are not required for normal lens size, shape transparency, or biomechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadia T. Islam
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States
| | - Catherine Cheng
- School of Optometry and Vision Science Program, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Justin Parreno
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Velia M. Fowler
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States
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26
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Li H, Gao L, Du J, Ma T, Li W, Ye Z, Li Z. Impacts of autophagy on the formation of organelle-free zone during the lens development. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:4551-4564. [PMID: 36877352 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08323-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
The thorough degeneration of organelles in the core of the lens is certainly a hallmark event during the lens development. Organelles degradation in the terminal differentiation process of lens fiber cells to form an organelle-free zone is critical for lens maturation and transparency. Several mechanisms have been proposed to expand our understanding of lens organelles degradation, including apoptotic pathways, the participation of ribozyme, proteolytic enzyme and phospholipase A and acyltransferase, and the newly discovered roles for autophagy. Autophagy is a lysosome-dependent degradation reaction during which the "useless" cellular components are degraded and recycled. These cellular components, such as incorrectly folded proteins, damaged organelles and other macromolecules, are first engulfed by the autophagosome before being further delivered to lysosomes for degradation. Although autophagy has been recognized involving in organelle degradation of the lens, the detailed functions remain to be discovered. Recent advances have revealed that autophagy not only plays a vital role in the intracellular quality control of the lens but is also involved in the degradation of nonnuclear organelles in the process of lens fiber cell differentiation. Herein, we first review the potential mechanisms of organelle-free zone formation, then discuss the roles of autophagy in intracellular quality control and cataract formation, and finally substantially summarize the potential involvement of autophagy in the development of organelle-free zone formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Li
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.,Senior Department of Ophthalmology, the Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lixiong Gao
- Senior Department of Ophthalmology, the Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jinlin Du
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.,Senior Department of Ophthalmology, the Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tianju Ma
- Senior Department of Ophthalmology, the Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Li
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.,Senior Department of Ophthalmology, the Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zi Ye
- Senior Department of Ophthalmology, the Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhaohui Li
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China. .,Senior Department of Ophthalmology, the Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
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27
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Zeitz C, Roger JE, Audo I, Michiels C, Sánchez-Farías N, Varin J, Frederiksen H, Wilmet B, Callebert J, Gimenez ML, Bouzidi N, Blond F, Guilllonneau X, Fouquet S, Léveillard T, Smirnov V, Vincent A, Héon E, Sahel JA, Kloeckener-Gruissem B, Sennlaub F, Morgans CW, Duvoisin RM, Tkatchenko AV, Picaud S. Shedding light on myopia by studying complete congenital stationary night blindness. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 93:101155. [PMID: 36669906 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Myopia is the most common eye disorder, caused by heterogeneous genetic and environmental factors. Rare progressive and stationary inherited retinal disorders are often associated with high myopia. Genes implicated in myopia encode proteins involved in a variety of biological processes including eye morphogenesis, extracellular matrix organization, visual perception, circadian rhythms, and retinal signaling. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified in animal models mimicking myopia are helpful in suggesting candidate genes implicated in human myopia. Complete congenital stationary night blindness (cCSNB) in humans and animal models represents an ON-bipolar cell signal transmission defect and is also associated with high myopia. Thus, it represents also an interesting model to identify myopia-related genes, as well as disease mechanisms. While the origin of night blindness is molecularly well established, further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of myopia development in subjects with cCSNB. Using whole transcriptome analysis on three different mouse models of cCSNB (in Gpr179-/-, Lrit3-/- and Grm6-/-), we identified novel actors of the retinal signaling cascade, which are also novel candidate genes for myopia. Meta-analysis of our transcriptomic data with published transcriptomic databases and genome-wide association studies from myopia cases led us to propose new biological/cellular processes/mechanisms potentially at the origin of myopia in cCSNB subjects. The results provide a foundation to guide the development of pharmacological myopia therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Zeitz
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.
| | - Jérome E Roger
- Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, CERTO-Retina France, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - Isabelle Audo
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France; CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Juliette Varin
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Helen Frederiksen
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Baptiste Wilmet
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Jacques Callebert
- Service of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, INSERM U942, Hospital Lariboisière, APHP, Paris, France
| | | | - Nassima Bouzidi
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Frederic Blond
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | | | - Stéphane Fouquet
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | | | - Vasily Smirnov
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Ajoy Vincent
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elise Héon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France; CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, Paris, France; Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Florian Sennlaub
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Catherine W Morgans
- Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Robert M Duvoisin
- Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Andrei V Tkatchenko
- Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health, Wenzhou, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Serge Picaud
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
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28
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Abstract
Purpose: Presbyopia-the progressive loss of near focus with age-is primarily a result of changes in lens biomechanics. In particular, the shape of the ocular lens in the absence of zonular tension changes significantly throughout adulthood. Contributors to this change in shape are changes in lens biomechanical properties, continuous volumetric growth lens, and possibly remodeling of the lens capsule. Knowledge in this area is growing rapidly, so the purpose of this mini-review was to summarize and synthesize these gains.Methods: We review the recent literature in this field.Results: The mechanisms governing age-related changes in biomechanical properties remains unknown. We have recently shown that lens growth may be driven by zonular tension. The same mechanobiological mechanism driving lens growth may also lead to remodeling of the capsule, though this remains to be demonstrated.Conclusions: This mini-review focuses on identifying mechanisms which cause these age-related changes, suggesting future work which may elucidate these mechanisms, and briefly discusses ongoing efforts to develop a non-surgical approach for therapeutic management of presbyopia. We also propose a simple model linking lens growth and biomechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wade Rich
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Matthew A Reilly
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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29
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Taylor A, Gu Y, Chang ML, Yang W, Francisco S, Rowan S, Bejarano E, Pruitt S, Zhu L, Weiss G, Brennan L, Kantorow M, Whitcomb EA. Repurposing a Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 1 (CDK1) Mitotic Regulatory Network to Complete Terminal Differentiation in Lens Fiber Cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:6. [PMID: 36734965 PMCID: PMC9907369 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.2.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose During lens fiber cell differentiation, organelles are removed in an ordered manner to ensure lens clarity. A critical step in this process is removal of the cell nucleus, but the mechanisms by which this occurs are unclear. In this study, we investigate the role of a cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) regulatory loop in controlling lens fiber cell denucleation (LFCD). Methods We examined lens differentiation histologically in two different vertebrate models. An embryonic chick lens culture system was used to test the role of CDK1, cell division cycle 25 (CDC25), WEE1, and PP2A in LFCD. Additionally, we used three mouse models that express high levels of the CDK inhibitor p27 to test whether increased p27 levels affect LFCD. Results Using chick lens organ cultures, small-molecule inhibitors of CDK1 and CDC25 inhibit LFCD, while inhibiting the CDK1 inhibitory kinase WEE1 potentiates LFCD. Additionally, treatment with an inhibitor of PP2A, which indirectly inhibits CDK1 activity, also increased LFCD. Three different mouse models that express increased levels of p27 through different mechanisms show impaired LFCD. Conclusions Here we define a conserved nonmitotic role for CDK1 and its upstream regulators in controlling LFCD. We find that CDK1 functionally interacts with WEE1, a nuclear kinase that inhibits CDK1 activity, and CDC25 activating phosphatases in cells where CDK1 activity must be exquisitely regulated to allow for LFCD. We also provide genetic evidence in multiple in vivo models that p27, a CDK1 inhibitor, inhibits lens growth and LFCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen Taylor
- Laboratory for Nutrition and Vision Research, USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Yumei Gu
- Laboratory for Nutrition and Vision Research, USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Min-Lee Chang
- Laboratory for Nutrition and Vision Research, USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Wenxin Yang
- Laboratory for Nutrition and Vision Research, USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Sarah Francisco
- Laboratory for Nutrition and Vision Research, USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Sheldon Rowan
- Laboratory for Nutrition and Vision Research, USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Eloy Bejarano
- Laboratory for Nutrition and Vision Research, USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Steven Pruitt
- Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, United States
| | - Liang Zhu
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York, United States
| | - Grant Weiss
- Department of Neuroscience Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Lisa Brennan
- Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States
| | - Marc Kantorow
- Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States
| | - Elizabeth A. Whitcomb
- Laboratory for Nutrition and Vision Research, USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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Paidi SK, Zhang Q, Yang Y, Xia CH, Ji N, Gong X. Adaptive optical two-photon fluorescence microscopy probes cellular organization of ocular lenses in vivo. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.17.524320. [PMID: 36711806 PMCID: PMC9882239 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.17.524320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian ocular lens is an avascular multicellular organ that grows continuously throughout life. Traditionally, its cellular organization is investigated using dissected lenses, which eliminates in vivo environmental and structural support. Here, we demonstrated that two-photon fluorescence microscopy (2PFM) can visualize lens cells in vivo. To maintain subcellular resolution at depth, we employed adaptive optics (AO) to correct aberrations due to ocular and lens tissues, which led to substantial signal and resolution improvements. Imaging lens cells up to 980 μm deep, we observed novel cellular organizations including suture-associated voids, enlarged vacuoles, and large cavities, contrary to the conventional view of a highly ordered organization. We tracked these features longitudinally over weeks and observed the incorporation of new cells during growth. Taken together, non-invasive longitudinal in vivo imaging of lens morphology using AO 2PFM will allow us to directly observe the development or alterations of lens cellular organization in living animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh Kumar Paidi
- School of Optometry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Qinrong Zhang
- Department of Physics, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Yuhan Yang
- Department of Physics, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Chun-Hong Xia
- School of Optometry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA,Vision Science Program, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Na Ji
- Department of Physics, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA,Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA,Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA,Corresponding authors: Xiaohua Gong () and Na Ji ()
| | - Xiaohua Gong
- School of Optometry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA,Vision Science Program, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA,Corresponding authors: Xiaohua Gong () and Na Ji ()
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Hong Y, Ning L, Sun Y, Qian H, Ji Y. The growth and shape of the eyeball and crystalline lens in utero documented by fetal MR imaging. Heliyon 2023; 9:e12885. [PMID: 36685428 PMCID: PMC9851875 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e12885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To study the growth model, shape, and developmental relationship of lens and eyeball, we used two-dimensional Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging to investigate gestationally age-related changes in the selected ocular parameters in vivo. Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed the MR images from 126 fetuses ranging from 21 to 39 weeks' gestation. Ocular parameters on MR imaging of transverse plane were measured including lens diameter (LD), anteroposterior lens diameter (APLD), lens surface area (LS), globe diameter (GD), anteroposterior globe diameter (APGD), globe surface area (GS). The growth model of each biometric against gestational age (GA), aspect ratio of lens and globe (LD/APLD and GD/APGD), and growing relationship between the ratio of lens and globe surface area (LS/GS) were studied by statistical analysis. Results The growth model of most biometry for gestational age is logarithmic, except for the diameter of the ocular globe (GD and APGD) showing a quadratic growth pattern. Our study showed that the lens was consistently larger in the transverse than the anteroposterior diameters during 21-39 weeks(P < 0.001). Besides, the ratio of surface area (LS/GS) was not significantly changing with GA(P = 0.4908), while the increase of LS was significantly accorded with that of GS(P < 0.001). Conclusion The lens shape throughout fetal life may take part in the process, shape changing from vertical ellipsoid, spherical to transversal ellipsoid, based on the logarithmically increased ratio of lens transverse and anteroposterior diameters. In the meanwhile, the aspect ratio of eyeball in late fetal life may imply a gradually spherical shape during gestation. Nomogram data from this study may provide appropriate information about morphological changes in the fetal lens and the synchronous relationship between lens and eyeball.
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Key Words
- AIC, Akaike Information Criterion
- APGD, anteroposterior globe diameter
- APLD, anteroposterior lens diameter
- CC, correlation coefficient
- CI, confidence intervals
- Eye biometry
- Fetus
- GA, gestational age
- GD, globe diameter
- GS, globe surface area
- LD, lens diameter
- LS, lens surface area
- Lens growth
- Lens shape
- MR imaging
- MR, Magnetic Resonance
- OLS, ordinary least square
- Ocular globe growth
- SD, standard deviation
- SNR, signal-to noise ratio
- T2W, T2 weighted
- US, ultrasound
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Hong
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Li Ning
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Huijun Qian
- Department of Radiology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China,Corresponding author. Department of Radiology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, No. 419 Fangxie Rd. Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Yinghong Ji
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai, 200031, China,Corresponding author. Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, No. 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China.
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Liu Z, Huang S, Zheng Y, Zhou T, Hu L, Xiong L, Li DWC, Liu Y. The lens epithelium as a major determinant in the development, maintenance, and regeneration of the crystalline lens. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 92:101112. [PMID: 36055924 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The crystalline lens is a transparent and refractive biconvex structure formed by lens epithelial cells (LECs) and lens fibers. Lens opacity, also known as cataracts, is the leading cause of blindness in the world. LECs are the principal cells of lens throughout human life, exhibiting different physiological properties and functions. During the embryonic stage, LECs proliferate and differentiate into lens fibers, which form the crystalline lens. Genetics and environment are vital factors that influence normal lens development. During maturation, LECs help maintain lens homeostasis through material transport, synthesis and metabolism as well as mitosis and proliferation. If disturbed, this will result in loss of lens transparency. After cataract surgery, the repair potential of LECs is activated and the structure and transparency of the regenerative tissue depends on postoperative microenvironment. This review summarizes recent research advances on the role of LECs in lens development, homeostasis, and regeneration, with a particular focus on the role of cholesterol synthesis (eg., lanosterol synthase) in lens development and homeostasis maintenance, and how the regenerative potential of LECs can be harnessed to develop surgical strategies and improve the outcomes of cataract surgery (Fig. 1). These new insights suggest that LECs are a major determinant of the physiological and pathological state of the lens. Further studies on their molecular biology will offer possibility to explore new approaches for cataract prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Shan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yingfeng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Tian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Leyi Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Lang Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - David Wan-Cheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China; Research Unit of Ocular Development and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China.
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Regulation of lens water content: Effects on the physiological optics of the lens. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022:101152. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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Quinlan RA, Clark JI. Insights into the biochemical and biophysical mechanisms mediating the longevity of the transparent optics of the eye lens. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102537. [PMID: 36174677 PMCID: PMC9638808 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the human eye, a transparent cornea and lens combine to form the "refracton" to focus images on the retina. This requires the refracton to have a high refractive index "n," mediated largely by extracellular collagen fibrils in the corneal stroma and the highly concentrated crystallin proteins in the cytoplasm of the lens fiber cells. Transparency is a result of short-range order in the spatial arrangement of corneal collagen fibrils and lens crystallins, generated in part by post-translational modifications (PTMs). However, while corneal collagen is remodeled continuously and replaced, lens crystallins are very long-lived and are not replaced and so accumulate PTMs over a lifetime. Eventually, a tipping point is reached when protein aggregation results in increased light scatter, inevitably leading to the iconic protein condensation-based disease, age-related cataract (ARC). Cataracts account for 50% of vision impairment worldwide, affecting far more people than other well-known protein aggregation-based diseases. However, because accumulation of crystallin PTMs begins before birth and long before ARC presents, we postulate that the lens protein PTMs contribute to a "cataractogenic load" that not only increases with age but also has protective effects on optical function by stabilizing lens crystallins until a tipping point is reached. In this review, we highlight decades of experimental findings that support the potential for PTMs to be protective during normal development. We hypothesize that ARC is preventable by protecting the biochemical and biophysical properties of lens proteins needed to maintain transparency, refraction, and optical function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy A Quinlan
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, South Road Science Site, Durham, United Kingdom; Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
| | - John I Clark
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
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35
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Conti E, Harschnitz O. Human stem cell models to study placode development, function and pathology. Development 2022; 149:276462. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.200831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Placodes are embryonic structures originating from the rostral ectoderm that give rise to highly diverse organs and tissues, comprising the anterior pituitary gland, paired sense organs and cranial sensory ganglia. Their development, including the underlying gene regulatory networks and signalling pathways, have been for the most part characterised in animal models. In this Review, we describe how placode development can be recapitulated by the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells towards placode progenitors and their derivatives, highlighting the value of this highly scalable platform as an optimal in vitro tool to study the development of human placodes, and identify human-specific mechanisms in their development, function and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Conti
- Neurogenomics Research Centre, Human Technopole , Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini, 1, 20157 Milan , Italy
| | - Oliver Harschnitz
- Neurogenomics Research Centre, Human Technopole , Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini, 1, 20157 Milan , Italy
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36
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Gao L, Jin N, Ye Z, Ma T, Huang Y, Li H, Du J, Li Z. A possible connection between reactive oxygen species and the unfolded protein response in lens development: From insight to foresight. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:820949. [PMID: 36211466 PMCID: PMC9535091 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.820949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The lens is a relatively special and simple organ. It has become an ideal model to study the common developmental characteristics among different organic systems. Lens development is a complex process influenced by numerous factors, including signals from the intracellular and extracellular environment. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a group of highly reactive and oxygen-containing molecules that can cause endoplasmic reticulum stress in lens cells. As an adaptive response to ER stress, lens cells initiate the unfolded protein response (UPR) to maintain normal protein synthesis by selectively increasing/decreasing protein synthesis and increasing the degradation of misfolded proteins. Generally, the UPR signaling pathways have been well characterized in the context of many pathological conditions. However, recent studies have also confirmed that all three UPR signaling pathways participate in a variety of developmental processes, including those of the lens. In this review, we first briefly summarize the three stages of lens development and present the basic profiles of ROS and the UPR. We then discuss the interconnections between lens development and these two mechanisms. Additionally, the potential adoption of human pluripotent stem-cell-based lentoids in lens development research is proposed to provide a novel perspective on future developmental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixiong Gao
- Senior Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ni Jin
- Senior Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, The Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zi Ye
- Senior Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tianju Ma
- Senior Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Huang
- Senior Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyu Li
- Senior Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jinlin Du
- Senior Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaohui Li
- Senior Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Zhaohui Li,
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38
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Redox Homeostasis in Ocular Tissues: Circadian Regulation of Glutathione in the Lens? Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081516. [PMID: 36009235 PMCID: PMC9404810 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence in tissues suggests an interconnection between circadian clocks and redox regulation. Diurnal variations in antioxidant levels, circadian rhythms of antioxidant enzyme activity, and differences in oxidative stress markers at different times of the day all indicate that oxidative stress responses follow a circadian rhythm. Disruptions of circadian rhythms are linked to a number of age-related diseases, including those in the eye. Typically, ocular tissues contain a robust antioxidant defence system to maintain redox balance and minimise oxidative stress and damage. The lens, in particular, contains remarkably high levels of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH). However, with advancing age, GSH levels deplete, initiating a chain of biochemical events that ultimately result in protein aggregation, light scattering, and age-related cataracts. While there is evidence that the lens exhibits circadian rhythms in the synthesis and release of melatonin, little is known about the regulation or function of timekeeping mechanisms in the lens. Since circadian rhythms are disrupted with age, and the depletion of GSH in the lens is a known initiating factor in the development of age-related cataracts, understanding the mechanisms involved in regulating GSH levels may lead to the future development of approaches to manipulate the clock to restore GSH levels and redox balance in the lens, and protect the lens from cataracts.
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van Zyl T, Yan W, McAdams AM, Monavarfeshani A, Hageman GS, Sanes JR. Cell atlas of the human ocular anterior segment: Tissue-specific and shared cell types. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2200914119. [PMID: 35858321 PMCID: PMC9303934 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2200914119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The anterior segment of the eye consists of the cornea, iris, ciliary body, crystalline lens, and aqueous humor outflow pathways. Together, these tissues are essential for the proper functioning of the eye. Disorders of vision have been ascribed to defects in all of them; some disorders, including glaucoma and cataract, are among the most prevalent causes of blindness in the world. To characterize the cell types that compose these tissues, we generated an anterior segment cell atlas of the human eye using high-throughput single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNAseq). We profiled 195,248 nuclei from nondiseased anterior segment tissues of six human donors, identifying >60 cell types. Many of these cell types were discrete, whereas others, especially in the lens and cornea, formed continua corresponding to known developmental transitions that persist in adulthood. Having profiled each tissue separately, we performed an integrated analysis of the entire anterior segment, revealing that some cell types are unique to a single structure, whereas others are shared across tissues. The integrated cell atlas was then used to investigate cell type-specific expression patterns of more than 900 human ocular disease genes identified through either Mendelian inheritance patterns or genome-wide association studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tavé van Zyl
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Wenjun Yan
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Alexi M. McAdams
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Aboozar Monavarfeshani
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
- Boston Children’s Hospital, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Gregory S. Hageman
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132
| | - Joshua R. Sanes
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
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Jin A, Zhao Q, Liu S, Jin ZB, Li S, Xiang M, Zeng M, Jin K. Identification of a New Mutation p.P88L in Connexin 50 Associated with Dominant Congenital Cataract. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:794837. [PMID: 35531093 PMCID: PMC9068895 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.794837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital hereditary cataract is genetically heterogeneous and the leading cause of visual impairment in children. Identification of hereditary causes is critical to genetic counselling and family planning. Here, we examined a four-generation Chinese pedigree with congenital dominant cataract and identified a new mutation in GJA8 via targeted exome sequencing. A heterozygous missense mutation c.263C > T, leading to a proline-to-Leucine conversion at the conserved residue 88 in the second transmembrane domain of human connexin 50 (Cx50), was identified in all patients but not in unaffected family members. Functional analyses of the mutation revealed that it disrupted the stability of Cx50 and had a deleterious effect on protein function. Indeed, the mutation compromised normal membrane permeability and gating of ions, and impeded cell migration when overexpressed. Together, our results expand the pathogenic mutation spectrum of Cx50 underlying congenital cataract and lend more support to clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aixia Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingqing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zi-bing Jin
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Science Key Laboratory, Beijing, China
| | - Shuyan Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Mengqing Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Kangxin Jin, ; Mengqing Xiang, ; Mingbing Zeng,
| | - Mingbing Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
- Hainan Eye Hospital, Hainan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Haikou, China
- *Correspondence: Kangxin Jin, ; Mengqing Xiang, ; Mingbing Zeng,
| | - Kangxin Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Science Key Laboratory, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Kangxin Jin, ; Mengqing Xiang, ; Mingbing Zeng,
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Lu J, An J, Wang J, Cao X, Cao Y, Huang C, Jiao S, Yan D, Lin X, Zhou X. Znhit1 Regulates p21Cip1 to Control Mouse Lens Differentiation. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:18. [PMID: 35472217 PMCID: PMC9055562 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.4.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The transparency of the ocular lens is essential for refracting and focusing light onto the retina, and transparency is controlled by many factors and signaling pathways. Here we showed a critical role of chromatin remodeler zinc finger HIT-type containing 1 (Znhit1) in maintaining lens transparency. Methods To explore the roles of Znhit1 in lens development, the cre-loxp system was used to generate lens-specific Znhit1 knockout mice (Znhit1Mlr10-Cre; Znhit1 cKO). Morphological changes in mice lenses were examined using hematoxylin and eosin staining. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and assay for transposase accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq) were applied to screen transcriptome changes. Immunofluorescence staining were performed to assess proteins distribution and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling staining were used for determining apoptosis. The mRNAs expression was examined by quantitative RT-PCR and proteins expression by Western blot. Results Lens-specific conditional knockout mice had a severe cataract, microphthalmia phenotype, and seriously abnormal lens fiber cells differentiation. Deletion of Znhit1 in the lens resulted in decreased cell proliferation and increased cell apoptosis of the lens epithelia. ATAC-seq showed that Znhit1 deficiency increased chromatin accessibility of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, including p57Kip2 and p21Cip1, and upregulated the expression of these genes in mRNA and protein levels. And we also showed that loss of Znhit1 lead to lens fibrosis by upregulating the expression of p21Cip1. Conclusions Our findings suggested that Znhit1 is required for the survival of lens epithelial cells. The loss of Znhit1 leads to the overexpression of p21Cip1, further resulting in lens fibrosis, and impacted the establishment of lens transparency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Lu
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianhong An
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaowen Cao
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuqing Cao
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chengjie Huang
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shiming Jiao
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dongsheng Yan
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinhua Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangtian Zhou
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Wenzhou, China
- Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Research Unit of Myopia Basic Research and Clinical Prevention and Control, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wenzhou, China
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42
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Li Y, Parkinson DY, Feng J, Xia CH, Gong X. Quantitative X-ray tomographic analysis reveals calcium precipitation in cataractogenesis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17401. [PMID: 34465795 PMCID: PMC8408149 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96867-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cataracts, named for pathological light scattering in the lens, are known to be associated with increased large protein aggregates, disrupted protein phase separation, and/or osmotic imbalances in lens cells. We have applied synchrotron phase contrast X-ray micro-computed tomography to directly examine an age-related nuclear cataract model in Cx46 knockout (Cx46KO) mice. High-resolution 3D X-ray tomographic images reveal amorphous spots and strip-like dense matter precipitates in lens cores of all examined Cx46KO mice at different ages. The precipitates are predominantly accumulated in the anterior suture regions of lens cores, and they become longer and dense as mice age. Alizarin red staining data confirms the presence of calcium precipitates in lens cores of all Cx46KO mice. This study indicates that the spatial and temporal calcium precipitation is an age-related event associated with age-related nuclear cataract formation in Cx46KO mice, and further suggests that the loss of Cx46 promotes calcium precipitates in the lens core, which is a new mechanism that likely contributes to the pathological light scattering in this age-related cataract model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxing Li
- Vision Science Program and School of Optometry, University of California, Berkeley, 693 Minor Hall, Berkeley, CA, 94720-2020, USA
- Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute (TBSI), UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Dilworth Y Parkinson
- Advanced Light Source Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jun Feng
- Advanced Light Source Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Chun-Hong Xia
- Vision Science Program and School of Optometry, University of California, Berkeley, 693 Minor Hall, Berkeley, CA, 94720-2020, USA
| | - Xiaohua Gong
- Vision Science Program and School of Optometry, University of California, Berkeley, 693 Minor Hall, Berkeley, CA, 94720-2020, USA.
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43
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Shiels A, Hejtmancik JF. Inherited cataracts: Genetic mechanisms and pathways new and old. Exp Eye Res 2021; 209:108662. [PMID: 34126080 PMCID: PMC8595562 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cataract(s) is the clinical equivalent of lens opacity and is caused by light scattering either by high molecular weight protein aggregates in lens cells or disruption of the lens microarchitecture itself. Genetic mutations underlying inherited cataract can provide insight into the biological processes and pathways critical for lens homeostasis and transparency, classically including the lens crystallins, connexins, membrane proteins or components, and intermediate filament proteins. More recently, cataract genes have been expanded to include newly identified biological processes such as chaperone or protein degradation components, transcription or growth factors, channels active in the lens circulation, and collagen and extracellular matrix components. Cataracts can be classified by age, and in general congenital cataracts are caused by severe mutations resulting in major damage to lens proteins, while age related cataracts are associated with variants that merely destabilize proteins thereby increasing susceptibility to environmental insults over time. Thus there might be separate pathways to opacity for congenital and age-related cataracts whereby congenital cataracts induce the unfolded protein response (UPR) and apoptosis to destroy the lens microarchitecture, while in age related cataract high molecular weight (HMW) aggregates formed by denatured crystallins bound by α-crystallin result in light scattering without severe damage to the lens microarchitecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Shiels
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - J Fielding Hejtmancik
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1860, USA.
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44
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Cui X, Du C, Wan S, Wu D, Yan L, Zhang J, Li J, Li H, Yang Z, Zhang H, Zhang J, Mu H, Zhang F, Peng X, Liu M, Hu Y. Deficiency of heat shock factor 4 promotes lens epithelial cell senescence through upregulating p21 cip1 expression. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166233. [PMID: 34339841 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Genetic mutations in heat shock factor 4 (Hsf4) is associated with both congenital and age-related cataracts. Hsf4 regulates lens development through its ability to both activate and inhibit transcription. Previous studies suggested Hsf4 is involved in modulating cellular senescence depending on p21cip1 and p27 kip1 expression in MEF cells. Here, we found that Hsf4 acts as a suppressor of p21cip1 expression and plays an anti-senescence role during lens development. Knocking out Hsf4 facilitated UVB-induced cellular senescence in mouse lens epithelial cells (mLECs). p21cip1 was upregulated at both the mRNA and protein levels in HSF4-/- mLECs under control and UVB-treated conditions, and knockdown of p21cip1 by siRNA alleviated UVB-induced cellular senescence. HSF4 directly bound to the p21cip1 promoter and increased H3K27m3 levels at the p21cip1 proximal promoter region by recruiting the methyltransferase EZH2. In animal models, p21cip1 was gradually upregulated in wild-type mouse lenses with increasing age, while Hsf4 levels decreased. We generated a Hsf4 mutant mice line (Hsf4del-42) which displayed obvious congenital cataract phenotype. The expression of p21cip1 and senescence-associated cytokines were induced in the cataractous lenses of Hsf4del-42 mice. H3K27m3 and EZH2 levels decreased in p21cip1 promoters in the lenses of Hsf4del-42 mice. The SA-β-Gal activities were positive in lens epithelia of aged Hsf4null zebrafish compared to wild-type lenses. p21cip1 and senescence-associated cytokines levels were also upregulated in lenses of Hsf4null zebrafish. Accordingly, we propose that HSF4 plays a protective role in lens epithelial cells against cellular senescence during lens development and aging, partly by fine-tuning p21cip1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiukun Cui
- Jointed National Lab for antibody drug engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, Henan University School of Medicine, Kaifeng, China.
| | - Chunxiao Du
- Jointed National Lab for antibody drug engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, Henan University School of Medicine, Kaifeng, China
| | - Simin Wan
- Jointed National Lab for antibody drug engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, Henan University School of Medicine, Kaifeng, China
| | - Dandan Wu
- Jointed National Lab for antibody drug engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, Henan University School of Medicine, Kaifeng, China
| | - Longjun Yan
- Jointed National Lab for antibody drug engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, Henan University School of Medicine, Kaifeng, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Jointed National Lab for antibody drug engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, Henan University School of Medicine, Kaifeng, China
| | - Jing Li
- Jointed National Lab for antibody drug engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, Henan University School of Medicine, Kaifeng, China
| | - Hui Li
- Jointed National Lab for antibody drug engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, Henan University School of Medicine, Kaifeng, China
| | - Zhengyan Yang
- Jointed National Lab for antibody drug engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, Henan University School of Medicine, Kaifeng, China
| | - Hailong Zhang
- Jointed National Lab for antibody drug engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, Henan University School of Medicine, Kaifeng, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Jointed National Lab for antibody drug engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, Henan University School of Medicine, Kaifeng, China
| | - Hongmei Mu
- Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Myopia and cataract, Kaifeng central Hospital Kaifeng, China
| | - Fengyan Zhang
- The Laboratory for ophthalmology and Vision Science, Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xuyan Peng
- The Laboratory for ophthalmology and Vision Science, Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mugen Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yanzhong Hu
- Jointed National Lab for antibody drug engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, Henan University School of Medicine, Kaifeng, China; Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Myopia and cataract, Kaifeng central Hospital Kaifeng, China; The Laboratory for ophthalmology and Vision Science, Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
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45
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In vivo MRI evaluation of early postnatal development in normal and impaired rat eyes. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15513. [PMID: 34330952 PMCID: PMC8324881 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93991-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
This study employed in vivo 7-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the postnatal ocular growth patterns under normal development or neonatal impairments in Sprague-Dawley rats. Using T2-weighted imaging on healthy rats from postnatal day (P) 1 (newborn) to P60 (adult), the volumes of the anterior chamber and posterior chamber (ACPC), lens, and vitreous humor increased logistically with ACPC expanding by 33-fold and the others by fivefold. Intravitreal potassium dichromate injection at P1, P7, and P14 led to T1-weighted signal enhancement in the developing retina by 188-289%. Upon unilateral hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy at P7, monocular deprivation at P15, and monocular enucleation at P1, T2-weighted imaging of the adult rats showed decreased ocular volumes to different extents. In summary, in vivo high-field MRI allows for non-invasive evaluation of early postnatal development in the normal and impaired rat eyes. Chromium-enhanced MRI appeared effective in examining the developing retina before natural eyelid opening at P14 with relevance to lipid metabolism. The reduced ocular volumes upon neonatal visual impairments provided evidence to the emerging problems of why some impaired visual outcomes cannot be solely predicted by neurological assessments and suggested the need to look into both the eye and the brain under such conditions.
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46
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Disatham J, Brennan L, Chauss D, Kantorow J, Afzali B, Kantorow M. A functional map of genomic HIF1α-DNA complexes in the eye lens revealed through multiomics analysis. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:497. [PMID: 34215186 PMCID: PMC8254356 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07795-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During eye lens development the embryonic vasculature regresses leaving the lens without a direct oxygen source. Both embryonically and throughout adult life, the lens contains a decreasing oxygen gradient from the surface to the core that parallels the natural differentiation of immature surface epithelial cells into mature core transparent fiber cells. These properties of the lens suggest a potential role for hypoxia and the master regulator of the hypoxic response, hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 1 (HIF1), in the regulation of genes required for lens fiber cell differentiation, structure and transparency. Here, we employed a multiomics approach combining CUT&RUN, RNA-seq and ATACseq analysis to establish the genomic complement of lens HIF1α binding sites, genes activated or repressed by HIF1α and the chromatin states of HIF1α-regulated genes. RESULTS CUT&RUN analysis revealed 8375 HIF1α-DNA binding complexes in the chick lens genome. One thousand one hundred ninety HIF1α-DNA binding complexes were significantly clustered within chromatin accessible regions (χ2 test p < 1 × 10- 55) identified by ATACseq. Formation of the identified HIF1α-DNA complexes paralleled the activation or repression of 526 genes, 116 of which contained HIF1α binding sites within 10kB of the transcription start sites. Some of the identified HIF1α genes have previously established lens functions while others have novel functions never before examined in the lens. GO and pathway analysis of these genes implicate HIF1α in the control of a wide-variety of cellular pathways potentially critical for lens fiber cell formation, structure and function including glycolysis, cell cycle regulation, chromatin remodeling, Notch and Wnt signaling, differentiation, development, and transparency. CONCLUSIONS These data establish the first functional map of genomic HIF1α-DNA complexes in the eye lens. They identify HIF1α as an important regulator of a wide-variety of genes previously shown to be critical for lens formation and function and they reveal a requirement for HIF1α in the regulation of a wide-variety of genes not yet examined for lens function. They support a requirement for HIF1α in lens fiber cell formation, structure and function and they provide a basis for understanding the potential roles and requirements for HIF1α in the development, structure and function of more complex tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Disatham
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33431 USA
| | - Lisa Brennan
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33431 USA
| | - Daniel Chauss
- Immunoregulation Section, Kidney Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | | | - Behdad Afzali
- Immunoregulation Section, Kidney Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Marc Kantorow
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33431 USA
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47
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Gu Y, Yao K, Fu Q. Lens regeneration: scientific discoveries and clinical possibilities. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:4911-4923. [PMID: 34143397 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06489-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In the process of exploring new methods for cataract treatment, lens regeneration is an ideal strategy for effectively restoring accommodative vision and avoiding postoperative complications and has great clinical potential. Lens regeneration, which is not a simple repetition of lens development, depends on the complex regulatory network comprising the FGF, BMP/TGF-β, Notch, and Wnt signaling pathways. Current research mainly focuses on in situ and in vitro lens regeneration. On the one hand, the possibility of the autologous stem cell in situ regeneration of functional lenses has been confirmed; on the other hand, both embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells have been induced into lentoid bodies in vitro which are similar to the natural lens to a certain extent. This article will briefly summarize the regulatory mechanisms of lens development, describe the recent progress of lens regeneration, explore the key molecular signaling pathways, and, more importantly, discuss the prospects and challenges of their clinical applications to provide reference for clinical transformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhou Gu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang Province, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ke Yao
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang Province, China. .,Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Qiuli Fu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang Province, China. .,Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang Province, China.
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48
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Lu Q, Zhang Y, Kasetti RB, Gaddipati S, Cvm NK, Borchman D, Li Q. Heterozygous Loss of Yap1 in Mice Causes Progressive Cataracts. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:21. [PMID: 33085740 PMCID: PMC7585397 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.12.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Yap1 encodes an evolutionarily conserved transcriptional coactivator and functions as a down-stream effector of the Hippo signaling pathway that controls tissue size and cell growth. Yap1 contributes to lens epithelial development. However, the effect of Yap1 haplodeficiency on the lens epithelium and its role in the development of cataracts has not been reported. The aim of the current study is to investigate Yap1 function and its regulatory mechanisms in lens epithelial cells (LECs). Methods Lens phenotypes were investigated in Yap1 heterozygous mutant mice by visual observation and histological and biochemical methods. Primary LEC cultures were used to study regulatory molecular mechanism. Results The heterozygous inactivation of Yap1 in mice caused cataracts during adulthood with defective LEC phenotypes. Despite a normal early development of the eye including the lens, the majority of Yap1 heterozygotes developed cataracts in the first six months of age. Cataract was preceded by multiple morphological defects in the lens epithelium, including decreased cell density and abnormal cell junctions. The low LEC density was coincident with reduced LEC proliferation. In addition, expression of the Yap1 target gene Crim1 was reduced in the Yap1+/− LEC, and overexpression of Crim1 restored Yap1+/− LEC cell proliferation in vitro. Conclusions Homozygosity of the Yap1 gene was critical for adequate Crim1 expression needed to maintain the constant proliferation of LEC and to maintain a normal-sized lens. Yap1 haplodeficiency leads to cataracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxian Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, United States
| | - Yingnan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, United States
| | - Ramesh Babu Kasetti
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, United States
| | - Subhash Gaddipati
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, United States
| | - Naresh Kumar Cvm
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, United States
| | - Douglas Borchman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, United States
| | - Qiutang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, United States
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49
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Cvekl A, Eliscovich C. Crystallin gene expression: Insights from studies of transcriptional bursting. Exp Eye Res 2021; 207:108564. [PMID: 33894228 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Cellular differentiation is marked by temporally and spatially regulated gene expression. The ocular lens is one of the most powerful mammalian model system since it is composed from only two cell subtypes, called lens epithelial and fiber cells. Lens epithelial cells differentiate into fiber cells through a series of spatially and temporally orchestrated processes, including massive production of crystallins, cellular elongation and the coordinated degradation of nuclei and other organelles. Studies of transcriptional and posttranscriptional gene regulatory mechanisms in lens provide a wide range of opportunities to understand global molecular mechanisms of gene expression as steady-state levels of crystallin mRNAs reach very high levels comparable to globin genes in erythrocytes. Importantly, dysregulation of crystallin gene expression results in lens structural abnormalities and cataracts. The mRNA life cycle is comprised of multiple stages, including transcription, splicing, nuclear export into cytoplasm, stabilization, localization, translation and ultimate decay. In recent years, development of modern mRNA detection methods with single molecule and single cell resolution enabled transformative studies to visualize the mRNA life cycle to generate novel insights into the sequential regulatory mechanisms of gene expression during embryogenesis. This review is focused on recent major advancements in studies of transcriptional bursting in differentiating lens fiber cells, analysis of nascent mRNA expression from bi-directional promoters, transient nuclear accumulation of specific mRNAs, condensation of chromatin prior lens fiber cell denucleation, and outlines future studies to probe the interactions of individual mRNAs with specific RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in the cytoplasm and regulation of translation and mRNA decay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ales Cvekl
- Department of Ophthalmology and VIsual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA; Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
| | - Carolina Eliscovich
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA; Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
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50
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Wang K, Vorontsova I, Hoshino M, Uesugi K, Yagi N, Hall JE, Schilling TF, Pierscionek BK. Aquaporins Have Regional Functions in Development of Refractive Index in the Zebrafish Eye Lens. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:23. [PMID: 33724295 PMCID: PMC7980049 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.3.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose In the eye lens, cytosolic protein concentrations increase progressively from the periphery to the center, contributing to the gradient of refractive index (GRIN). Aquaporins are membrane proteins of lens fiber cells that regulate water transport and adhesion and interact with cytoskeletal proteins. This study investigates how these membrane proteins contribute to proper development of the lens GRIN. Methods Loss-of-function deletions of aqp0a and/or aqp0b in zebrafish were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Lenses of single aqp0a−/− mutants, single aqp0b−/− mutants, and double aqp0a−/−/aqp0b−/− mutants from larval to elderly adult stages were measured using x-ray Talbot interferometry at SPring8 in Japan. The three-dimensional GRIN profiles in two orthogonal cross-sectional planes of each lens were analyzed and compared with in vivo images and previous results obtained from wild-type lenses. Results Single aqp0a−/− mutants tended to show asymmetric GRIN profiles, with the central plateau regions shifted anteriorly. Single aqp0b−/− mutants had smooth, symmetric GRIN profiles throughout development until spoke opacities appeared in several extremely old samples. Double aqp0a−/−/aqp0b−/− mutants showed lower magnitude GRIN profiles, as well as dips in the central plateau region. Conclusions These findings suggest that Aqp0a and Aqp0b have region-specific functions in the lens: Aqp0a is active peripherally, regulating centralization of the plateau region, and this function cannot be compensated for by Aqp0b. In the lens center, either Aqp0a or Aqp0b is required for formation of the plateau region, as well as for the GRIN to reach its maximum magnitude in mature lenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kehao Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Irene Vorontsova
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States.,Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Masato Hoshino
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Kentaro Uesugi
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Naoto Yagi
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, Hyogo, Japan
| | - James Ewbank Hall
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Thomas Friedrich Schilling
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Barbara Krystyna Pierscionek
- School of Life Sciences and Education, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Chelmsford Campus, Anglia Ruskin University, United Kingdom
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