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Peng J, Yuan L, Kang P, Jin S, Ma S, Zhou W, Jia G, Zhang C, Jia W. Comprehensive transcriptomic analysis identifies three distinct subtypes of pituitary adenomas: insights into tumor behavior, prognosis, and stem cell characteristics. J Transl Med 2024; 22:892. [PMID: 39363281 PMCID: PMC11448088 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05702-w] [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: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pituitary adenomas (PAs) are the second most common intracranial tumor. While current diagnostic practices rely primarily on histological testing, they often fail to capture the molecular complexities of pituitary adenomas, underscoring the need for a molecular-based classification to refine therapeutic strategies and prognostic assessments. This study aims to provide a molecularly unbiased classification of pituitary adenomas and explore their unique gene expression patterns and clinical features. METHODS We performed unsupervised hierarchical clustering of the gene expression profiles of 117 PA samples to identify three distinct molecular subtypes. Subsequently, we analyzed the compiled transcriptomic profiles of each individual subtype for pathway enrichment. We also validated the new classification with a validation set containing 158 PAs and 24 pituitary adenoma stem cells (PASCs). RESULTS Consensus clustering of transcriptomic data from 117 pituitary adenoma (PA) samples identified three distinct molecular subtypes, each showing unique gene expression patterns and associated biological processes: Group I is enriched in signaling pathways, such as the cAMP signaling pathway and the calcium signaling pathway. Group II is primarily related to metabolic processes, including nitrogen metabolism and arginine biosynthesis in cancer. Group III predominantly shows enrichment in immune responses and potential malignant transformation of the disease, especially through cancer-related pathways such as the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The immune profiling revealed distinct patterns for each subtype: Group I had higher dendritic cells and fewer CD8+ T cells, Group II had more monocytes and macrophages, and Group III had elevated levels of T cells. Additionally, there were differences in clinical characteristics and prognosis among the subtypes, with Group III having a worse prognosis, despite the smaller tumor size compared to other groups. Notably, differences in PASCs correlated with the molecular subtypes, with Group III stem cells being enriched in tumorigenesis pathways, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and Ras signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Our study introduces a novel molecular classification for pituitary adenomas, independent of traditional histological methods. Each subtype features distinct genetic, molecular, and immunological profiles. We have isolated pituitary adenoma stem-like cells (PASCs), pairing them with tumor tissues for detailed transcriptomic analysis. These PASCs exhibit diverse molecular traits consistent with the new classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Peng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Linhao Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Kang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shucheng Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shunchang Ma
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Fengtai, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjianlong Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guijun Jia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Fengtai, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanbao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Wang Jia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Fengtai, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing, China.
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Ali A, Manzoor S, Ali T, Asim M, Muhammad G, Ahmad A, Jamaludin MI, Devaraj S, Munawar N. Innovative aspects and applications of single cell technology for different diseases. Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:4028-4048. [PMID: 39267684 PMCID: PMC11387862 DOI: 10.62347/vufu1836] [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: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent developments in single-cell technologies have provided valuable insights from cancer genomics to complex microbial communities. Single-cell technologies including the RNA-seq, next-generation sequencing (NGS), epigenomics, genomics, and transcriptomics can be used to uncover the single cell nature and molecular characterization of individual cells. These technologies also reveal the cellular transition states, evolutionary relationships between genes, the complex structure of single-cell populations, cell-to-cell interaction leading to biological discoveries and more reliable than traditional bulk technologies. These technologies are becoming the first choice for the early detection of inflammatory biomarkers affecting the proliferation and progression of tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment and improving the clinical efficacy of patients undergoing immunotherapy. These technologies also hold a central position in the detection of checkpoint inhibitors and thus determining the signaling pathways evoked by tumor invasion. This review addressed the emerging approaches of single cell-based technologies in cancer immunotherapies and different human diseases at cellular and molecular levels and the emerging role of sequencing technologies leading to drug discovery. Advancements in these technologies paved for discovering novel diagnostic markers for better understanding the pathological and biochemical mechanisms also for controlling the rate of different diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashiq Ali
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Saba Manzoor
- Department of Zoology, University of Sialkot Sialkot 51310, Pakistan
| | - Tayyab Ali
- Clinico-Molecular Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Asim
- Clinico-Molecular Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Agriculture Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Ghulam Muhammad
- Jinnah Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Centre, Jinnah Hospital, Allama Iqbal Medical College Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Aftab Ahmad
- Biochemistry/Center for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security (CAS-AFS), University of Agriculture Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
| | - Mohamad Ikhwan Jamaludin
- BioInspired Device and Tissue Engineering Research Group (BioInspira), Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Johor Bahru 81310, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Sutha Devaraj
- Graduate School of Medicine, Perdana University Wisma Chase Perdana, Changkat Semantan, Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur 50490, Malaysia
| | - Nayla Munawar
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University Al-Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
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Cvekl A, Vijg J. Aging of the eye: Lessons from cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 99:102407. [PMID: 38977082 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102407] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Aging is the greatest risk factor for chronic human diseases, including many eye diseases. Geroscience aims to understand the effects of the aging process on these diseases, including the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms that underlie the increased risk of disease over the lifetime. Understanding of the aging eye increases general knowledge of the cellular physiology impacted by aging processes at various biological extremes. Two major diseases, age-related cataract and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are caused by dysfunction of the lens and retina, respectively. Lens transparency and light refraction are mediated by lens fiber cells lacking nuclei and other organelles, which provides a unique opportunity to study a single aging hallmark, i.e., loss of proteostasis, within an environment of limited metabolism. In AMD, local dysfunction of the photoreceptors/retinal pigmented epithelium/Bruch's membrane/choriocapillaris complex in the macula leads to the loss of photoreceptors and eventually loss of central vision, and is driven by nearly all the hallmarks of aging and shares features with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. The aging eye can function as a model for studying basic mechanisms of aging and, vice versa, well-defined hallmarks of aging can be used as tools to understand age-related eye disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ales Cvekl
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
| | - Jan Vijg
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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Liu H, Lu S, Chen M, Gao N, Yang Y, Hu H, Ren Q, Liu X, Chen H, Zhu Q, Li S, Su J. Towards Stem/Progenitor Cell-Based Therapies for Retinal Degeneration. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:1459-1479. [PMID: 38809490 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10740-4] [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] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Retinal degeneration (RD) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide and includes conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and Stargardt's disease (STGD). These diseases result in the permanent loss of vision due to the progressive and irreversible degeneration of retinal cells, including photoreceptors (PR) and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The adult human retina has limited abilities to regenerate and repair itself, making it challenging to achieve complete self-replenishment and functional repair of retinal cells. Currently, there is no effective clinical treatment for RD. Stem cell therapy, which involves transplanting exogenous stem cells such as retinal progenitor cells (RPCs), embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), or activating endogenous stem cells like Müller Glia (MG) cells, holds great promise for regenerating and repairing retinal cells in the treatment of RD. Several preclinical and clinical studies have shown the potential of stem cell-based therapies for RD. However, the clinical translation of these therapies for the reconstruction of substantial vision still faces significant challenges. This review provides a comprehensive overview of stem/progenitor cell-based therapy strategies for RD, summarizes recent advances in preclinical studies and clinical trials, and highlights the major challenges in using stem/progenitor cell-based therapies for RD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Shuaiyan Lu
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Ming Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Na Gao
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Yuhe Yang
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Huijuan Hu
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Qing Ren
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Hongxu Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Qunyan Zhu
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325011, China
| | - Shasha Li
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, 325001, China.
| | - Jianzhong Su
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325011, China.
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, 325001, China.
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Zhang C, Shao Q, Zhang Y, Liu W, Kang J, Jin Z, Huang N, Ning B. Therapeutic application of nicotinamide: As a potential target for inhibiting fibrotic scar formation following spinal cord injury. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14826. [PMID: 38973179 PMCID: PMC11228357 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14826] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM We aimed to confirm the inhibitory effect of nicotinamide on fibrotic scar formation following spinal cord injury in mice using functional metabolomics. METHODS We proposed a novel functional metabolomics strategy to establish correlations between gene expression changes and metabolic phenotypes using integrated multi-omics analysis. Through the integration of quantitative metabolites analysis and assessments of differential gene expression, we identified nicotinamide as a functional metabolite capable of inhibiting fibrotic scar formation and confirmed the effect in vivo using a mouse model of spinal cord injury. Furthermore, to mimic fibrosis models in vitro, primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts and spinal cord fibroblasts were stimulated by TGFβ, and the influence of nicotinamide on TGFβ-induced fibrosis-associated genes and its underlying mechanism were examined. RESULTS Administration of nicotinamide led to a reduction in fibrotic lesion area and promoted functional rehabilitation following spinal cord injury. Nicotinamide effectively downregulated the expression of fibrosis genes, including Col1α1, Vimentin, Col4α1, Col1α2, Fn1, and Acta2, by repressing the TGFβ/SMADs pathway. CONCLUSION Our functional metabolomics strategy identified nicotinamide as a metabolite with the potential to inhibit fibrotic scar formation following SCI by suppressing the TGFβ/SMADs signaling. This finding provides new therapeutic strategies and new ideas for clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ce Zhang
- Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Qiang Shao
- Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Jianning Kang
- Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhengxin Jin
- Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Nana Huang
- Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Bin Ning
- Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Lee D, Fu Z, Hellstrom A, Smith LEH. Therapeutic Effects of Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Nutritional Supplementation in Retinal Ischemic Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5503. [PMID: 38791541 PMCID: PMC11122288 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105503] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Appropriate nutrients are essential for cellular function. Dietary components can alter the risk of systemic metabolic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and obesity, and can also affect retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. Dietary nutrients have been assessed for the prevention or treatment of retinal ischemic diseases and the diseases of aging. In this article, we review clinical and experimental evidence concerning the potential of some nutritional supplements to prevent or treat retinal ischemic diseases and provide further insights into the therapeutic effects of nutritional supplementation on retinopathies. We will review the roles of nutrients in preventing or protecting against retinal ischemic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deokho Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Zhongjie Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ann Hellstrom
- The Sahlgrenska Centre for Pediatric Ophthalmology Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 416 85 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lois E. H. Smith
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Kurzawa-Akanbi M, Tzoumas N, Corral-Serrano JC, Guarascio R, Steel DH, Cheetham ME, Armstrong L, Lako M. Pluripotent stem cell-derived models of retinal disease: Elucidating pathogenesis, evaluating novel treatments, and estimating toxicity. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 100:101248. [PMID: 38369182 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101248] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Blindness poses a growing global challenge, with approximately 26% of cases attributed to degenerative retinal diseases. While gene therapy, optogenetic tools, photosensitive switches, and retinal prostheses offer hope for vision restoration, these high-cost therapies will benefit few patients. Understanding retinal diseases is therefore key to advance effective treatments, requiring in vitro models replicating pathology and allowing quantitative assessments for drug discovery. Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) provide a unique solution given their limitless supply and ability to differentiate into light-responsive retinal tissues encompassing all cell types. This review focuses on the history and current state of photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell generation from PSCs. We explore the applications of this technology in disease modelling, experimental therapy testing, biomarker identification, and toxicity studies. We consider challenges in scalability, standardisation, and reproducibility, and stress the importance of incorporating vasculature and immune cells into retinal organoids. We advocate for high-throughput automation in data acquisition and analyses and underscore the value of advanced micro-physiological systems that fully capture the interactions between the neural retina, RPE, and choriocapillaris.
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Wu Y, He B, Hua J, Hu W, Han Y, Zhang J. Deciphering the molecular regulatory of RAB32/GPRC5A axis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Respir Res 2024; 25:116. [PMID: 38448858 PMCID: PMC10919015 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02724-2] [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: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant public health problem characterized by persistent airflow limitation. Despite previous research into the pathogenesis of COPD, a comprehensive understanding of the cell-type-specific mechanisms in COPD remains lacking. Recent studies have implicated Rab GTPases in regulating chronic immune response and inflammation via multiple pathways. In this study, the molecular regulating mechanism of RAB32 in COPD was investigated by multiple bioinformatics mining and experimental verification. METHODS We collected lung tissue surgical specimens from Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, and RT-qPCR and western blotting were used to detect the expression of Rabs in COPD lung tissues. Four COPD microarray datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were analyzed. COPD-related epithelial cell scRNA-seq data was obtained from the GSE173896 dataset. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), mfuzz cluster, and Spearman correlation analysis were combined to obtain the regulatory network of RAB32 in COPD. The slingshot algorithm was used to identify the regulatory molecule, and the co-localization of RAB32 and GPRC5A was observed with immunofluorescence. RESULTS WGCNA identified 771 key module genes significantly associated with the occurrence of COPD, including five Rab genes. RAB32 was up-regulated in lung tissues from subjects with COPD as contrast to those without COPD on both mRNA and protein levels. Integrating the results of WGCNA, Mfuzz clusters, and Spearman analysis, nine potential interacting genes with RAB32 were identified. Among these genes, GPRC5A exhibited a similar molecular expression pattern to RAB32. Co-expression density analysis at the cell level demonstrated that the co-expression density of RAB32 and GPRC5A was higher in type I alveolar epithelial cells (AT1s) than in type II alveolar epithelial cells (AT2s). The immunofluorescence also confirmed the co-localization of RAB32 and GPRC5A, and the Pearson correlation analysis found the relationship between RAB32 and GPRC5A was significantly stronger in the COPD lungs (r = 0.65) compared to the non-COPD lungs (r = 0.33). CONCLUSIONS Our study marked endeavor to delineate the molecular regulatory axis of RAB32 in COPD by employing diverse methods and identifying GPRC5A as a potential interacting molecule with RAB32. These findings offered novel perspectives on the mechanism of COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixing Wu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Binfeng He
- Department of General Practice, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianlan Hua
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiping Hu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaopin Han
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Xu FB, Hu S, Wang JJ, Wang XZ. Utilizing systematic Mendelian randomization to identify potential therapeutic targets for mania. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1375209. [PMID: 38505796 PMCID: PMC10948470 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1375209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Mania has caused incalculable economic losses for patients, their families, and even society, but there is currently no effective treatment plan for this disease without side effects. Methods Using bioinformatics and Mendelian randomization methods, potential drug target genes and key substances associated with mania were explored at the mRNA level. We used the chip expression profile from the GEO database to screen differential genes and used the eQTL and mania GWAS data from the IEU database for two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to determine core genes by colocalization. Next, we utilized bioinformatics analysis to identify key substances involved in the mechanism of action and determined related gene targets as drug targets. Results After differential expression analysis and MR, a causal relationship between the expression of 46 genes and mania was found. Colocalization analysis yielded six core genes. Five key substances were identified via enrichment analysis, immune-related analysis, and single-gene GSVA analysis of the core genes. MR revealed phenylalanine to be the only key substance that has a unidirectional causal relationship with mania. In the end, SBNO2, PBX2, RAMP3, and QPCT, which are significantly associated with the phenylalanine metabolism pathway, were identified as drug target genes. Conclusion SBNO2, PBX2, RAMP3, and QPCT could serve as potential target genes for mania treatment and deserve further basic and clinical research. Medicinal target genes regulate the phenylalanine metabolism pathway to achieve the treatment of mania. Phenylalanine is an important intermediate substance in the treatment of mania that is regulated by drug target genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Biao Xu
- Department of Encephalopathy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sen Hu
- Department of Medical Records, Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jing-Jing Wang
- Neurology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xin-Zhi Wang
- Department of Encephalopathy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
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Wang J, Xu F, Hu S, Xu Y, Wang X. Identification and validation of cortisol-related hub biomarkers and the related pathogenesis of biomarkers in Ischemic Stroke. Brain Behav 2024; 14:e3358. [PMID: 38376054 PMCID: PMC10823441 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ischemic stroke is a disease in which cerebral blood flow is blocked due to various reasons, leading to ischemia, hypoxia, softening, and even necrosis of brain tissues. The level of cortisol is related to the occurrence and progression of ischemic stroke. However, the mechanism governing their interrelationship is still unclear. The main objective of this study was to identify and understand the molecular mechanism between cortisol and IS. METHODS The common cortisol-related biological processes were screened by mutual verification of two data sets and the cortisol-related hub biomarkers were identified. Modular analysis of protein interaction networks was performed, and the differential pathway analysis of individual genes was conducted by GSVA and GSEA. Drug and transcription factor regulatory networks of hub genes were excavated, and the diagnostic potential of hub genes was analyzed followed by the construction of a diagnostic model. RESULTS By screening the two data sets by GSVA, three biological processes with common differences were obtained. After variation analysis, four cortisol-related hub biomarkers (CYP1B1, CDKN2B, MEN1, and USP8) were selected. Through the modular analysis of the protein-protein interaction network and double verification of GSVA and GSEA, a series of potential molecular mechanisms of hub genes were discovered followed by a series of drug regulatory networks and transcription factor regulatory networks. The hub biomarkers were found to have a high diagnostic value by ROC; thus, a diagnostic model with high diagnostic efficiency was constructed. The diagnostic value was mutually confirmed in the two data sets. CONCLUSION Four cortisol-related hub biomarkers are identified in this study, which provides new ideas for the key changes of cortisol during the occurrence of IS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing‐Jing Wang
- Neurology DepartmentThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
- Neurology DepartmentPeople's Hospital of LuanchuanLuoyangChina
| | - Fang‐Biao Xu
- Department of EncephalopathyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese MedicineZhengzhouChina
- The First Clinical Medical CollegeHenan University of Chinese MedicineZhengzhouChina
| | - Sen Hu
- Department of Medical RecordsZhengzhou University People's HospitalHenan Provincial People's HospitalZhengzhouHenanPeople's Republic of China
| | - Yu‐Ming Xu
- Neurology DepartmentThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Xin‐Zhi Wang
- Department of EncephalopathyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese MedicineZhengzhouChina
- The First Clinical Medical CollegeHenan University of Chinese MedicineZhengzhouChina
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Dujardin C, Habeler W, Monville C, Letourneur D, Simon-Yarza T. Advances in the engineering of the outer blood-retina barrier: From in-vitro modelling to cellular therapy. Bioact Mater 2024; 31:151-177. [PMID: 37637086 PMCID: PMC10448242 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.08.003] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The outer blood-retina barrier (oBRB), crucial for the survival and the proper functioning of the overlying retinal layers, is disrupted in numerous diseases affecting the retina, leading to the loss of the photoreceptors and ultimately of vision. To study the oBRB and/or its degeneration, many in vitro oBRB models have been developed, notably to investigate potential therapeutic strategies against retinal diseases. Indeed, to this day, most of these pathologies are untreatable, especially once the first signs of degeneration are observed. To cure those patients, a current strategy is to cultivate in vitro a mature oBRB epithelium on a custom membrane that is further implanted to replace the damaged native tissue. After a description of the oBRB and the related diseases, this review presents an overview of the oBRB models, from the simplest to the most complex. Then, we propose a discussion over the used cell types, for their relevance to study or treat the oBRB. Models designed for in vitro applications are then examined, by paying particular attention to the design evolution in the last years, the development of pathological models and the benefits of co-culture models, including both the retinal pigment epithelium and the choroid. Lastly, this review focuses on the models developed for in vivo implantation, with special emphasis on the choice of the material, its processing and its characterization, before discussing the reported pre-clinical and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Dujardin
- Université Paris Cité, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science (LVTS) INSERM-U1148, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Walter Habeler
- INSERM U861, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100, Corbeil-Essonnes, France
- U861, I-Stem, AFM, Université Paris-Saclay, Université D’Evry, 91100, Corbeil-Essonnes, France
- CECS, Centre D’étude des Cellules Souches, 91100, Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Christelle Monville
- INSERM U861, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100, Corbeil-Essonnes, France
- U861, I-Stem, AFM, Université Paris-Saclay, Université D’Evry, 91100, Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Didier Letourneur
- Université Paris Cité, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science (LVTS) INSERM-U1148, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Teresa Simon-Yarza
- Université Paris Cité, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science (LVTS) INSERM-U1148, 75018 Paris, France
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12
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Malih S, Song YS, Sorenson CM, Sheibani N. Choroidal Mast Cells and Pathophysiology of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Cells 2023; 13:50. [PMID: 38201254 PMCID: PMC10778483 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010050] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains a leading cause of vision loss in elderly patients. Its etiology and progression are, however, deeply intertwined with various cellular and molecular interactions within the retina and choroid. Among the key cellular players least studied are choroidal mast cells, with important roles in immune and allergic responses. Here, we will review what is known regarding the pathophysiology of AMD and expand on the recently proposed intricate roles of choroidal mast cells and their activation in outer retinal degeneration and AMD pathogenesis. We will focus on choroidal mast cell activation, the release of their bioactive mediators, and potential impact on ocular oxidative stress, inflammation, and overall retinal and choroidal health. We propose an important role for thrombospondin-1 (TSP1), a major ocular angioinflammatory factor, in regulation of choroidal mast cell homeostasis and activation in AMD pathogenesis. Drawing from limited studies, this review underscores the need for further comprehensive studies aimed at understanding the precise roles changes in TSP1 levels and choroidal mast cell activity play in pathophysiology of AMD. We will also propose potential therapeutic strategies targeting these regulatory pathways, and highlighting the promise they hold for curbing AMD progression through modulation of mast cell activity. In conclusion, the evolving understanding of the role of choroidal mast cells in AMD pathogenesis will not only offer deeper insights into the underlying mechanisms but will also offer opportunities for development of novel preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Malih
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (S.M.); (Y.-S.S.)
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 15614, Iran
| | - Yong-Seok Song
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (S.M.); (Y.-S.S.)
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - Christine M. Sorenson
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Nader Sheibani
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (S.M.); (Y.-S.S.)
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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13
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Casey-Power S, Vardar C, Ryan R, Behl G, McLoughlin P, Byrne ME, Fitzhenry L. NAD+-associated-hyaluronic acid and poly(L-lysine) polyelectrolyte complexes: An evaluation of their potential for ocular drug delivery. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2023; 192:62-78. [PMID: 37797681 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
This study details the formation and characterisation of a novel nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-associated polymeric nanoparticle system. The development of a polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) composed of two natural polyelectrolytes, hyaluronic acid and poly(L-lysine), and an evaluation of its suitability for NAD+ ocular delivery, primarily based on its physicochemical properties and in vitro release profile under physiological ocular flow rates, were of key focus. Following optimisation of formulation method conditions such as complexation pH, mode of addition, and charge ratio, the PEC was successfully formulated under mild formulation conditions via polyelectrolyte complexation. With a size of 235.1 ± 19.0 nm, a PDI value of 0.214 ± 0.140, and a zeta potential value of - 38.0 ± 1.1 mV, the chosen PEC, loaded with 430 µg of NAD+ per mg of PEC, exhibited non-Fickian, sustained release at physiological flowrates of 10.9 ± 0.2 mg of NAD+ over 14 h. PECs containing up to 200 µM of NAD+ did not induce any significant cytotoxic effects on an immortalised human corneal epithelial cell line. Using fluorescent labeling, the NAD+-associated PECs demonstrated retention within the corneal epithelium layer of a porcine model up to 6 h post incubation under physiological conditions. A study of the physicochemical behaviour of the PECs, in terms of size, zeta potential and NAD+ complexation in response to environmental stimuli,highlighted the dynamic nature of the PEC matrix and its dependence on both pH and ionic condition. Considering the successful formation of reproducible NAD+-associated PECs with suitable characteristics for ocular drug delivery via an inexpensive formulation method, they provide a promising platform for NAD+ ocular delivery with a strong potential to improve ocular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saoirse Casey-Power
- Ocular Therapeutics Research Group, Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre, Waterford Campus, South East Technological University, Waterford X91 K0EK, Ireland.
| | - Camila Vardar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA.
| | - Richie Ryan
- Ocular Therapeutics Research Group, Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre, Waterford Campus, South East Technological University, Waterford X91 K0EK, Ireland.
| | - Gautam Behl
- EirGen Pharma, UNIT 64/64A, Westside Business Park, Old Kilmeaden Road, Co. Waterford X91 YV67, Ireland.
| | - Peter McLoughlin
- Ocular Therapeutics Research Group, Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre, Waterford Campus, South East Technological University, Waterford X91 K0EK, Ireland.
| | - Mark E Byrne
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA.
| | - Laurence Fitzhenry
- Ocular Therapeutics Research Group, Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre, Waterford Campus, South East Technological University, Waterford X91 K0EK, Ireland.
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14
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Pan Y, Fu Y, Baird PN, Guymer RH, Das T, Iwata T. Exploring the contribution of ARMS2 and HTRA1 genetic risk factors in age-related macular degeneration. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 97:101159. [PMID: 36581531 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe irreversible central vision loss in individuals over 65 years old. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have shown that the region at chromosome 10q26, where the age-related maculopathy susceptibility (ARMS2/LOC387715) and HtrA serine peptidase 1 (HTRA1) genes are located, represents one of the strongest associated loci for AMD. However, the underlying biological mechanism of this genetic association has remained elusive. In this article, we extensively review the literature by us and others regarding the ARMS2/HTRA1 risk alleles and their functional significance. We also review the literature regarding the presumed function of the ARMS2 protein and the molecular processes of the HTRA1 protein in AMD pathogenesis in vitro and in vivo, including those of transgenic mice overexpressing HtrA1/HTRA1 which developed Bruch's membrane (BM) damage, choroidal neovascularization (CNV), and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), similar to human AMD patients. The elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of the ARMS2 and HTRA1 susceptibility loci has begun to untangle the complex biological pathways underlying AMD pathophysiology, pointing to new testable paradigms for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Pan
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, 2-5-1, Higashigaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 152-8902, Japan
| | - Yingbin Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, NC506, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Paul N Baird
- Department of Surgery, (Ophthalmology), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robyn H Guymer
- Department of Surgery, (Ophthalmology), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, 3002, Australia
| | - Taraprasad Das
- Anant Bajaj Retina Institute-Srimati Kanuri Santhamma Centre for Vitreoretinal Diseases, Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, 500034, India
| | - Takeshi Iwata
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, 2-5-1, Higashigaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 152-8902, Japan.
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15
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Liu S, Zhang W. NAD + metabolism and eye diseases: current status and future directions. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:8653-8663. [PMID: 37540459 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08692-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there are no truly effective treatments for a variety of eye diseases, such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs). These conditions have a significant impact on patients' quality of life and can be a burden on society. However, these diseases share a common pathological process of NAD+ metabolism disorders. They are either associated with genetically induced primary NAD+ synthase deficiency, decreased NAD+ levels due to aging, or enhanced NAD+ consuming enzyme activity during disease pathology. In this discussion, we explore the role of NAD+ metabolic disorders in the development of associated ocular diseases and the potential advantages and disadvantages of various methods to increase NAD+ levels. It is essential to carefully evaluate the possible adverse effects of these methods and conduct a more comprehensive and objective assessment of their function before considering their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, 730030, Lanzhou, VA, China
| | - Wenfang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, 730030, Lanzhou, VA, China.
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16
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Guo T, Zou X, Sundar S, Jia X, Dhong C. In situ measurement of viscoelastic properties of cellular monolayers via graphene strain sensing of elastohydrodynamic phenomena. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:4067-4078. [PMID: 37610268 PMCID: PMC10498944 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00457k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances recognize that the viscoelastic properties of epithelial structures play important roles in biology and disease modeling. However, accessing the viscoelastic properties of multicellular structures in mechanistic or drug-screening applications has challenges in repeatability, accuracy, and practical implementation. Here, we present a microfluidic platform that leverages elastohydrodynamic phenomena, sensed by strain sensors made from graphene decorated with palladium nanoislands, to measure the viscoelasticity of cellular monolayers in situ, without using chemical labels or specialized equipment. We demonstrate platform utility with two systems: cell dissociation following trypsinization, where viscoelastic properties change over minutes, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, where changes occur over days. These cellular events could only be resolved with our platform's higher resolution: viscoelastic relaxation time constants of λ = 14.5 ± 0.4 s-1 for intact epithelial monolayers, compared to λ = 13.4 ± 15.0 s-1 in other platforms, which represents a 30-fold improvement. By rapidly assessing combined contributions from cell stiffness and intercellular interactions, we anticipate that the platform will hasten the translation of new mechanical biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianzheng Guo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA.
| | - Xiaoyu Zou
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA.
| | - Shalini Sundar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA
| | - Xinqiao Jia
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA
| | - Charles Dhong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA
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17
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Giannopoulos K, Gazouli M, Chatzistefanou K, Gouliopoulos N, Lavaris A, Bakouli A, Moschos MM. Associations of ARMS2 and NR3C2 genes polymorphisms with central serous chorioretinopathy in a Greek population. Eur J Ophthalmol 2023; 33:1860-1866. [PMID: 36734065 DOI: 10.1177/11206721231155043] [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: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is characterized by serous detachment of the central neurosensory retina and it is one of the most common retinal disorders. Various genetic polymorphisms have been associated with CSCR development. METHODS The aim of our study was to investigate the potential association between ARMS2 (rs10490924) and NR3C2 (rs2070951 and rs5522) genes polymorphisms and CSCR development in a well defined Greek cohort for the first time in literature. We enrolled, in our case-control study, 48 CSCR patients and 137 controls. The ARMS2 (rs10490924) and NR3C2 (rs2070951 and rs5522) genes polymorphisms were analyzed using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays. RESULTS In our study, we found significant associations between ARMS2rs10490924 and NR3C2rs2070951 single nucleotide polymorphisms and CSCR development. Specifically, the GTrs10490924 genotype frequency of the ARMS2 gene was found to be significantly associated with risk of CSCR and T allele of rs10490924ARMS2 gene was also found to increase risk for CSCR. The genotype frequency GC and CC of rs2070951NR3C2 gene were observed more frequently in CSCR patients than controls and C allele of rs2070951NR3C2 gene was also observed more frequently in CSCR patients than controls. Rs5522 of NR3C2 gene polymorphism was not found to be significantly associated with CSCR. CONCLUSION Our findings showed, for the first time in a Greek population, that SNPs in the ARMS2 and NR3C2 genes are significantly associated with risk of CSCR. The results of this study support the involvement of extracellular matrix (ARMS2 gene) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in the pathogenesis of CSCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Giannopoulos
- First Department of Ophthalmology, Gennimatas General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Gazouli
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Klio Chatzistefanou
- First Department of Ophthalmology, Gennimatas General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Gouliopoulos
- Second Department of Ophthalmology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasios Lavaris
- First Department of Ophthalmology, Gennimatas General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Anthi Bakouli
- Department of Ophthalmology, Elpis General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Marilita M Moschos
- First Department of Ophthalmology, Gennimatas General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
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18
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Esteves F, Brito D, Rajado AT, Silva N, Apolónio J, Roberto VP, Araújo I, Nóbrega C, Castelo-Branco P, Bragança J. Reprogramming iPSCs to study age-related diseases: Models, therapeutics, and clinical trials. Mech Ageing Dev 2023; 214:111854. [PMID: 37579530 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2023.111854] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
The unprecedented rise in life expectancy observed in the last decades is leading to a global increase in the ageing population, and age-associated diseases became an increasing societal, economic, and medical burden. This has boosted major efforts in the scientific and medical research communities to develop and improve therapies to delay ageing and age-associated functional decline and diseases, and to expand health span. The establishment of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by reprogramming human somatic cells has revolutionised the modelling and understanding of human diseases. iPSCs have a major advantage relative to other human pluripotent stem cells as their obtention does not require the destruction of embryos like embryonic stem cells do, and do not have a limited proliferation or differentiation potential as adult stem cells. Besides, iPSCs can be generated from somatic cells from healthy individuals or patients, which makes iPSC technology a promising approach to model and decipher the mechanisms underlying the ageing process and age-associated diseases, study drug effects, and develop new therapeutic approaches. This review discusses the advances made in the last decade using iPSC technology to study the most common age-associated diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, brain stroke, cancer, diabetes, and osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Esteves
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - David Brito
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Ana Teresa Rajado
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Nádia Silva
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Joana Apolónio
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Vânia Palma Roberto
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; ABC Collaborative Laboratory, Association for Integrated Aging and Rejuvenation Solutions (ABC CoLAB), 8100-735 Loulé, Portugal
| | - Inês Araújo
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; ABC Collaborative Laboratory, Association for Integrated Aging and Rejuvenation Solutions (ABC CoLAB), 8100-735 Loulé, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Avenida Brasília, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Clévio Nóbrega
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; ABC Collaborative Laboratory, Association for Integrated Aging and Rejuvenation Solutions (ABC CoLAB), 8100-735 Loulé, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Avenida Brasília, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pedro Castelo-Branco
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; ABC Collaborative Laboratory, Association for Integrated Aging and Rejuvenation Solutions (ABC CoLAB), 8100-735 Loulé, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Avenida Brasília, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José Bragança
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; ABC Collaborative Laboratory, Association for Integrated Aging and Rejuvenation Solutions (ABC CoLAB), 8100-735 Loulé, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld. 2, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Avenida Brasília, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal.
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19
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Zhang J, Jiang J, Zhou H, Li S, Bian W, Hu L, Zhang D, Xu C, Sun Y. LncRNA NORAD defects deteriorate the formation of age-related macular degeneration. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:7513-7532. [PMID: 37517088 PMCID: PMC10457045 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204917] [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: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, the effect of long non-coding RNA activated by DNA damage (NORAD) on AMD remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of NORAD on RPE cell senescence and degeneration. Irradiated adult retinal pigment epithelial cell line-19 (ARPE-19) and sodium iodate-treated mice were used as in vitro and in vivo AMD models. Results showed that irradiation-induced AMD characteristics of ARPE-19 and NORAD-knockdown aggravated cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, cell apoptosis and cell senescence along with the increased expression of phosphorylated P53 (p-P53) and P21. AMD factors C3, ICAM-1, APP, APOE, and VEGF-A were also increased by NORAD-knockdown. Moreover, NORAD-knockdown increased irradiation-induced reduction of mitochondrial homeostasis factors, (i.e., TFAM and POLG) and mitochondrial respiratory chain complex genes (i.e., ND1 and ND5) along with mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). We also identified a strong interaction of NORAD and PGC-1α and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in ARPE-19; that is, NORAD knockdown increases the acetylation of PGC-1α. In NORAD knockout mice, NORAD-knockout accelerated the sodium iodate-reduced retinal thickness reduction, function impairment and loss of retinal pigment in the fundus. Therefore, NORAD-knockdown accelerates retinal cell senescence, apoptosis, and AMD markers via PGC-1α acetylation, mitochondrial ROS, and the p-P53-P21signaling pathway, in which NORAD-mediated effect on PGC-1α acetylation might occur through the direct interaction with PGC-1α and SIRT1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Jiang
- College of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Hongyu Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Shenjun Li
- Non-Clinical Research Department, RemeGen Co., Ltd, Shandong, China
| | - Weihua Bian
- College of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Lifu Hu
- Non-Clinical Research Department, RemeGen Co., Ltd, Shandong, China
| | - Daolai Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Cong Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Yeying Sun
- College of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Shandong, China
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20
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Zhang Y, Huang H, Chen H, Zhang P, Liu Y, Gan Y, Yan X, Xie B, Liu H, He B, Tang J, Shen G, Jiang X. Unearths IFNB1 immune infiltrates in SOP-related ossification of ligamentum flavum pathogenesis. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16722. [PMID: 37303521 PMCID: PMC10248278 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ossification of ligamentum flavum (OLF) is a hidden, indolent disease condition with variable unexplained etiology and pathology. Growing evidences show a correlation between senile osteoporosis (SOP) and OLF, but the fundamental relationship between SOP and OLF remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to investigate unique SOP-related genes and their potential functions in OLF. Methods Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was utilized to gather the mRNA expression data (GSE106253) and then analyzed by R software. A variety of methods, including ssGSEA, machine learning (LASSO and SVM-RFE), GO and KEGG enrichment, PPI network, transcription factor enrichment analysis (TFEA), GSEA and xCells were employed to verified the critical genes and signaling pathways. Furthermore, ligamentum flavum cells were cultured and used in vitro to identify the expression of the core genes. Results The preliminary identification of 236 SODEGs revealed their involvement in BP pathways associated with ossification, inflammation, and immune response, including the TNF signaling pathway, PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and osteoclast differentiation. Four down-regulated genes (SERPINE1, SOCS3, AKT1, CCL2) and one up-regulated gene (IFNB1) were among the five hub SODEGs that were validated. Additionally, they were performed by ssGSEA and xCell to show the relationship of immune cells infiltrating in OLF. The most fundamental gene, IFNB1, which was only found in the classical ossification- and inflammation-related pathways, suggested that it may affect OLF via regulating the inflammatory response. In vitro experiment, we found that IFNB1 expression was dramatically higher in cells cocultured with osteogenic induction than in controls. Conclusion As far as we are concerned, this is the first observation using transcriptome data mining to reveal distinct SOP-related gene profiles between OLF and normal controls. Five hub SODEGs were ultimately found using bioinformatics algorithms and experimental verification. These genes may mediate intricate inflammatory/immune responses or signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of OLF, according to the thorough functional annotations. Since IFNB1 was discovered to be a key gene and was connected to numerous immune infiltrates in OLF, it is possible that IFNB1 expression has a substantial impact on the pathogenesis of OLF. Our research will give rise to new possibilities for potential therapeutics that target SOP reverent genes and immune-associated pathways in OLF.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Zhang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Hongwei Huang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
- People's Hospital of Yang Jiang, Yang Jiang 529500, China
| | - Honglin Chen
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Yanchi Gan
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Xianwei Yan
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Bin Xie
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Bowen He
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Jingjing Tang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Gengyang Shen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Xiaobing Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
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21
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Lenin RR, Koh YH, Zhang Z, Yeo YZ, Parikh BH, Seah I, Wong W, Su X. Dysfunctional Autophagy, Proteostasis, and Mitochondria as a Prelude to Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108763. [PMID: 37240109 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108763] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell dysfunction is a key driving force of AMD. RPE cells form a metabolic interface between photoreceptors and choriocapillaris, performing essential functions for retinal homeostasis. Through their multiple functions, RPE cells are constantly exposed to oxidative stress, which leads to the accumulation of damaged proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and cellular organelles, including mitochondria. As miniature chemical engines of the cell, self-replicating mitochondria are heavily implicated in the aging process through a variety of mechanisms. In the eye, mitochondrial dysfunction is strongly associated with several diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in millions of people globally. Aged mitochondria exhibit decreased rates of oxidative phosphorylation, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and increased numbers of mitochondrial DNA mutations. Mitochondrial bioenergetics and autophagy decline during aging because of insufficient free radical scavenger systems, the impairment of DNA repair mechanisms, and reductions in mitochondrial turnover. Recent research has uncovered a much more complex role of mitochondrial function and cytosolic protein translation and proteostasis in AMD pathogenesis. The coupling of autophagy and mitochondrial apoptosis modulates the proteostasis and aging processes. This review aims to summarise and provide a perspective on (i) the current evidence of autophagy, proteostasis, and mitochondrial dysfunction in dry AMD; (ii) current in vitro and in vivo disease models relevant to assessing mitochondrial dysfunction in AMD, and their utility in drug screening; and (iii) ongoing clinical trials targeting mitochondrial dysfunction for AMD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raji Rajesh Lenin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Department of Medical Research, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Yi Hui Koh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Zheting Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 11 Mandalay Road, Experimental Medicine Building, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Yan Zhuang Yeo
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Bhav Harshad Parikh
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Ivan Seah
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Wendy Wong
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital (NUH), 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Xinyi Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital (NUH), 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), The Academia, 20 College Road, Level 6 Discovery Tower, Singapore 169856, Singapore
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22
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Hamuro J, Yamashita T, Otsuki Y, Hiramoto N, Adachi M, Miyatani T, Tanaka H, Ueno M, Kinoshita S, Sotozono C. Spatiotemporal Coordination of RPE Cell Quality by Extracellular Vesicle miR-494-3p Via Competitive Interplays With SIRT3 or PTEN. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:9. [PMID: 37163276 PMCID: PMC10179576 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.5.9] [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: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To reveal the molecular mechanism underlying degeneration in human retinal pigment epithelial (hRPE) cells with dysfunctional mitochondrial homeostasis. Methods The expression of recently identified miR-494-3p in extracellular vesicles (EV) released from induced-pluripotential-stem-cell-derived human RPE (iPS-hRPE), during coculture with macrophages (Mps) was investigated in iPS-hRPE and ARPE cells differentiated in the presence of nicotinamide (Nic-ARPE). The expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), sirtuin3 (SIRT3), and mitochondrial marker proteins before and after the transfection of miR-494-3p inhibitor and mimic, and the changes in mitochondrial metabolism, membrane potential, and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) were monitored. Results Compared with senescent dedifferentiated ARPE19 cells, iPS-hRPE and Nic-ARPE cells expressed elevated levels of mitochondrial marker proteins but a repressed cellular miR-494-3p level. The expression of target proteins of miR-494-3p, PTEN, and SIRT3 was upregulated along with the differentiation disposition of these RPE cells. The ratio of PTEN/SIRT3 in de-differentiated ARPE19 cells was surprisingly elevated by around 20 times compared with that in iPS-hRPE and Nic-ARPE cells. The novel molecular interplay of EV miR-494-3p either with mitochondria selective SIRT3 or organelle nonselective PTEN was found to participate in the degeneration of hRPE cells by inducing mitochondrial dysfunctions and repressed OXPHOS, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP and NAD+ production. Conclusions Our results demonstrate a clear causal link between miR-494-3p and hRPE cell degeneration via the regulation of mitochondrial integrity. EV miR-494-3p may play a pivotal role in pathogenic spreading of degenerated hRPE cells from the local perifovea throughout the macula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junji Hamuro
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomoko Yamashita
- Department of Frontier Medical Science and Technology for Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yohei Otsuki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Nao Hiramoto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mayuka Adachi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takafumi Miyatani
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tanaka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Morio Ueno
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shigeru Kinoshita
- Department of Frontier Medical Science and Technology for Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Chie Sotozono
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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23
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Karema-Jokinen V, Koskela A, Hytti M, Hongisto H, Viheriälä T, Liukkonen M, Torsti T, Skottman H, Kauppinen A, Nymark S, Kaarniranta K. Crosstalk of protein clearance, inflammasome, and Ca 2+ channels in retinal pigment epithelium derived from age-related macular degeneration patients. J Biol Chem 2023:104770. [PMID: 37137441 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Degeneration and/or dysfunction of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is generally detected as the formation of intra- and extracellular protein aggregates, called lipofuscin and drusen, respectively, in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in the elderly population. These clinical hallmarks are linked to dysfunctional protein homeostasis and inflammation, and furthermore, are both regulated by changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. While many other cellular mechanisms have been considered in the investigations of AMD-RPE, there has been relatively little work on understanding the interactions of protein clearance, inflammation, and Ca2+ dynamics in disease pathogenesis. Here we established induced pluripotent stem cell-derived RPE from two patients with advanced AMD and from an age- and gender-matched control subject. We studied autophagy and inflammasome activation under disturbed proteostasis in these cell lines and investigated changes in their intracellular Ca2+ concentration and L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Our work demonstrated dysregulated autophagy and inflammasome activation in AMD-RPE accompanied by reduced intracellular free Ca2+ levels. Interestingly, we found currents through L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels to be diminished and showed these channels to be significantly localized to intracellular compartments in AMD-RPE. Taken together, the alterations in Ca2+ dynamics in AMD-RPE together with dysregulated autophagy and inflammasome activation indicate an important role for Ca2+ signaling in AMD pathogenesis, providing new avenues for the development of therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Koskela
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Maria Hytti
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Heidi Hongisto
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Taina Viheriälä
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mikko Liukkonen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tommi Torsti
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Heli Skottman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Anu Kauppinen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Soile Nymark
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, Finland, Immuno-Ophthalmology, School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
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24
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Liu Q, Liu J, Higuchi A. hPSC-derived RPE transplantation for the treatment of macular degeneration. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 199:227-269. [PMID: 37678973 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Macular degeneration (MD) is a group of diseases characterized by irreversible and progressive vision loss. Patients with MD suffer from severely impaired central vision, especially elderly people. Currently, only one type of MD, wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), can be treated with anti-vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) drugs. Other types of MD remain difficult to treat. With the advent of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and their differentiation into retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), it is promising to treat patients with MD by transplantation of hPSC-derived RPE into the subretinal space. In this review, the current progress in hPSC-derived RPE transplantation for the treatment of patients with MD is described from bench to bedside, including hPSC differentiation into RPE and the characterization and usage of hPSC-derived RPE for transplantation into patients with MD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Akon Higuchi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China; Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Jhongli, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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25
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Su S, Chen G, Gao M, Zhong G, Zhang Z, Wei D, Luo X, Wang Q. Kai-Xin-San protects against mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease through SIRT3/NLRP3 pathway. Chin Med 2023; 18:26. [PMID: 36918872 PMCID: PMC10012453 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-023-00722-y] [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: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kai-Xin-San (KXS) has been reported to have a good curative impact on dementia. The purpose of the study was to determine whether KXS might ameliorate cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 mice and to evaluate its neuroprotective mechanism. METHODS APP/PS1 mice were employed as an AD animal model; Aβ1-42 and KXS-containing serum were used in HT22 cells. Four different behavioral tests were used to determine the cognitive ability of mice. Nissl staining was utilized to detect hippocampal neuron changes. ROS, SOD, and MDA were used to detect oxidative stress levels. Transmission electron microscopy and Western blot were used to evaluate mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial division, and fusion state. Western blotting and immunofluorescence identified PSD95, BDNF, NGF, SYN, SIRT3, and NLRP3 inflammasome levels. RESULTS The results indicated that KXS protected APP/PS1 mice against cognitive impairments. KXS suppressed neuronal apoptosis and oxidative stress among APP/PS1 mice. KXS and KXS-containing serum improved mitochondrial dysfunction and synaptic and neurotrophic factors regarding APP/PS1 mice. In addition, KXS and KXS-containing serum enhanced mitochondrial SIRT3 expression and reduced NLRP3 inflammasome expression in APP/PS1 mice. CONCLUSION KXS improves cognitive dysfunction among APP/PS1 mice via regulating SIRT3-mediated neuronal cell apoptosis. These results suggested that KXS was proposed as a neuroprotective agent for AD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- ShiJie Su
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gongcan Chen
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minghuang Gao
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangcheng Zhong
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zerong Zhang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongyun Wei
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue Luo
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
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26
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Dalvi S, Chatterjee A, Singh R. AMD recapitulated in a 3D biomimetic: A breakthrough in retina tissue engineering. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:243-245. [PMID: 36868191 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Song et al. (Nature Methods, 2022) engineered a 3D model of the human outer blood-retina barrier (oBRB) that recapitulates key features of healthy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD)-affected eyes.1 We shine a spotlight on this tissue-engineering triumph that has the potential to transform preclinical studies of AMD and other eye diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonal Dalvi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
| | - Amit Chatterjee
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
| | - Ruchira Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; UR Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Rochester, NY 14620, USA.
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27
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Yoon CK, Kim YA, Park UC, Kwon SH, Lee Y, Yoo HJ, Seo JH, Yu HG. Vitreous Fatty Amides and Acyl Carnitines Are Altered in Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:28. [PMID: 36939720 PMCID: PMC10043506 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.3.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment worldwide. In this study, we aimed to investigate the vitreous humor metabolite profiles of patients with intermediate AMD using untargeted metabolomics. Methods We performed metabolomics using high-resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry on the vitreous humor of 31 patients with intermediate AMD and 30 controls who underwent vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane with or without cataract surgery. Univariate analyses after false discovery rate correction were performed to discriminate the metabolites and identify the significant metabolites of intermediate AMD. For biologic interpretation, enrichment and pathway analysis were conducted using MetaboAnalyst 5.0. Results Of the 858 metabolites analyzed in the vitreous humor, 258 metabolites that distinguished patients with AMD from controls were identified (P values < 0.05). Ascorbic acid and uric acid levels increased in the AMD group (all P values < 0.05). The acyl carnitines, such as acetyl L-carnitine (1.37-fold), and fatty amides, such as anandamide (0.9-fold) and docosanamide (0.67-fold), were higher in patients with intermediate AMD. In contrast, nicotinamide (-0.55-fold), and succinic acid (-1.69-fold) were lower in patients with intermediate AMD. The metabolic pathway related oxidation of branched chain fatty acids and carnitine synthesis showed enrichment. Conclusions Multiple metabolites related to fatty amides and acyl carnitine were found to be increased in the vitreous humor of patients with intermediate AMD, whereas succinic acid and nicotinamide were reduced, suggesting that altered metabolites related to fatty amides and acyl carnitines and energy metabolism may be implicated in the etiology of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Ki Yoon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ye An Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Un Chul Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung-Hyun Kwon
- Veterans Medical Research Institute, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Lee
- Veterans Medical Research Institute, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Ju Yoo
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Je Hyun Seo
- Veterans Medical Research Institute, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
- https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3127-7160
| | - Hyeong Gon Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Retina Center, Sky Eye Institute, Seoul, Korea
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28
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Feuz MB, Meyer-Ficca ML, Meyer RG. Beyond Pellagra-Research Models and Strategies Addressing the Enduring Clinical Relevance of NAD Deficiency in Aging and Disease. Cells 2023; 12:500. [PMID: 36766842 PMCID: PMC9913999 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Research into the functions of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) has intensified in recent years due to the insight that abnormally low levels of NAD are involved in many human pathologies including metabolic disorders, neurodegeneration, reproductive dysfunction, cancer, and aging. Consequently, the development and validation of novel NAD-boosting strategies has been of central interest, along with the development of models that accurately represent the complexity of human NAD dynamics and deficiency levels. In this review, we discuss pioneering research and show how modern researchers have long since moved past believing that pellagra is the overt and most dramatic clinical presentation of NAD deficiency. The current research is centered on common human health conditions associated with moderate, but clinically relevant, NAD deficiency. In vitro and in vivo research models that have been developed specifically to study NAD deficiency are reviewed here, along with emerging strategies to increase the intracellular NAD concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan B. Feuz
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Mirella L. Meyer-Ficca
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Ralph G. Meyer
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
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29
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Ng PQ, Saint-Geniez M, Kim LA, Shu DY. Divergent Metabolomic Signatures of TGFβ2 and TNFα in the Induction of Retinal Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Metabolites 2023; 13:213. [PMID: 36837832 PMCID: PMC9966219 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13020213] [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: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a dedifferentiation program in which polarized, differentiated epithelial cells lose their cell-cell adhesions and transform into matrix-producing mesenchymal cells. EMT of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells plays a crucial role in many retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and diabetic retinopathy. This dynamic process requires complex metabolic reprogramming to accommodate the demands of this dramatic cellular transformation. Both transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGFβ2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) have the capacity to induce EMT in RPE cells; however, little is known about their impact on the RPE metabolome. Untargeted metabolomics using high-resolution mass spectrometry was performed to reveal the metabolomic signatures of cellular and secreted metabolites of primary human fetal RPE cells treated with either TGFβ2 or TNFα for 5 days. A total of 638 metabolites were detected in both samples; 188 were annotated as primary metabolites. Metabolomics profiling showed distinct metabolomic signatures associated with TGFβ2 and TNFα treatment. Enrichment pathway network analysis revealed alterations in the pentose phosphate pathway, galactose metabolism, nucleotide and pyrimidine metabolism, purine metabolism, and arginine and proline metabolism in TNFα-treated cells compared to untreated control cells, whereas TGFβ2 treatment induced perturbations in fatty acid biosynthesis metabolism, the linoleic acid pathway, and the Notch signaling pathway. These results provide a broad metabolic understanding of the bioenergetic rewiring processes governing TGFβ2- and TNFα-dependent induction of EMT. Elucidating the contributions of TGFβ2 and TNFα and their mechanistic differences in promoting EMT of RPE will enable the identification of novel biomarkers for diagnosis, management, and tailored drug development for retinal fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Qin Ng
- Department of Plant Science, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, Cambridgeshire, UK
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Magali Saint-Geniez
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Leo A. Kim
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Daisy Y. Shu
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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30
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Li W, Tan J, He S, Yue Y, Liu H, Li R, Wang X, Wang G, Fan W, Zhao C, Zhou Q, Yang P, Hou S. iPSC-based model of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease for phenotype recapitulation and drug screening. Clin Immunol 2023; 246:109205. [PMID: 36509389 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2022.109205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease, a major blinding eye disease, is characterized by an autoimmune response against melanocytes in multiple organs throughout the body. Currently, the aetiology and pathogenesis of VKH disease are unclear, and the treatment strategy needs to be further optimized. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a monolayer of pigmented cells of the fundus, is essential for maintaining normal visual function and is involved in both the acute and chronic stages of VKH disease. Therefore, the functions of the RPE may play a critical role in the aetiology and treatment of VKH disease. Herein, we established a human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) RPE model of VKH disease by reprogramming peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) into iPSCs and then differentiating them into RPE cells. Patient-derived RPE cells exhibited barrier disruption, impaired phagocytosis, and depigmentation compared with those from normal controls, which was consistent with the features of VKH disease. Furthermore, a small molecular compound targeting EGR2 was found to rescue the barrier and phagocytic functions of the hiPSC-RPE cells through high-throughput virtual screening and functional studies, suggesting a promising strategy for the treatment of VKH disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanqian Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Tan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Siyuan He
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Yingying Yue
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Huan Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Ruonan Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaotang Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoqing Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Fan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Chenyang Zhao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Peizeng Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China..
| | - Shengping Hou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China..
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Zhou T, Yang Z, Ni B, Zhou H, Xu H, Lin X, Li Y, Liu C, Ju R, Ge J, He C, Liu X. IL-4 induces reparative phenotype of RPE cells and protects against retinal neurodegeneration via Nrf2 activation. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:1056. [PMID: 36539414 PMCID: PMC9768119 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05433-0] [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: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Retinal degeneration is a kind of neurodegeneration characterized by progressive neuronal death and dysfunction of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, leading to permanent visual impairment. It still lacks effective therapeutic options and new drugs are highly warranted. In this study, we found the expression of IL-4, a critical regulator of immunity, was reduced in both patients and mouse models. Importantly, exogenous intravitreal IL-4 application could exert a novel neuroprotective effect, characterized by well-preserved RPE layer and neuroretinal structure, as well as amplified wave-amplitudes in ERG. The RNA-seq analysis revealed that IL-4 treatment suppressed the essential oxidative and pro-inflammatory pathways in the degenerative retina. Particularly, IL-4 upregulated the IL-4Rα on RPE cells and induced a reparative phenotype via the activation of Nrf2 both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the Nrf2-/- mice displayed no recovery in response to IL-4 application, highlighting a significant role of Nrf2 in IL-4-mediated protection. Our data provides evidence that IL-4 protects against retinal neurodegeneration by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory property through IL-4Rα upregulation and Nrf2 activation in RPE cells. The IL-4/IL-4Rα-Nrf2 axis maybe the potential targets for the development of novel therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Zhou
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XState Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 510060 Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziqi Yang
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XState Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 510060 Guangzhou, China
| | - Biyan Ni
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XState Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 510060 Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XState Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 510060 Guangzhou, China
| | - Huiyi Xu
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XState Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 510060 Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojing Lin
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XState Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 510060 Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingmin Li
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XState Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 510060 Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunqiao Liu
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XState Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 510060 Guangzhou, China
| | - Rong Ju
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XState Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 510060 Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Ge
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XState Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 510060 Guangzhou, China
| | - Chang He
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XState Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 510060 Guangzhou, China
| | - Xialin Liu
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XState Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 510060 Guangzhou, China
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Malek G, Campisi J, Kitazawa K, Webster C, Lakkaraju A, Skowronska-Krawczyk D. Does senescence play a role in age-related macular degeneration? Exp Eye Res 2022; 225:109254. [PMID: 36150544 PMCID: PMC10032649 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Advanced age is the most established risk factor for developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the leading causes of visual impairment in the elderly, in Western and developed countries. Similarly, after middle age, there is an exponential increase in pathologic molecular and cellular events that can induce senescence, traditionally defined as an irreversible loss of the cells' ability to divide and most recently reported to also occur in select post-mitotic and terminally differentiated cells, such as neurons. Together these facts raise the question as to whether or not cellular senescence, may play a role in the development of AMD. A number of studies have reported the effect of ocular-relevant inducers of senescence using primarily in vitro models of poorly polarized, actively dividing retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell lines. However, in interpretating the data, the fidelity of these culture models to the RPE in vivo, must be considered. Fewer studies have explored the presence and/or impact of senescent cells in in vivo models that present with phenotypic features of AMD, leaving this an open field for further investigation. The goal of this review is to discuss current thoughts on the potential role of senescence in AMD development and progression, with consideration of the model systems used and their relevance to human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goldis Malek
- Duke Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Judith Campisi
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA; Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Koji Kitazawa
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Corey Webster
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
| | - Aparna Lakkaraju
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Translational Vision Research, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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33
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Gelat B, Rathaur P, Malaviya P, Patel B, Trivedi K, Johar K, Gelat R. The intervention of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in homeostasis of human retinal pigment epithelial cells: a review. J Histotechnol 2022; 45:148-160. [DOI: 10.1080/01478885.2022.2137665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brijesh Gelat
- Department of Zoology, BMTC and Human Genetics, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Pooja Rathaur
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Iladevi Cataract and IOL Research Centre, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Pooja Malaviya
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Iladevi Cataract and IOL Research Centre, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Binita Patel
- Department of Life Science, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Krupali Trivedi
- Department of Zoology, BMTC and Human Genetics, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Kaid Johar
- Department of Zoology, BMTC and Human Genetics, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Rahul Gelat
- Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, India
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Yang YP, Hsiao YJ, Chang KJ, Foustine S, Ko YL, Tsai YC, Tai HY, Ko YC, Chiou SH, Lin TC, Chen SJ, Chien Y, Hwang DK. Pluripotent Stem Cells in Clinical Cell Transplantation: Focusing on Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived RPE Cell Therapy in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213794. [PMID: 36430270 PMCID: PMC9696562 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213794] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), including both embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), represent valuable cell sources to replace diseased or injured tissues in regenerative medicine. iPSCs exhibit the potential for indefinite self-renewal and differentiation into various cell types and can be reprogrammed from somatic tissue that can be easily obtained, paving the way for cell therapy, regenerative medicine, and personalized medicine. Cell therapies using various iPSC-derived cell types are now evolving rapidly for the treatment of clinical diseases, including Parkinson's disease, hematological diseases, cardiomyopathy, osteoarthritis, and retinal diseases. Since the first interventional clinical trial with autologous iPSC-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPEs) for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was accomplished in Japan, several preclinical trials using iPSC suspensions or monolayers have been launched, or are ongoing or completed. The evolution and generation of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-universal iPSCs may facilitate the clinical application of iPSC-based therapies. Thus, iPSCs hold great promise in the treatment of multiple retinal diseases. The efficacy and adverse effects of iPSC-based retinal therapies should be carefully assessed in ongoing and further clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ping Yang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jer Hsiao
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Kao-Jung Chang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Shania Foustine
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ling Ko
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Tsai
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Yun Tai
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chieh Ko
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hwa Chiou
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Chi Lin
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jen Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
| | - Yueh Chien
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (D.-K.H.); Tel.: +886-2-2875-2121 (D.-K.H.)
| | - De-Kuang Hwang
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (D.-K.H.); Tel.: +886-2-2875-2121 (D.-K.H.)
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Yeo NJY, Wazny V, Nguyen NLU, Ng CY, Wu KX, Fan Q, Cheung CMG, Cheung C. Single-Cell Transcriptome of Wet AMD Patient-Derived Endothelial Cells in Angiogenic Sprouting. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012549. [PMID: 36293401 PMCID: PMC9604336 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a global leading cause of visual impairment in older populations. ‘Wet’ AMD, the most common subtype of this disease, occurs when pathological angiogenesis infiltrates the subretinal space (choroidal neovascularization), causing hemorrhage and retinal damage. Gold standard anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment is an effective therapy, but the long-term prevention of visual decline has not been as successful. This warrants the need to elucidate potential VEGF-independent pathways. We generated blood out-growth endothelial cells (BOECs) from wet AMD and normal control subjects, then induced angiogenic sprouting of BOECs using a fibrin gel bead assay. To deconvolute endothelial heterogeneity, we performed single-cell transcriptomic analysis on the sprouting BOECs, revealing a spectrum of cell states. Our wet AMD BOECs share common pathways with choroidal neovascularization such as extracellular matrix remodeling that promoted proangiogenic phenotype, and our ‘activated’ BOEC subpopulation demonstrated proinflammatory hallmarks, resembling the tip-like cells in vivo. We uncovered new molecular insights that pathological angiogenesis in wet AMD BOECs could also be driven by interleukin signaling and amino acid metabolism. A web-based visualization of the sprouting BOEC single-cell transcriptome has been created to facilitate further discovery research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Jia Ying Yeo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Vanessa Wazny
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Nhi Le Uyen Nguyen
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Chun-Yi Ng
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Kan Xing Wu
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Qiao Fan
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program (Eye ACP), Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Chui Ming Gemmy Cheung
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Correspondence: (C.M.G.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Christine Cheung
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138673, Singapore
- Correspondence: (C.M.G.C.); (C.C.)
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36
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Bharti K, den Hollander AI, Lakkaraju A, Sinha D, Williams DS, Finnemann SC, Bowes-Rickman C, Malek G, D'Amore PA. Cell culture models to study retinal pigment epithelium-related pathogenesis in age-related macular degeneration. Exp Eye Res 2022; 222:109170. [PMID: 35835183 PMCID: PMC9444976 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that affects the macula - the central part of the retina. It is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the elderly. AMD onset is marked by the presence of lipid- and protein-rich extracellular deposits beneath the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a monolayer of polarized, pigmented epithelial cells located between the photoreceptors and the choroidal blood supply. Progression of AMD to the late nonexudative "dry" stage of AMD, also called geographic atrophy, is linked to progressive loss of areas of the RPE, photoreceptors, and underlying choriocapillaris leading to a severe decline in patients' vision. Differential susceptibility of macular RPE in AMD and the lack of an anatomical macula in most lab animal models has promoted the use of in vitro models of the RPE. In addition, the need for high throughput platforms to test potential therapies has driven the creation and characterization of in vitro model systems that recapitulate morphologic and functional abnormalities associated with human AMD. These models range from spontaneously formed cell line ARPE19, immortalized cell lines such as hTERT-RPE1, RPE-J, and D407, to primary human (fetal or adult) or animal (mouse and pig) RPE cells, and embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived RPE. Hallmark RPE phenotypes, such as cobblestone morphology, pigmentation, and polarization, vary significantly betweendifferent models and culture conditions used in different labs, which would directly impact their usability for investigating different aspects of AMD biology. Here the AMD Disease Models task group of the Ryan Initiative for Macular Research (RIMR) provides a summary of several currently used in vitro RPE models, historical aspects of their development, RPE phenotypes that are attainable in these models, their ability to model different aspects of AMD pathophysiology, and pros/cons for their use in the RPE and AMD fields. In addition, due to the burgeoning use of iPSC derived RPE cells, the critical need for developing standards for differentiating and rigorously characterizing RPE cell appearance, morphology, and function are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kapil Bharti
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Section, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Anneke I den Hollander
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; AbbVie, Genomics Research Center, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Aparna Lakkaraju
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
| | - Debasish Sinha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cell Biology and Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - David S Williams
- Stein Eye Institute, Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Silvia C Finnemann
- Center of Cancer, Genetic Diseases, and Gene Regulation, Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Catherine Bowes-Rickman
- Duke Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Goldis Malek
- Duke Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Patricia A D'Amore
- Mass Eye and Ear, Departments of Ophthalmology and Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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37
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Tang H, Du H, Kuang X, Huang H, Zeng J, Long C, Zhu B, Fu L, Wang H, Zhang Q, Lin S, Yan J, Shen H. Arbutin Protects Retinal Pigment Epithelium Against Oxidative Stress by Modulating SIRT1/FOXO3a/PGC-1α/β Pathway. Front Genet 2022; 13:922807. [PMID: 36051689 PMCID: PMC9425105 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.922807] [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: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the leading cause of blindness among the elderly in western societies, is majorly accompanied by retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration. Because of the irreversible RPE cell loss among oxidative stress, it is crucial to search for available drugs for atrophic (dry) AMD. RNA-Seq analysis revealed that genes related to aging and mitochondrial health were differentially expressed under Arbutin treatment, whereas compared to oxidative injury, our study demonstrated that Arbutin substantially abrogated oxidative stress-induced cell senescence and apoptosis linked to intracellular antioxidant enzyme system homeostasis maintenance, restored mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and reduced the SA-β-GAL accumulation in RPE. Furthermore, Arbutin alleviated oxidative stress-mediated cell apoptosis and senescence via activation of SIRT1, as evidenced by the increase of the downstream FoxO3a and PGC-1α/β that are related to mitochondrial biogenesis, and the suppression of NF-κB p65 inflammasome, whereas rehabilitation of oxidative stress by SIRT1 inhibitor attenuated the protective effect of Arbutin. In conclusion, we validated the results in an in vivo model constructed by NAIO3-injured mice. OCT and HE staining showed that Arbutin sustained retinal integrity in the case of oxidative damage in vivo, and the disorder of RPE cytochrome was alleviated through fundus observation. In summary, our findings identified that oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial malfunction and the subsequent senescence acceleration in RPE cells, whereas Arbutin inhibited TBHP-induced RPE degeneration via regulating the SIRT1/Foxo3a/PGC-1α/β signaling pathway. These findings suggested that Arbutin is a new agent with potential applications in the development of AMD diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Han Du
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xielan Kuang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biobank of Eye, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingshu Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chongde Long
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Binbin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Licheng Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Intensive Care, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingjiong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuibin Lin
- Center for Translational Medicine, Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jianhua Yan, ; Huangxuan Shen,
| | - Huangxuan Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biobank of Eye, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jianhua Yan, ; Huangxuan Shen,
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Hall JC, Paull D, Pébay A, Lidgerwood GE. Human pluripotent stem cells for the modelling of retinal pigment epithelium homeostasis and disease: A review. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022; 50:667-677. [PMID: 35739648 PMCID: PMC9546239 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), which include induced pluripotent stem cells and embryonic stem cells, are powerful tools for studying human development, physiology and disease, including those affecting the retina. Cells from selected individuals, or specific genetic backgrounds, can be differentiated into distinct cell types allowing the modelling of diseases in a dish for therapeutic development. hPSC‐derived retinal cultures have already been used to successfully model retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration for various retinal diseases including monogenic conditions and complex disease such as age‐related macular degeneration. Here, we will review the current knowledge gained in understanding the molecular events involved in retinal disease using hPSC‐derived retinal models, in particular RPE models. We will provide examples of various conditions to illustrate the scope of applications associated with the use of hPSC‐derived RPE models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna C Hall
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Daniel Paull
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute New York New York USA
| | - Alice Pébay
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
- Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Grace E. Lidgerwood
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
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Senabouth A, Daniszewski M, Lidgerwood GE, Liang HH, Hernández D, Mirzaei M, Keenan SN, Zhang R, Han X, Neavin D, Rooney L, Lopez Sanchez MIG, Gulluyan L, Paulo JA, Clarke L, Kearns LS, Gnanasambandapillai V, Chan CL, Nguyen U, Steinmann AM, McCloy RA, Farbehi N, Gupta VK, Mackey DA, Bylsma G, Verma N, MacGregor S, Watt MJ, Guymer RH, Powell JE, Hewitt AW, Pébay A. Transcriptomic and proteomic retinal pigment epithelium signatures of age-related macular degeneration. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4233. [PMID: 35882847 PMCID: PMC9325891 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31707-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
There are currently no treatments for geographic atrophy, the advanced form of age-related macular degeneration. Hence, innovative studies are needed to model this condition and prevent or delay its progression. Induced pluripotent stem cells generated from patients with geographic atrophy and healthy individuals were differentiated to retinal pigment epithelium. Integrating transcriptional profiles of 127,659 retinal pigment epithelium cells generated from 43 individuals with geographic atrophy and 36 controls with genotype data, we identify 445 expression quantitative trait loci in cis that are asssociated with disease status and specific to retinal pigment epithelium subpopulations. Transcriptomics and proteomics approaches identify molecular pathways significantly upregulated in geographic atrophy, including in mitochondrial functions, metabolic pathways and extracellular cellular matrix reorganization. Five significant protein quantitative trait loci that regulate protein expression in the retinal pigment epithelium and in geographic atrophy are identified - two of which share variants with cis- expression quantitative trait loci, including proteins involved in mitochondrial biology and neurodegeneration. Investigation of mitochondrial metabolism confirms mitochondrial dysfunction as a core constitutive difference of the retinal pigment epithelium from patients with geographic atrophy. This study uncovers important differences in retinal pigment epithelium homeostasis associated with geographic atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Senabouth
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Maciej Daniszewski
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Grace E Lidgerwood
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Helena H Liang
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Damián Hernández
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Stacey N Keenan
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Ran Zhang
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Xikun Han
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Drew Neavin
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Louise Rooney
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | | | - Lerna Gulluyan
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Joao A Paulo
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Linda Clarke
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Lisa S Kearns
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | | | - Chia-Ling Chan
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Uyen Nguyen
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Angela M Steinmann
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Rachael A McCloy
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Nona Farbehi
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Vivek K Gupta
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - David A Mackey
- Lions Eye Institute, Centre for Vision Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7005, Australia
| | - Guy Bylsma
- Lions Eye Institute, Centre for Vision Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Nitin Verma
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7005, Australia
| | - Stuart MacGregor
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Matthew J Watt
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Robyn H Guymer
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Ophthalmology, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, The University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Joseph E Powell
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia.
- UNSW Cellular Genomics Futures Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Alex W Hewitt
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia.
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7005, Australia.
- Department of Surgery, Ophthalmology, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, The University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia.
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - Alice Pébay
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia.
- Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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40
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Tong Y, Zhang Z, Wang S. Role of Mitochondria in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Aging and Degeneration. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2022; 3:926627. [PMID: 35912040 PMCID: PMC9337215 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2022.926627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells form a monolayer between the neuroretina and choroid. It has multiple important functions, including acting as outer blood-retina barrier, maintaining the function of neuroretina and photoreceptors, participating in the visual cycle and regulating retinal immune response. Due to high oxidative stress environment, RPE cells are vulnerable to dysfunction, cellular senescence, and cell death, which underlies RPE aging and age-related diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Mitochondria are the powerhouse of cells and a major source of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) that contribute to mitochondrial DNA damage, cell death, senescence, and age-related diseases. Mitochondria also undergo dynamic changes including fission/fusion, biogenesis and mitophagy for quality control in response to stresses. The role of mitochondria, especially mitochondrial dynamics, in RPE aging and age-related diseases, is still unclear. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of mitochondrial function, biogenesis and especially dynamics such as morphological changes and mitophagy in RPE aging and age-related RPE diseases, as well as in the biological processes of RPE cellular senescence and cell death. We also discuss the current preclinical and clinical research efforts to prevent or treat RPE degeneration by restoring mitochondrial function and dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Tong
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Zunyi Zhang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Shusheng Wang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Tulane Personalized Health Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
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41
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Molins B, Mesquida M, Adan A. Bioengineering approaches for modelling retinal pathologies of the outer blood-retinal barrier. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022:101097. [PMID: 35840488 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Alterations of the junctional complex of the outer blood-retinal barrier (oBRB), which is integrated by the close interaction of the retinal pigment epithelium, the Bruch's membrane, and the choriocapillaris, contribute to the loss of neuronal signalling and subsequent vision impairment in several retinal inflammatory disorders such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Reductionist approaches into the mechanisms that underlie such diseases have been hindered by the absence of adequate in vitro models using human cells to provide the 3D dynamic architecture that enables expression of the in vivo phenotype of the oBRB. Conventional in vitro cell models are based on 2D monolayer cellular cultures, unable to properly recapitulate the complexity of living systems. The main drawbacks of conventional oBRB models also emerge from the cell sourcing, the lack of an appropriate Bruch's membrane analogue, and the lack of choroidal microvasculature with flow. In the last years, the advent of organ-on-a-chip, bioengineering, and stem cell technologies is providing more advanced 3D models with flow, multicellularity, and external control over microenvironmental properties. By incorporating additional biological complexity, organ-on-a-chip devices can mirror physiologically relevant properties of the native tissue while offering additional set ups to model and study disease. In this review we first examine the current understanding of oBRB biology as a functional unit, highlighting the coordinated contribution of the different components to barrier function in health and disease. Then we describe recent advances in the use of pluripotent stem cells-derived retinal cells, Bruch's membrane analogues, and co-culture techniques to recapitulate the oBRB. We finally discuss current advances and challenges of oBRB-on-a-chip technologies for disease modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Molins
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Marina Mesquida
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alfredo Adan
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Instituto Clínic de Oftalmología, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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42
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Voisin A, Gaillard A, Balbous A, Leveziel N. Proteins Associated with Phagocytosis Alteration in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Derived from Age-Related Macular Degeneration Patients. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11040713. [PMID: 35453399 PMCID: PMC9028973 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11040713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is partially characterized by retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell dysfunction. This study focused on phagocytosis activity and its involvement in AMD. Phagocytic activity was analyzed by flow cytometry using porcine photoreceptor outer segment (POS) and fluorescent beads in basal and under oxidative stress condition induced by Fe-NTA in fifteen hiPSC-RPE cell lines (six controls, six atrophic AMD and three exudative AMD). Oxidative stress exposure inhibited phagocytosis in the same manner for control, atrophic AMD (AMDa) and exudative AMD (AMDe) cell lines. However, altered phagocytosis in basal condition in hiPSC-RPE AMDa/e was observed compared to control cell lines. Gene expression after 3 or 24 h of POS incubation was analyzed by RNA-Seq based transcriptomic profiling. Differential gene expression was observed by RNA seq after 3 and 24 h POS exposure. We have focused on the genes involved in mTOR/PI3K-AKT/MEK-ERK pathway. We investigated differences in gene expression by analyzing the expression levels and activity of the corresponding proteins by Western blot. We showed the involvement of three proteins essential for phagocytosis activity: fak, tuberin and rictor. These findings demonstrate that hiPSC-RPE AMDa/e cells have a typical disease phenotype characterized by alteration of the main function of RPE cells, phagocytosis activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Voisin
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Equipe Thérapie Cellulaire dans les Pathologies Cérébrales, INSERM, Université de Poitiers, F-86073 Poitiers, France; (A.G.); (A.B.); (N.L.)
- CHU Poitiers, F-86021 Poitiers, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Afsaneh Gaillard
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Equipe Thérapie Cellulaire dans les Pathologies Cérébrales, INSERM, Université de Poitiers, F-86073 Poitiers, France; (A.G.); (A.B.); (N.L.)
| | - Anaïs Balbous
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Equipe Thérapie Cellulaire dans les Pathologies Cérébrales, INSERM, Université de Poitiers, F-86073 Poitiers, France; (A.G.); (A.B.); (N.L.)
- CHU Poitiers, F-86021 Poitiers, France
| | - Nicolas Leveziel
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Equipe Thérapie Cellulaire dans les Pathologies Cérébrales, INSERM, Université de Poitiers, F-86073 Poitiers, France; (A.G.); (A.B.); (N.L.)
- CHU Poitiers, F-86021 Poitiers, France
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43
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Human iPSC- and Primary-Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells for Modeling Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11040605. [PMID: 35453289 PMCID: PMC9025527 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11040605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary cultures of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) from human adult donors (haRPE) and induced pluripotent stem cell derived-RPE (iPSC-RPE) are valuable model systems for gaining mechanistic insight and for testing potential therapies for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study evaluated the treatment response of haRPE and iPSC-RPE to oxidative stress and potential therapeutics addressing mitochondrial defects. haRPE and iSPC-RPE were derived from donors with or without AMD. Mitochondrial function was measured after treatment with menadione, AICAR, or trehalose and the response to treatment was compared between cell models and by disease status. In a subset of samples, haRPE and iPSC-RPE were generated from the same human donor to make a side-by-side comparison of the two cell models' response to treatment. Disease-specific responses to all three treatments was observed in the haRPE. In contrast, iPSC-RPE had a similar response to all treatments irrespective of disease status. Analysis of haRPE and iPSC-RPE generated from the same human donor showed a similar response for donors without AMD, but there were significant differences in treatment response between cell models generated from AMD donors. These results support the use of iPSC-RPE and haRPE when investigating AMD mechanisms and new therapeutics but indicates that attention to experimental conditions is required.
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Peters F, Ebner LJA, Atac D, Maggi J, Berger W, den Hollander AI, Grimm C. Regulation of ABCA1 by AMD-Associated Genetic Variants and Hypoxia in iPSC-RPE. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063194. [PMID: 35328615 PMCID: PMC8953808 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disease of the macula characterized by atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor degeneration, leading to severe vision loss at advanced stages in the elderly population. Impaired reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) as well as intracellular lipid accumulation in the RPE are implicated in AMD pathogenesis. Here, we focus on ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), a major cholesterol transport protein in the RPE, and analyze conditions that lead to ABCA1 dysregulation in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived RPE cells (iRPEs). Our results indicate that the risk-conferring alleles rs1883025 (C) and rs2740488 (A) in ABCA1 are associated with increased ABCA1 mRNA and protein levels and reduced efficiency of cholesterol efflux from the RPE. Hypoxia, an environmental risk factor for AMD, reduced expression of ABCA1 and increased intracellular lipid accumulation. Treatment with a liver X receptor (LXR) agonist led to an increase in ABCA1 expression and reduced lipid accumulation. Our data strengthen the homeostatic role of cholesterol efflux in the RPE and suggest that increasing cellular cholesterol export by stimulating ABCA1 expression might lessen lipid load, improving RPE survival and reducing the risk of developing AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Peters
- Laboratory for Retinal Cell Biology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8952 Zurich, Switzerland;
- Correspondence: (F.P.); (C.G.)
| | - Lynn J. A. Ebner
- Laboratory for Retinal Cell Biology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8952 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - David Atac
- Institute of Medical Molecular Genetics, University of Zurich, 8952 Zurich, Switzerland; (D.A.); (J.M.); (W.B.)
| | - Jordi Maggi
- Institute of Medical Molecular Genetics, University of Zurich, 8952 Zurich, Switzerland; (D.A.); (J.M.); (W.B.)
| | - Wolfgang Berger
- Institute of Medical Molecular Genetics, University of Zurich, 8952 Zurich, Switzerland; (D.A.); (J.M.); (W.B.)
| | - Anneke I. den Hollander
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
- AbbVie, Genomic Research Center, 200 Sidney Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Christian Grimm
- Laboratory for Retinal Cell Biology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8952 Zurich, Switzerland;
- Correspondence: (F.P.); (C.G.)
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45
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Grigoryan EN. Pigment Epithelia of the Eye: Cell-Type Conversion in Regeneration and Disease. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12030382. [PMID: 35330132 PMCID: PMC8955580 DOI: 10.3390/life12030382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigment epithelial cells (PECs) of the retina (RPE), ciliary body, and iris (IPE) are capable of altering their phenotype. The main pathway of phenotypic switching of eye PECs in vertebrates and humans in vivo and/or in vitro is neural/retinal. Besides, cells of amphibian IPE give rise to the lens and its derivatives, while mammalian and human RPE can be converted along the mesenchymal pathway. The PECs’ capability of conversion in vivo underlies the lens and retinal regeneration in lower vertebrates and retinal diseases such as proliferative vitreoretinopathy and fibrosis in mammals and humans. The present review considers these processes studied in vitro and in vivo in animal models and in humans. The molecular basis of conversion strategies in PECs is elucidated. Being predetermined onto- and phylogenetically, it includes a species-specific molecular context, differential expression of transcription factors, signaling pathways, and epigenomic changes. The accumulated knowledge regarding the mechanisms of PECs phenotypic switching allows the development of approaches to specified conversion for many purposes: obtaining cells for transplantation, creating conditions to stimulate natural regeneration of the retina and the lens, blocking undesirable conversions associated with eye pathology, and finding molecular markers of pathology to be targets of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora N Grigoryan
- Kol'tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
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46
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Harvey JP, Sladen PE, Yu-Wai-Man P, Cheetham ME. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Inherited Optic Neuropathies-Disease Modeling and Therapeutic Development. J Neuroophthalmol 2022; 42:35-44. [PMID: 34629400 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000001375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inherited optic neuropathies (IONs) cause progressive irreversible visual loss in children and young adults. There are limited disease-modifying treatments, and most patients progress to become severely visually impaired, fulfilling the legal criteria for blind registration. The seminal discovery of the technique for reprogramming somatic nondividing cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has opened several exciting opportunities in the field of ION research and treatment. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A systematic review of the literature was conducted with PubMed using the following search terms: autosomal dominant optic atrophy, ADOA, dominant optic atrophy, DOA, Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, LHON, optic atrophy, induced pluripotent stem cell, iPSC, iPSC derived, iPS, stem cell, retinal ganglion cell, and RGC. Clinical trials were identified on the ClinicalTrials.gov website. RESULTS This review article is focused on disease modeling and the therapeutic strategies being explored with iPSC technologies for the 2 most common IONs, namely, dominant optic atrophy and Leber hereditary optic neuropathy. The rationale and translational advances for cell-based and gene-based therapies are explored, as well as opportunities for neuroprotection and drug screening. CONCLUSIONS iPSCs offer an elegant, patient-focused solution to the investigation of the genetic defects and disease mechanisms underpinning IONs. Furthermore, this group of disorders is uniquely amenable to both the disease modeling capability and the therapeutic potential that iPSCs offer. This fast-moving area will remain at the forefront of both basic and translational ION research in the coming years, with the potential to accelerate the development of effective therapies for patients affected with these blinding diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Paul Harvey
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology (JPH, PES, PY-W-M, MC), London, United Kingdom; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (JPH, PY-W-M), London, United Kingdom; Department of Clinical Neurosciences (PY-W-M), Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; and Department of Clinical Neurosciences (PY-W-M), John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair and MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Li Z, Duan H, Jia Y, Zhao C, Li W, Wang X, Gong Y, Dong C, Ma B, Dou S, Zhang B, Li D, Cao Y, Xie L, Zhou Q, Shi W. Long-term corneal recovery by simultaneous delivery of hPSC-derived corneal endothelial precursors and nicotinamide. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:146658. [PMID: 34981789 PMCID: PMC8718141 DOI: 10.1172/jci146658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) hold great promise for the treatment of various human diseases. However, their therapeutic benefits and mechanisms for treating corneal endothelial dysfunction remain undefined. Here, we developed a therapeutic regimen consisting of the combination of hPSC-derived corneal endothelial precursors (CEPs) with nicotinamide (NAM) for effective treatment of corneal endothelial dysfunction. In rabbit and nonhuman primate models, intracameral injection of CEPs and NAM achieved long-term recovery of corneal clarity and thickness, similar with the therapeutic outcome of cultured human corneal endothelial cells (CECs). The transplanted human CEPs exhibited structural and functional integration with host resident CECs. However, the long-term recovery relied on the stimulation of endogenous endothelial regeneration in rabbits, but predominantly on the replacing function of transplanted cells during the 3-year follow-up in nonhuman primates, which resemble human corneal endothelium with limited regenerative capacity. Mechanistically, NAM ensured in vivo proper maturation of transplanted CEPs into functional CECs by preventing premature senescence and endothelial-mesenchymal transition within the TGF-β–enriched aqueous humor. Together, we provide compelling experimental evidence and mechanistic insights of simultaneous delivery of CEPs and NAM as a potential approach for treating corneal endothelial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongyi Li
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Haoyun Duan
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanni Jia
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Can Zhao
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenjing Li
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yajie Gong
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chunxiao Dong
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Bochao Ma
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shengqian Dou
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Dongfang Li
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yihai Cao
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor, and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lixin Xie
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qingjun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Weiyun Shi
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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Testing Mitochondrial-Targeted Drugs in iPSC-RPE from Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15010062. [PMID: 35056119 PMCID: PMC8781759 DOI: 10.3390/ph15010062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. No universally effective treatments exist for atrophic or “dry” AMD, which results from loss of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors and accounts for ≈80% of all AMD patients. Prior studies provide evidence for the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in AMD pathology. This study used induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) RPE derived from five AMD patients to test the efficacy of three drugs (AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide), Metformin, trehalose) that target key processes in maintaining optimal mitochondrial function. The patient iPSC-RPE lines were used in a proof-of-concept drug screen, utilizing an analysis of RPE mitochondrial function following acute and extended drug exposure. Results show considerable variability in drug response across patient cell lines, supporting the need for a personalized medicine approach for treating AMD. Furthermore, our results demonstrate the feasibility of using iPSC-RPE from AMD patients to develop a personalized drug treatment regime and provide a roadmap for the future clinical management of AMD.
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Epithelial phenotype restoring drugs suppress macular degeneration phenotypes in an iPSC model. Nat Commun 2021; 12:7293. [PMID: 34911940 PMCID: PMC8674335 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27488-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), a blinding eye disease, is characterized by pathological protein- and lipid-rich drusen deposits underneath the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and atrophy of the RPE monolayer in advanced disease stages - leading to photoreceptor cell death and vision loss. Currently, there are no drugs that stop drusen formation or RPE atrophy in AMD. Here we provide an iPSC-RPE AMD model that recapitulates drusen and RPE atrophy. Drusen deposition is dependent on AMD-risk-allele CFH(H/H) and anaphylatoxin triggered alternate complement signaling via the activation of NF-κB and downregulation of autophagy pathways. Through high-throughput screening we identify two drugs, L-745,870, a dopamine receptor antagonist, and aminocaproic acid, a protease inhibitor that reduce drusen deposits and restore RPE epithelial phenotype in anaphylatoxin challenged iPSC-RPE with or without the CFH(H/H) genotype. This comprehensive iPSC-RPE model replicates key AMD phenotypes, provides molecular insight into the role of CFH(H/H) risk-allele in AMD, and discovers two candidate drugs to treat AMD.
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Single-Cell Multiomics Analysis for Drug Discovery. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11110729. [PMID: 34822387 PMCID: PMC8623556 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11110729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the heterogeneity seen in cell populations within biological systems, analysis of single cells is necessary for studying mechanisms that cannot be identified on a bulk population level. There are significant variations in the biological and physiological function of cell populations due to the functional differences within, as well as between, single species as a result of the specific proteome, transcriptome, and metabolome that are unique to each individual cell. Single-cell analysis proves crucial in providing a comprehensive understanding of the biological and physiological properties underlying human health and disease. Omics technologies can help to examine proteins (proteomics), RNA molecules (transcriptomics), and the chemical processes involving metabolites (metabolomics) in cells, in addition to genomes. In this review, we discuss the value of multiomics in drug discovery and the importance of single-cell multiomics measurements. We will provide examples of the benefits of applying single-cell omics technologies in drug discovery and development. Moreover, we intend to show how multiomics offers the opportunity to understand the detailed events which produce or prevent disease, and ways in which the separate omics disciplines complement each other to build a broader, deeper knowledge base.
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