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Takahashi K, Sudharsan R, Beltran WA. Mapping protein distribution in the canine photoreceptor sensory cilium and calyceal processes by ultrastructure expansion microscopy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.27.600953. [PMID: 38979372 PMCID: PMC11230445 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.27.600953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Photoreceptors are highly polarized sensory neurons, possessing a unique ciliary structure known as the photoreceptor sensory cilium (PSC). Vertebrates have two subtypes of photoreceptors: rods, which are responsible for night vision, and cones, which support daylight vision and color perception. Despite identifying functional and morphological differences between these subtypes, ultrastructural analyses of the PSC molecular architecture in rods and cones are still lacking. In this study, we employed ultrastructure expansion microscopy (U-ExM) to characterize the molecular architecture of the PSC in canine retina. We demonstrated that U-ExM is applicable to both non-frozen and cryopreserved retinal tissues with standard paraformaldehyde fixation. Using this validated U-ExM protocol, we revealed the molecular localization of numerous ciliopathy-related proteins in canine photoreceptors. Furthermore, we identified significant architectural differences in the PSC, ciliary rootlet, and calyceal processes between canine rods and cones. These findings pave the way for a better understanding of alterations in the molecular architecture of the PSC in canine models of retinal ciliopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Takahashi
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Raghavi Sudharsan
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - William A. Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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Sudharsan R, Kwok J, Swider M, Sumaroka A, Aguirre GD, Cideciyan AV, Beltran WA. Retinal prolactin isoform PRLΔE1 sustains rod disease in inherited retinal degenerations. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:682. [PMID: 39294136 PMCID: PMC11410941 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-07070-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
PRLΔE1, a retina-specific isoform of prolactin, is expressed in multiple and diverse forms of canine inherited retinal degeneration (IRD). We find that while PRLΔE1 expression in rods is not associated with the initial phase of disease characterized by acute photoreceptor cell death, it is associated with the protracted phase of slow cell loss. Restoration of photoreceptors to a healthy state by gene-specific replacement therapy of individual IRDs successfully suppresses PRLΔE1 expression. Moreover, short-term PRLΔE1 silencing using shRNA results in preservation of outer nuclear layer thickness, suggesting PRLΔE1 drives retinal disease. However, longer-term observations reveal off-target toxic effects of the PRLΔE1 shRNA, precluding determination of its full therapeutic potential. Future research efforts aimed at enhancing the safety and specificity of PRLΔE1-targeting strategies may identify a potential universal intervention strategy for sustaining photoreceptors during the prolonged phase of multiple IRDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghavi Sudharsan
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Jennifer Kwok
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Center for Hereditary Retinal Degenerations, Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Center for Hereditary Retinal Degenerations, Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Center for Hereditary Retinal Degenerations, Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - William A Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Sen S, Fabozzi L, Fujinami K, Fujinami-Yokokawa YU, Wright GA, Webster A, Mahroo O, Robson AG, Georgiou M, Michaelides M. IQCB1 (NPHP5)-Retinopathy: Clinical and Genetic Characterization and Natural History. Am J Ophthalmol 2024; 264:205-215. [PMID: 38522724 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2024.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the clinical and genetic features, and explore the natural history of retinopathy associated with IQCB1 variants in children and adults with retinopathy. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study at a single tertiary care referral center. METHODS The study recruited 19 patients with retinopathy, harboring likely disease-causing variants in IQCB1. Demographic data and clinical presentation, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus appearance, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and autofluorescence features, electroretinography (ERG) and molecular genetics are reported. RESULTS Ten patients had best corrected visual acuity better than 1.0 LogMAR, and BCVA remained stable till the last review. Seven patients had a vision of hand movements or worse in at least one eye at presentation. There was no correlation found between age of onset and severity of vision loss. Nine patients (47.4%) had a diagnosis of end-stage renal failure at presentation. The other 10 patients (52.6%) had a diagnosis of non-syndromic IQCB1-retinopathy and maintained normal renal function until the last follow-up. The mean age at diagnosis of renal failure was 26.3 ±19.8 years. OCT showed ellipsoid zone (EZ) disruption with foveal sparing in 8/13 patients. All patients had stable OCT findings. Full-field ERGs in four adults revealed a severe cone-rod dystrophy and three children had extinguished ERGs. We identified 17 IQCB1 variants, all predicted to cause loss of function. CONCLUSION IQCB1-retinopathy is a severe early-onset cone-rod dystrophy. The dissociation between severely decreased retinal function and relative preservation of retinal structure over a wide age window makes the disease a candidate for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagnik Sen
- Moorfields Eye Hospital (S.S, L.F., K.F., G.W., A.W., O.M., A.R., M.G., M.MM), London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology (S.S., K.F., Y.F.-K., A.W., O.M., A.R., M.G., M.M.), University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Fabozzi
- Moorfields Eye Hospital (S.S, L.F., K.F., G.W., A.W., O.M., A.R., M.G., M.MM), London, United Kingdom
| | - Kaoru Fujinami
- Moorfields Eye Hospital (S.S, L.F., K.F., G.W., A.W., O.M., A.R., M.G., M.MM), London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology (S.S., K.F., Y.F.-K., A.W., O.M., A.R., M.G., M.M.), University College London, London, United Kingdom; Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research (K.F., Y.F.-Y.), National Institute of Sensory Organs, NHO Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Y U Fujinami-Yokokawa
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology (S.S., K.F., Y.F.-K., A.W., O.M., A.R., M.G., M.M.), University College London, London, United Kingdom; Laboratory of Visual Physiology, Division of Vision Research (K.F., Y.F.-Y.), National Institute of Sensory Organs, NHO Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Health Policy and Management (Y.F.-Y.), Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Genevieve A Wright
- Moorfields Eye Hospital (S.S, L.F., K.F., G.W., A.W., O.M., A.R., M.G., M.MM), London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Webster
- Moorfields Eye Hospital (S.S, L.F., K.F., G.W., A.W., O.M., A.R., M.G., M.MM), London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology (S.S., K.F., Y.F.-K., A.W., O.M., A.R., M.G., M.M.), University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Omar Mahroo
- Moorfields Eye Hospital (S.S, L.F., K.F., G.W., A.W., O.M., A.R., M.G., M.MM), London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology (S.S., K.F., Y.F.-K., A.W., O.M., A.R., M.G., M.M.), University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony G Robson
- Moorfields Eye Hospital (S.S, L.F., K.F., G.W., A.W., O.M., A.R., M.G., M.MM), London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology (S.S., K.F., Y.F.-K., A.W., O.M., A.R., M.G., M.M.), University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michalis Georgiou
- Moorfields Eye Hospital (S.S, L.F., K.F., G.W., A.W., O.M., A.R., M.G., M.MM), London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology (S.S., K.F., Y.F.-K., A.W., O.M., A.R., M.G., M.M.), University College London, London, United Kingdom; Jones Eye Institute (M.G.), University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Michel Michaelides
- Moorfields Eye Hospital (S.S, L.F., K.F., G.W., A.W., O.M., A.R., M.G., M.MM), London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology (S.S., K.F., Y.F.-K., A.W., O.M., A.R., M.G., M.M.), University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Takahashi K, Miyadera K. [Canine inherited retinal degeneration as model to study disease mechanisms and therapy for ciliopathies]. Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi 2024; 159:192-197. [PMID: 38684401 DOI: 10.1254/fpj.23071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Humans have a highly developed retina and obtain approximately 80% of their external information from vision. Photoreceptor cells, which are located in the outermost layer of the neuroretina and recognize light signals, are highly specialized sensory cilia that share structural and functional features with primary cilia. Genetic disorders of the retina or photoreceptor cells are termed inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) and are caused by variants in one of more than 280 genes identified to date. Among the genes responsible for IRDs, many are shared with those responsible for ciliopathies. In studies of inherited diseases, mouse models are commonly used due to their advantages in breeding, handling, and relative feasibility in creating pathological models. On the other hand, structural, functional, and genetic differences in the retina between mice and humans can be a barrier in IRD research. To overcome the limitations of mouse models, larger vertebrate models of IRDs can be a useful research subject. In particular, canines have retinas that are structurally and functionally similar and eyes that are anatomically comparable to those of humans. In addition, due to their unique veterinary clinical surveillance and genetic background, naturally occurring canine IRDs are more likely to be identified than in other large animals. To date, pathogenic mutations related to canine IRDs have been identified in more than 30 genes, contributing to the understanding of pathogeneses and to the development of new therapies. This review provides an overview of the roles of the canine IRD models in ciliopathy research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Takahashi
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
| | - Keiko Miyadera
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
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Seidemann S, Salomon F, Hoffmann KB, Kurth T, Sbalzarini IF, Haase R, Ader M. Automated quantification of photoreceptor outer segments in developing and degenerating retinas on microscopy images across scales. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1398447. [PMID: 38854587 PMCID: PMC11157083 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1398447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The functionality of photoreceptors, rods, and cones is highly dependent on their outer segments (POS), a cellular compartment containing highly organized membranous structures that generate biochemical signals from incident light. While POS formation and degeneration are qualitatively assessed on microscopy images, reliable methodology for quantitative analyses is still limited. Here, we developed methods to quantify POS (QuaPOS) maturation and quality on retinal sections using automated image analyses. POS formation was examined during the development and in adulthood of wild-type mice via light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). To quantify the number, size, shape, and fluorescence intensity of POS, retinal cryosections were immunostained for the cone POS marker S-opsin. Fluorescence images were used to train the robust classifier QuaPOS-LM based on supervised machine learning for automated image segmentation. Characteristic features of segmentation results were extracted to quantify the maturation of cone POS. Subsequently, this quantification method was applied to characterize POS degeneration in "cone photoreceptor function loss 1" mice. TEM images were used to establish the ultrastructural quantification method QuaPOS-TEM for the alignment of POS membranes. Images were analyzed using a custom-written MATLAB code to extract the orientation of membranes from the image gradient and their alignment (coherency). This analysis was used to quantify the POS morphology of wild-type and two inherited retinal degeneration ("retinal degeneration 19" and "rhodopsin knock-out") mouse lines. Both automated analysis technologies provided robust characterization and quantification of POS based on LM or TEM images. Automated image segmentation by the classifier QuaPOS-LM and analysis of the orientation of membrane stacks by QuaPOS-TEM using fluorescent or TEM images allowed quantitative evaluation of POS formation and quality. The assessments showed an increase in POS number, volume, and membrane coherency during wild-type postnatal development, while a decrease in all three observables was detected in different retinal degeneration mouse models. All the code used for the presented analysis is open source, including example datasets to reproduce the findings. Hence, the QuaPOS quantification methods are useful for in-depth characterization of POS on retinal sections in developmental studies, for disease modeling, or after therapeutic interventions affecting photoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suse Seidemann
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Florian Salomon
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Karl B. Hoffmann
- Faculty of Computer Science, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Kurth
- Core Facility Electron Microscopy and Histology, Technology Platform, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ivo F. Sbalzarini
- Faculty of Computer Science, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- DFG Cluster of Excellence “Physics of Life”, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Scalable Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (ScaDS.AI), Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Robert Haase
- DFG Cluster of Excellence “Physics of Life”, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Scalable Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (ScaDS.AI), Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marius Ader
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Wu V, Swider M, Sumaroka A, Dufour VL, Vance JE, Aleman TS, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA, Cideciyan AV. Retinal response to light exposure in BEST1-mutant dogs evaluated with ultra-high resolution OCT. Vision Res 2024; 218:108379. [PMID: 38460402 PMCID: PMC11009038 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2024.108379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Mutations in BEST1 cause an autosomal recessive disease in dogs where the earliest changes localize to the photoreceptor-RPE interface and show a retina-wide micro-detachment that is modulated by light exposure. The purpose of this study was to define the spatial and temporal details of the outer retina and its response to light with ultra-high resolution OCT across a range of ages and with different BEST1 mutations. Three retinal regions were selected in each eye: near the fovea-like area, near the optic nerve, both in the tapetal area, and inferior to the optic nerve in the non-tapetal area. The OS+ slab thickness was defined between the peak near the junction of inner and outer segments (IS/OS) and the transition between basal RPE, Bruch membrane, choriocapillaris and proximal tapetum (RPE/T). In wildtype (WT) dogs, two tapetal regions showed additional hyperscattering OCT peaks within the OS+ slab likely representing cone and rod outer segment tips (COST and ROST). The inferior non-tapetal region of WT dogs had only one of these peaks, likely ROST. In dogs with BEST1 mutations, all three locations showed a single peak, likely suggesting optical silence of COST. Light-dependent expansion of the micro-detachment by about 10 um was detectable in both tapetal and non-tapetal retina across all ages and BEST1 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Wu
- Center for Hereditary Retinal Degenerations, Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Center for Hereditary Retinal Degenerations, Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Center for Hereditary Retinal Degenerations, Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Valerie L Dufour
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Tomas S Aleman
- Center for Hereditary Retinal Degenerations, Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - William A Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Center for Hereditary Retinal Degenerations, Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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Arsenijevic Y, Chang N, Mercey O, El Fersioui Y, Koskiniemi-Kuendig H, Joubert C, Bemelmans AP, Rivolta C, Banin E, Sharon D, Guichard P, Hamel V, Kostic C. Fine-tuning FAM161A gene augmentation therapy to restore retinal function. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:805-822. [PMID: 38504136 PMCID: PMC11018783 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00053-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
For 15 years, gene therapy has been viewed as a beacon of hope for inherited retinal diseases. Many preclinical investigations have centered around vectors with maximal gene expression capabilities, yet despite efficient gene transfer, minimal physiological improvements have been observed in various ciliopathies. Retinitis pigmentosa-type 28 (RP28) is the consequence of bi-allelic null mutations in the FAM161A, an essential protein for the structure of the photoreceptor connecting cilium (CC). In its absence, cilia become disorganized, leading to outer segment collapses and vision impairment. Within the human retina, FAM161A has two isoforms: the long one with exon 4, and the short one without it. To restore CC in Fam161a-deficient mice shortly after the onset of cilium disorganization, we compared AAV vectors with varying promoter activities, doses, and human isoforms. While all vectors improved cell survival, only the combination of both isoforms using the weak FCBR1-F0.4 promoter enabled precise FAM161A expression in the CC and enhanced retinal function. Our investigation into FAM161A gene replacement for RP28 emphasizes the importance of precise therapeutic gene regulation, appropriate vector dosing, and delivery of both isoforms. This precision is pivotal for secure gene therapy involving structural proteins like FAM161A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvan Arsenijevic
- Unit of Retinal Degeneration and Regeneration, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Ning Chang
- Unit of Retinal Degeneration and Regeneration, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Group for Retinal Disorder Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Mercey
- University of Geneva, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Sciences III, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Younes El Fersioui
- Unit of Retinal Degeneration and Regeneration, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Group for Retinal Disorder Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hanna Koskiniemi-Kuendig
- Unit of Retinal Degeneration and Regeneration, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Joubert
- Unit of Retinal Degeneration and Regeneration, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexis-Pierre Bemelmans
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives: mécanismes, thérapies, imagerie, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Carlo Rivolta
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB), Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eyal Banin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Dror Sharon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Paul Guichard
- University of Geneva, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Sciences III, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Virginie Hamel
- University of Geneva, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Sciences III, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Corinne Kostic
- Group for Retinal Disorder Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Petersen-Jones SM, Komáromy AM. Canine and Feline Models of Inherited Retinal Diseases. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041286. [PMID: 37217283 PMCID: PMC10835616 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Naturally occurring inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) in cats and dogs provide a rich source of potential models for human IRDs. In many cases, the phenotypes between the species with mutations of the homologous genes are very similar. Both cats and dogs have a high-acuity retinal region, the area centralis, an equivalent to the human macula, with tightly packed photoreceptors and higher cone density. This and the similarity in globe size to that of humans means these large animal models provide information not obtainable from rodent models. The established cat and dog models include those for Leber congenital amaurosis, retinitis pigmentosa (including recessive, dominant, and X-linked forms), achromatopsia, Best disease, congenital stationary night blindness and other synaptic dysfunctions, RDH5-associated retinopathy, and Stargardt disease. Several of these models have proven to be important in the development of translational therapies such as gene-augmentation therapies. Advances have been made in editing the canine genome, which necessitated overcoming challenges presented by the specifics of canine reproduction. Feline genome editing presents fewer challenges. We can anticipate the generation of specific cat and dog IRD models by genome editing in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon M Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - András M Komáromy
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
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Taskin HO, Wivel J, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA, Aguirre GK. Cone-Driven, Geniculocortical Responses in Canine Models of Outer Retinal Disease. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2024; 13:18. [PMID: 38241039 PMCID: PMC10807495 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.13.1.18] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Canine models of inherited retinal degeneration are used for proof of concept of emerging gene and cell-based therapies that aim to produce functional restoration of cone-mediated vision. We examined functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of the postretinal response to cone-directed stimulation in wild-type (WT) dogs, and in three different retinal disease models. Methods Temporal spectral modulation of a uniform field of light around a photopic background was used to target the canine L/M (hereafter "L") and S cones and rods. Stimuli were designed to separately target the postreceptoral luminance (L+S) and chrominance (L-S) pathways, the rods, and all photoreceptors jointly (light flux). These stimuli were presented to WT, and mutant PDE6B-RCD1, RPGR-XLPRA2, and NPHP5-CRD2 dogs during pupillometry and functional MRI (fMRI). Results Pupil responses in WT dogs to light flux, L+S, and rod-directed stimuli were consistent with responses being driven by cone signals alone. For WT animals, both luminance and chromatic (L-S) stimuli evoked fMRI responses in the lateral geniculate nucleus or visual cortex; RCD1 animals with predominant rod loss had similar responses. Responses to cone-directed stimulation were reduced in XLPRA2 and absent in CRD2. NPHP5 gene augmentation restored the cortical response to luminance stimulation in a CRD2 animal. Conclusions Cone-directed stimulation during fMRI can be used to measure the integrity of luminance and chrominance responses in the dog visual system. The NPHP5-CRD2 model is appealing for studies of recovered cone function. Translational Relevance fMRI assessment of cone-driven cortical response provides a tool to translate cell/gene therapies for vision restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huseyin O. Taskin
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jacqueline Wivel
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gustavo D. Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - William A. Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Geoffrey K. Aguirre
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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10
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Taskin HO, Wivel J, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA, Aguirre GK. Cone-driven, geniculo-cortical responses in canine models of outer retinal disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.13.571523. [PMID: 38168165 PMCID: PMC10760074 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.13.571523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Purpose Canine models of inherited retinal degeneration are used for proof-of-concept of emerging gene and cell-based therapies that aim to produce functional restoration of cone-mediated vision. We examined functional MRI measures of the post-retinal response to cone-directed stimulation in wild type (WT) dogs, and in three different retinal disease models. Methods Temporal spectral modulation of a uniform field of light around a photopic background was used to target the canine L/M (hereafter "L") and S cones and rods. Stimuli were designed to separately target the post-receptoral luminance (L+S) and chrominance (L-S) pathways, the rods, and all photoreceptors jointly (light flux). These stimuli were presented to WT, and mutant PDE6B-RCD1, RPGR-XLPRA2, and NPHP5-CRD2 dogs during pupillometry and fMRI. Results Pupil responses in WT dogs to light flux, L+S, and rod-directed stimuli were consistent with responses being driven by cone signals alone. For WT animals, both luminance and chromatic (L-S) stimuli evoked fMRI responses in the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) or visual cortex; RCD1 animals with predominant rod loss had similar responses. Responses to cone-directed stimulation were reduced in XLPRA2 and absent in CRD2. NPHP5 gene augmentation restored the cortical response to luminance stimulation in a CRD2 animal. Conclusions Cone-directed stimulation during fMRI can be used to measure the integrity of luminance and chrominance responses in the dog visual system. The NPHP5-CRD2 model is appealing for studies of recovered cone function. Translational Relevance fMRI assessment of cone driven cortical response provides a tool to translate cell/gene therapies for vision restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huseyin O. Taskin
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Jacqueline Wivel
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Gustavo D. Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - William A. Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Geoffrey K. Aguirre
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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11
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Matsevich C, Gopalakrishnan P, Chang N, Obolensky A, Beryozkin A, Salameh M, Kostic C, Sharon D, Arsenijevic Y, Banin E. Gene augmentation therapy attenuates retinal degeneration in a knockout mouse model of Fam161a retinitis pigmentosa. Mol Ther 2023; 31:2948-2961. [PMID: 37580905 PMCID: PMC10556223 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptor cell degeneration and death is the major hallmark of a wide group of human blinding diseases including age-related macular degeneration and inherited retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa. In recent years, inherited retinal diseases have become the "testing ground" for novel therapeutic modalities, including gene and cell-based therapies. Currently there is no available treatment for retinitis pigmentosa caused by FAM161A biallelic pathogenic variants. In this study, we injected an adeno-associated virus encoding for the longer transcript of mFam161a into the subretinal space of P24-P29 Fam161a knockout mice to characterize the safety and efficacy of gene augmentation therapy. Serial in vivo assessment of retinal function and structure at 3, 6, and 8 months of age using the optomotor response test, full-field electroretinography, fundus autofluorescence, and optical coherence tomography imaging as well as ex vivo quantitative histology and immunohistochemical studies revealed a significant structural and functional rescue effect in treated eyes accompanied by expression of the FAM161A protein in photoreceptors. The results of this study may serve as an important step toward future application of gene augmentation therapy in FAM161A-deficient patients by identifying a promising isoform to rescue photoreceptors and their function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Matsevich
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Ning Chang
- Group for Retinal Disorder Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University Lausanne - Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexey Obolensky
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Avigail Beryozkin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Manar Salameh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Corinne Kostic
- Group for Retinal Disorder Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University Lausanne - Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dror Sharon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Yvan Arsenijevic
- Unit of Retinal Degeneration and Regeneration, Department of Ophthalmology, University Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eyal Banin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
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12
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Takahashi K, Kwok JC, Sato Y, Aguirre GD, Miyadera K. Molecular characterization of MAP9 in the photoreceptor sensory cilia as a modifier in canine RPGRIP1-associated cone-rod dystrophy. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1226603. [PMID: 37650070 PMCID: PMC10464610 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1226603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptors possess a highly specialized primary cilium containing expanded ciliary membrane discs called the outer segment. The photoreceptor cilium is essential for the maintenance of the outer segment, and pathogenic variants in more than 50 cilia-related genes have been identified as causing non-syndromic inherited retinal diseases in patients. The retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator interacting protein 1 (RPGRIP1) is a structural protein localized to the photoreceptor cilium and biallelic RPGRIP1 variants have been associated with non-syndromic human inherited retinal diseases. In a canine cone-rod dystrophy model, a naturally occurring 44-bp exonic insertion in RPGRIP1 (RPGRIP1ins44/ins44) is the primary disease locus while an additional homozygous variant in MAP9 (microtubule associated protein 9) (MAP9aff/aff) acts as a modifier associated with early disease onset. MAP9 was originally identified as a microtubule-binding protein stabilizing microtubule structure during both mitosis and interphase in human cell lines. However, the roles of MAP9 in primary cilia, including photoreceptor neurosensory cilia, have not been well understood. Hence, we characterized the pathogenic phenotypes associated with homozygous MAP9 variant, and investigated the molecular function of MAP9 in primary cilia using the RPGRIP1-associated oligogenic canine cone-rod dystrophy model as well as cultured cells. Both functionally and structurally, the RPGRIP1ins44/ins44 MAP9aff/aff retina exhibited progressive cone photoreceptor degeneration starting earlier than the retina affected by RPGRIP1ins44/ins44 alone. Based on immunostaining of canine retinal sections and cultured cells, we found that MAP9 is prominently localized in the basal body of primary cilia and played an important role in maintaining the structure of ciliary microtubule axoneme. These findings suggest that the affected MAP9, together with mutant RPGRIP1, is deprived of critical roles in cilia organization and maintenance resulting in altered cilia structure and function giving rise to early onset and accelerated disease progression in the RPGRIP1ins44/ins44 MAP9aff/aff double homozygote cone-rod dystrophy canine model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Keiko Miyadera
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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13
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Takahashi K, Kwok JC, Sato Y, Aguirre GD, Miyadera K. Extended functional rescue following AAV gene therapy in a canine model of LRIT3-congenital stationary night blindness. Vision Res 2023; 209:108260. [PMID: 37220680 PMCID: PMC10524691 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2023.108260] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) is a group of inherited retinal diseases in which either rod-to-ON-bipolar cell (ON-BC) signaling, or rod function is affected leading to impaired vision under low light conditions. One type of CSNB is associated with defects in genes (NYX, GRM6, TRPM1, GPR179, and LRIT3) involved in the mGluR6 signaling cascade at the ON-BC dendritic tips. We have previously characterized a canine model of LRIT3-CSNB and demonstrated short-term safety and efficacy of an ON-BC targeting AAV-LRIT3 (AAVK9#4-shGRM6-cLRIT3-WPRE) gene therapy. Herein, we demonstrate long-term functional recovery and molecular restoration following subretinal injection of the ON-BC targeting AAV-LRIT3 vector in all eight treated eyes for up to 32 months. Following subretinal administration of the therapeutic vector, expression of the LRIT3 transgene, as well as restoration of mGluR6 signaling cascade member TRPM1, were confirmed in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) of the treated area. However, further investigation of the transgene LRIT3 transcript expression by RNA in situ hybridization (RNA-ISH) revealed off-target expression in non-BCs including the photoreceptors, inner nuclear, and ganglion cell layers, despite the use of a mutant AAVK9#4 capsid and an improved mGluR6 promoter designed to specifically transduce and promote expression in ON-BCs. While the long-term therapeutic potential of AAVK9#4-shGRM6-cLRIT3-WPRE is promising, we highlight the necessity for further optimization of AAV-LRIT3 therapy in the canine CSNB model prior to its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Takahashi
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jennifer C Kwok
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yu Sato
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Keiko Miyadera
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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14
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Zufiaurre-Seijo M, García-Arumí J, Duarri A. Clinical and Molecular Aspects of C2orf71/PCARE in Retinal Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10670. [PMID: 37445847 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the photoreceptor-specific C2orf71 gene (also known as photoreceptor cilium actin regulator protein PCARE) cause autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa type 54 and cone-rod dystrophy. No treatments are available for patients with C2orf71 retinal ciliopathies exhibiting a severe clinical phenotype. Our understanding of the disease process and the role of PCARE in the healthy retina significantly limits our capacity to transfer recent technical developments into viable therapy choices. This study summarizes the current understanding of C2orf71-related retinal diseases, including their clinical manifestations and an unclear genotype-phenotype correlation. It discusses molecular and functional studies on the photoreceptor-specific ciliary PCARE, focusing on the photoreceptor cell and its ciliary axoneme. It is proposed that PCARE is an actin-associated protein that interacts with WASF3 to regulate the actin-driven expansion of the ciliary membrane during the development of a new outer segment disk in photoreceptor cells. This review also introduces various cellular and animal models used to model these diseases and provides an overview of potential treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddalen Zufiaurre-Seijo
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - José García-Arumí
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Duarri
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
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15
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Ripolles-Garcia A, Murgiano L, Ziolkowska N, Marinho FP, Roszak K, Iffrig S, Aguirre GD, Miyadera K. Natural disease history of a canine model of oligogenic RPGRIP1-cone-rod dystrophy establishes variable effects of previously and newly mapped modifier loci. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:2139-2151. [PMID: 36951959 PMCID: PMC10281748 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine RPGRIP1-cone-rod dystrophy (CRD), a model for human inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), was originally identified as autosomal recessive early-onset blindness. However, later studies revealed extensive phenotypic variability among RPGRIP1 mutants. This led to the identification of a homozygous MAP9 variant as a modifier associated with early-onset disease. Based on further phenotypic variation affecting cone photoreceptor function, we report mapping of L3 as an additional modifier locus, within a 4.1-Mb locus on canine chromosome 30. We establish the natural disease history of RPGRIP1-CRD based on up to 9-year long-term functional and structural retinal data from 58 dogs including 44 RPGRIP1 mutants grouped according to the modifier status. RPGRIP1 mutants affected by both MAP9 and L3 modifiers exhibited the most severe phenotypes with rapid disease progression. MAP9 alone was found to act as an overall accelerator of rod and cone diseases, while L3 had a cone-specific effect. Ultrastructural analysis of photoreceptors revealed varying degrees of rod and cone damage, while the connecting cilia appeared structurally preserved in all groups. We conclude that RPGRIP1-CRD is an oligogenic disease with at least three loci contributing to the pathogenesis. While the RPGRIP1 variant is required for developing the disease, MAP9 and L3 modifiers exacerbate the phenotype, individually and cumulatively. Oligogenic canine RPGRIP1-CRD illustrates the impact of multiple genetic modifiers on disease phenotype and thus has the potential to reveal new targets for broad-spectrum therapies for oligogenic or polygenic forms of human IRDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Ripolles-Garcia
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Leonardo Murgiano
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Natalia Ziolkowska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn 10-719, Poland
| | - Felipe Pompeo Marinho
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Karolina Roszak
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sommer Iffrig
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Keiko Miyadera
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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16
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Welling DB. Targeted Therapies in the Treatment of Vestibular Schwannomas: Current State and New Horizons. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2023; 56:543-556. [PMID: 37024334 DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2023.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Vestibular schwannomas continue to cause hearing loss, facial nerve paralysis, imbalance, and tinnitus. These symptoms are compounded by germline neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) gene loss and multiple intracranial and spinal cord tumors associated with NF2-related schwannomatosis. The current treatments of observation, microsurgical resection, or stereotactic radiation may prevent catastrophic brainstem compression but are all associated with the loss of cranial nerve function, particularly hearing loss. Novel targeted treatment options to stop tumor progression include small molecule inhibitors, immunotherapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, radio-sensitizing and sclerosing agents, and gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Bradley Welling
- Harvard Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA, USA; Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Massachusetts General Hospital.
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17
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Leeb T, Bannasch D, Schoenebeck JJ. Identification of Genetic Risk Factors for Monogenic and Complex Canine Diseases. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2023; 11:183-205. [PMID: 36322969 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-050622-055534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Advances in DNA sequencing and other technologies have greatly facilitated the identification of genetic risk factors for inherited diseases in dogs. We review recent technological developments based on selected examples from canine disease genetics. The identification of disease-causing variants in dogs with monogenic diseases may become a widely employed diagnostic approach in clinical veterinary medicine in the not-too-distant future. Diseases with complex modes of inheritance continue to pose challenges to researchers but have also become much more tangible than in the past. In addition to strategies for identifying genetic risk factors, we provide some thoughts on the interpretation of sequence variants that are largely inspired by developments in human clinical genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tosso Leeb
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Danika Bannasch
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis, California, USA;
| | - Jeffrey J Schoenebeck
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School for Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom;
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18
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Ripolles-Garcia A, Chen Y, Sato Y, Gray A, Ying GS, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA. Retinal Vascular Plexuses Are Unequally Affected in Canine Inherited Retinal Degenerations. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:22. [PMID: 36378130 PMCID: PMC9672900 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.12.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To characterize the progression of vascular changes that occur in each retinal plexus, in three canine models of inherited retinal degeneration. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we examined the retinal imaging records of 44 dogs from a research colony that had undergone optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) imaging. Animals enrolled included crd2/NPHP5 and xlpra2/RPGR mutant dogs imaged at different stages of photoreceptor loss, as well as RHOT4R/+ dogs after acute light-induced rod degeneration. Also included were normal controls imaged at similar ages. OCT angiograms of the superficial vascular plexus combined with the intermediate capillary plexus (SVP + ICP), and the deep capillary plexus (DCP) were analyzed using the AngioTool software to calculate vessel density and other vascular parameters. Results A reduction in vessel density was seen over time in both the SVP + ICP and DCP in all mutant dogs but was more pronounced in the DCP. Scans were subclassified based on outer nuclear layer (ONL) thinning compared to age-matched normal controls. When ONL loss was 0% to 50%, vessel density in the DCP was significantly lower than in age-matched controls. In all cases, when ONL loss exceeded 87.5%, vessel density in the SVP + ICP was significantly reduced as well. In the acute light-induced rod degeneration model, the vascular regression changes were observed mainly in the DCP. Conclusions Vessel density reduction in dogs undergoing retinal degeneration is first detected by OCTA in the DCP, and only at later stages in the SVP + ICP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Ripolles-Garcia
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Yineng Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Yu Sato
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Alexa Gray
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Gui-Shuang Ying
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Gustavo D. Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - William A. Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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19
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Kruczek K, Qu Z, Welby E, Shimada H, Hiriyanna S, English MA, Zein WM, Brooks BP, Swaroop A. In vitro modeling and rescue of ciliopathy associated with IQCB1/NPHP5 mutations using patient-derived cells. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:2172-2186. [PMID: 36084637 PMCID: PMC9561628 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the IQ calmodulin-binding motif containing B1 (IQCB1)/NPHP5 gene encoding the ciliary protein nephrocystin 5 cause early-onset blinding disease Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), together with kidney dysfunction in Senior-Løken syndrome. For in vitro disease modeling, we obtained dermal fibroblasts from patients with NPHP5-LCA that were reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and differentiated into retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and retinal organoids. Patient fibroblasts and RPE demonstrated aberrantly elongated ciliary axonemes. Organoids revealed impaired development of outer segment structures, which are modified primary cilia, and mislocalization of visual pigments to photoreceptor cell soma. All patient-derived cells showed reduced levels of CEP290 protein, a critical cilia transition zone component interacting with NPHP5, providing a plausible mechanism for aberrant ciliary gating and cargo transport. Disease phenotype in NPHP5-LCA retinal organoids could be rescued by adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated IQCB1/NPHP5 gene augmentation therapy. Our studies thus establish a human disease model and a path for treatment of NPHP5-LCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Kruczek
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, MSC0610, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Zepeng Qu
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, MSC0610, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Emily Welby
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, MSC0610, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Hiroko Shimada
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, MSC0610, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Suja Hiriyanna
- Ocular Gene Therapy Core, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Milton A English
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, MSC0610, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Wadih M Zein
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Brian P Brooks
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, MSC0610, 6 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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20
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Lange KI, Best S, Tsiropoulou S, Berry I, Johnson CA, Blacque OE. Interpreting ciliopathy-associated missense variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in Caenorhabditis elegans. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:1574-1587. [PMID: 34964473 PMCID: PMC9122650 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Better methods are required to interpret the pathogenicity of disease-associated variants of uncertain significance (VUS), which cannot be actioned clinically. In this study, we explore the use of an animal model (Caenorhabditis elegans) for in vivo interpretation of missense VUS alleles of TMEM67, a cilia gene associated with ciliopathies. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing was used to generate homozygous knock-in C. elegans worm strains carrying TMEM67 patient variants engineered into the orthologous gene (mks-3). Quantitative phenotypic assays of sensory cilia structure and function (neuronal dye filling, roaming and chemotaxis assays) measured how the variants impacted mks-3 gene function. Effects of the variants on mks-3 function were further investigated by looking at MKS-3::GFP localization and cilia ultrastructure. The quantitative assays in C. elegans accurately distinguished between known benign (Asp359Glu, Thr360Ala) and known pathogenic (Glu361Ter, Gln376Pro) variants. Analysis of eight missense VUS generated evidence that three are benign (Cys173Arg, Thr176Ile and Gly979Arg) and five are pathogenic (Cys170Tyr, His782Arg, Gly786Glu, His790Arg and Ser961Tyr). Results from worms were validated by a genetic complementation assay in a human TMEM67 knock-out hTERT-RPE1 cell line that tests a TMEM67 signalling function. We conclude that efficient genome editing and quantitative functional assays in C. elegans make it a tractable in vivo animal model for rapid, cost-effective interpretation of ciliopathy-associated missense VUS alleles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen I Lange
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Sunayna Best
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
| | - Sofia Tsiropoulou
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Ian Berry
- Bristol Genetics Laboratory, Pathology Sciences, Southmead Hospital, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Colin A Johnson
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
| | - Oliver E Blacque
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Miyadera K, Santana E, Roszak K, Iffrig S, Visel M, Iwabe S, Boyd RF, Bartoe JT, Sato Y, Gray A, Ripolles-Garcia A, Dufour VL, Byrne LC, Flannery JG, Beltran WA, Aguirre GD. Targeting ON-bipolar cells by AAV gene therapy stably reverses LRIT3-congenital stationary night blindness. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2117038119. [PMID: 35316139 PMCID: PMC9060458 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2117038119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
SignificanceCanine models of inherited retinal diseases have helped advance adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapies targeting specific cells in the outer retina for treating blinding diseases in patients. However, therapeutic targeting of diseases such as congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) that exhibit defects in ON-bipolar cells (ON-BCs) of the midretina remains underdeveloped. Using a leucine-rich repeat, immunoglobulin-like and transmembrane domain 3 (LRIT3) mutant canine model of CSNB exhibiting ON-BC dysfunction, we tested the ability of cell-specific AAV capsids and promotors to specifically target ON-BCs for gene delivery. Subretinal injection of one vector demonstrated safety and efficacy with robust and stable rescue of electroretinography signals and night vision up to 1 y, paving the way for clinical trials in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Miyadera
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Evelyn Santana
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Karolina Roszak
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Sommer Iffrig
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Meike Visel
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Simone Iwabe
- Ophthalmology Services, Charles River Laboratories, Mattawan, MI 49071
| | - Ryan F. Boyd
- Ophthalmology Services, Charles River Laboratories, Mattawan, MI 49071
| | - Joshua T. Bartoe
- Ophthalmology Services, Charles River Laboratories, Mattawan, MI 49071
| | - Yu Sato
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Alexa Gray
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Ana Ripolles-Garcia
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Valérie L. Dufour
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Leah C. Byrne
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - John G. Flannery
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - William A. Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Gustavo D. Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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