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Abokyi S, Tse DYY. Age-related driving mechanisms of retinal diseases and neuroprotection by transcription factor EB-targeted therapy. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:366-377. [PMID: 38819040 PMCID: PMC11317960 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-02033] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinal aging has been recognized as a significant risk factor for various retinal disorders, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma, following a growing understanding of the molecular underpinnings of their development. This comprehensive review explores the mechanisms of retinal aging and investigates potential neuroprotective approaches, focusing on the activation of transcription factor EB. Recent meta-analyses have demonstrated promising outcomes of transcription factor EB-targeted strategies, such as exercise, calorie restriction, rapamycin, and metformin, in patients and animal models of these common retinal diseases. The review critically assesses the role of transcription factor EB in retinal biology during aging, its neuroprotective effects, and its therapeutic potential for retinal disorders. The impact of transcription factor EB on retinal aging is cell-specific, influencing metabolic reprogramming and energy homeostasis in retinal neurons through the regulation of mitochondrial quality control and nutrient-sensing pathways. In vascular endothelial cells, transcription factor EB controls important processes, including endothelial cell proliferation, endothelial tube formation, and nitric oxide levels, thereby influencing the inner blood-retinal barrier, angiogenesis, and retinal microvasculature. Additionally, transcription factor EB affects vascular smooth muscle cells, inhibiting vascular calcification and atherogenesis. In retinal pigment epithelial cells, transcription factor EB modulates functions such as autophagy, lysosomal dynamics, and clearance of the aging pigment lipofuscin, thereby promoting photoreceptor survival and regulating vascular endothelial growth factor A expression involved in neovascularization. These cell-specific functions of transcription factor EB significantly impact retinal aging mechanisms encompassing proteostasis, neuronal synapse plasticity, energy metabolism, microvasculature, and inflammation, ultimately offering protection against retinal aging and diseases. The review emphasizes transcription factor EB as a potential therapeutic target for retinal diseases. Therefore, it is imperative to obtain well-controlled direct experimental evidence to confirm the efficacy of transcription factor EB modulation in retinal diseases while minimizing its risk of adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Abokyi
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Research Center for SHARP Vision, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Dennis Yan-yin Tse
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Research Center for SHARP Vision, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Center for Eye and Vision Research, Sha Tin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
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2
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Xiong LL, Sun YF, Niu RZ, Xue LL, Chen L, Huangfu LR, Li J, Wang YY, Liu X, Wang WY, Zuo ZF, Wang TH. Cellular Characterization and Interspecies Evolution of the Tree Shrew Retina across Postnatal Lifespan. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2024; 7:0536. [PMID: 39574940 PMCID: PMC11579486 DOI: 10.34133/research.0536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2024] [Revised: 10/20/2024] [Accepted: 11/01/2024] [Indexed: 11/24/2024]
Abstract
Tree shrews (TSs) possess a highly developed visual system. Here, we establish an age-related single-cell RNA sequencing atlas of retina cells from 15 TSs, covering 6 major retina cell classes and 3 glial cell types. An age effect is observed on the cell subset composition and gene expression pattern. We then verify the cell subtypes and identify specific markers in the TS retina including CA10 for bipolar cells, MEGF11 for H1 horizontal cells, and SLIT2, RUNX1, FOXP2, and SPP1 for retinal ganglion cell subpopulations. The cross-species analysis elucidates the cell type-specific transcriptional programs, different cell compositions, and cell communications. The comparisons also reveal that TS cones and subclasses of bipolar and amacrine cells exhibit the closest relationship with humans and macaques. Our results suggests that TS could be used as a better disease model to understand age-dependent cellular and genetic mechanisms of the retina, particularly for the retinal diseases associated with cones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu-Lin Xiong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Research Institute of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Anesthesiology,
The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Yi-Fei Sun
- Department of Urology,
the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Rui-Ze Niu
- Mental Health Center of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650034, Yunnan, China
| | - Lu-Lu Xue
- State Key Lab of Biotherapy, West China Hospital,
Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Research Institute of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Li-Ren Huangfu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Yu-Ying Wang
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, Liaoning, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, Liaoning, China
| | - Wen-Yuan Wang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhong-Fu Zuo
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, Liaoning, China
| | - Ting-Hua Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Research Institute of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, Liaoning, China
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Deng Z, Oosterboer S, Wei W. Short-term plasticity and context-dependent circuit function: Insights from retinal circuitry. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadp5229. [PMID: 39303044 PMCID: PMC11414732 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adp5229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Changes in synaptic strength across timescales are integral to algorithmic operations of neural circuits. However, pinpointing synaptic loci that undergo plasticity in intact brain circuits and delineating contributions of synaptic plasticity to circuit function remain challenging. The whole-mount retina preparation provides an accessible platform for measuring plasticity at specific synapses while monitoring circuit-level behaviors during visual processing ex vivo. In this review, we discuss insights gained from retina studies into the versatile roles of short-term synaptic plasticity in context-dependent circuit functions. Plasticity at single synapse level greatly expands the algorithms of common microcircuit motifs and contributes to diverse circuit-level behaviors such as gain modulation, selective gating, and stimulus-dependent excitatory/inhibitory balance. Examples in retinal circuitry offer unequivocal support that synaptic plasticity increases the computational capacity of hardwired neural circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Deng
- The Committee on Neurobiology Graduate Program, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Swen Oosterboer
- The Committee on Neurobiology Graduate Program, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Neurobiology and the Neuroscience Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Stevens-Sostre WA, Hoon M. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Retinal Synapse Development. Annu Rev Vis Sci 2024; 10:377-402. [PMID: 39292551 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-vision-102122-105721] [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] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
Synapse formation within the retinal circuit ensures that distinct neuronal types can communicate efficiently to process visual signals. Synapses thus form the core of the visual computations performed by the retinal circuit. Retinal synapses are diverse but can be broadly categorized into multipartner ribbon synapses and 1:1 conventional synapses. In this article, we review our current understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate the functional establishment of mammalian retinal synapses, including the role of adhesion proteins, synaptic proteins, extracellular matrix and cytoskeletal-associated proteins, and activity-dependent cues. We outline future directions and areas of research that will expand our knowledge of these mechanisms. Understanding the regulators moderating synapse formation and function not only reveals the integrated developmental processes that establish retinal circuits, but also divulges the identity of mechanisms that could be engaged during disease and degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney A Stevens-Sostre
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA;
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Mrinalini Hoon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA;
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Chotard V, Trapani F, Glaziou G, Sermet BS, Yger P, Marre O, Rebsam A. Altered Functional Responses of the Retina in B6 Albino Tyrc/c Mice. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:39. [PMID: 39189994 PMCID: PMC11361382 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.10.39] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Mammals with albinism present low visual discrimination ability and different proportions of certain retinal cell subtypes. As the spatial resolution of the retina depends on the visual field sampling by retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) based on the convergence of upstream cell inputs, it could be affected in albinism and thus modify the RGC function. Methods We used the Tyrc/c line, a mouse model of oculocutaneous albinism type 1 (OCA1), carrying a tyrosinase mutation, and previously characterized by a total absence of pigment and severe visual deficits. To assess their retinal function, we recorded the light responses of hundreds of RGCs ex vivo using multi-electrode array (MEA). We estimated the receptive field (RF)-center diameter of Tyr+/c and Tyrc/c RGCs using a checkerboard stimulation before simultaneously stimulating the center and surround of RGC RFs with full-field flashes. Results Following checkerboard stimulation, the RF-center diameters of RGCs were indistinguishable between Tyrc/c and Tyr+/c retinas. Nevertheless, RGCs from Tyrc/c retinas presented more OFF responses to full-field flashes than RGCs from Tyr+/c retinas. Unlike Tyr+/c retinas, very few OFF-center RGCs switched polarity to ON or ON-OFF responses after full-field flashes in Tyrc/c retinas, suggesting a different surround suppression in these retinas. Conclusions The retinal output signal is affected in Tyrc/c retinas, despite intact RF-center diameters of their RGCs. Adaptive mechanisms during development are probably responsible for this change in RGC responses, related to the absence of ocular pigments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Chotard
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Francesco Trapani
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Guilhem Glaziou
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | | | - Pierre Yger
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Marre
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Alexandra Rebsam
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
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Stengl M, Schneider AC. Contribution of membrane-associated oscillators to biological timing at different timescales. Front Physiol 2024; 14:1243455. [PMID: 38264332 PMCID: PMC10803594 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1243455] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental rhythms such as the daily light-dark cycle selected for endogenous clocks. These clocks predict regular environmental changes and provide the basis for well-timed adaptive homeostasis in physiology and behavior of organisms. Endogenous clocks are oscillators that are based on positive feedforward and negative feedback loops. They generate stable rhythms even under constant conditions. Since even weak interactions between oscillators allow for autonomous synchronization, coupling/synchronization of oscillators provides the basis of self-organized physiological timing. Amongst the most thoroughly researched clocks are the endogenous circadian clock neurons in mammals and insects. They comprise nuclear clockworks of transcriptional/translational feedback loops (TTFL) that generate ∼24 h rhythms in clock gene expression entrained to the environmental day-night cycle. It is generally assumed that this TTFL clockwork drives all circadian oscillations within and between clock cells, being the basis of any circadian rhythm in physiology and behavior of organisms. Instead of the current gene-based hierarchical clock model we provide here a systems view of timing. We suggest that a coupled system of autonomous TTFL and posttranslational feedback loop (PTFL) oscillators/clocks that run at multiple timescales governs adaptive, dynamic homeostasis of physiology and behavior. We focus on mammalian and insect neurons as endogenous oscillators at multiple timescales. We suggest that neuronal plasma membrane-associated signalosomes constitute specific autonomous PTFL clocks that generate localized but interlinked oscillations of membrane potential and intracellular messengers with specific endogenous frequencies. In each clock neuron multiscale interactions of TTFL and PTFL oscillators/clocks form a temporally structured oscillatory network with a common complex frequency-band comprising superimposed multiscale oscillations. Coupling between oscillator/clock neurons provides the next level of complexity of an oscillatory network. This systemic dynamic network of molecular and cellular oscillators/clocks is suggested to form the basis of any physiological homeostasis that cycles through dynamic homeostatic setpoints with a characteristic frequency-band as hallmark. We propose that mechanisms of homeostatic plasticity maintain the stability of these dynamic setpoints, whereas Hebbian plasticity enables switching between setpoints via coupling factors, like biogenic amines and/or neuropeptides. They reprogram the network to a new common frequency, a new dynamic setpoint. Our novel hypothesis is up for experimental challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Stengl
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology/Neuroethology, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
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Kramer RH. Suppressing Retinal Remodeling to Mitigate Vision Loss in Photoreceptor Degenerative Disorders. Annu Rev Vis Sci 2023; 9:131-153. [PMID: 37713276 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-vision-112122-020957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Rod and cone photoreceptors degenerate in retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration, robbing the visual system of light-triggered signals necessary for sight. However, changes in the retina do not stop with the photoreceptors. A stereotypical set of morphological and physiological changes, known as remodeling, occur in downstream retinal neurons. Some aspects of remodeling are homeostatic, with structural or functional changes compensating for partial loss of visual inputs. However, other aspects are nonhomeostatic, corrupting retinal information processing to obscure vision mediated naturally by surviving photoreceptors or artificially by vision-restoration technologies. In this review, I consider the mechanism of remodeling and its consequences for residual and restored visual function; discuss the role of retinoic acid, a critical molecular trigger of detrimental remodeling; and discuss strategies for suppressing retinoic acid biosynthesis or signaling as therapeutic possibilities for mitigating vision loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard H Kramer
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, USA;
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Levin LA, Chiang MF, Dyer MA, Greenwell TN, Svendsen CN, Tumminia SJ, Van Gelder RN, Wong RO. Translational roadmap for regenerative therapies of eye disease. MED 2023; 4:583-590. [PMID: 37689055 PMCID: PMC10793077 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2023.06.005] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
The translation of regenerative therapies to neuronal eye diseases requires a roadmap specific to the nature of the target diseases, patient population, methodologies for assessing outcome, and other factors. This commentary focuses on critical issues for translating regenerative eye therapies relevant to retinal neurons to human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard A Levin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A2B4, Canada; Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A2B4, Canada.
| | - Michael F Chiang
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Michael A Dyer
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Thomas N Greenwell
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Clive N Svendsen
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Santa J Tumminia
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Russell N Van Gelder
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Roger and Angie Karalis Johnson Retina Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Rachel O Wong
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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Scalabrino ML, Field GD. Neuroscience: Visual restoration with optogenetics. Curr Biol 2023; 33:R110-R112. [PMID: 36750022 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.12.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Treating photoreceptor degenerative diseases is an exciting application of optogenetic technologies. However, there are significant challenges, such as producing normal visual signaling as the retina rewires in response to photoreceptor death. However, a new study shows remarkable functional stability in retinal circuits that can be engaged by optogenetics following photoreceptor loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda L Scalabrino
- Stein Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Greg D Field
- Stein Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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