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Li T, Xing HM, Qian HD, Gao Q, Xu SL, Ma H, Chi ZL. Small extracellular vesicles derived from human induced pluripotent stem cell-differentiated neural progenitor cells mitigate retinal ganglion cell degeneration in a mouse model of optic nerve injury. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:587-597. [PMID: 38819069 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202502000-00034/figure1/v/2024-05-28T214302Z/r/image-tiff Several studies have found that transplantation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) promotes the survival of injured neurons. However, a poor integration rate and high risk of tumorigenicity after cell transplantation limits their clinical application. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) contain bioactive molecules for neuronal protection and regeneration. Previous studies have shown that stem/progenitor cell-derived sEVs can promote neuronal survival and recovery of neurological function in neurodegenerative eye diseases and other eye diseases. In this study, we intravitreally transplanted sEVs derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and hiPSCs-differentiated NPCs (hiPSC-NPC) in a mouse model of optic nerve crush. Our results show that these intravitreally injected sEVs were ingested by retinal cells, especially those localized in the ganglion cell layer. Treatment with hiPSC-NPC-derived sEVs mitigated optic nerve crush-induced retinal ganglion cell degeneration, and regulated the retinal microenvironment by inhibiting excessive activation of microglia. Component analysis further revealed that hiPSC-NPC derived sEVs transported neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory miRNA cargos to target cells, which had protective effects on RGCs after optic nerve injury. These findings suggest that sEVs derived from hiPSC-NPC are a promising cell-free therapeutic strategy for optic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hui-Min Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hai-Dong Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qiao Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Sheng-Lan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hua Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zai-Long Chi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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2
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de Almeida Figueiredo AG, Nogueira IF, de Moura Santos Pereira Ferraz Baptista L, Foganholo J, Iguma CI, Abe RY. The accuracy of self-reported family history in glaucoma in Brazil. Int Ophthalmol 2024; 44:263. [PMID: 38913086 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-03193-8] [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: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the accuracy of a positive self-reported glaucoma family history. MATERIAL AND METHODS Cross-sectional study. Each subject was asked if they had a first-degree relative diagnosed with glaucoma. If their answer was affirmative, the relative was invited to attend on ophthalmic evaluation and underwent complementary exams to confirm or exclude the glaucoma diagnosis. Only one relative was included per subject. RESULTS We included 204 subjects in the study (102 subjects and their respective relatives). The accuracy of family history of glaucoma was 76.96% of the cases. In the univariable analysis, subjects with college degree had 2.34 [(P = 0.010; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18-4.63)], with higher family income 3.72 (P = 0.003; 95% CI 1.57-8.85) and those with health insurance 3.42 (P = 0.001; 95% CI 1.67-6.98) more chances to have a true positive family history for glaucoma. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, none of the variables presented significant association. CONCLUSION Around 24% of patients may not provide reliable information about family history for glaucoma. When asking about a glaucoma family history, clinicians should consider the real accuracy of this self-reported data.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isadora Ferro Nogueira
- Hospital Oftalmológico de Brasília, SGAS 607 Avenida L2 Sul, Brasília, Distrito Federal, 70200670, Brazil
| | | | - Jady Foganholo
- Hospital Oftalmológico de Brasília, SGAS 607 Avenida L2 Sul, Brasília, Distrito Federal, 70200670, Brazil
| | - Camila Ishii Iguma
- Hospital Oftalmológico de Brasília, SGAS 607 Avenida L2 Sul, Brasília, Distrito Federal, 70200670, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Yuji Abe
- Hospital Oftalmológico de Brasília, SGAS 607 Avenida L2 Sul, Brasília, Distrito Federal, 70200670, Brazil.
- Department of Opthalmology, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil.
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3
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Meyer KJ, Fingert JH, Anderson MG. Lack of evidence for GWAS signals of exfoliation glaucoma working via monogenic loss-of-function mutation in the nearest gene. Hum Mol Genet 2024:ddae088. [PMID: 38770563 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae088] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Exfoliation syndrome (XFS) is a systemic disease of elastin-rich tissues involving a deposition of fibrillar exfoliative material (XFM) in the anterior chamber of the eye, which can promote glaucoma. The purpose of this study was to create mice with CRISPR/Cas9-induced variations in candidate genes identified from human genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and screen them for indices of XFS. METHODS Variants predicted to be deleterious were sought in the Agpat1, Cacna1a, Loxl1, Pomp, Rbms3, Sema6a, and Tlcd5 genes of C57BL/6J mice using CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing. Strains were phenotyped by slit-lamp, SD-OCT imaging, and fundus exams at 1-5 mos of age. Smaller cohorts of 12-mos-old mice were also studied. RESULTS Deleterious variants were identified in six targets; Pomp was recalcitrant to targeting. Multiple alleles of some targets were isolated, yielding 12 strains. Across all genotypes and ages, 277 mice were assessed by 902 slit-lamp exams, 928 SD-OCT exams, and 358 fundus exams. Homozygosity for Agpat1 or Cacna1a mutations led to early lethality; homozygosity for Loxl1 mutations led to pelvic organ prolapse, preventing aging. Loxl1 homozygotes exhibited a conjunctival phenotype of potential relevance to XFS. Multiple other genotype-specific phenotypes were variously identified. XFM was not observed in any mice. CONCLUSIONS This study did not detect XFM in any of the strains. This may have been due to species-specific differences, background dependence, or insufficient aging. Alternatively, it is possible that the current candidates, selected based on proximity to GWAS signals, are not effectors acting via monogenic loss-of-function mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kacie J Meyer
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, 51 Newton Rd, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Rd, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - John H Fingert
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Rd, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Michael G Anderson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, 51 Newton Rd, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Rd, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Health Care System, 601 Hwy 6 W, Iowa City, IA 52246, United States
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4
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Becker S, L'Ecuyer Z, Jones BW, Zouache MA, McDonnell FS, Vinberg F. Modeling complex age-related eye disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 100:101247. [PMID: 38365085 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Modeling complex eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma poses significant challenges, since these conditions depend highly on age-related changes that occur over several decades, with many contributing factors remaining unknown. Although both diseases exhibit a relatively high heritability of >50%, a large proportion of individuals carrying AMD- or glaucoma-associated genetic risk variants will never develop these diseases. Furthermore, several environmental and lifestyle factors contribute to and modulate the pathogenesis and progression of AMD and glaucoma. Several strategies replicate the impact of genetic risk variants, pathobiological pathways and environmental and lifestyle factors in AMD and glaucoma in mice and other species. In this review we will primarily discuss the most commonly available mouse models, which have and will likely continue to improve our understanding of the pathobiology of age-related eye diseases. Uncertainties persist whether small animal models can truly recapitulate disease progression and vision loss in patients, raising doubts regarding their usefulness when testing novel gene or drug therapies. We will elaborate on concerns that relate to shorter lifespan, body size and allometries, lack of macula and a true lamina cribrosa, as well as absence and sequence disparities of certain genes and differences in their chromosomal location in mice. Since biological, rather than chronological, age likely predisposes an organism for both glaucoma and AMD, more rapidly aging organisms like small rodents may open up possibilities that will make research of these diseases more timely and financially feasible. On the other hand, due to the above-mentioned anatomical and physiological features, as well as pharmacokinetic and -dynamic differences small animal models are not ideal to study the natural progression of vision loss or the efficacy and safety of novel therapies. In this context, we will also discuss the advantages and pitfalls of alternative models that include larger species, such as non-human primates and rabbits, patient-derived retinal organoids, and human organ donor eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Becker
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Zia L'Ecuyer
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Bryan W Jones
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Moussa A Zouache
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Fiona S McDonnell
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Frans Vinberg
- John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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5
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Yun JS, Jung SH, Lee SN, Jung SM, Won HH, Kim D, Choi JA. Polygenic risk score-based phenome-wide association for glaucoma and its impact on disease susceptibility in two large biobanks. J Transl Med 2024; 22:355. [PMID: 38622600 PMCID: PMC11020996 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05152-4] [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] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glaucoma is a leading cause of worldwide irreversible blindness. Considerable uncertainty remains regarding the association between a variety of phenotypes and the genetic risk of glaucoma, as well as the impact they exert on the glaucoma development. METHODS We investigated the associations of genetic liability for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) with a wide range of potential risk factors and to assess its impact on the risk of incident glaucoma. The phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) approach was applied to determine the association of POAG polygenic risk score (PRS) with a wide range of phenotypes in 377, 852 participants from the UK Biobank study and 43,623 participants from the Penn Medicine Biobank study, all of European ancestry. Participants were stratified into four risk tiers: low, intermediate, high, and very high-risk. Cox proportional hazard models assessed the relationship of POAG PRS and ocular factors with new glaucoma events. RESULTS In both discovery and replication set in the PheWAS, a higher genetic predisposition to POAG was specifically correlated with ocular disease phenotypes. The POAG PRS exhibited correlations with low corneal hysteresis, refractive error, and ocular hypertension, demonstrating a strong association with the onset of glaucoma. Individuals carrying a high genetic burden exhibited a 9.20-fold, 11.88-fold, and 28.85-fold increase in glaucoma incidence when associated with low corneal hysteresis, high myopia, and elevated intraocular pressure, respectively. CONCLUSION Genetic susceptibility to POAG primarily influences ocular conditions, with limited systemic associations. Notably, the baseline polygenic risk for POAG robustly associates with new glaucoma events, revealing a large combined effect of genetic and ocular risk factors on glaucoma incidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Seung Yun
- Department of Internal Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hyuk Jung
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Su-Nam Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Min Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong-Hee Won
- Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology (SAIHST), Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Samsung Genome Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dokyoon Kim
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Institute for Biomedical Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Jin A Choi
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Loo Y, Chan ASY, Khor CC, Aung T, Wang Z. Rodent genetically modified models of glaucoma. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 95:101229. [PMID: 38039744 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, is a complex and heterogenous disease. While environmental factors are important, it is well-recognized that the disease has a strong heritable component. With the advent of large-cohort genome wide association studies, a myriad of genetic risk loci has been linked to different forms of glaucoma. Animal models have been an indispensable tool in characterizing these loci, especially if they lie within coding regions in the genome. Not only do these models connect genotype to phenotype, advancing our understanding of glaucoma pathogenesis in the process, they also have valuable utility as a platform for the pre-clinical testing of potential therapies. In this review, we will outline genetic models used for studying the major forms of glaucoma, including primary open angle glaucoma, normal tension glaucoma, primary angle closure glaucoma, pigmentary glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, and early onset glaucoma, including congenital and developmental glaucoma, and how studying these models have helped shed light on human glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhua Loo
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - Anita Sook Yee Chan
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - Chiea Chuen Khor
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - Tin Aung
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - Zhenxun Wang
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.
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7
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Fernández-Albarral JA, Ramírez AI, de Hoz R, Matamoros JA, Salobrar-García E, Elvira-Hurtado L, López-Cuenca I, Sánchez-Puebla L, Salazar JJ, Ramírez JM. Glaucoma: from pathogenic mechanisms to retinal glial cell response to damage. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1354569. [PMID: 38333055 PMCID: PMC10850296 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1354569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease of the retina characterized by the irreversible loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) leading to visual loss. Degeneration of RGCs and loss of their axons, as well as damage and remodeling of the lamina cribrosa are the main events in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Different molecular pathways are involved in RGC death, which are triggered and exacerbated as a consequence of a number of risk factors such as elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), age, ocular biomechanics, or low ocular perfusion pressure. Increased IOP is one of the most important risk factors associated with this pathology and the only one for which treatment is currently available, nevertheless, on many cases the progression of the disease continues, despite IOP control. Thus, the IOP elevation is not the only trigger of glaucomatous damage, showing the evidence that other factors can induce RGCs death in this pathology, would be involved in the advance of glaucomatous neurodegeneration. The underlying mechanisms driving the neurodegenerative process in glaucoma include ischemia/hypoxia, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. In glaucoma, like as other neurodegenerative disorders, the immune system is involved and immunoregulation is conducted mainly by glial cells, microglia, astrocytes, and Müller cells. The increase in IOP produces the activation of glial cells in the retinal tissue. Chronic activation of glial cells in glaucoma may provoke a proinflammatory state at the retinal level inducing blood retinal barrier disruption and RGCs death. The modulation of the immune response in glaucoma as well as the activation of glial cells constitute an interesting new approach in the treatment of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose A. Fernández-Albarral
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana I. Ramírez
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa de Hoz
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José A. Matamoros
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Salobrar-García
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lorena Elvira-Hurtado
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés López-Cuenca
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lidia Sánchez-Puebla
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan J. Salazar
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José M. Ramírez
- Ramon Castroviejo Ophthalmological Research Institute, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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8
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Wang W, Wang H. Understanding the complex genetics and molecular mechanisms underlying glaucoma. Mol Aspects Med 2023; 94:101220. [PMID: 37856931 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101220] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Currently the only effective treatment for glaucoma is to reduce the intraocular pressure, which can halt the progression of the disease. Highlighting the importance of identifying individuals at risk of developing glaucoma and those with early-stage glaucoma will help patients receive treatment before sight loss. However, some cases of glaucoma do not have raised intraocular pressure. In fact, glaucoma is caused by a variety of different mechanisms and has a wide range of different subtypes. Understanding other risk factors, the underlying mechanisms, and the pathology of glaucoma might lead to novel treatments and treatment of underlying diseases. In this review we present the latest research into glaucoma including the genetics and molecular basis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Wang
- Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Affiliated People's Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Huaizhou Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
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9
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Zhang Y, Han R, Xu S, Chen J, Zhong Y. Matrix Metalloproteinases in Glaucoma: An Updated Overview. Semin Ophthalmol 2023; 38:703-712. [PMID: 37224230 DOI: 10.1080/08820538.2023.2211149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important regulators of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and are involved in many stages of cellular growth and development. An imbalance of MMP expression is also the basis of many diseases, including eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy (DR), glaucoma, dry eye, corneal ulcer, keratoconus. This paper describes the role of MMPs in the glaucoma and their role in the glaucomatous trabecular meshwork (TM), aqueous outflow channel, retina, and optic nerve (ON). This review also summarizes several treatments for glaucoma that target MMPs imbalance and suggests that MMPs may represent a viable therapeutic target for glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated Medical School, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruiqi Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated Medical School, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shushu Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated Medical School, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjue Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated Medical School, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yisheng Zhong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated Medical School, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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10
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Schmitt HM, Hake KM, Perkumas KM, Lê BM, Suarez MF, De Ieso ML, Rahman RS, Johnson WM, Gomez-Caraballo M, Ashley-Koch AE, Hauser MA, Stamer WD. Lysyl oxidase-like 1-antisense 1 (LOXL1-AS1) lncRNA differentially regulates gene and protein expression, signaling and morphology of human ocular cells. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:3053-3062. [PMID: 37540217 PMCID: PMC10586201 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad128] [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] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG) is characterized by dysregulated extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis that disrupts conventional outflow function and increases intraocular pressure (IOP). Prolonged IOP elevation results in optic nerve head damage and vision loss. Uniquely, PEXG is a form of open angle glaucoma that has variable penetrance, is difficult to treat and does not respond well to common IOP-lowering pharmaceuticals. Therefore, understanding modulators of disease severity will aid in targeted therapies for PEXG. Genome-wide association studies have identified polymorphisms in the long non-coding RNA lysyl oxidase-like 1-antisense 1 (LOXL1-AS1) as a risk factor for PEXG. Risk alleles, oxidative stress and mechanical stretch all alter LOXL1-AS1 expression. As a long non-coding RNA, LOXL1-AS1 binds hnRNPL and regulates global gene expression. In this study, we focus on the role of LOXL1-AS1 in the ocular cells (trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal) that regulate IOP. We show that selective knockdown of LOXL1-AS1 leads to cell-type-specific changes in gene expression, ECM homeostasis, signaling and morphology. These results implicate LOXL1-AS1 as a modulator of cellular homeostasis, altering cell contractility and ECM turnover, both of which are well-known contributors to PEXG. These findings support LOXL1-AS1 as a key target for modifying the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Schmitt
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Kristyn M Hake
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | | | - Brandon M Lê
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Maria F Suarez
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | | | - Rashad S Rahman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - William M Johnson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | | | | | - Michael A Hauser
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - W Daniel Stamer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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11
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Kerschensteiner D. Losing, preserving, and restoring vision from neurodegeneration in the eye. Curr Biol 2023; 33:R1019-R1036. [PMID: 37816323 PMCID: PMC10575673 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.08.044] [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: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
The retina is a part of the brain that sits at the back of the eye, looking out onto the world. The first neurons of the retina are the rod and cone photoreceptors, which convert changes in photon flux into electrical signals that are the basis of vision. Rods and cones are frequent targets of heritable neurodegenerative diseases that cause visual impairment, including blindness, in millions of people worldwide. This review summarizes the diverse genetic causes of inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) and their convergence onto common pathogenic mechanisms of vision loss. Currently, there are few effective treatments for IRDs, but recent advances in disparate areas of biology and technology (e.g., genome editing, viral engineering, 3D organoids, optogenetics, semiconductor arrays) discussed here enable promising efforts to preserve and restore vision in IRD patients with implications for neurodegeneration in less approachable brain areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kerschensteiner
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Lin Y, Luo W, Jiang B, Lin Q, Tang M, Li X, Xie L. The effect of GelDex-S58 hydrogel on anti-conjunctival scarring after glaucoma filtration surgery. iScience 2023; 26:107633. [PMID: 37664639 PMCID: PMC10474451 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107633] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive scarring is the main cause of surgical failure in glaucoma filtration surgery. S58 has been shown to have an excellent antifibrotic effect but its duration of action is not sufficient to achieve the desired antiscarring effect. In this study, a light-cured bioadhesive hydrogel composed of GelMA and oxidized dextran (ODex), namely, GelDex, was used to load S58 (GelDex-S58). The microscopic morphology of GelDex-S58 appeared to be a porous structure with good slow-release properties and suitable degradation time. Cell Counting Kit-8, cell scratch and transwell assays showed that GelDex-S58 significantly reduced TGF-β-induced fibroblast proliferation, increased migration and invasion ability. In in vivo studies, GelDex-S58 treatment prolonged follicular retention, reduced mean intraocular pressure, and significantly reduced collagen deposition and α-SMA expression levels in the conjunctival tissue compared to treatment with S58 alone. In conclusion, GelDex-S58 could reduce scar formation after glaucoma filtration surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wangdu Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bingcai Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qianyi Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiangji Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Rong SS, Yu X. Phenotypic and Genetic Links between Body Fat Measurements and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043925. [PMID: 36835334 PMCID: PMC9958617 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The phenotypic and genetic links between body fat phenotypes and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) are unclear. We conducted a meta-analysis of relevant longitudinal epidemiological studies to evaluate the phenotypic link. To identify genetic links, we performed genetic correlation analysis and pleiotropy analysis of genome-wide association study summary statistics datasets of POAG, intraocular pressure (IOP), vertical cup-to-disc ratio, obesity, body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio. In the meta-analysis, we first established that obese and underweight populations have a significantly higher risk of POAG using longitudinal data. We also discovered positive genetic correlations between POAG and BMI and obesity phenotypes. Finally, we identified over 20 genomic loci jointly associated with POAG/IOP and BMI. Among them, the genes loci CADM2, RP3-335N17.2, RP11-793K1.1, RPS17P5, and CASC20 showed the lowest false discovery rate. These findings support the connection between body fat phenotypes and POAG. The newly identified genomic loci and genes render further functional investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Song Rong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Xinting Yu
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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