1
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Günter A, Belhadj S, Seeliger MW, Mühlfriedel R. The Mongolian gerbil as an advanced model to study cone system physiology. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1339282. [PMID: 38333056 PMCID: PMC10850313 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1339282] [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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
In this work, we introduce a diurnal rodent, the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) (MG) as an alternative to study retinal cone system physiology and pathophysiology in mice. The cone system is of particular importance, as it provides high-acuity and color vision and its impairment in retinal disorders is thus especially disabling. Despite their nocturnal lifestyle, mice are currently the most popular animals to study cone-related diseases due to the high availability of genetically modified models. However, the potential for successful translation of any cone-related results is limited due to the substantial differences in retinal organization between mice and humans. Alternatively, there are diurnal rodents such as the MG with a higher retinal proportion of cones and a macula-like specialized region for improved visual resolution, the visual streak. The focus of this work was the evaluation of the MG's cone system functionality using full-field electroretinography (ERG), together with a morphological assessment of its retinal/visual streak organization via angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and photoreceptor immunohistochemistry. We found that rod system responses in MGs were comparable or slightly inferior to mice, while in contrast, cone system responses were much larger, more sensitive, and also faster than those in the murine counterparts, and in addition, it was possible to record sizeable ON and OFF ERG components. Morphologically, MG cone photoreceptor opsins were evenly distributed throughout the retina, while mice show a dorsoventral M- and S-opsin gradient. Additionally, each cone expressed a single opsin, in contrast to the typical co-expression of opsins in mice. Particular attention was given to the visual streak region, featuring a higher density of cones, elongated cone and rod outer segments (OSs), and an increased thickness of the inner and outer retinal layers in comparison to peripheral regions. In summary, our data render the MG a supreme model to investigate cone system physiology, pathophysiology, and to validate potential therapeutic strategies in that context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Günter
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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2
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Tang Z, Zhao T, Ren J, Zhang K, Yin Q, Zhang T, Zhang H, Dong T, Zhang P, Zhang J. An innovative multi-modal retinal imaging system for in vivo retinal detection in small animals. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2023; 3:1251328. [PMID: 38983041 PMCID: PMC11182313 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2023.1251328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
This paper presents an innovative retinal imaging system tailored for in vivo fundus detection in small animals. This system integrates Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy (SLO) and optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) techniques, enabling the simultaneous generation of images from various modalities, including SLO reflectance, SLO fluorescein angiogram, OCT, and OCT angiogram. The existing multi-modal retinal imaging systems generally encounter limitations such as the inability to detect peripheral lesion areas attributed to small Field of View (FOV) design and susceptibility to sample motion due to slow data acquisition speed. To address these challenges, it's essential to underscore that this proposed system offers a range of notable advantages, including its compact design, the capacity for widefield imaging with a FOV of up to 100°, and a rapid OCT A-scan rate of 250 kHz, notably exceeding the capabilities of pre-existing multi-modal retinal imaging systems. Validation of the system involved imaging the eyes of normal wild-type mice and diseased mice afflicted with retinal detachment and choroidal neovascularization (CNV). The favorable imaging results demonstrate the system's reliability in identifying retinal lesions in small animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyuan Tang
- Advanced Ophthalmology Laboratory (AOL), Robotrak Technologies, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tianze Zhao
- Advanced Ophthalmology Laboratory (AOL), Robotrak Technologies, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ji Ren
- Advanced Ophthalmology Laboratory (AOL), Robotrak Technologies, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kuan Zhang
- Advanced Ophthalmology Laboratory (AOL), Robotrak Technologies, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qi Yin
- Advanced Ophthalmology Laboratory (AOL), Robotrak Technologies, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Teng Zhang
- Advanced Ophthalmology Laboratory (AOL), Robotrak Technologies, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Ophthalmology Department, Tri-Apex Laboratories Co., LTD, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tianyu Dong
- Ophthalmology Department, Tri-Apex Laboratories Co., LTD, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Advanced Ophthalmology Laboratory (AOL), Robotrak Technologies, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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3
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Günter A, Sothilingam V, Orlich MM, Nordheim A, Seeliger MW, Mühlfriedel R. Mural Serum Response Factor (SRF) Deficiency Provides Insights into Retinal Vascular Functionality and Development. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12597. [PMID: 37628776 PMCID: PMC10454173 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612597] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Serum response factor (SRF) controls the expression of muscle contraction and motility genes in mural cells (MCs) of the vasculature. In the retina, MC-SRF is important for correct angiogenesis during development and the continuing maintenance of the vascular tone. The purpose of this study was to provide further insights into the effects of MC SRF deficiency on the vasculature and function of the mature retina in SrfiMCKO mice that carry a MC-specific deletion of Srf. Retinal morphology and vascular integrity were analyzed in vivo via scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO), angiography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Retinal function was evaluated with full-field electroretinography (ERG). We found that retinal blood vessels of these mutants exhibited different degrees of morphological and functional alterations. With increasing severity, we found vascular bulging, the formation of arteriovenous (AV) anastomoses, and ultimately, a retinal detachment (RD). The associated irregular retinal blood pressure and flow distribution eventually induced hypoxia, indicated by a negative ERG waveform shape. Further, the high frequency of interocular differences in the phenotype of individual SrfiMCKO mice points to a secondary nature of these developments far downstream of the genetic defect and rather dependent on the local retinal context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Günter
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (V.S.); (M.W.S.)
| | - Vithiyanjali Sothilingam
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (V.S.); (M.W.S.)
| | - Michael M. Orlich
- Rudbeck Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Alfred Nordheim
- Department of Molecular Biology, Interfaculty Institute of Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany;
| | - Mathias W. Seeliger
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (V.S.); (M.W.S.)
| | - Regine Mühlfriedel
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (V.S.); (M.W.S.)
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Rico-Jimenez JJ, Jovanovic J, Nolen SL, Malone JD, Rao G, Levine EM, Tao YK. MURIN: Multimodal Retinal Imaging and Navigated-laser-delivery for dynamic and longitudinal tracking of photodamage in murine models. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2023; 3:1141070. [PMID: 37275441 PMCID: PMC10238074 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2023.1141070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Laser-induced photodamage is a robust method for investigating retinal pathologies in small animals. However, aiming of the photocoagulation laser is often limited by manual alignment and lacks real-time feedback on lesion location and severity. Here, we demonstrate a multimodality OCT and SLO ophthalmic imaging system with an image-guided scanning laser lesioning module optimized for the murine retina. The proposed system enables targeting of focal and extended area lesions under OCT guidance to benefit visualization of photodamage response and the precision and repeatability of laser lesion models of retinal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose J. Rico-Jimenez
- Vanderbilt University, Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Joel Jovanovic
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
- Vanderbilt University, Dept. of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
- Vanderbilt University, Dept. of Cell and Developmental Biology, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Stephanie L. Nolen
- Vanderbilt University, Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Joseph D. Malone
- Vanderbilt University, Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Gopikrishna Rao
- Vanderbilt University, Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Edward M. Levine
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
- Vanderbilt University, Dept. of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
- Vanderbilt University, Dept. of Cell and Developmental Biology, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Yuankai K. Tao
- Vanderbilt University, Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
- Vanderbilt University, Dept. of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
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5
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Zhang P, Wahl DJ, Mocci J, Miller EB, Bonora S, Sarunic MV, Zawadzki RJ. Adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and optical coherence tomography (AO-SLO-OCT) system for in vivo mouse retina imaging. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2023; 14:299-314. [PMID: 36698677 PMCID: PMC9841993 DOI: 10.1364/boe.473447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) are imaging technologies invented in the 1980s that have revolutionized the field of in vivo retinal diagnostics and are now commonly used in ophthalmology clinics as well as in vision science research. Adaptive optics (AO) technology enables high-fidelity correction of ocular aberrations, resulting in improved resolution and sensitivity for both SLO and OCT systems. The potential of gathering multi-modal cellular-resolution information in a single instrument is of great interest to the ophthalmic imaging community. Although similar instruments have been developed for imaging the human retina, developing such a system for mice will benefit basic science research and should help with further dissemination of AO technology. Here, we present our work integrating OCT into an existing mouse retinal AO-SLO system, resulting in a multi-modal AO-enhanced imaging system of the living mouse eye. The new system allows either independent or simultaneous data acquisition of AO-SLO and AO-OCT, depending on the requirements of specific scientific experiments. The system allows a data acquisition speed of 200 kHz A-scans/pixel rate for OCT and SLO, respectively. It offers ∼6 µm axial resolution for AO-OCT and a ∼1 µm lateral resolution for AO-SLO-OCT imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Zhang
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
- UC Davis EyePod Small Animals Ocular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Daniel J. Wahl
- Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Jacopo Mocci
- Dynamic Optics srl, Piazza Zanellato 5, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Eric B. Miller
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Stefano Bonora
- CNR-Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnology, Via Trasea 7, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Marinko V. Sarunic
- Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
- Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert J. Zawadzki
- UC Davis EyePod Small Animals Ocular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- UC Davis Eye Center, Dept. of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California Davis, 4860 Y Street, Suite 2400, Sacramento, California 95817, USA
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6
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Koster C, van den Hurk KT, ten Brink JB, Lewallen CF, Stanzel BV, Bharti K, Bergen AA. Sodium-Iodate Injection Can Replicate Retinal Degenerative Disease Stages in Pigmented Mice and Rats: Non-Invasive Follow-Up Using OCT and ERG. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23062918. [PMID: 35328338 PMCID: PMC8953416 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The lack of suitable animal models for (dry) age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has hampered therapeutic research into the disease, so far. In this study, pigmented rats and mice were systematically injected with various doses of sodium iodate (SI). After injection, the retinal structure and visual function were non-invasively characterized over time to obtain in-depth data on the suitability of these models for studying experimental therapies for retinal degenerative diseases, such as dry AMD. Methods: SI was injected into the tail vein (i.v.) using a series of doses (0–70 mg/kg) in adolescent C57BL/6J mice and Brown Norway rats. The retinal structure and function were assessed non-invasively at baseline (day 1) and at several time points (1–3, 5, and 10-weeks) post-injection by scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and electroretinography (ERG). Results: After the SI injection, retinal degeneration in mice and rats yielded similar results. The lowest dose (10 mg/kg) resulted in non-detectable structural or functional effects. An injection with 20 mg/kg SI did not result in an evident retinal degeneration as judged from the OCT data. In contrast, the ERG responses were temporarily decreased but returned to baseline within two-weeks. Higher doses (30, 40, 50, and 70 mg/kg) resulted in moderate to severe structural RPE and retinal injury and decreased the ERG amplitudes, indicating visual impairment in both mice and rat strains. Conclusions: After the SI injections, we observed dose-dependent structural and functional pathological effects on the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and retina in the pigmented mouse and rat strains that were used in this study. Similar effects were observed in both species. In particular, a dose of 30 mg/kg seems to be suitable for future studies on developing experimental therapies. These relatively easily induced non-inherited models may serve as useful tools for evaluating novel therapies for RPE-related retinal degenerations, such as AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Koster
- Department of Human Genetics, Section Ophthalmogenetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Location AMC, Meibergdreef, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.K.); (K.T.v.d.H.); (J.B.t.B.)
| | - Koen T. van den Hurk
- Department of Human Genetics, Section Ophthalmogenetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Location AMC, Meibergdreef, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.K.); (K.T.v.d.H.); (J.B.t.B.)
| | - Jacoline B. ten Brink
- Department of Human Genetics, Section Ophthalmogenetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Location AMC, Meibergdreef, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.K.); (K.T.v.d.H.); (J.B.t.B.)
| | - Colby F. Lewallen
- Georgia Institute of Technology, G.W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA;
| | - Boris V. Stanzel
- Eye Clinic Sulzbach, Knappschaft Hospital Saar, 66280 Sulzbach/Saar, Germany;
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany
| | - Kapil Bharti
- Ocular and Stem Cell Research Section, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Arthur A. Bergen
- Department of Human Genetics, Section Ophthalmogenetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Location AMC, Meibergdreef, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.K.); (K.T.v.d.H.); (J.B.t.B.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, AUMC, UvA, Location AMC, Meibergdreef, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
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7
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RESVEGA, a Nutraceutical Omega-3/Resveratrol Supplementation, Reduces Angiogenesis in a Preclinical Mouse Model of Choroidal Neovascularization. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011023. [PMID: 34681683 PMCID: PMC8538314 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that is characterized by damage to the central part of the retina, the macula, and that affects millions of people worldwide. At an advanced stage, a blind spot grows in the center of vision, severely handicapping patients with this degenerative condition. Despite therapeutic advances thanks to the use of anti-VEGF, many resistance mechanisms have been found to accentuate the visual deficit. In the present study, we explored whether supplementation with Resvega®, a nutraceutical formulation composed of omega-3 fatty acids and resveratrol, a well-known polyphenol in grapes, was able to counteract laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in mice. We highlight that Resvega® significantly reduced CNV in mice compared with supplementations containing omega-3 or resveratrol alone. Moreover, a proteomic approach confirmed that Resvega® could counteract the progression of AMD through a pleiotropic effect targeting key regulators of neoangiogenesis in retina cells in vivo. These events were associated with an accumulation of resveratrol metabolites within the retina. Therefore, a supplementation of omega-3/resveratrol could improve the management or slow the progression of AMD in patients with this condition.
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Cruz-Herranz A, Oertel FC, Kim K, Cantó E, Timmons G, Sin JH, Devereux M, Baker N, Michel B, Schubert RD, Rani L, Cordano C, Baranzini SE, Green AJ. Distinctive waves of innate immune response in the retina in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e149228. [PMID: 34100385 PMCID: PMC8262300 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.149228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegeneration mediates neurological disability in inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the CNS. The role of innate immune cells in mediating this damage has remained controversial with evidence for destructive and protective effects. This has complicated efforts to develop treatment. The time sequence and dynamic evolution of the opposing functions are especially unclear. Given limits of in vivo monitoring in human diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), animal models are warranted to investigate the association and timing of innate immune activation with neurodegeneration. Using noninvasive in vivo retinal imaging of experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) in CX3CR1GFP/+–knock-in mice followed by transcriptional profiling, we are able to show 2 distinct waves separated by a marked reduction in the number of innate immune cells and change in cell morphology. The first wave is characterized by an inflammatory phagocytic phenotype preceding the onset of EAE, whereas the second wave is characterized by a regulatory, antiinflammatory phenotype during the chronic stage. Additionally, the magnitude of the first wave is associated with neuronal loss. Two transcripts identified — growth arrest–specific protein 6 (GAS6) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) — might be promising targets for enhancing protective effects of microglia in the chronic phase after initial injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Cruz-Herranz
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Frederike C Oertel
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.,Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), Max-Delbrück-Centrum for Molecular Medicine, and.,NeuroCure Clinical Research Center (NCRC), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kicheol Kim
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ester Cantó
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Garrett Timmons
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jung H Sin
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michael Devereux
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Nicholas Baker
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Brady Michel
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ryan D Schubert
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lakshmisahithi Rani
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Christian Cordano
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sergio E Baranzini
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ari J Green
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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9
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Ringel MJ, Tang EM, Tao YK. Advances in multimodal imaging in ophthalmology. Ther Adv Ophthalmol 2021; 13:25158414211002400. [PMID: 35187398 PMCID: PMC8855415 DOI: 10.1177/25158414211002400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Multimodality ophthalmic imaging systems aim to enhance the contrast, resolution, and functionality of existing technologies to improve disease diagnostics and therapeutic guidance. These systems include advanced acquisition and post-processing methods using optical coherence tomography (OCT), combined scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and OCT systems, adaptive optics, surgical guidance, and photoacoustic technologies. Here, we provide an overview of these ophthalmic imaging systems and their clinical and basic science applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan J. Ringel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Eric M. Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Yuankai K. Tao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
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10
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Zhang L, Cui X, Han Y, Park KS, Gao X, Zhang X, Yuan Z, Hu Y, Hsu CW, Li X, Bassuk AG, Mahajan VB, Wang NK, Tsang SH. Hypoxic drive caused type 3 neovascularization in a preclinical model of exudative age-related macular degeneration. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:3475-3485. [PMID: 31518400 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia associated with the high metabolic demand of rods has been implicated in the pathology of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of adult blindness in the developed world. The majority of AMD-associated severe vision loss cases are due to exudative AMD, characterized by neovascularization. To further investigate the causes and histopathology of exudative AMD, we conditionally induced hypoxia in a novel preclinical AMD model (Pde6gcreERT2/+;Vhl-/-) by targeting Vhl and used multimodal imaging and immunohistochemistry to track the development of hypoxia-induced neovascularization. In addition to developing a preclinical model that phenocopies exudative AMD, our studies revealed that the photoreceptor hypoxic response initiates and drives type 3 neovascularization, mainly in the outer retina. Activation of the VHL-HIF1a-VEGF-EPO pathway in the adult retina led to long-term neovascularization, retinal hemorrhages and compromised retinal layers. Our novel preclinical model would accelerate the testing of therapies that use metabolomic approaches to ameliorate AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Zhang
- Shanxi Eye Hospital, affiliated with Shanxi Medical University. Fudong St. 100, Xinghualing, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030002, China
| | - Xuan Cui
- Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin Medical University Eye Institute & Tianjin Medical University School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Tianjin 300384, China, New York, NY10032, USA.,Jonas Children's Vision Care and the Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.,Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yangjun Han
- Shanxi Cardiovascular Disease Hospital, Yifen street 18, Wanbailin, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030024, China
| | - Karen Sophia Park
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and the Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.,Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Xiaohong Gao
- Shanxi Eye Hospital, affiliated with Shanxi Medical University. Fudong St. 100, Xinghualing, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030002, China
| | - Ximei Zhang
- Shanxi Eye Hospital, affiliated with Shanxi Medical University. Fudong St. 100, Xinghualing, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030002, China
| | - Zhigang Yuan
- Shanxi Eye Hospital, affiliated with Shanxi Medical University. Fudong St. 100, Xinghualing, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030002, China
| | - Yong Hu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Chun-Wei Hsu
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and the Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.,Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Xiaorong Li
- Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin Medical University Eye Institute & Tianjin Medical University School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Tianjin 300384, China, New York, NY10032, USA
| | | | - Vinit B Mahajan
- Byers Eye Institute, Omics Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA.,Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Nan-Kai Wang
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and the Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.,Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and the Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.,Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA.,Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Stem Cell Initiative (CSCI), Institute of Human Nutrition, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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11
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Nguyen VP, Li Y, Zhang W, Wang X, Paulus YM. High-resolution multimodal photoacoustic microscopy and optical coherence tomography image-guided laser induced branch retinal vein occlusion in living rabbits. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10560. [PMID: 31332266 PMCID: PMC6646378 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47062-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Joint high-resolution multimodal photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) was developed to improve the efficiency for visualizing newly developed retinal neovascularization (RNV) and to monitor the dynamic changes of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in living rabbits. The RNV and RVO models were created in New Zealand rabbits by Rose Bengal laser-induced RVO. Dual modalities imaging equipment, including color fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FA), OCT, and PAM, was used to image and assess the changes of retinal vasculature. In vivo experimental results exhibited that not only the treatment boundaries and the position of the occluded vasculature but also the structure of individual RNV were markedly observed using PAM platform with great resolution and high image contrast. The laser light energy of 80 nJ was used to induce photoacoustic signal, which is approximately half the energy of the American National Standards Institute safety limit. A cross-sectional structure of RNV was identified with the OCT modality. Furthermore, vibrant transformations in the RNV and the retinal morphology were examined at different times after laser occlusion: days 4, 28, 35, 49, and 90. PAM revealed high contrast and high resolution vascular imaging of the retina and choroid with amplified penetration depth. Through the present custom-built imaging system, both RNV and RVO can be reconstructed and observed in two and three dimensions. A unique dual modality A unique dual modality PAM and OCT can help precisely visualize and distinguish individual microvessels, microvessel depth, and the surrounding anatomy. Thus, the proposed multimodal ocular imaging platform may offer a potential equipment to enhance classification of microvasculature in a reliable and proficient manner in larger rabbit eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Phuc Nguyen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA.,NTT-Hi Tech Institute, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Yanxiu Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, NO. 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, PR China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Xueding Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Yannis M Paulus
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA.
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12
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Abstract
Malaria is a causative factor in about 500.000 deaths each year world-wide. Cerebral malaria is a particularly severe complication of this disease and thus associated with an exceedingly high mortality. Malaria retinopathy is an ocular manifestation often associated with cerebral malaria, and presumably shares a substantial part of its pathophysiology. Here, we describe that indeed murine malaria retinopathy reproduced the main hallmarks of the corresponding human disease. In the living animal, we were able to follow the circulation and cellular localization of malaria parasites transgenically labelled with GFP via non-invasive in vivo retinal imaging. We found that malaria parasites cross the blood-retinal-barrier and infiltrate the neuroretina, concomitant with an extensive, irreversible, and long-lasting retinal neurodegeneration. Furthermore, anti-malarial treatment with dihydroartemisinin strongly diminished the load of circulating parasites but resolved the symptoms of the retinopathy only in part. In summary, we introduce here a novel preclinical model for human cerebral malaria that is much more directly accessible for studies into disease pathophysiology and development of novel treatment approaches. In vivo retinal imaging may furthermore serve as a valuable tool for the early diagnosis of the human disease.
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13
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Chekuri A, Sahu B, Chavali VRM, Voronchikhina M, Soto-Hermida A, Suk JJ, Alapati AN, Bartsch DU, Ayala-Ramirez R, Zenteno JC, Dinculescu A, Jablonski MM, Borooah S, Ayyagari R. Long-Term Effects of Gene Therapy in a Novel Mouse Model of Human MFRP-Associated Retinopathy. Hum Gene Ther 2019; 30:632-650. [PMID: 30499344 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2018.192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients harboring homozygous c.498_499insC mutations in MFRP demonstrate hyperopia, microphthalmia, retinitis pigmentosa, retinal pigment epithelial atrophy, variable degrees of foveal edema, and optic disc drusen. The disease phenotype is variable, however, with some patients maintaining good central vision and cone function till late in the disease. A knock-in mouse model with the c.498_499insC mutation in Mfrp (Mfrp KI/KI) was developed to understand the effects of these mutations in the retina. The model shares many of the features of human clinical disease, including reduced axial length, hyperopia, retinal degeneration, retinal pigment epithelial atrophy, and decreased electrophysiological responses. In addition, the eyes of these mice had a significantly greater refractive error (p < 0.01) when compared to age-matched wild-type control animals. Administration of recombinant adeno-associated virus-mediated Mfrp gene therapy significantly prevented thinning from retinal neurodegeneration (p < 0.005) and preserved retinal electrophysiology (p < 0.001) when treated eyes were compared to contralateral sham-treated control eyes. The Mfrp KI/KI mice will serve as a useful tool to model human disease and point to a potential gene therapeutic approach for patients with preserved vision and electrophysiological responses in MFRP-related retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Chekuri
- 1 Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Bhubanananda Sahu
- 1 Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.,2 Department of Ophthalmology and Visual sciences, Kentucky Lions Eye Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Venkata Ramana Murthy Chavali
- 1 Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.,3 Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Marina Voronchikhina
- 1 Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Angel Soto-Hermida
- 1 Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - John J Suk
- 1 Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Akhila N Alapati
- 1 Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Dirk-Uwe Bartsch
- 1 Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Raul Ayala-Ramirez
- 4 Department of Genetics-Research Unit, Institute of Ophthalmology, Conde de Valenciana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juan C Zenteno
- 4 Department of Genetics-Research Unit, Institute of Ophthalmology, Conde de Valenciana, Mexico City, Mexico.,5 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Astra Dinculescu
- 6 Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Monica M Jablonski
- 7 Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Shyamanga Borooah
- 1 Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Radha Ayyagari
- 1 Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
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14
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Abstract
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an invaluable technique to perform noninvasive retinal imaging in small animal models such as mice. It provides virtual cross sections that correlate well with histomorphometric data with the advantage that multiple iterative measurements can be acquired in timeline analyses to detect dynamic changes and reduce the number of animals needed per study.
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15
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Burkard M, Kohl S, Krätzig T, Tanimoto N, Brennenstuhl C, Bausch AE, Junger K, Reuter P, Sothilingam V, Beck SC, Huber G, Ding XQ, Mayer AK, Baumann B, Weisschuh N, Zobor D, Hahn GA, Kellner U, Venturelli S, Becirovic E, Charbel Issa P, Koenekoop RK, Rudolph G, Heckenlively J, Sieving P, Weleber RG, Hamel C, Zong X, Biel M, Lukowski R, Seeliger MW, Michalakis S, Wissinger B, Ruth P. Accessory heterozygous mutations in cone photoreceptor CNGA3 exacerbate CNG channel-associated retinopathy. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:5663-5675. [PMID: 30418171 PMCID: PMC6264655 DOI: 10.1172/jci96098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in CNGA3 and CNGB3, the genes encoding the subunits of the tetrameric cone photoreceptor cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel, cause achromatopsia, a congenital retinal disorder characterized by loss of cone function. However, a small number of patients carrying the CNGB3/c.1208G>A;p.R403Q mutation present with a variable retinal phenotype ranging from complete and incomplete achromatopsia to moderate cone dysfunction or progressive cone dystrophy. By exploring a large patient cohort and published cases, we identified 16 unrelated individuals who were homozygous or (compound-)heterozygous for the CNGB3/c.1208G>A;p.R403Q mutation. In-depth genetic and clinical analysis revealed a co-occurrence of a mutant CNGA3 allele in a high proportion of these patients (10 of 16), likely contributing to the disease phenotype. To verify these findings, we generated a Cngb3R403Q/R403Q mouse model, which was crossbred with Cnga3-deficient (Cnga3-/-) mice to obtain triallelic Cnga3+/- Cngb3R403Q/R403Q mutants. As in human subjects, there was a striking genotype-phenotype correlation, since the presence of 1 Cnga3-null allele exacerbated the cone dystrophy phenotype in Cngb3R403Q/R403Q mice. These findings strongly suggest a digenic and triallelic inheritance pattern in a subset of patients with achromatopsia/severe cone dystrophy linked to the CNGB3/p.R403Q mutation, with important implications for diagnosis, prognosis, and genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Burkard
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy
- Department of Vegetative and Clinical Physiology
| | - Susanne Kohl
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, and
| | - Timm Krätzig
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy
| | - Naoyuki Tanimoto
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Anne E. Bausch
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy
| | - Katrin Junger
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy
| | - Peggy Reuter
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, and
| | - Vithiyanjali Sothilingam
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Susanne C. Beck
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gesine Huber
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Xi-Qin Ding
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Anja K. Mayer
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, and
| | - Britta Baumann
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, and
| | - Nicole Weisschuh
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, and
| | - Ditta Zobor
- Institute of Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gesa-Astrid Hahn
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, and
| | - Ulrich Kellner
- Rare Retinal Disease Center, Augenzentrum Siegburg, MVZ ADTC Siegburg GmbH, Siegburg, Germany
| | | | - Elvir Becirovic
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich CiPSM and Department of Pharmacy–Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Charbel Issa
- Oxford Eye Hospital, OUH NHS Foundation Trust and the Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robert K. Koenekoop
- McGill Ocular Genetics Centre, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Paul Sieving
- The National Eye Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Richard G. Weleber
- Casey Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmogenetics, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Christian Hamel
- INSERM U583, Institut des Neurosciences, Montpellier, France
| | - Xiangang Zong
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich CiPSM and Department of Pharmacy–Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Biel
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich CiPSM and Department of Pharmacy–Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Robert Lukowski
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy
| | - Matthias W. Seeliger
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stylianos Michalakis
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich CiPSM and Department of Pharmacy–Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernd Wissinger
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, and
| | - Peter Ruth
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy
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16
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Nguyen VP, Li Y, Aaberg M, Zhang W, Wang X, Paulus YM. In Vivo 3D Imaging of Retinal Neovascularization Using Multimodal Photoacoustic Microscopy and Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging. J Imaging 2018; 4:150. [PMID: 31681820 PMCID: PMC6824200 DOI: 10.3390/jimaging4120150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathological process of neovascularization of the retina plays a critical role in causing vision loss in several diseases, including diabetes, retinal vein occlusion, and sickle cell disease. Retinal neovascularization can lead to vitreous hemorrhage and retinal detachment, yet the pathological process of neovascularization is a complex phenomenon under active investigation. Understanding and monitoring retinal neovascularization is critically important in clinical ophthalmology. This study describes a novel multimodal ocular imaging system which combines photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) and a spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) to improve the visualization of retinal neovascularization (RNV), their depth, and the surrounding anatomy in living rabbits. RNV was induced in New Zealand rabbits by intravitreal injection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The retinal vasculature before and after injection at various times was monitored and evaluated using multimodal imaging including color fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FA), OCT, and PAM. In vivo experiments demonstrate that PAM imaging distinctly characterized the location as well as the morphology of individual RNV with high contrast at a safe laser energy of 80 nJ. SD-OCT was used to identify a cross-sectional structure of RNV. In addition, dynamic changes in the retinal morphology and retinal neovascularization were observed at day 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 14, 28, and day 35 after VEGF injection. PAM demonstrated high-resolution optical absorption of hemoglobin and vascular imaging of the retina and choroid with increased depth of penetration. With the current multimodal imaging system, RNV can be easily visualized in both 2D and 3D angiography. This multimodal ocular imaging system provides improved characterization of the microvasculature in a safe manner in larger rabbit eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Phuc Nguyen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Yanxiu Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Michael Aaberg
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Xueding Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Yannis M. Paulus
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
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17
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Zhao J, Ueda K, Riera M, Kim HJ, Sparrow JR. Bisretinoids mediate light sensitivity resulting in photoreceptor cell degeneration in mice lacking the receptor tyrosine kinase Mer. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:19400-19410. [PMID: 30352873 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.005949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase Mer is expressed by retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and participates in photoreceptor outer-segment phagocytosis, a process enabling membrane renewal. Mutations in the gene encoding MERTK cause blinding retinitis pigmentosa in humans. Targeted Mertk disruption in mice causes defective RPE-mediated phagocytosis of the outer segments, leading to deposition of autofluorescent debris at the RPE-photoreceptor cell interface, followed by photoreceptor cell degeneration. Here, we show that retinaldehyde adducts (bisretinoid fluorophores) that form in photoreceptor outer segments occupy the unphagocytosed outer-segment debris that accumulates in Mertk -/- mice. Bisretinoids measured by HPLC were elevated in Mertk -/- mice compared with WT animals. Bisretinoids were also more abundant in albino Mertk -/- mice expressing leucine at position 450 of the isomerase RPE65 (Rpe65-Leu450) rather than the variant methionine (Rpe65-450Met) that yields lower bisretinoid levels. In Royal College of Surgeons rats having dysfunctional Mertk, bisretinoids were higher than in WT rats. Intensities of in vivo fundus autofluorescence were higher in Mertk -/- mice than in WT mice and peaked earlier in albino Mertk -/-/Rpe65-Leu450 mice than in albino Mertk -/-/Rpe65-450Met mice. Of note, the rate of photoreceptor cell degeneration was more rapid in albino Mertk -/- mice exposed to higher levels of intraocular light (albino versus pigmented mice) and in mice carrying Rpe65-Leu450 than in Rpe65-450Met mice, revealing a link between bisretinoid accumulation and light-mediated acceleration of photoreceptor cell degeneration. In conclusion, the light sensitivity of photoreceptor cell degeneration arising from Mertk deficiency is consistent with the known phototoxicity of bisretinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhao
- From the Departments of Ophthalmology and
| | - Keiko Ueda
- From the Departments of Ophthalmology and
| | | | | | - Janet R Sparrow
- From the Departments of Ophthalmology and .,Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
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18
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Ding Y, Ma J, Langenbacher AD, Baek KI, Lee J, Chang CC, Hsu JJ, Kulkarni RP, Belperio J, Shi W, Ranjbarvaziri S, Ardehali R, Tintut Y, Demer LL, Chen JN, Fei P, Packard RRS, Hsiai TK. Multiscale light-sheet for rapid imaging of cardiopulmonary system. JCI Insight 2018; 3:121396. [PMID: 30135307 PMCID: PMC6141183 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.121396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to image tissue morphogenesis in real-time and in 3-dimensions (3-D) remains an optical challenge. The advent of light-sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) has advanced developmental biology and tissue regeneration research. In this review, we introduce a LSFM system in which the illumination lens reshapes a thin light-sheet to rapidly scan across a sample of interest while the detection lens orthogonally collects the imaging data. This multiscale strategy provides deep-tissue penetration, high-spatiotemporal resolution, and minimal photobleaching and phototoxicity, allowing in vivo visualization of a variety of tissues and processes, ranging from developing hearts in live zebrafish embryos to ex vivo interrogation of the microarchitecture of optically cleared neonatal hearts. Here, we highlight multiple applications of LSFM and discuss several studies that have allowed better characterization of developmental and pathological processes in multiple models and tissues. These findings demonstrate the capacity of multiscale light-sheet imaging to uncover cardiovascular developmental and regenerative phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Ding
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and
- Department of Bioengineering, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jianguo Ma
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and
- School of Instrumentation Science and Opto-electronics Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Adam D. Langenbacher
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kyung In Baek
- Department of Bioengineering, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Juhyun Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey J. Hsu
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and
| | - Rajan P. Kulkarni
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and
| | - John Belperio
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and
| | - Wei Shi
- Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Reza Ardehali
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and
| | - Yin Tintut
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and
| | - Linda L. Demer
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and
| | - Jau-Nian Chen
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Peng Fei
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and
- School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Tzung K. Hsiai
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and
- Department of Bioengineering, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
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19
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Beck SC, Karlstetter M, Garcia Garrido M, Feng Y, Dannhausen K, Mühlfriedel R, Sothilingam V, Seebauer B, Berger W, Hammes HP, Seeliger MW, Langmann T. Cystoid edema, neovascularization and inflammatory processes in the murine Norrin-deficient retina. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5970. [PMID: 29654250 PMCID: PMC5899099 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24476-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the Norrin (NDP) gene cause severe developmental blood vessel defects in the retina leading to congenital blindness. In the retina of Ndph-knockout mice only the superficial capillary network develops. Here, a detailed characterization of this mouse model at late stages of the disease using in vivo retinal imaging revealed cystoid structures that closely resemble the ovoid cysts in the inner nuclear layer of the human retina with cystoid macular edema (CME). In human CME an involvement of Müller glia cells is hypothesized. In Ndph-knockout retinae we could demonstrate that activated Müller cells were located around and within these cystoid spaces. In addition, we observed extensive activation of retinal microglia and development of neovascularization. Furthermore, ex vivo analyses detected extravasation of monocytic cells suggesting a breakdown of the blood retina barrier. Thus, we could demonstrate that also in the developmental retinal vascular pathology present in the Ndph-knockout mouse inflammatory processes are active and may contribute to further retinal degeneration. This observation delivers a new perspective for curative treatments of retinal vasculopathies. Modulation of inflammatory responses might reduce the symptoms and improve visual acuity in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne C Beck
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Marcus Karlstetter
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, D-50931, Cologne, Germany.,Bayer AG, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Marina Garcia Garrido
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Yuxi Feng
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, D-68169, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Katharina Dannhausen
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, D-50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Regine Mühlfriedel
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Vithiyanjali Sothilingam
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Britta Seebauer
- Institute of Medical Molecular Genetics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Berger
- Institute of Medical Molecular Genetics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich (ZNZ), University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hans-Peter Hammes
- 5th Medical Department, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, D-68169, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Mathias W Seeliger
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Langmann
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, D-50931, Cologne, Germany
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20
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Zhang P, Mocci J, Wahl DJ, Meleppat RK, Manna SK, Quintavalla M, Muradore R, Sarunic MV, Bonora S, Pugh EN, Zawadzki RJ. Effect of a contact lens on mouse retinal in vivo imaging: Effective focal length changes and monochromatic aberrations. Exp Eye Res 2018; 172:86-93. [PMID: 29604280 PMCID: PMC6417837 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
For in vivo mouse retinal imaging, especially with Adaptive Optics instruments, application of a contact lens is desirable, as it allows maintenance of cornea hydration and helps to prevent cataract formation during lengthy imaging sessions. However, since the refractive elements of the eye (cornea and lens) serve as the objective for most in vivo retinal imaging systems, the use of a contact lens, even with 0 Dpt. refractive power, can alter the system’s optical properties. In this investigation we examined the effective focal length change and the aberrations that arise from use of a contact lens. First, focal length changes were simulated with a Zemax mouse eye model. Then ocular aberrations with and without a 0 Dpt. contact lens were measured with a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor (SHWS) in a customized AO-SLO system. Total RMS wavefront errors were measured for two groups of mice (14-month, and 2.5-month-old), decomposed into 66 Zernike aberration terms, and compared. These data revealed that vertical coma and spherical aberrations were increased with use of a contact lens in our system. Based on the ocular wavefront data we evaluated the effect of the contact lens on the imaging system performance as a function of the pupil size. Both RMS error and Strehl ratios were quantified for the two groups of mice, with and without contact lenses, and for different input beam sizes. These results provide information for determining optimum pupil size for retinal imaging without adaptive optics, and raise critical issues for design of mouse optical imaging systems that incorporate contact lenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Zhang
- UC Davis Eye-Pod Small Animal Ocular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, 4320 Tupper Hall, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Jacopo Mocci
- CNR-Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnology, Via Trasea 7, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Daniel J Wahl
- Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Ratheesh Kumar Meleppat
- UC Davis Eye-Pod Small Animal Ocular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, 4320 Tupper Hall, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Suman K Manna
- UC Davis Eye-Pod Small Animal Ocular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, 4320 Tupper Hall, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Martino Quintavalla
- CNR-Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnology, Via Trasea 7, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Marinko V Sarunic
- Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Stefano Bonora
- CNR-Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnology, Via Trasea 7, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Edward N Pugh
- UC Davis Eye-Pod Small Animal Ocular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, 4320 Tupper Hall, Davis, CA 95616, United States; UC Davis Eye Center, Dept. of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California Davis, 4860 Y Street, Suite 2400, Sacramento, CA 95817, United States
| | - Robert J Zawadzki
- UC Davis Eye-Pod Small Animal Ocular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, 4320 Tupper Hall, Davis, CA 95616, United States; UC Davis Eye Center, Dept. of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California Davis, 4860 Y Street, Suite 2400, Sacramento, CA 95817, United States.
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21
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Stieglitz MS, Fenske S, Hammelmann V, Becirovic E, Schöttle V, Delorme JE, Schöll-Weidinger M, Mader R, Deussing J, Wolfer DP, Seeliger MW, Albrecht U, Wotjak CT, Biel M, Michalakis S, Wahl-Schott C. Disturbed Processing of Contextual Information in HCN3 Channel Deficient Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 10:436. [PMID: 29375299 PMCID: PMC5767300 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels (HCNs) in the nervous system are implicated in a variety of neuronal functions including learning and memory, regulation of vigilance states and pain. Dysfunctions or genetic loss of these channels have been shown to cause human diseases such as epilepsy, depression, schizophrenia, and Parkinson's disease. The physiological functions of HCN1 and HCN2 channels in the nervous system have been analyzed using genetic knockout mouse models. By contrast, there are no such genetic studies for HCN3 channels so far. Here, we use a HCN3-deficient (HCN3−/−) mouse line, which has been previously generated in our group to examine the expression and function of this channel in the CNS. Specifically, we investigate the role of HCN3 channels for the regulation of circadian rhythm and for the determination of behavior. Contrary to previous suggestions we find that HCN3−/− mice show normal visual, photic, and non-photic circadian function. In addition, HCN3−/− mice are impaired in processing contextual information, which is characterized by attenuated long-term extinction of contextual fear and increased fear to a neutral context upon repeated exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc S Stieglitz
- Center for Integrated Protein Science and Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie Fenske
- Center for Integrated Protein Science and Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Verena Hammelmann
- Center for Integrated Protein Science and Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Elvir Becirovic
- Center for Integrated Protein Science and Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Verena Schöttle
- Center for Integrated Protein Science and Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - James E Delorme
- Neurobiochemistry of Circadian Rhythms, Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Martha Schöll-Weidinger
- Center for Integrated Protein Science and Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Robert Mader
- Center for Integrated Protein Science and Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan Deussing
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - David P Wolfer
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mathias W Seeliger
- Ocular Neurodegeneration Research Group, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Urs Albrecht
- Neurobiochemistry of Circadian Rhythms, Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Carsten T Wotjak
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Biel
- Center for Integrated Protein Science and Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Stylianos Michalakis
- Center for Integrated Protein Science and Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Wahl-Schott
- Center for Integrated Protein Science and Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
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22
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Schön C, Sothilingam V, Mühlfriedel R, Garcia Garrido M, Beck SC, Tanimoto N, Wissinger B, Paquet-Durand F, Biel M, Michalakis S, Seeliger MW. Gene Therapy Successfully Delays Degeneration in a Mouse Model of PDE6A-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP43). Hum Gene Ther 2017; 28:1180-1188. [PMID: 29212391 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa type 43 (RP43) is a blinding disease caused by mutations in the gene for rod phosphodiesterase 6 alpha (PDE6A). The disease process begins with a dysfunction of rod photoreceptors, subsequently followed by a currently untreatable progressive degeneration of the entire outer retina. Aiming at a curative approach via PDE6A gene supplementation, a novel adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector was developed for expression of the human PDE6A cDNA under control of the human rhodopsin promotor (rAAV8.PDE6A). This study assessed the therapeutic efficacy of rAAV8.PDE6A in the Pde6anmf363/nmf363-mutant mouse model of RP43. All mice included in this study were treated with sub-retinal injections of the vector at 2 weeks after birth. The therapeutic effect was monitored at 1 month and 6 months post injection. Biological function of the transgene was assessed in vivo by means of electroretinography. The degree of morphological rescue was investigated both in vivo using optical coherence tomography and ex vivo by immunohistological staining. It was found that the novel rAAV8.PDE6A vector resulted in a stable and efficient expression of PDE6A protein in rod photoreceptors of Pde6anmf363/nmf363 mice following treatment at both the short- and long-term time points. The treatment led to a substantial morphological preservation of outer nuclear layer thickness, rod outer segment structure, and prolonged survival of cone photoreceptors for at least 6 months. Additionally, the ERG analysis confirmed a restoration of retinal function in a group of treated mice. Taken together, this study provides successful proof-of-concept for the cross-species efficacy of the rAAV8.PDE6A vector developed for use in human patients. Importantly, the data show stable expression and rescue effects for a prolonged period of time, raising hope for future translational studies based on this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Schön
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich CiPSM at the Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Regine Mühlfriedel
- Divisions of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Marina Garcia Garrido
- Divisions of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Susanne C Beck
- Divisions of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Naoyuki Tanimoto
- Divisions of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Bernd Wissinger
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - François Paquet-Durand
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Martin Biel
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich CiPSM at the Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Stylianos Michalakis
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich CiPSM at the Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Mathias W Seeliger
- Divisions of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
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23
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Antony BJ, Kim BJ, Lang A, Carass A, Prince JL, Zack DJ. Automated segmentation of mouse OCT volumes (ASiMOV): Validation & clinical study of a light damage model. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181059. [PMID: 28817571 PMCID: PMC5560565 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) is becoming commonplace for the in vivo longitudinal study of murine models of ophthalmic disease. Longitudinal studies, however, generate large quantities of data, the manual analysis of which is very challenging due to the time-consuming nature of generating delineations. Thus, it is of importance that automated algorithms be developed to facilitate accurate and timely analysis of these large datasets. Furthermore, as the models target a variety of diseases, the associated structural changes can also be extremely disparate. For instance, in the light damage (LD) model, which is frequently used to study photoreceptor degeneration, the outer retina appears dramatically different from the normal retina. To address these concerns, we have developed a flexible graph-based algorithm for the automated segmentation of mouse OCT volumes (ASiMOV). This approach incorporates a machine-learning component that can be easily trained for different disease models. To validate ASiMOV, the automated results were compared to manual delineations obtained from three raters on healthy and BALB/cJ mice post LD. It was also used to study a longitudinal LD model, where five control and five LD mice were imaged at four timepoints post LD. The total retinal thickness and the outer retina (comprising the outer nuclear layer, and inner and outer segments of the photoreceptors) were unchanged the day after the LD, but subsequently thinned significantly (p < 0.01). The retinal nerve fiber-ganglion cell complex and the inner plexiform layers, however, remained unchanged for the duration of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavna Josephine Antony
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD 21218 United States of America
| | - Byung-Jin Kim
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore MD 21287 United States of America
| | - Andrew Lang
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD 21218 United States of America
| | - Aaron Carass
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD 21218 United States of America
| | - Jerry L. Prince
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD 21218 United States of America
| | - Donald J. Zack
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore MD 21287 United States of America
- Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287 United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287 United States of America
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287 United States of America
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24
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Beck SC, Feng Y, Sothilingam V, Garcia Garrido M, Tanimoto N, Acar N, Shan S, Seebauer B, Berger W, Hammes HP, Seeliger MW. Long-term consequences of developmental vascular defects on retinal vessel homeostasis and function in a mouse model of Norrie disease. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178753. [PMID: 28575130 PMCID: PMC5456345 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of Norrin signalling due to mutations in the Norrie disease pseudoglioma gene causes severe vascular defects in the retina, leading to visual impairment and ultimately blindness. While the emphasis of experimental work so far was on the developmental period, we focus here on disease mechanisms that induce progression into severe adult disease. The goal of this study was the comprehensive analysis of the long-term effects of the absence of Norrin on vascular homeostasis and retinal function. In a mouse model of Norrie disease retinal vascular morphology and integrity were studied by means of in vivo angiography; the vascular constituents were assessed in detailed histological analyses using quantitative retinal morphometry. Finally, electroretinographic analyses were performed to assess the retinal function in adult Norrin deficient animals. We could show that the primary developmental defects not only persisted but developed into further vascular abnormalities and microangiopathies. In particular, the overall vessel homeostasis, the vascular integrity, and also the cellular constituents of the vascular wall were affected in the adult Norrin deficient retina. Moreover, functional analyses indicated to persistent hypoxia in the neural retina which was suggested as one of the major driving forces of disease progression. In summary, our data provide evidence that the key to adult Norrie disease are ongoing vascular modifications, driven by the persistent hypoxic conditions, which are ineffective to compensate for the primary Norrin-dependent defects.
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MESH Headings
- Angiography
- Animals
- Blindness/congenital
- Blindness/diagnostic imaging
- Blindness/genetics
- Blindness/pathology
- Capillaries/pathology
- Cell Hypoxia
- Disease Models, Animal
- Disease Progression
- Electroretinography
- Eye Proteins/genetics
- Eye Proteins/physiology
- Genetic Diseases, X-Linked/diagnostic imaging
- Genetic Diseases, X-Linked/genetics
- Genetic Diseases, X-Linked/pathology
- Lasers
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/etiology
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/pathology
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/deficiency
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/physiology
- Nervous System Diseases/diagnostic imaging
- Nervous System Diseases/genetics
- Nervous System Diseases/pathology
- Ophthalmoscopy/methods
- Retinal Degeneration
- Retinal Vessels/diagnostic imaging
- Retinal Vessels/pathology
- Spasms, Infantile/diagnostic imaging
- Spasms, Infantile/genetics
- Spasms, Infantile/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne C. Beck
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Tuebingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Yuxi Feng
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Vithiyanjali Sothilingam
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Marina Garcia Garrido
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Naoyuki Tanimoto
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Niyazi Acar
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Shenliang Shan
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Britta Seebauer
- Institute of Medical Molecular Genetics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Berger
- Institute of Medical Molecular Genetics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich (ZNZ), University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hans-Peter Hammes
- 5th Medical Department, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Mathias W. Seeliger
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Tuebingen, Germany
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25
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Mühlfriedel R, Tanimoto N, Schön C, Sothilingam V, Garcia Garrido M, Beck SC, Huber G, Biel M, Seeliger MW, Michalakis S. AAV-Mediated Gene Supplementation Therapy in Achromatopsia Type 2: Preclinical Data on Therapeutic Time Window and Long-Term Effects. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:292. [PMID: 28596720 PMCID: PMC5442229 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Achromatopsia type 2 (ACHM2) is a severe, inherited eye disease caused by mutations in the CNGA3 gene encoding the α subunit of the cone photoreceptor cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel. Patients suffer from strongly impaired daylight vision, photophobia, nystagmus, and lack of color discrimination. We have previously shown in the Cnga3 knockout (KO) mouse model of ACHM2 that gene supplementation therapy is effective in rescuing cone function and morphology and delaying cone degeneration. In our preclinical approach, we use recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated gene transfer to express the murine Cnga3 gene under control of the mouse blue opsin promoter. Here, we provide novel data on the efficiency and permanence of such gene supplementation therapy in Cnga3 KO mice. Specifically, we compare the influence of two different AAV vector capsids, AAV2/5 (Y719F) and AAV2/8 (Y733F), on restoration of cone function, and assess the effect of age at time of treatment on the long-term outcome. The evaluation included in vivo analysis of retinal function using electroretinography (ERG) and immunohistochemical analysis of vector-driven Cnga3 transgene expression. We found that both vector capsid serotypes led to a comparable rescue of cone function over the observation period between 4 weeks and 3 months post treatment. In addition, a clear therapeutic effect was present in mice treated at 2 weeks of age as well as in mice treated at 3 months of age at the first assessment at 4 weeks after treatment. Importantly, the effect extended in both cases over the entire observation period of 12 months post treatment. However, the average ERG amplitude levels differed between the two groups, suggesting a role of the absolute age, or possibly, the associated state of the degeneration, on the achievable outcome. In summary, we found that the therapeutic time window of opportunity for AAV-mediated Cnga3 gene supplementation therapy in the Cnga3 KO mouse model extends at least to an age of 3 months, but is presumably limited by the condition, number and topographical distribution of remaining cones at the time of treatment. No impact of the choice of capsid on the therapeutic success was detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regine Mühlfriedel
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls-Universität TübingenTuebingen, Germany
| | - Naoyuki Tanimoto
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls-Universität TübingenTuebingen, Germany
| | - Christian Schön
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research, Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität MünchenMunich, Germany
| | - Vithiyanjali Sothilingam
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls-Universität TübingenTuebingen, Germany
| | - Marina Garcia Garrido
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls-Universität TübingenTuebingen, Germany
| | - Susanne C Beck
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls-Universität TübingenTuebingen, Germany
| | - Gesine Huber
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls-Universität TübingenTuebingen, Germany
| | - Martin Biel
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research, Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität MünchenMunich, Germany
| | - Mathias W Seeliger
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls-Universität TübingenTuebingen, Germany
| | - Stylianos Michalakis
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research, Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität MünchenMunich, Germany
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26
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Abstract
Aggregates of hyperphosphorylated tau can be observed in the human brain affected by various neurodegenerative disorders. The development of a noninvasive technique for the visualization of these protein accumulations is a promising task. In the following protocol, we describe a method to image fibrillar tau in the retina of a transgenic mouse model of frontotemporal dementia with parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP-17). This technique can be highly valuable for the preclinical in vivo testing of approaches that target tau aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Schön
- Center for Neuropathology, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, Germany.
- Department of Translational Brain Research, DZNE - German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany.
| | - Jochen Herms
- Department of Translational Brain Research, DZNE - German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
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27
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Ha Y, Liu H, Zhu S, Yi P, Liu W, Nathanson J, Kayed R, Loucas B, Sun J, Frishman LJ, Motamedi M, Zhang W. Critical Role of the CXCL10/C-X-C Chemokine Receptor 3 Axis in Promoting Leukocyte Recruitment and Neuronal Injury during Traumatic Optic Neuropathy Induced by Optic Nerve Crush. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2016; 187:352-365. [PMID: 27960090 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2016.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) is an acute injury of the optic nerve secondary to trauma. Loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is a key pathological process in TON, yet mechanisms responsible for RGC death remain unclear. In a mouse model of TON, real-time noninvasive imaging revealed a dramatic increase in leukocyte rolling and adhesion in veins near the optic nerve (ON) head at 9 hours after ON injury. Although RGC dysfunction and loss were not detected at 24 hours after injury, massive leukocyte infiltration was observed in the superficial retina. These cells were identified as T cells, microglia/monocytes, and neutrophils but not B cells. CXCL10 is a chemokine that recruits leukocytes after binding to its receptor C-X-C chemokine receptor (CXCR) 3. The levels of CXCL10 and CXCR3 were markedly elevated in TON, and up-regulation of CXCL10 was mediated by STAT1/3. Deleting CXCR3 in leukocytes significantly reduced leukocyte recruitment, and prevented RGC death at 7 days after ON injury. Treatment with CXCR3 antagonist attenuated TON-induced RGC dysfunction and cell loss. In vitro co-culture of primary RGCs with leukocytes resulted in increased RGC apoptosis, which was exaggerated in the presence of CXCL10. These results indicate that leukocyte recruitment in retinal vessels near the ON head is an early event in TON and the CXCL10/CXCR3 axis has a critical role in recruiting leukocytes and inducing RGC death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonju Ha
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Hua Liu
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Shuang Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Panpan Yi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Jared Nathanson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Bradford Loucas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Jiaren Sun
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | | | - Massoud Motamedi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas; Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Wenbo Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas; Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas.
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28
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Dietrich M, Cruz-Herranz A, Yiu H, Aktas O, Brandt AU, Hartung HP, Green A, Albrecht P. Whole-body positional manipulators for ocular imaging of anaesthetised mice and rats: a do-it-yourself guide. BMJ Open Ophthalmol 2016; 1:e000008. [PMID: 29354694 PMCID: PMC5759402 DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2016-000008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In vivo retinal imaging of rodents has gained a growing interest in ophthalmology and neurology. The bedding of the animals with the possibility to perform adjustments in order to obtain an ideal camera-to-eye angle is challenging. Methods We provide a guide for a cost-effective, do-it-yourself rodent holder for ocular imaging techniques. The set-up was tested and refined in over 2000 optical coherence tomography measurements of mice and rats. Results The recommended material is very affordable, readily available and easily assembled. The holder can be adapted to both mice and rats. A custom-made mouthpiece is provided for the use of inhalant anaesthesia. The holder is highly functional and assures that the rodent’s eye is the centre of rotation for adjustments in both the axial and the transverse planes with a major time benefit over unrestrained positioning of the rodents. Conclusion We believe this guide is very useful for eye researchers focusing on in vivo retinal imaging in rodents as it significantly reduces examination times for ocular imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Dietrich
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Andrés Cruz-Herranz
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Hao Yiu
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Orhan Aktas
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alexander U Brandt
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charite-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Hartung
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ari Green
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Philipp Albrecht
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Bell BA, Yuan A, Dicicco RM, Fogerty J, Lessieur EM, Perkins BD. The adult zebrafish retina: In vivo optical sectioning with Confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy and Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography. Exp Eye Res 2016; 153:65-78. [PMID: 27720860 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Non-invasive imaging is an invaluable diagnostic tool in ophthalmology. Two imaging devices, the scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT), emerged from the clinical realm to provide research scientists with a real-time view of ocular morphology in living animals. We utilized these two independent imaging modalities in a complementary manner to perform in vivo optical sectioning of the adult zebrafish retina. Due to the very high optical power of the zebrafish lens, the confocal depth of field is narrow, allowing for detailed en face views of specific retinal layers, including the cone mosaic. Moreover, we demonstrate that both native reflectance, as well as fluorescent features observed by SLO, can be combined with axial in-depth information obtained by SDOCT. These imaging approaches can be used to screen for ocular phenotypes and monitor retinal pathology in a non-invasive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent A Bell
- Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States.
| | - Alex Yuan
- Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Rose M Dicicco
- Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Joseph Fogerty
- Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Emma M Lessieur
- Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States; Molecular Medicine PhD Program Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Brian D Perkins
- Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Meyer JH, Fang PP, Krohne TU, Harmening WM, Holz FG, Schmitz-Valckenberg S. Optische-Kohärenztomographie-Angiographie (OCT‑A) bei Ratten. Ophthalmologe 2016; 114:140-147. [DOI: 10.1007/s00347-016-0309-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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HCN1 Channels Enhance Rod System Responsivity in the Retina under Conditions of Light Exposure. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147728. [PMID: 26807953 PMCID: PMC4725747 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Vision originates in rods and cones at the outer retina. Already at these early stages, diverse processing schemes shape and enhance image information to permit perception over a wide range of lighting conditions. In this work, we address the role of hyperpolarization-activated and cyclic nucleotide-gated channels 1 (HCN1) in rod photoreceptors for the enhancement of rod system responsivity under conditions of light exposure. Methods To isolate HCN1 channel actions in rod system responses, we generated double mutant mice by crossbreeding Hcn1-/- mice with Cnga3-/- mice in which cones are non-functional. Retinal function in the resulting Hcn1-/-Cnga3-/- animals was followed by means of electroretinography (ERG) up to the age of four month. Retinal imaging via scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) was also performed to exclude potential morphological alterations. Results This study on Hcn1-/-Cnga3-/- mutant mice complements our previous work on HCN1 channel function in the retina. We show here in a functional rod-only setting that rod responses following bright light exposure terminate without the counteraction of HCN channels much later than normal. The resulting sustained signal elevation does saturate the retinal network due to an intensity-dependent reduction in the dynamic range. In addition, the lack of rapid adaptational feedback modulation of rod photoreceptor output via HCN1 in this double mutant limits the ability to follow repetitive (flicker) stimuli, particularly under mesopic conditions. Conclusions This work corroborates the hypothesis that, in the absence of HCN1-mediated feedback, the amplitude of rod signals remains at high levels for a prolonged period of time, leading to saturation of the retinal pathways. Our results demonstrate the importance of HCN1 channels for regular vision.
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Krebs MP, Xiao M, Sheppard K, Hicks W, Nishina PM. Bright-Field Imaging and Optical Coherence Tomography of the Mouse Posterior Eye. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1438:395-415. [PMID: 27150100 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3661-8_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Noninvasive live imaging has been used extensively for ocular phenotyping in mouse vision research. Bright-field imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are two methods that are particularly useful for assessing the posterior mouse eye (fundus), including the retina, retinal pigment epithelium, and choroid, and are widely applied due to the commercial availability of sophisticated instruments and software. Here, we provide a guide to using these approaches with an emphasis on post-acquisition image processing using Fiji, a bundled version of the Java-based public domain software ImageJ. A bright-field fundus imaging protocol is described for acquisition of multi-frame videos, followed by image registration to reduce motion artifacts, averaging to reduce noise, shading correction to compensate for uneven illumination, filtering to improve image detail, and rotation to adjust orientation. An OCT imaging protocol is described for acquiring replicate volume scans, with subsequent registration and averaging to yield three-dimensional datasets that show reduced motion artifacts and enhanced detail. The Fiji algorithms used in these protocols are designed for batch processing and are freely available. The image acquisition and processing approaches described here may facilitate quantitative phenotyping of the mouse eye in drug discovery, mutagenesis screening, and the functional cataloging of mouse genes by individual laboratories and large-scale projects, such as the Knockout Mouse Phenotyping Project and International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark P Krebs
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA.
| | - Mei Xiao
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA
| | - Keith Sheppard
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA
| | - Wanda Hicks
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA
| | - Patsy M Nishina
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA
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Zhang P, Goswami M, Zam A, Pugh EN, Zawadzki RJ. Effect of scanning beam size on the lateral resolution of mouse retinal imaging with SLO. OPTICS LETTERS 2015; 40:5830-3. [PMID: 26670523 PMCID: PMC4915368 DOI: 10.1364/ol.40.005830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) employs the eye's optics as a microscope objective for retinal imaging in vivo. The mouse retina has become an increasingly important object for investigation of ocular disease and physiology with optogenetic probes. SLO imaging of the mouse eye, in principle, can achieve submicron lateral resolution thanks to a numerical aperture (NA) of ∼0.5, about 2.5 times larger than that of the human eye. In the absence of adaptive optics, however, natural ocular aberrations limit the available optical resolution. The use of a contact lens, in principle, can correct many aberrations, permitting the use of a wider scanning beam and, thus, achieving greater resolution then would otherwise be possible. In this Letter, using an SLO equipped with a rigid contact lens, we report the effect of scanning beam size on the lateral resolution of mouse retinal imaging. Theory predicts that the maximum beam size full width at half-maximum (FWHM) that can be used without any deteriorating effects of aberrations is ∼0.6 mm. However, increasing the beam size up to the diameter of the dilated pupil is predicted to improve lateral resolution, though not to the diffraction limit. To test these predictions, the dendrites of a retinal ganglion cell expressing YFP were imaged, and transverse scans were analyzed to quantify the SLO system resolution. The results confirmed that lateral resolution increases with the beam size as predicted. With a 1.3 mm scanning beam and no high-order aberration correction, the lateral resolution is ∼1.15 μm, superior to that achievable by most human AO-SLO systems. Advantages of this approach include stabilization of the mouse eye and simplified optical design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Zhang
- UC Davis RISE Eye-Pod Small Animal Imaging Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, 4320 Tupper Hall, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Mayank Goswami
- UC Davis RISE Eye-Pod Small Animal Imaging Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, 4320 Tupper Hall, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Azhar Zam
- UC Davis RISE Eye-Pod Small Animal Imaging Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, 4320 Tupper Hall, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Edward N. Pugh
- UC Davis RISE Eye-Pod Small Animal Imaging Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, 4320 Tupper Hall, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Robert J. Zawadzki
- UC Davis RISE Eye-Pod Small Animal Imaging Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, 4320 Tupper Hall, Davis, California 95616, USA
- UC Davis Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California Davis, 4860 Y Street, Suite 2400, Sacramento, California 95817, USA
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Prunty MC, Aung MH, Hanif AM, Allen RS, Chrenek MA, Boatright JH, Thule PM, Kundu K, Murthy N, Pardue MT. In Vivo Imaging of Retinal Oxidative Stress Using a Reactive Oxygen Species-Activated Fluorescent Probe. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2015; 56:5862-70. [PMID: 26348635 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.15-16810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In vivo methods for detecting oxidative stress in the eye would improve screening and monitoring of the leading causes of blindness: diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. METHODS To develop an in vivo biomarker for oxidative stress in the eye, we tested the efficacy of a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-activated, near-infrared hydrocyanine-800CW (H-800CW) fluorescent probe in light-induced retinal degeneration (LIRD) mouse models. After intravitreal delivery in LIRD rats, fluorescent microscopy was used to confirm that the oxidized H-800CW appeared in the same retinal layers as an established ROS marker (dichlorofluorescein). RESULTS Dose-response curves of increasing concentrations of intravenously injected H-800CW demonstrated linear increases in both intensity and total area of fundus hyperfluorescence in LIRD mice, as detected by scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. Fundus hyperfluorescence also correlated with the duration of light damage and functional deficits in vision after LIRD. In LIRD rats with intravitreal injections of H-800CW, fluorescent labeling was localized to photoreceptor inner segments, similar to dichlorofluorescein. CONCLUSIONS Hydrocyanine-800CW detects retinal ROS in vivo and shows potential as a novel biomarker for ROS levels in ophthalmic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan C Prunty
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Moe H Aung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Adam M Hanif
- Atlanta VA Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Rachael S Allen
- Atlanta VA Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Micah A Chrenek
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Jeffrey H Boatright
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States 2Atlanta VA Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Peter M Thule
- Biomedical Research, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States 4Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | | | - Niren Murthy
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - Machelle T Pardue
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States 2Atlanta VA Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
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Long time remodeling during retinal degeneration evaluated by optical coherence tomography, immunocytochemistry and fundus autofluorescence. Exp Eye Res 2015; 150:122-34. [PMID: 26521765 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2015] [Revised: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To characterize the relationship between fundus autofluorescence (FAF), Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) over the course of chronic retinal degeneration in the P23H rat. METHODS Homozygous albino P23H rats, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats as controls and pigmented Long Evans (LE) rats were used. A Spectralis HRA OCT system was used for scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) imaging OCT and angiography. To determine FAF, fluorescence was excited using diode laser at 488 nm. A fast retina map OCT was performed using the optic nerve as a landmark. IHC was performed to correlate with the findings of OCT and FAF changes. RESULTS During the course of retinal degeneration, the FAF pattern evolved from some spotting at 2 months old to a mosaic of hyperfluorescent dots in rats 6 months and older. Retinal thicknesses progressively diminished over the course of the disease. At later stages of degeneration, OCT documented changes in the retinal layers, however, IHC better identified the cell loss and remodeling changes. Angiography revealed attenuation of the retinal vascular plexus with time. CONCLUSION We provide for the first time a detailed long-term analysis of the course of retinal degeneration in P23H rats using a combination of SLO and OCT imaging, angiography, FAF and IHC. Although, the application of noninvasive methods enables longitudinal studies and will decrease the number of animals needed for a study, IHC is still an essential tool to identify retinal changes at the cellular level.
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Zhang L, Bell BA, Yu M, Chan CC, Peachey NS, Fung J, Zhang X, Caspi RR, Lin F. Complement anaphylatoxin receptors C3aR and C5aR are required in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune uveitis. J Leukoc Biol 2015; 99:447-54. [PMID: 26394814 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.3a0415-157r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that reagents inhibiting complement activation could be effective in treating T cell mediated autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune uveitis. However, the precise role of the complement anaphylatoxin receptors (C3a and C5a receptors) in the pathogenesis of autoimmune uveitis remains elusive and controversial. We induced experimental autoimmune uveitis in mice deficient or sufficient in both C3a and C5a receptors and rigorously compared their retinal phenotype using various imaging techniques, including indirect ophthalmoscopy, confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, topical endoscopic fundus imaging, and histopathological analysis. We also assessed retinal function using electroretinography. Moreover, we performed Ag-specific T cell recall assays and T cell adoptive transfer experiments to compare pathogenic T cell activity between wild-type and knockout mice with experimental autoimmune uveitis. These experiments showed that C3a receptor/C5a receptor-deficient mice developed much less severe uveitis than did control mice using all retinal examination methods and that these mice had reduced pathogenic T cell responses. Our data demonstrate that both complement anaphylatoxin receptors are important for the development of experimental autoimmune uveitis, suggesting that targeting these receptors could be a valid approach for treating patients with autoimmune uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingjun Zhang
- *Eye Research Institute, Tianjin Medical University Eye Center, Tianjin, China; Department of Immunology, Lerner Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, and Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; and Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Brent A Bell
- *Eye Research Institute, Tianjin Medical University Eye Center, Tianjin, China; Department of Immunology, Lerner Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, and Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; and Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Minzhong Yu
- *Eye Research Institute, Tianjin Medical University Eye Center, Tianjin, China; Department of Immunology, Lerner Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, and Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; and Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Chi-Chao Chan
- *Eye Research Institute, Tianjin Medical University Eye Center, Tianjin, China; Department of Immunology, Lerner Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, and Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; and Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Neal S Peachey
- *Eye Research Institute, Tianjin Medical University Eye Center, Tianjin, China; Department of Immunology, Lerner Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, and Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; and Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - John Fung
- *Eye Research Institute, Tianjin Medical University Eye Center, Tianjin, China; Department of Immunology, Lerner Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, and Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; and Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- *Eye Research Institute, Tianjin Medical University Eye Center, Tianjin, China; Department of Immunology, Lerner Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, and Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; and Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Rachel R Caspi
- *Eye Research Institute, Tianjin Medical University Eye Center, Tianjin, China; Department of Immunology, Lerner Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, and Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; and Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Feng Lin
- *Eye Research Institute, Tianjin Medical University Eye Center, Tianjin, China; Department of Immunology, Lerner Research Institute, Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, and Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; and Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Choi M, Kwok SJJ, Yun SH. In vivo fluorescence microscopy: lessons from observing cell behavior in their native environment. Physiology (Bethesda) 2015; 30:40-9. [PMID: 25559154 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00019.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Microscopic imaging techniques to visualize cellular behaviors in their natural environment play a pivotal role in biomedical research. Here, we review how recent technical advances in intravital microscopy have enabled unprecedented access to cellular physiology in various organs of mice in normal and diseased states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myunghwan Choi
- Harvard Medical School and Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Sheldon J J Kwok
- Harvard Medical School and Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; and Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Seok Hyun Yun
- Harvard Medical School and Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; and Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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Sothilingam V, Garcia Garrido M, Jiao K, Buena-Atienza E, Sahaboglu A, Trifunović D, Balendran S, Koepfli T, Mühlfriedel R, Schön C, Biel M, Heckmann A, Beck SC, Michalakis S, Wissinger B, Seeliger MW, Paquet-Durand F. Retinitis pigmentosa: impact of different Pde6a point mutations on the disease phenotype. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:5486-99. [PMID: 26188004 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the PDE6A gene can cause rod photoreceptors degeneration and the blinding disease retinitis pigmentosa (RP). While a number of pathogenic PDE6A mutations have been described, little is known about their impact on compound heterozygous situations and potential interactions of different disease-causing alleles. Here, we used a novel mouse model for the Pde6a R562W mutation in combination with an existing line carrying the V685M mutation to generate compound heterozygous Pde6a V685M/R562W animals, exactly homologous to a case of human RP. We compared the progression of photoreceptor degeneration in these compound heterozygous mice with the homozygous V685M and R562W mutants, and additionally with the D670G line that is known for a relatively mild phenotype. We investigated PDE6A expression, cyclic guanosine mono-phosphate accumulation, calpain and caspase activity, in vivo retinal function and morphology, as well as photoreceptor cell death and survival. This analysis confirms the severity of different Pde6a mutations and indicates that compound heterozygous mutants behave like intermediates of the respective homozygous situations. Specifically, the severity of the four different Pde6a situations may be categorized by the pace of photoreceptor degeneration: V685M (fastest) > V685M/R562W > R562W > D670G (slowest). While calpain activity was strongly increased in all four mutants, caspase activity was not. This points to the execution of non-apoptotic cell death and may lead to the identification of new targets for therapeutic interventions. For individual RP patients, our study may help to predict time-courses for Pde6a-related retinal degeneration and thereby facilitate the definition of a window-of-opportunity for clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vithiyanjali Sothilingam
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tuebingen, Schleichstr.4/3, Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Marina Garcia Garrido
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tuebingen, Schleichstr.4/3, Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Kangwei Jiao
- Cell Death Mechanisms Group, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tuebingen, Roentgenweg 11, Tuebingen 72076, Germany, Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province and Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 176 Qingnian Road, Wuhua, Kunming, Yunnan 650021, China
| | - Elena Buena-Atienza
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Centre for Ophthalmology, University Clinics Tuebingen, Roentgenweg 11, Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Ayse Sahaboglu
- Cell Death Mechanisms Group, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tuebingen, Roentgenweg 11, Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Dragana Trifunović
- Cell Death Mechanisms Group, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tuebingen, Roentgenweg 11, Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Sukirthini Balendran
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Centre for Ophthalmology, University Clinics Tuebingen, Roentgenweg 11, Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Tanja Koepfli
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Centre for Ophthalmology, University Clinics Tuebingen, Roentgenweg 11, Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Regine Mühlfriedel
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tuebingen, Schleichstr.4/3, Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Christian Schön
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) at the Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich 81377, Germany and
| | - Martin Biel
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) at the Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich 81377, Germany and
| | | | - Susanne C Beck
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tuebingen, Schleichstr.4/3, Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Stylianos Michalakis
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) at the Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich 81377, Germany and
| | - Bernd Wissinger
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Centre for Ophthalmology, University Clinics Tuebingen, Roentgenweg 11, Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - Mathias W Seeliger
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tuebingen, Schleichstr.4/3, Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - François Paquet-Durand
- Cell Death Mechanisms Group, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tuebingen, Roentgenweg 11, Tuebingen 72076, Germany,
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Garcia Garrido M, Mühlfriedel RL, Beck SC, Wallrapp C, Seeliger MW. Scale Adjustments to Facilitate Two-Dimensional Measurements in OCT Images. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131154. [PMID: 26110792 PMCID: PMC4482384 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To address the problem of unequal scales for the measurement of two-dimensional structures in OCT images, and demonstrate the use of intra¬ocular objects of known dimensions in the murine eye for the equal calibration of axes. Methods The first part of this work describes the mathematical foundation of major distortion effects introduced by X-Y scaling differences. Illustrations were generated with CorelGraph X3 software. The second part bases on image data obtained with a HRA2 Spectralis (Heidelberg Engineering) in SV129 wild-type mice. Subretinally and intravitreally implanted microbeads, alginate capsules with a diameter of 154±5 μm containing GFP-marked mesenchymal stem cells (CellBeads), were used as intraocular objects for calibration. Results The problems encountered with two-dimensional measurements in cases of unequal scales are demonstrated and an estimation of the resulting errors is provided. Commonly, the Y axis is reliably calibrated using outside standards like histology or manufacturer data. We show here that intraocular objects like dimensionally stable spherical alginate capsules allow for a two-dimensional calibration of the acquired OCT raw images by establishing a relation between X and Y axis data. For our setup, a correction factor of about 3.3 was determined using both epiretinally and subretinally positioned beads (3.350 ± 0.104 and 3.324 ± 0.083, respectively). Conclusions In this work, we highlight the distortion-related problems in OCT image analysis induced by unequal X and Y scales. As an exemplary case, we provide data for a two-dimensional in vivo OCT image calibration in mice using intraocular alginate capsules. Our results demonstrate the need for a proper two-dimensional calibration of OCT data, and we believe that equal scaling will certainly improve the efficiency of OCT image analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Garcia Garrido
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Tuebingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Regine L. Mühlfriedel
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Susanne C. Beck
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Mathias W. Seeliger
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Tuebingen, Germany
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40
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Fortune B. In vivo imaging methods to assess glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Exp Eye Res 2015; 141:139-53. [PMID: 26048475 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2015] [Revised: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this review is to summarize the most common imaging methods currently applied for in vivo assessment of ocular structure in animal models of experimental glaucoma with an emphasis on translational relevance to clinical studies of the human disease. The most common techniques in current use include optical coherence tomography and scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. In reviewing the application of these and other imaging modalities to study glaucomatous optic neuropathy, this article is organized into three major sections: 1) imaging the optic nerve head, 2) imaging the retinal nerve fiber layer and 3) imaging retinal ganglion cell soma and dendrites. The article concludes with a brief section on possible future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad Fortune
- Discoveries in Sight Research Laboratories, Devers Eye Institute and Legacy Research Institute, Legacy Health, 1225 NE Second Avenue, Portland, OR 97232, USA.
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41
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Kohl S, Zobor D, Chiang WC, Weisschuh N, Staller J, Gonzalez Menendez I, Chang S, Beck SC, Garcia Garrido M, Sothilingam V, Seeliger MW, Stanzial F, Benedicenti F, Inzana F, Héon E, Vincent A, Beis J, Strom TM, Rudolph G, Roosing S, Hollander AID, Cremers FPM, Lopez I, Ren H, Moore AT, Webster AR, Michaelides M, Koenekoop RK, Zrenner E, Kaufman RJ, Tsang SH, Wissinger B, Lin JH. Mutations in the unfolded protein response regulator ATF6 cause the cone dysfunction disorder achromatopsia. Nat Genet 2015; 47:757-65. [PMID: 26029869 DOI: 10.1038/ng.3319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Achromatopsia (ACHM) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by color blindness, photophobia, nystagmus and severely reduced visual acuity. Using homozygosity mapping and whole-exome and candidate gene sequencing, we identified ten families carrying six homozygous and two compound-heterozygous mutations in the ATF6 gene (encoding activating transcription factor 6A), a key regulator of the unfolded protein response (UPR) and cellular endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis. Patients had evidence of foveal hypoplasia and disruption of the cone photoreceptor layer. The ACHM-associated ATF6 mutations attenuate ATF6 transcriptional activity in response to ER stress. Atf6(-/-) mice have normal retinal morphology and function at a young age but develop rod and cone dysfunction with increasing age. This new ACHM-related gene suggests a crucial and unexpected role for ATF6A in human foveal development and cone function and adds to the list of genes that, despite ubiquitous expression, when mutated can result in an isolated retinal photoreceptor phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Kohl
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ditta Zobor
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Wei-Chieh Chiang
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Nicole Weisschuh
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jennifer Staller
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Irene Gonzalez Menendez
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stanley Chang
- 1] Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA. [2] Edward Harkness Eye Institute, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Susanne C Beck
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marina Garcia Garrido
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Vithiyanjali Sothilingam
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Mathias W Seeliger
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Franco Stanzial
- Clinical Genetics Service, Regional Hospital Bozen, Bozen, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Inzana
- Clinical Genetics Service, Regional Hospital Bozen, Bozen, Italy
| | - Elise Héon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Programme of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ajoy Vincent
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Programme of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jill Beis
- Medical Genetics, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Tim M Strom
- 1] Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany. [2] Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Günther Rudolph
- University Eye Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Susanne Roosing
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Anneke I den Hollander
- 1] Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. [2] Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Frans P M Cremers
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Irma Lopez
- McGill Ocular Genetics Centre, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Huanan Ren
- McGill Ocular Genetics Centre, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anthony T Moore
- 1] University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK. [2] Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK. [3] Ophthalmology Department, University of California San Francisco Medical School, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Andrew R Webster
- 1] University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK. [2] Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Michel Michaelides
- 1] University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK. [2] Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Robert K Koenekoop
- McGill Ocular Genetics Centre, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Eberhart Zrenner
- 1] Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany. [2] Werner Reichardt Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Randal J Kaufman
- Degenerative Diseases Program, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- 1] Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA. [2] Jonas Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA. [3] Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA. [4] Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA. [5] Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Bernd Wissinger
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jonathan H Lin
- 1] Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA. [2] Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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Bell BA, Kaul C, Bonilha VL, Rayborn ME, Shadrach K, Hollyfield JG. The BALB/c mouse: Effect of standard vivarium lighting on retinal pathology during aging. Exp Eye Res 2015; 135:192-205. [PMID: 25895728 PMCID: PMC4446204 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Revised: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BALB/cJ mice housed under normal vivarium lighting conditions can exhibit profound retinal abnormalities, including retinal infoldings, autofluorescent inflammatory cells, and photoreceptor degeneration. To explore the sensitivity of the outer retina to cyclic lighting during aging, a cohort of BALB/cJ mice was evaluated with Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy (SLO), Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and conventional histopathology. Mice were bred and reared in a low-illuminance (extracage/intracage: 13 lx/1 lx) vivarium under cyclic light (14 h light: 10 h dark). Retinal imaging (around postnatal day 70) was performed to screen for any pre-existing abnormalities and to establish a baseline. Mice with normal retinas were separated into groups (A, B, C) and placed on bottom (Groups A & B) or top (Group C) of the cage racks where cage illumination was <10 & 150 lx respectively. Experimental groups B & C were imaged multiple times over a 17 month period. Mice from group A (controls) were imaged only once post-baseline at various times for comparison to groups B & C. Mice were assessed by histology at 8, 15, 20, 36, and 56 weeks and immunohistochemistry at 15 weeks post-baseline. SLO and OCT retinal images were measured and the resulting trends displayed as a function of age and light exposure. Retinal lesions (RL) and autofluorescent foci (AFF) were identified with histology as photoreceptor layer infoldings (IF) and localized microglia/macrophages (MM), respectively. Few RL and AFF were evident at baseline. Retinal infoldings were the earliest changes followed by subjacent punctate autofluorescent MM. The colocalization of IF and MM suggests a causal relationship. The incidence of these pathological features increased in all groups relative to baseline. OCT imaging revealed thinning of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) in all groups at 1 year relative to baseline. ONL thinning followed an exponential rate of change but the decay constant varied depending on intensity of illumination of the groups. Advanced age and top row illuminance conditions resulted in significant photoreceptor cell loss as judged by decreased thickness of the ONL. Photoreceptor loss was preceded by both retinal infoldings and the presence of autofluorescent inflammatory cells in the outer retina, suggesting that these changes are early indicators of light toxicity in the BALB/cJ mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent A Bell
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Charles Kaul
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Vera L Bonilha
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Mary E Rayborn
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Karen Shadrach
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Joe G Hollyfield
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Bosco A, Romero CO, Ambati BK, Vetter ML. In vivo dynamics of retinal microglial activation during neurodegeneration: confocal ophthalmoscopic imaging and cell morphometry in mouse glaucoma. J Vis Exp 2015:e52731. [PMID: 25992962 DOI: 10.3791/52731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia, which are CNS-resident neuroimmune cells, transform their morphology and size in response to CNS damage, switching to an activated state with distinct functions and gene expression profiles. The roles of microglial activation in health, injury and disease remain incompletely understood due to their dynamic and complex regulation in response to changes in their microenvironment. Thus, it is critical to non-invasively monitor and analyze changes in microglial activation over time in the intact organism. In vivo studies of microglial activation have been delayed by technical limitations to tracking microglial behavior without altering the CNS environment. This has been particularly challenging during chronic neurodegeneration, where long-term changes must be tracked. The retina, a CNS organ amenable to non-invasive live imaging, offers a powerful system to visualize and characterize the dynamics of microglia activation during chronic disorders. This protocol outlines methods for long-term, in vivo imaging of retinal microglia, using confocal ophthalmoscopy (cSLO) and CX3CR1(GFP/+) reporter mice, to visualize microglia with cellular resolution. Also, we describe methods to quantify monthly changes in cell activation and density in large cell subsets (200-300 cells per retina). We confirm the use of somal area as a useful metric for live tracking of microglial activation in the retina by applying automated threshold-based morphometric analysis of in vivo images. We use these live image acquisition and analyses strategies to monitor the dynamic changes in microglial activation and microgliosis during early stages of retinal neurodegeneration in a mouse model of chronic glaucoma. This approach should be useful to investigate the contributions of microglia to neuronal and axonal decline in chronic CNS disorders that affect the retina and optic nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cesar O Romero
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, University of Utah
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Bosco A, Romero CO, Breen KT, Chagovetz AA, Steele MR, Ambati BK, Vetter ML. Neurodegeneration severity can be predicted from early microglia alterations monitored in vivo in a mouse model of chronic glaucoma. Dis Model Mech 2015; 8:443-55. [PMID: 25755083 PMCID: PMC4415894 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.018788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia serve key homeostatic roles, and respond to neuronal perturbation and decline with a high spatiotemporal resolution. The course of all chronic CNS pathologies is thus paralleled by local microgliosis and microglia activation, which begin at early stages of the disease. However, the possibility of using live monitoring of microglia during early disease progression to predict the severity of neurodegeneration has not been explored. Because the retina allows live tracking of fluorescent microglia in their intact niche, here we investigated their early changes in relation to later optic nerve neurodegeneration. To achieve this, we used the DBA/2J mouse model of inherited glaucoma, which develops progressive retinal ganglion cell degeneration of variable severity during aging, and represents a useful model to study pathogenic mechanisms of retinal ganglion cell decline that are similar to those in human glaucoma. We imaged CX3CR1(+/GFP) microglial cells in vivo at ages ranging from 1 to 5 months by confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO) and quantified cell density and morphological activation. We detected early microgliosis at the optic nerve head (ONH), where axonopathy first manifests, and could track attenuation of this microgliosis induced by minocycline. We also observed heterogeneous and dynamic patterns of early microglia activation in the retina. When the same animals were aged and analyzed for the severity of optic nerve pathology at 10 months of age, we found a strong correlation with the levels of ONH microgliosis at 3 to 4 months. Our findings indicate that live imaging and monitoring the time course and levels of early retinal microgliosis and microglia activation in glaucoma could serve as indicators of future neurodegeneration severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Bosco
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Cesar O Romero
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Kevin T Breen
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Alexis A Chagovetz
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Michael R Steele
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Balamurali K Ambati
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Monica L Vetter
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
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Brennenstuhl C, Tanimoto N, Burkard M, Wagner R, Bolz S, Trifunovic D, Kabagema-Bilan C, Paquet-Durand F, Beck SC, Huber G, Seeliger MW, Ruth P, Wissinger B, Lukowski R. Targeted ablation of the Pde6h gene in mice reveals cross-species differences in cone and rod phototransduction protein isoform inventory. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:10242-55. [PMID: 25739440 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.611921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphodiesterase-6 (PDE6) is a multisubunit enzyme that plays a key role in the visual transduction cascade in rod and cone photoreceptors. Each type of photoreceptor utilizes discrete catalytic and inhibitory PDE6 subunits to fulfill its physiological tasks, i.e. the degradation of cyclic guanosine-3',5'-monophosphate at specifically tuned rates and kinetics. Recently, the human PDE6H gene was identified as a novel locus for autosomal recessive (incomplete) color blindness. However, the three different classes of cones were not affected to the same extent. Short wave cone function was more preserved than middle and long wave cone function indicating that some basic regulation of the PDE6 multisubunit enzyme was maintained albeit by a unknown mechanism. To study normal and disease-related functions of cone Pde6h in vivo, we generated Pde6h knock-out (Pde6h(-/-)) mice. Expression of PDE6H in murine eyes was restricted to both outer segments and synaptic terminals of short and long/middle cone photoreceptors, whereas Pde6h(-/-) retinae remained PDE6H-negative. Combined in vivo assessment of retinal morphology with histomorphological analyses revealed a normal overall integrity of the retinal organization and an unaltered distribution of the different cone photoreceptor subtypes upon Pde6h ablation. In contrast to human patients, our electroretinographic examinations of Pde6h(-/-) mice suggest no defects in cone/rod-driven retinal signaling and therefore preserved visual functions. To this end, we were able to demonstrate the presence of rod PDE6G in cones indicating functional substitution of PDE6. The disparities between human and murine phenotypes caused by mutant Pde6h/PDE6H suggest species-to-species differences in the vulnerability of biochemical and neurosensory pathways of the visual signal transduction system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Brennenstuhl
- From the Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy
| | | | - Markus Burkard
- From the Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy
| | - Rebecca Wagner
- From the Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy
| | | | | | - Clement Kabagema-Bilan
- From the Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy
| | | | | | | | | | - Peter Ruth
- From the Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy
| | - Bernd Wissinger
- the Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Robert Lukowski
- From the Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy,
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Zhang P, Zam A, Jian Y, Wang X, Li Y, Lam KS, Burns ME, Sarunic MV, Pugh EN, Zawadzki RJ. In vivo wide-field multispectral scanning laser ophthalmoscopy-optical coherence tomography mouse retinal imager: longitudinal imaging of ganglion cells, microglia, and Müller glia, and mapping of the mouse retinal and choroidal vasculature. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2015; 20:126005. [PMID: 26677070 PMCID: PMC4681314 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.20.12.126005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) provide complementary views of the retina, with the former collecting fluorescence data with good lateral but relatively low-axial resolution, and the latter collecting label-free backscattering data with comparable lateral but much higher axial resolution. To take maximal advantage of the information of both modalities in mouse retinal imaging, we have constructed a compact, four-channel, wide-field (∼50 deg) system that simultaneously acquires and automatically coregisters three channels of confocal SLO and Fourier domain OCT data. The scanner control system allows “zoomed” imaging of a region of interest identified in a wide-field image, providing efficient digital sampling and localization of cellular resolution features in longitudinal imaging of individual mice. The SLO is equipped with a “flip-in” spectrometer that enables spectral “fingerprinting” of fluorochromes. Segmentation of retina layers and en face display facilitate spatial comparison of OCT data with SLO fluorescence patterns. We demonstrate that the system can be used to image an individual retinal ganglion cell over many months, to simultaneously image microglia and Müller glia expressing different fluorochromes, to characterize the distinctive spatial distributions and clearance times of circulating fluorochromes with different molecular sizes, and to produce unequivocal images of the heretofore uncharacterized mouse choroidal vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Zhang
- University of California Davis, Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, UC Davis RISE Eye-Pod Laboratory, 4320 Tupper Hall, Davis, California 95616, Unites States
| | - Azhar Zam
- University of California Davis, Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, UC Davis RISE Eye-Pod Laboratory, 4320 Tupper Hall, Davis, California 95616, Unites States
| | - Yifan Jian
- Simon Fraser University, School of Engineering Science, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Xinlei Wang
- University of California Davis, Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, UC Davis RISE Eye-Pod Laboratory, 4320 Tupper Hall, Davis, California 95616, Unites States
| | - Yuanpei Li
- UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 4501 X Street, Sacramento, California 95817, Unites States
| | - Kit S. Lam
- UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 4501 X Street, Sacramento, California 95817, Unites States
| | - Marie E. Burns
- University of California Davis, Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, UC Davis RISE Eye-Pod Laboratory, 4320 Tupper Hall, Davis, California 95616, Unites States
- University of California Davis, UC Davis Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, 4860 Y Street, Suite 2400, Sacramento, California 95817, Unites States
| | - Marinko V. Sarunic
- Simon Fraser University, School of Engineering Science, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Edward N. Pugh
- University of California Davis, Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, UC Davis RISE Eye-Pod Laboratory, 4320 Tupper Hall, Davis, California 95616, Unites States
| | - Robert J. Zawadzki
- University of California Davis, Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, UC Davis RISE Eye-Pod Laboratory, 4320 Tupper Hall, Davis, California 95616, Unites States
- University of California Davis, UC Davis Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, 4860 Y Street, Suite 2400, Sacramento, California 95817, Unites States
- Address all correspondence to: Robert J. Zawadzki, E-mail:
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Gupta I, Cahoon J, Zhang X, Jones AD, Ahmed F, Uehara H, Messenger W, Ambati BK. In vivo ZW800-microbead imaging of retinal and choroidal vascular leakage in mice. Exp Eye Res 2014; 134:155-8. [PMID: 25536533 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2014.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Revised: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The eye is an attractive organ for non-invasive discovery and monitoring of disease progression. Traditionally, fluorescein angiography (FA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) have been used for dynamic evaluation of the retina and its vasculature. However, both fluorescein and indocyanine green (ICG) possess considerable disadvantages. FA is limited to assessing superficial retinal blood flow and often results in an unclear view due to fluorescein leakage. This obscures important pathologies such as neovascularization, ischemia and inflammation. ICG, a near-infrared fluorophore (NIRF), has nonspecific binding, high uptake and retention in tissues, as well as detrimental effects on the hepatobiliary tract. Here, we present a potential contrast agent for imaging ocular vascular permeability with ZW800, a heptamethine indocyanine NIRF, conjugated to polystyrene latex beads (ZW800m). ZW800 is an excellent alternative for near-infrared imaging, as it has excellent contrast, superior clearance, and is amendable to conjugation. ZW800m conjugation is an easy, attractive method of in vivo imaging and real-time tracking of ocular vascular pathologies. ZW800m is readily imaged via commercially available laser ophthalmoscope (SLO, HRA OCT, Spectralis) to assess vascular permeability in the mouse retina and choroid. In Type 1 diabetic Ins2Akita mice, ZW800m was observed in mouse retina but not in wild-type mice. After laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV), ZW800m was observed in mouse choroid but not in control. In both CNV and diabetic mice, ZW800 imaging showed increased hyperfluorescence on ICG modality (ICGA) not seen on FA. Presence of ZW800m in respective tissues was confirmed ex vivo with flatmounts visualized with EVOS 800 nm light cube. ZW800 imaging may be easily employed in the research laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isha Gupta
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Judd Cahoon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Alex D Jones
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Faisal Ahmed
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Hironori Uehara
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Wyatt Messenger
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Balamurali K Ambati
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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Bell BA, Kaul C, Hollyfield JG. A protective eye shield for prevention of media opacities during small animal ocular imaging. Exp Eye Res 2014; 127:280-7. [PMID: 25245081 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2014.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2013] [Revised: 12/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brent A Bell
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave/i31, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
| | - Charles Kaul
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave/i31, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Joe G Hollyfield
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave/i31, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Bell BA, Xie J, Yuan A, Kaul C, Hollyfield JG, Anand-Apte B. Retinal vasculature of adult zebrafish: in vivo imaging using confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. Exp Eye Res 2014; 129:107-18. [PMID: 25447564 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2014.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Revised: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 3 decades the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has become an important biomedical research species. As their use continues to grow additional techniques and tools will be required to keep pace with ongoing research using this species. In this paper we describe a novel method for in vivo imaging of the retinal vasculature in adult animals using a commercially available confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO). With this instrumentation, we demonstrate the ability to distinguish diverse vascular phenotypes in different transgenic GFP lines. In addition this technology allows repeated visualization of the vasculature in individual zebrafish over time to document vascular leakage progression and recovery induced by intraocular delivery of proteins that induce vascular permeability. SLO of the retinal vasculature was found to be highly informative, providing images of high contrast and resolution that were capable of resolving individual vascular endothelial cells. Finally, the procedures required to acquire SLO images from zebrafish are non-invasive, simple to perform and can be achieved with low animal mortality, allowing repeated imaging of individual fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent A Bell
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Jing Xie
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Alex Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Charles Kaul
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Joe G Hollyfield
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Bela Anand-Apte
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Weinl C, Wasylyk C, Garcia Garrido M, Sothilingam V, Beck SC, Riehle H, Stritt C, Roux MJ, Seeliger MW, Wasylyk B, Nordheim A. Elk3 deficiency causes transient impairment in post-natal retinal vascular development and formation of tortuous arteries in adult murine retinae. PLoS One 2014; 9:e107048. [PMID: 25203538 PMCID: PMC4159304 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Serum Response Factor (SRF) fulfills essential roles in post-natal retinal angiogenesis and adult neovascularization. These functions have been attributed to the recruitment by SRF of the cofactors Myocardin-Related Transcription Factors MRTF-A and -B, but not the Ternary Complex Factors (TCFs) Elk1 and Elk4. The role of the third TCF, Elk3, remained unknown. We generated a new Elk3 knockout mouse line and showed that Elk3 had specific, non-redundant functions in the retinal vasculature. In Elk3(−/−) mice, post-natal retinal angiogenesis was transiently delayed until P8, after which it proceeded normally. Interestingly, tortuous arteries developed in Elk3(−/−) mice from the age of four weeks, and persisted into late adulthood. Tortuous vessels have been observed in human pathologies, e.g. in ROP and FEVR. These human disorders were linked to altered activities of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the affected eyes. However, in Elk3(−/−) mice, we did not observe any changes in VEGF or several other potential confounding factors, including mural cell coverage and blood pressure. Instead, concurrent with the post-natal transient delay of radial outgrowth and the formation of adult tortuous arteries, Elk3-dependent effects on the expression of Angiopoietin/Tie-signalling components were observed. Moreover, in vitro microvessel sprouting and microtube formation from P10 and adult aortic ring explants were reduced. Collectively, these results indicate that Elk3 has distinct roles in maintaining retinal artery integrity. The Elk3 knockout mouse is presented as a new animal model to study retinal artery tortuousity in mice and human patients.
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MESH Headings
- Angiopoietins/genetics
- Angiopoietins/metabolism
- Animals
- Arteries/abnormalities
- Arteries/metabolism
- Arteries/pathology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Joint Instability/genetics
- Joint Instability/metabolism
- Joint Instability/pathology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/metabolism
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/pathology
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ets/deficiency
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ets/genetics
- Receptors, TIE/genetics
- Receptors, TIE/metabolism
- Retina/metabolism
- Retina/pathology
- Retinal Neovascularization/genetics
- Retinal Neovascularization/metabolism
- Retinal Neovascularization/pathology
- Retinal Vessels/metabolism
- Retinal Vessels/pathology
- Serum Response Factor/genetics
- Serum Response Factor/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/physiology
- Skin Diseases, Genetic/genetics
- Skin Diseases, Genetic/metabolism
- Skin Diseases, Genetic/pathology
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors/genetics
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors/metabolism
- Vascular Malformations/genetics
- Vascular Malformations/metabolism
- Vascular Malformations/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Weinl
- Department of Molecular Biology, Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Christine Wasylyk
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Marina Garcia Garrido
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Vithiyanjali Sothilingam
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Susanne C. Beck
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Heidemarie Riehle
- Department of Molecular Biology, Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Christine Stritt
- Department of Molecular Biology, Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Michel J. Roux
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Mathias W. Seeliger
- Division of Ocular Neurodegeneration, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bohdan Wasylyk
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Alfred Nordheim
- Department of Molecular Biology, Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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