1
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Yang T, Wang W, Xie L, Chen S, Ye X, Shen S, Chen H, Qi L, Cui Z, Xiong W, Guo Y, Chen J. Investigating retinal explant models cultured in static and perfused systems to test the performance of exosomes secreted from retinal organoids. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 408:110181. [PMID: 38823594 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ex vivo cultures of retinal explants are appropriate models for translational research. However, one of the difficult problems of retinal explants ex vivo culture is that their nutrient supply needs cannot be constantly met. NEW METHOD This study evaluated the effect of perfused culture on the survival of retinal explants, addressing the challenge of insufficient nutrition in static culture. Furthermore, exosomes secreted from retinal organoids (RO-Exos) were stained with PKH26 to track their uptake in retinal explants to mimic the efficacy of exosomal drugs in vivo. RESULTS We found that the retinal explants cultured with perfusion exhibited significantly higher viability, increased NeuN+ cells, and reduced apoptosis compared to the static culture group at Days Ex Vivo (DEV) 4, 7, and 14. The perfusion-cultured retinal explants exhibited reduced mRNA markers for gliosis and microglial activation, along with lower expression of GFAP and Iba1, as revealed by immunostaining. Additionally, RNA-sequencing analysis showed that perfusion culture mainly upregulated genes associated with visual perception and photoreceptor cell maintenance while downregulating the immune system process and immune response. RO-Exos promoted the uptake of PKH26-labelled exosomes and the growth of retinal explants in perfusion culture. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS Our perfusion culture system can provide a continuous supply of culture medium to achieve steady-state equilibrium in retinal explant culture. Compared to traditional static culture, it better preserves the vitality, provides better neuroprotection, and reduces glial activation. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a promising ex vivo model for further studies on degenerative retinal diseases and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Qingyuan Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, China
| | - Wenxuan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linyao Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sihui Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuhong Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuhao Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hang Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Qi
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Qingyuan Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan, China
| | - Zekai Cui
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yonglong Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jiansu Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Institute of Ophthalmology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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2
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Sukkar B, Oktay L, Sahaboglu A, Moayedi A, Zenouri S, Al-Maghout T, Cantó A, Miranda M, Durdagi S, Hosseinzadeh Z. Inhibition of altered Orai1 channels in Müller cells protects photoreceptors in retinal degeneration. Glia 2023; 71:2511-2526. [PMID: 37533369 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
The expressions of ion channels by Müller glial cells (MGCs) may change in response to various retinal pathophysiological conditions. There remains a gap in our understanding of MGCs' responses to photoreceptor degeneration towards finding therapies. The study explores how an inhibition of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) and its major component, Orai1 channel, in MGCs protects photoreceptors from degeneration. The study revealed increased Orai1 expression in the MGCs of retinal degeneration 10 (rd10) mice. Enhanced expression of oxidative stress markers was confirmed as a crucial pathological mechanism in rd10 retina. Inducing oxidative stress in rat MGCs resulted in increasing SOCE and Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) currents. SOCE inhibition by 2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) protected photoreceptors in degenerated retinas. Finally, molecular simulations proved the structural and dynamical features of 2-APB to the target structure Orai1. Our results provide new insights into the physiology of MGCs regarding retinal degeneration and shed a light on SOCE and Orai1 as new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basma Sukkar
- Paul Flechsig Institute, Centre of Neuropathology and Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lalehan Oktay
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayse Sahaboglu
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Aylin Moayedi
- Paul Flechsig Institute, Centre of Neuropathology and Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Shima Zenouri
- Paul Flechsig Institute, Centre of Neuropathology and Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tamer Al-Maghout
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine and Physiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Antolin Cantó
- Departamento Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - María Miranda
- Departamento Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Serdar Durdagi
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Molecular Therapy Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zohreh Hosseinzadeh
- Paul Flechsig Institute, Centre of Neuropathology and Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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3
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Chen Y, Zizmare L, Trautwein C, Paquet-Durand F. Measuring the Release of Lactate from Wild-Type and rd1 Mouse Retina. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1415:429-434. [PMID: 37440068 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-27681-1_63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The retina has the highest energy consumption of any tissue in the human body. Remarkably, to satisfy its energy demand, the retina appears to rely mostly on aerobic glycolysis, which results in the production and release of large amounts of lactate. In the present study, we compared two different methods to assess lactate release from in vitro organotypic retinal explants cultured under entirely controlled, serum-free conditions. We used a standard lactate assay kit and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy-based analysis. We found that during the culturing of retinal explants derived from wild-type mice, lactate was released in large amounts and that the two different methods agreed well with each other. When comparing wild-type retina with degenerating rd1 mouse retina, we found the latter to release significantly higher amounts of lactate. Hence, degenerating retina may have an even higher energy demand and metabolic rate compared to healthy retina. We conclude that the use of lactate measurement can be a reliable and simple readout to evaluate ongoing retinal metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyi Chen
- Cell Death Mechanism Group, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Laimdota Zizmare
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Trautwein
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - François Paquet-Durand
- Cell Death Mechanism Group, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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4
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Ahmed Z. Preparation of Retinal Explant Cultures. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2708:25-31. [PMID: 37558956 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3409-7_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Organotypic retinal explants are routinely used as alternatives to in vitro cell culture and to replace the use of animals in modelling retinal neurodegenerative diseases. Retinal explants fill the gap between in vivo which are expensive, time consuming, and complex due to inaccessibility of target tissues. However, organotypic retinal explants are less expensive and rapid and retinal cell types in the explant maintain their morphologic interactions with other cells in the retina. Therefore, retinal explants have high potential to be used as tools to assess the pharmacological and other therapies prior to in vivo validation, reducing the use of live animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zubair Ahmed
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
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5
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Rasmussen M, Zhou J, Schwede F, Ekström P. Enhanced cGMP Interactor Rap Guanine Exchange Factor 4 (EPAC2) Expression and Activity in Degenerating Photoreceptors: A Neuroprotective Response? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094619. [PMID: 35563009 PMCID: PMC9103912 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The disease retinitis pigmentosa (RP) leads to photoreceptor degeneration by a yet undefined mechanism(s). In several RP mouse models (i.e., rd mice), a high cyclic GMP (cGMP) level within photoreceptors is detected, suggesting that cGMP plays a role in degeneration. The rap guanine exchange factor 4 (EPAC2) is activated by cyclic AMP (cAMP) and is an accepted cGMP-interacting protein. It is unclear whether and how cGMP interacts with EPAC2 in degenerating photoreceptors; we therefore investigated EPAC2 expression and interactions with cGMP and cAMP in retinas of the rd1 and rd10 models for retinal degeneration. EPAC2 expression in the photoreceptor layer increased significantly during rd1 and rd10 degeneration, and an increase in EPAC2 interactions with cGMP but not cAMP in the rd1 was also seen via a proximity ligation assay on histological sections. Retinal explant cultures revealed that pharmacological inhibition of the EPAC2 activity reduced the photoreceptor layer thickness in the rd10 retina, suggesting that EPAC2 inhibition promotes degeneration. Taken together, our results support the hypothesis that high degeneration-related cGMP leads to increased EPAC2 and cGMP interactions, inhibiting EPAC2. By inference, EPAC2 could have neuroprotective capacities that may be exploited in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Rasmussen
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; (J.Z.); (P.E.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Jiaming Zhou
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; (J.Z.); (P.E.)
| | - Frank Schwede
- BIOLOG Life Science Institute GmbH & Co. KG, 28199 Bremen, Germany;
| | - Per Ekström
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; (J.Z.); (P.E.)
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6
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Wagner N, Safaei A, Vogt PA, Gammel MR, Dick HB, Schnichels S, Joachim SC. Coculture of ARPE-19 Cells and Porcine Neural Retina as an Ex Vivo Retinal Model. Altern Lab Anim 2022; 50:27-44. [PMID: 35302924 DOI: 10.1177/02611929221082662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Neural retinal organ cultures are used to investigate ocular pathomechanisms. However, these cultures lack the essential retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, which are part of the actual in vivo retina. To simulate a more realistic ex vivo model, porcine neural retina explants were cocultured with ARPE-19 cells (ARPE-19 group), which are derived from human RPE. To identify whether the entire cells or just the cell factors are necessary, in a second experimental group, porcine neural retina explants were cultured with medium derived from ARPE-19 cells (medium group). Individually cultured neural retina explants served as controls (control group). After 8 days, all neural retinas were analysed to evaluate retinal thickness, photoreceptors, microglia, complement factors and synapses (n = 6-8 per group). The neural retina thickness in the ARPE-19 group was significantly better preserved than in the control group (p = 0.031). Also, the number of L-cones was higher in the ARPE-19 group, as compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the ARPE-19 group displayed an increased presynaptic glutamate uptake (determined via vGluT1 labelling) and enhanced post-synaptic density (determined via PSD-95 labelling). Combined Iba1 and iNOS detection revealed only minor effects of ARPE-19 cells on microglial activity, with a slight downregulation of total microglia activity apparent in the medium group. Likewise, only minor beneficial effects on photoreceptors and synaptic structure were found in the medium group. This novel system offers the opportunity to investigate interactions between the neural retina and RPE cells, and suggests that the inclusion of a RPE feeder layer has beneficial effects on the ex vivo maintenance of neural retina. By modifying the culture conditions, this coculture model allows a better understanding of photoreceptor death and photoreceptor-RPE cell interactions in retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Wagner
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, 9142Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Armin Safaei
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, 9142Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Pia A Vogt
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, 9142Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Maurice R Gammel
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, 9142Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - H Burkhard Dick
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, 9142Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Sven Schnichels
- Centre for Ophthalmology Tübingen, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stephanie C Joachim
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, 9142Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
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7
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Roy A, Tolone A, Hilhorst R, Groten J, Tomar T, Paquet-Durand F. Kinase activity profiling identifies putative downstream targets of cGMP/PKG signaling in inherited retinal neurodegeneration. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:93. [PMID: 35241647 PMCID: PMC8894370 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-00897-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a group of neurodegenerative disorders that lead to photoreceptor cell death and eventually blindness. IRDs are characterised by a high genetic heterogeneity, making it imperative to design mutation-independent therapies. Mutations in a number of IRD disease genes have been associated with a rise of cyclic 3’,5’-guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels in photoreceptors. Accordingly, the cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) has emerged as a new potential target for the mutation-independent treatment of IRDs. However, the substrates of PKG and the downstream degenerative pathways triggered by its activity have yet to be determined. Here, we performed kinome activity profiling of different murine organotypic retinal explant cultures (diseased rd1 and wild-type controls) using multiplex peptide microarrays to identify proteins whose phosphorylation was significantly altered by PKG activity. In addition, we tested the downstream effect of a known PKG inhibitor CN03 in these organotypic retina cultures. Among the PKG substrates were potassium channels belonging to the Kv1 family (KCNA3, KCNA6), cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein 1 (CREB1), DNA topoisomerase 2-α (TOP2A), 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (F263), and the glutamate ionotropic receptor kainate 2 (GRIK2). The retinal expression of these PKG targets was further confirmed by immunofluorescence and could be assigned to various neuronal cell types, including photoreceptors, horizontal cells, and ganglion cells. Taken together, this study confirmed the key role of PKG in photoreceptor cell death and identified new downstream targets of cGMP/PKG signalling that will improve the understanding of the degenerative mechanisms underlying IRDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Roy
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University and Research, 96708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,PamGene International B.V, 5200 BJ, s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Arianna Tolone
- Cell Death Mechanism Group, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard-Karls-Universität, Tübingen, 72072, Germany
| | - Riet Hilhorst
- PamGene International B.V, 5200 BJ, s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - John Groten
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University and Research, 96708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,PamGene International B.V, 5200 BJ, s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Tushar Tomar
- PamGene International B.V, 5200 BJ, s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands.
| | - François Paquet-Durand
- Cell Death Mechanism Group, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard-Karls-Universität, Tübingen, 72072, Germany.
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8
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Sen M, Al-Amin M, Kicková E, Sadeghi A, Puranen J, Urtti A, Caliceti P, Salmaso S, Arango-Gonzalez B, Ueffing M. Retinal neuroprotection by controlled release of a VCP inhibitor from self-assembled nanoparticles. J Control Release 2021; 339:307-320. [PMID: 34606936 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in rhodopsin lead to its misfolding resulting in autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP). Pharmacological inhibition of the ATP-driven chaperone valosin-containing protein (VCP), a molecular checkpoint for protein quality control, slows down retinal degeneration in animal models. However, poor water-solubility of VCP inhibitors poses a challenge to their clinical translation as intravitreal injections for retinal treatment. In order to enable the delivery of VCP inhibitors, we have developed and investigated two formulations for the VCP inhibitor ML240. Nanoformulations of ML240 were obtained by using amphiphilic polymers methoxy-poly (ethylene glycol)5kDa-cholane (mPEG5kDa-cholane) and methoxy-poly (ethylene glycol)5kDa-cholesterol (mPEG5kDa-cholesterol). Both formulations increased the water-solubility of ML240 by two orders of magnitude and prolonged the drug released over ten days. In addition, encapsulation of ML240 in mPEG5kDa-cholane showed superior photoreceptor protection at lower drug concentrations, normalized rhodopsin localization, and alleviated inflammatory microglial responses in an ex vivo rat model of retinal degeneration. The study demonstrates the potential of VCP inhibitor nanoformulations to treat adRP, a pharmacologically orphan disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Sen
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Md Al-Amin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Eva Kicková
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Amir Sadeghi
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jooseppi Puranen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Arto Urtti
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Paolo Caliceti
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Salmaso
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Blanca Arango-Gonzalez
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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9
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Yang M, Chen Y, Vagionitis S, Körtvely E, Ueffing M, Schmachtenberg O, Hu Z, Jiao K, Paquet-Durand F. Expression of glucose transporter-2 in murine retina: Evidence for glucose transport from horizontal cells to photoreceptor synapses. J Neurochem 2021; 160:283-296. [PMID: 34726780 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The retina has the highest relative energy consumption of any tissue, depending on a steady supply of glucose from the bloodstream. Glucose uptake is mediated by specific transporters whose regulation and expression are critical for the pathogenesis of many diseases, including diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. Here, we used immunofluorescence to show that glucose transporter-2 (GLUT2) is expressed in horizontal cells of the mouse neuroretina in proximity to inner retinal capillaries. To study the function of GLUT2 in the murine retina, we used organotypic retinal explants, cultivated under entirely controlled, serum-free conditions and exposed them to streptozotocin, a cytotoxic drug transported exclusively by GLUT2. Contrary to our expectations, streptozotocin did not measurably affect horizontal cell viability, while it ablated rod and cone photoreceptors in a concentration-dependent manner. Staining for poly-ADP-ribose (PAR) indicated that the detrimental effect of streptozotocin on photoreceptors may be associated with DNA damage. The negative effect of streptozotocin on the viability of rod photoreceptors was counteracted by co-administration of either the inhibitor of connexin-formed hemi-channels meclofenamic acid or the blocker of clathrin-mediated endocytosis dynasore. Remarkably, cone photoreceptors were not protected from streptozotocin-induced degeneration by neither of the two drugs. Overall, these data suggest the existence of a GLUT2-dependent glucose transport shuttle, from horizontal cells into photoreceptor synapses. Moreover, our study points at different glucose uptake mechanisms in rod and cone photoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yang
- Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University & 2nd People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China.,Yunnan Eye Institute & Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China.,1st Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yiyi Chen
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard-Karls-Universität, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stavros Vagionitis
- Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Elöd Körtvely
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology (I2O), Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard-Karls-Universität, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Oliver Schmachtenberg
- CINV, Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Zhulin Hu
- Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University & 2nd People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China.,Yunnan Eye Institute & Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Kangwei Jiao
- Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University & 2nd People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China.,Yunnan Eye Institute & Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
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10
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Christensen G, Barut L, Urimi D, Schipper N, Paquet-Durand F. Investigating Ex Vivo Animal Models to Test the Performance of Intravitreal Liposomal Drug Delivery Systems. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1013. [PMID: 34371707 PMCID: PMC8309192 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13071013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a strong need for innovative and efficient drug delivery systems for ocular therapy development. However, testing intravitreal drug delivery systems without using live animals is challenging. Ex vivo animal models offer an interesting alternative. We analyzed the potential of using fresh porcine eyes obtained from the local slaughterhouse as a model for testing the intravitreal biodistribution and retention of liposomes with or without polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugation and with different surface charges. The histology of the eyes was analyzed to localize the liposomes, and it was found that liposomes with PEG absorbed rapidly on the retina (within 1 h), with positively charged and PEG-coated liposomes being retained for at least 24 h. In parallel, fluorophotometry was employed on intact eyes, to determine the pharmacokinetics of the fluorophore calcein, as a substitute for a small hydrophilic therapeutic compound. We found a 4.5-fold increase in the vitreous half-life of calcein loaded in liposomes, compared with the free solution. Retinal toxicity was addressed using murine-derived retinal explant cultures. Liposomes were non-toxic up to 500 µg/mL. Toxicity was observed at 5 mg/mL for anionic and cationic liposomes, with 2-fold and 2.5-fold increased photoreceptor cell death, respectively. Overall, we could show that important ocular drug delivery considerations such as pharmacokinetics and biodistribution can be estimated in ex vivo porcine eyes, and may guide subsequent in vivo experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustav Christensen
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn Straße 5-7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (G.C.); (L.B.)
| | - Leon Barut
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn Straße 5-7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (G.C.); (L.B.)
| | - Dileep Urimi
- Division Bioeconomy and Health, Chemical Process and Pharmaceutical Development, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Forskargatan 18, 151 36 Södertälje, Sweden; (D.U.); (N.S.)
| | - Nicolaas Schipper
- Division Bioeconomy and Health, Chemical Process and Pharmaceutical Development, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Forskargatan 18, 151 36 Södertälje, Sweden; (D.U.); (N.S.)
| | - François Paquet-Durand
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn Straße 5-7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (G.C.); (L.B.)
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11
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Bassetto M, Sen M, Poulhes F, Arango-Gonzalez B, Bonvin E, Sapet C, Ueffing M, Zelphati O. New Method for Efficient siRNA Delivery in Retina Explants: Reverse Magnetofection. Bioconjug Chem 2021; 32:1078-1093. [PMID: 34081855 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.1c00132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of retinal disorders associated with visual impairment and blindness is increasing worldwide, while most of them remain without effective treatment. Pharmacological and molecular therapy development is hampered by the lack of effective drug delivery into the posterior segment of the eye. Among molecular approaches, RNA-interference (RNAi) features strong advantages, yet delivering it to the inner layer of the retina appears extremely challenging. To address this, we developed an original magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs)-based transfection method that allows the efficient delivery of siRNA in all retinal layers of rat adult retinas through magnetic targeting. To establish delivery of RNAi throughout the retina, we have chosen organotypic retinal explants as an ex vivo model and for future high content screening of molecular drugs. Conversely to classic Magnetofection, and similar to conditions in the posterior chamber of the eye, our methods allows attraction of siRNA complexed to MNPs from the culture media into the explant. Our method termed "Reverse Magnetofection" provides a novel and nontoxic strategy for RNAi-based molecular as well as gene therapy in the retina that can be transferred to a wide variety of organ explants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bassetto
- OZ Biosciences, Parc scientifique de Luminy, Case 922, zone entreprise, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Merve Sen
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Florent Poulhes
- OZ Biosciences, Parc scientifique de Luminy, Case 922, zone entreprise, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Blanca Arango-Gonzalez
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Elise Bonvin
- OZ Biosciences, Parc scientifique de Luminy, Case 922, zone entreprise, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Cedric Sapet
- OZ Biosciences, Parc scientifique de Luminy, Case 922, zone entreprise, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Olivier Zelphati
- OZ Biosciences, Parc scientifique de Luminy, Case 922, zone entreprise, 13288 Marseille, France
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Kwon H, Kevala K, Xin H, Patnaik S, Marugan J, Kim HY. Ligand-Induced GPR110 Activation Facilitates Axon Growth after Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073386. [PMID: 33806166 PMCID: PMC8037074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recovery from axonal injury is extremely difficult, especially for adult neurons. Here, we demonstrate that the activation of G-protein coupled receptor 110 (GPR110, ADGRF1) is a mechanism to stimulate axon growth after injury. N-docosahexaenoylethanolamine (synaptamide), an endogenous ligand of GPR110 that promotes neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis in developing neurons, and a synthetic GPR110 ligand stimulated neurite growth in axotomized cortical neurons and in retinal explant cultures. Intravitreal injection of GPR110 ligands following optic nerve crush injury promoted axon extension in adult wild-type, but not in gpr110 knockout, mice. In vitro axotomy or in vivo optic nerve injury rapidly induced the neuronal expression of gpr110. Activating the developmental mechanism of neurite outgrowth by specifically targeting GPR110 that is upregulated upon injury may provide a novel strategy for stimulating axon growth after nerve injury in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heungsun Kwon
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, NIAAA, National Institutes of Health, 5625 Fishers Lane Room 3S-02, Rockville, MD 20892, USA; (H.K.); (K.K.)
| | - Karl Kevala
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, NIAAA, National Institutes of Health, 5625 Fishers Lane Room 3S-02, Rockville, MD 20892, USA; (H.K.); (K.K.)
| | - Hu Xin
- Division of Pre-Clinical Innovation, NCATS, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA; (H.X.); (S.P.); (J.M.)
| | - Samarjit Patnaik
- Division of Pre-Clinical Innovation, NCATS, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA; (H.X.); (S.P.); (J.M.)
| | - Juan Marugan
- Division of Pre-Clinical Innovation, NCATS, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA; (H.X.); (S.P.); (J.M.)
| | - Hee-Yong Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, NIAAA, National Institutes of Health, 5625 Fishers Lane Room 3S-02, Rockville, MD 20892, USA; (H.K.); (K.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-301-402-8746; Fax: +1-301-594-0035
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Sen M, Bassetto M, Poulhes F, Zelphati O, Ueffing M, Arango-Gonzalez B. Efficient Ocular Delivery of VCP siRNA via Reverse Magnetofection in RHO P23H Rodent Retina Explants. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13020225. [PMID: 33562020 PMCID: PMC7914601 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13020225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of synthetic RNA for research purposes as well as RNA-based therapy and vaccination has gained increasing importance. Given the anatomical seclusion of the eye, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-induced gene silencing bears great potential for targeted reduction of pathological gene expression that may allow rational treatment of chronic eye diseases in the future. However, there is yet an unmet need for techniques providing safe and efficient siRNA delivery to the retina. We used magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and magnetic force (Reverse Magnetofection) to deliver siRNA/MNP complexes into retinal explant tissue, targeting valosin-containing protein (VCP) previously established as a potential therapeutic target for autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP). Safe and efficient delivery of VCP siRNA was achieved into all retinal cell layers of retinal explants from the RHO P23H rat, a rodent model for adRP. No toxicity or microglial activation was observed. VCP silencing led to a significant decrease of retinal degeneration. Reverse Magnetofection thus offers an effective method to deliver siRNA into retinal tissue. Used in combination with retinal organotypic explants, it can provide an efficient and reliable preclinical test platform of RNA-based therapy approaches for ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Sen
- Centre of Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany;
- Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marco Bassetto
- OZ Biosciences, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, CEDEX 9, 13288 Marseille, France; (M.B.); (F.P.); (O.Z.)
| | - Florent Poulhes
- OZ Biosciences, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, CEDEX 9, 13288 Marseille, France; (M.B.); (F.P.); (O.Z.)
| | - Olivier Zelphati
- OZ Biosciences, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, CEDEX 9, 13288 Marseille, France; (M.B.); (F.P.); (O.Z.)
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Centre of Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany;
- Correspondence: (M.U.); (B.A.-G.)
| | - Blanca Arango-Gonzalez
- Centre of Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany;
- Correspondence: (M.U.); (B.A.-G.)
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14
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Fernandez-Bueno I, Usategui-Martin R. Ex Vivo Model of Spontaneous Neuroretinal Degeneration for Evaluating Stem Cells' Paracrine Properties. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2269:125-137. [PMID: 33687676 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1225-5_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Ex vivo neuroretina cultures closely resemble in vivo conditions, retaining the complex neuroretina cells dynamics, connections, and functionality, under controlled conditions. Therefore, these models have allowed advancing in the knowledge of retinal physiology and pathobiology over the years. Furthermore, the ex vivo neuroretina models represent an adequate tool for evaluating stem cell therapies over neuroretinal degeneration processes.Here, we describe a physically separated co-culture of neuroretina explants with stem cells to evaluate the effect of stem cells paracrine properties on spontaneous neuroretinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Fernandez-Bueno
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Campus Miguel Delibes, Paseo de Belén 17, Valladolid, Spain.
- Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain.
- Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valladolid, Spain.
| | - Ricardo Usategui-Martin
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Campus Miguel Delibes, Paseo de Belén 17, Valladolid, Spain
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15
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Jemni-Damer N, Guedan-Duran A, Fuentes-Andion M, Serrano-Bengoechea N, Alfageme-Lopez N, Armada-Maresca F, Guinea GV, Perez-Rigueiro J, Rojo F, Gonzalez-Nieto D, Kaplan DL, Panetsos F. Biotechnology and Biomaterial-Based Therapeutic Strategies for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Part II: Cell and Tissue Engineering Therapies. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:588014. [PMID: 33363125 PMCID: PMC7758210 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.588014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is an up-to-date untreatable chronic neurodegenerative eye disease of multifactorial origin, and the main causes of blindness in over 65 y.o. people. It is characterized by a slow progression and the presence of a multitude of factors, highlighting those related to diet, genetic heritage and environmental conditions, present throughout each of the stages of the illness. Current therapeutic approaches, mainly consisting on intraocular drug delivery, are only used for symptoms relief and/or to decelerate the progression of the disease. Furthermore, they are overly simplistic and ignore the complexity of the disease and the enormous differences in the symptomatology between patients. Due to the wide impact of the AMD and the up-to-date absence of clinical solutions, Due to the wide impact of the AMD and the up-to-date absence of clinical solutions, different treatment options have to be considered. Cell therapy is a very promising alternative to drug-based approaches for AMD treatment. Cells delivered to the affected tissue as a suspension have shown poor retention and low survival rate. A solution to these inconveniences has been the encapsulation of these cells on biomaterials, which contrive to their protection, gives them support, and favor their retention of the desired area. We offer a two-papers critical review of the available and under development AMD therapeutic approaches, from a biomaterials and biotechnological point of view. We highlight benefits and limitations and we forecast forthcoming alternatives based on novel biomaterials and biotechnology methods. In this second part we review the preclinical and clinical cell-replacement approaches aiming at the development of efficient AMD-therapies, the employed cell types, as well as the cell-encapsulation and cell-implant systems. We discuss their advantages and disadvantages and how they could improve the survival and integration of the implanted cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahla Jemni-Damer
- Neuro-computing and Neuro-robotics Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Innovation Group, Institute for Health Research San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Atocha Guedan-Duran
- Neuro-computing and Neuro-robotics Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Innovation Group, Institute for Health Research San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
| | - María Fuentes-Andion
- Neuro-computing and Neuro-robotics Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Innovation Group, Institute for Health Research San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nora Serrano-Bengoechea
- Neuro-computing and Neuro-robotics Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Innovation Group, Institute for Health Research San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Alfageme-Lopez
- Neuro-computing and Neuro-robotics Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Innovation Group, Institute for Health Research San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Gustavo V. Guinea
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcon, Spain
- Department of Material Science, Civil Engineering Superior School, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Perez-Rigueiro
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcon, Spain
- Department of Material Science, Civil Engineering Superior School, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Rojo
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcon, Spain
- Department of Material Science, Civil Engineering Superior School, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Gonzalez-Nieto
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcon, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - David L. Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
| | - Fivos Panetsos
- Neuro-computing and Neuro-robotics Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Innovation Group, Institute for Health Research San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
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16
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Schnichels S, Paquet-Durand F, Löscher M, Tsai T, Hurst J, Joachim SC, Klettner A. Retina in a dish: Cell cultures, retinal explants and animal models for common diseases of the retina. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 81:100880. [PMID: 32721458 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
For many retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy (DR), the exact pathogenesis is still unclear. Moreover, the currently available therapeutic options are often unsatisfactory. Research designed to remedy this situation heavily relies on experimental animals. However, animal models often do not faithfully reproduce human disease and, currently, there is strong pressure from society to reduce animal research. Overall, this creates a need for improved disease models to understand pathologies and develop treatment options that, at the same time, require fewer or no experimental animals. Here, we review recent advances in the field of in vitro and ex vivo models for AMD, glaucoma, and DR. We highlight the difficulties associated with studies on complex diseases, in which both the initial trigger and the ensuing pathomechanisms are unclear, and then delineate which model systems are optimal for disease modelling. To this end, we present a variety of model systems, ranging from primary cell cultures, over organotypic cultures and whole eye cultures, to animal models. Specific advantages and disadvantages of such models are discussed, with a special focus on their relevance to putative in vivo disease mechanisms. In many cases, a replacement of in vivo research will mean that several different in vitro models are used in conjunction, for instance to analyze and validate causative molecular pathways. Finally, we argue that the analytical decomposition into appropriate cell and tissue model systems will allow making significant progress in our understanding of complex retinal diseases and may furthermore advance the treatment testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Schnichels
- University Eye Hospital, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Germany.
| | - François Paquet-Durand
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marina Löscher
- University Eye Hospital, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Teresa Tsai
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - José Hurst
- University Eye Hospital, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stephanie C Joachim
- Experimental Eye Research Institute, University Eye Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Alexa Klettner
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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17
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Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome Enhancement by Nicotinamide and Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide: A New Therapeutic Approach for Retinal Degenerative Diseases. Stem Cells Int 2020; 2020:9463548. [PMID: 32676122 PMCID: PMC7336242 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9463548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) secrete neuroprotective molecules that may be useful as an alternative to cell transplantation itself. Our purpose was to develop different pharmaceutical compositions based on conditioned medium (CM) of adipose MSC (aMSC) stimulated by and/or combined with nicotinamide (NIC), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), or both factors; and to evaluate in vitro their proliferative and neuroprotective potential. Nine pharmaceutical compositions were developed from 3 experimental approaches: (1) unstimulated aMSC-CM collected and combined with NIC, VIP, or both factors (NIC+VIP), referred to as the aMSC-CM combined composition; (2) aMSC-CM collected just after stimulation with the mentioned factors and containing them, referred to as the aMSC-CM stimulated-combined composition; and (3) aMSC-CM previously stimulated with the factors, referred to as the aMSC stimulated composition. The potential of the pharmaceutical compositions to increase cell proliferation under oxidative stress and neuroprotection were evaluated in vitro by using a subacute oxidative stress model of retinal pigment epithelium cells (line ARPE-19) and spontaneous degenerative neuroretina model. Results showed that oxidatively stressed ARPE-19 cells exposed to aMSC-CM stimulated and stimulated-combined with NIC or NIC+VIP tended to have better recovery from the oxidative stress status. Neuroretinal explants cultured with aMSC-CM stimulated-combined with NIC+VIP had better preservation of the neuroretinal morphology, mainly photoreceptors, and a lower degree of glial cell activation. In conclusion, aMSC-CM stimulated-combined with NIC+VIP contributed to improving the proliferative and neuroprotective properties of the aMSC secretome. Further studies are necessary to evaluate higher concentrations of the drugs and to characterize specifically the aMSC-secreted factors related to neuroprotection. However, this study supports the possibility of improving the potential of new effective pharmaceutical compositions based on the secretome of MSC plus exogenous factors or drugs without the need to inject cells into the eye, which can be very useful in retinal pathologies.
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18
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Itkonen J, Annala A, Tavakoli S, Arango-Gonzalez B, Ueffing M, Toropainen E, Ruponen M, Casteleijn MG, Urtti A. Characterization, Stability, and in Vivo Efficacy Studies of Recombinant Human CNTF and Its Permeation into the Neural Retina in ex Vivo Organotypic Retinal Explant Culture Models. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12070611. [PMID: 32629980 PMCID: PMC7408322 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12070611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is one of the most studied neuroprotective agents with acknowledged potential in treating diseases of the posterior eye segment. Although its efficacy and mechanisms of action in the retina have been studied extensively, it is still not comprehensively understood which retinal cells mediate the therapeutic effects of CNTF. As with therapeutic proteins in general, it is poorly elucidated whether exogenous CNTF administered into the vitreous can enter and distribute into the retina and hence reach potentially responsive target cells. Here, we have characterized our purified recombinant human CNTF (rhCNTF), studied the protein’s in vitro bioactivity in a cell-based assay, and evaluated the thermodynamic and oligomeric status of the protein during storage. Biological activity of rhCNTF was further evaluated in vivo in an animal model of retinal degeneration. The retinal penetration and distribution of rhCNTF after 24 h was studied utilizing two ex vivo retina models. Based on our characterization findings, our rhCNTF is correctly folded and biologically active. Moreover, based on initial screening and subsequent follow-up, we identified two buffers in which rhCNTF retains its stability during storage. Whereas rhCNTF did not show photoreceptor preservative effect or improve the function of photoreceptors in vivo, this could possibly be due to the used disease model or the short duration of action with a single intravitreal injection of rhCNTF. On the other hand, the lack of in vivo efficacy was shown to not be due to distribution limitations; permeation into the retina was observed in both retinal explant models as in 24 h rhCNTF penetrated the inner limiting membrane, and being mostly observed in the ganglion cell layer, distributed to different layers of the neural retina. As rhCNTF can reach deeper retinal layers, in general, having direct effects on resident CNTF-responsive target cells is plausible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaakko Itkonen
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; (S.T.); (M.G.C.)
- Correspondence: (J.I.); (A.U.)
| | - Ada Annala
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.A.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Science, Utrecht University, David de Wiedgebouw, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Shirin Tavakoli
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; (S.T.); (M.G.C.)
| | - Blanca Arango-Gonzalez
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Strasse 7, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; (B.A.-G.); (M.U.)
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Strasse 7, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; (B.A.-G.); (M.U.)
| | - Elisa Toropainen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.A.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
| | - Marika Ruponen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.A.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
| | - Marco G. Casteleijn
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; (S.T.); (M.G.C.)
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Solutions for Natural Resources and Environment, Tietotie 2, Espoo, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 VTT, Finland
| | - Arto Urtti
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; (S.T.); (M.G.C.)
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.A.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
- Laboratory of Biohybrid Technologies, Institute of Chemistry, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskii pr. 26, Peterhoff, 198504 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Correspondence: (J.I.); (A.U.)
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19
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Sahaboglu A, Miranda M, Canjuga D, Avci-Adali M, Savytska N, Secer E, Feria-Pliego JA, Kayık G, Durdagi S. Drug repurposing studies of PARP inhibitors as a new therapy for inherited retinal degeneration. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:2199-2216. [PMID: 31451894 PMCID: PMC11104953 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03283-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The enzyme poly-ADP-ribose-polymerase (PARP) has important roles for many forms of DNA repair and it also participates in transcription, chromatin remodeling and cell death signaling. Currently, some PARP inhibitors are approved for cancer therapy, by means of canceling DNA repair processes and cell division. Drug repurposing is a new and attractive aspect of therapy development that could offer low-cost and accelerated establishment of new treatment options. Excessive PARP activity is also involved in neurodegenerative diseases including the currently untreatable and blinding retinitis pigmentosa group of inherited retinal photoreceptor degenerations. Hence, repurposing of known PARP inhibitors for patients with non-oncological diseases might provide a facilitated route for a novel retinitis pigmentosa therapy. Here, we demonstrate and compare the efficacy of two different PARP inhibitors, BMN-673 and 3-aminobenzamide, by using a well-established retinitis pigmentosa model, the rd1 mouse. Moreover, the mechanistic aspects of the PARP inhibitor-induced protection were also investigated in the present study. Our results showed that rd1 rod photoreceptor cell death was decreased by about 25-40% together with the application of these two PARP inhibitors. The wealth of human clinical data available for BMN-673 highlights a strong potential for a rapid clinical translation into novel retinitis pigmentosa treatments. Remarkably, we have found that the efficacy of 3 aminobenzamide was able to decrease PARylation at the nanomolar level. Our data also provide a link between PARP activity with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and the major intracellular antioxidant concentrations behind the PARP-dependent retinal degeneration. In addition, molecular modeling studies were integrated with experimental studies for better understanding of the role of PARP1 inhibitors in retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Sahaboglu
- Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Maria Miranda
- Departamento Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Denis Canjuga
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Meltem Avci-Adali
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Natalia Savytska
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Enver Secer
- Department of Medical Genetics, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | | | - Gülru Kayık
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Serdar Durdagi
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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20
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Novikova YP, Poplinskaya VA, Grigoryan EN. Organotypic Culturing as a Way to Study Recovery Opportunities of the Eye Retina in Vertebrates and Humans. Russ J Dev Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360420010063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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21
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Calbiague VM, Vielma AH, Cadiz B, Paquet‐Durand F, Schmachtenberg O. Physiological assessment of high glucose neurotoxicity in mouse and rat retinal explants. J Comp Neurol 2019; 528:989-1002. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.24805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Víctor M. Calbiague
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso (CINV), Facultad de Ciencias Universidad de Valparaíso Valparaíso Chile
- Programa Doctorado en Ciencias, mención Neurociencias Universidad de Valparaíso Valparaíso Chile
| | - Alex H. Vielma
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso (CINV), Facultad de Ciencias Universidad de Valparaíso Valparaíso Chile
| | - Bárbara Cadiz
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso (CINV), Facultad de Ciencias Universidad de Valparaíso Valparaíso Chile
| | - Francois Paquet‐Durand
- Cell Death Mechanism Group Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen Tübingen Germany
| | - Oliver Schmachtenberg
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso (CINV), Facultad de Ciencias Universidad de Valparaíso Valparaíso Chile
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22
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Alarautalahti V, Ragauskas S, Hakkarainen JJ, Uusitalo-Järvinen H, Uusitalo H, Hyttinen J, Kalesnykas G, Nymark S. Viability of Mouse Retinal Explant Cultures Assessed by Preservation of Functionality and Morphology. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:1914-1927. [PMID: 31042799 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-25156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinal explant cultures provide simplified systems where the functions of the retina and the effects of ocular therapies can be studied in an isolated environment. The purpose of this study was to provide insight into long-term preservation of retinal tissue in culture conditions, enable a deeper understanding of the interdependence of retinal morphology and function, and ensure the reliability of the explant technique for prolonged experiments. Methods Retinal explants from adult mice were cultured as organotypic culture at the air-medium interface for 14 days in vitro (DIV). Retinal functionality was assessed by multielectrode array technique and morphology by immunohistochemical methods at several time points during culture. Results Retinal explants retained viability for 14 DIV, although with diminishing neuronal activity, progressing neuronal loss, and increasing reactive gliosis. We recorded spontaneous retinal ganglion cell (RGC) activity up to 14 DIV with temporally changing distribution of RGC firing rates. Light responsiveness was measurable from RGCs for 7 DIV and from photoreceptors for 2 DIV. Apoptotic cells were detected beginning at 3 DIV with their density peaking at 7 DIV. The number of RGCs gradually decreased by 70% during 14 DIV. The change was accompanied by the loss of RGC functionality, resulting in 84% loss of electrically active RGCs. Conclusions Retinal explants provide a valuable tool for studies of retinal functions and development of ocular therapies. However, critical for long-term use, retinal functionality was lost before structural loss, emphasizing a need for both functional and morphologic readouts to determine the overall state of the cultured retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virpi Alarautalahti
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | | | | | - Hannele Uusitalo-Järvinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Tays Eye Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Hannu Uusitalo
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Tays Eye Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jari Hyttinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Soile Nymark
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
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23
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PEDF peptides promote photoreceptor survival in rd10 retina models. Exp Eye Res 2019; 184:24-29. [PMID: 30980815 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the study is to evaluate the protective properties of PEDF peptide fragments on rd10 mouse models of retinal degeneration ex vivo. Human recombinant PEDF and synthetic peptides were used. Rd10 retinal explants as well as wild-type retinal explants treated with zaprinast to mimic the rd10 photoreceptor cell death were employed. PEDF protein was intravitreally administered into rd10 mice. Outer nuclear layer thickness measurements in retinal sections, TUNEL labeling in retinal explants, western blots and immunofluorescence with retinal samples were performed. PEDF protein levels in the RPE of rd10 mice decreased with age (P15 - P25). Levels of PEDF receptor PEDF-R declined in the photoreceptor inner segments from rd10 relative to wild-type mice at P25. PEDF administration increased the outer nuclear layer thickness of rd10 retinas in vivo and decreased the number of TUNEL+ nuclei of photoreceptors in rd10 retinal explant cultures, both relative to untreated controls. Peptides containing the PEDF neurotrophic region decreased the number of TUNEL+ photoreceptors in both rd10 and zaprinast-induced cell death ex vivo models, while peptides without the neurotrophic region and/or lacking affinity for PEDF-R were ineffective in protecting photoreceptors. Thus, retinal explants are a valuable system to evaluate PEDF activity. Short peptides with the photoreceptor-protective property of PEDF may prove useful for the development of therapeutic agents for photoreceptor protection in retinal degenerations.
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24
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Masri RA, Lee SCS, Madigan MC, Grünert U. Particle-Mediated Gene Transfection and Organotypic Culture of Postmortem Human Retina. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2019; 8:7. [PMID: 30941264 PMCID: PMC6438245 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.8.2.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Particle-mediated gene transfer has been used in animal models to study the morphology and connectivity of retinal ganglion cells. The aim of the present study was to apply this method to transfect ganglion cells in postmortem human retina. Methods Postmortem human eyes from male and female donors aged 40 to 76 years old were obtained within 15 hours after death. In addition, two marmoset retinas were obtained immediately after death. Ganglion cells were transfected with an expression plasmid for the postsynaptic density 95 protein conjugated to green or yellow fluorescent protein. Retinas were cultured for 3 days, fixed and then processed with immunohistochemical markers to reveal their stratification in the inner plexiform layer. Results The retinas maintained their morphology and immunohistochemical properties for at least 3 days in culture. Bipolar and ganglion cell morphology was comparable to that observed in noncultured tissue. The quality of transfected cells in human retina was similar to that in freshly enucleated marmoset eyes. Based on dendritic field size and stratification, at least 11 morphological types of retinal ganglion cell were distinguished. Conclusions Particle-mediated gene transfer allows efficient targeting of retinal ganglion cells in cultured postmortem human retina. Translational Relevance The translational value of this methodology lies in the provision of an in vitro platform to study structural and connectivity changes in human eye diseases that affect the integrity and organization of cells in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania A Masri
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Save Sight Institute and Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function, Sydney Node, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sammy C S Lee
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Save Sight Institute and Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function, Sydney Node, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michele C Madigan
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Save Sight Institute and Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney, Australia.,School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ulrike Grünert
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Save Sight Institute and Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function, Sydney Node, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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25
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Murali A, Ramlogan-Steel CA, Andrzejewski S, Steel JC, Layton CJ. Retinal explant culture: A platform to investigate human neuro-retina. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2018; 47:274-285. [PMID: 30378239 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.13434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The retina is the tissue responsible for light detection, in which retinal neurons convert light energy into electrical signals to be transported towards the visual cortex. Damage of retinal neurons leads to neuronal cell death and retinal pathologies, compromising visual acuity and eventually leading to irreversible blindness. Models of retinal neurodegeneration include 2D systems like cell lines, disassociated cultures and co-cultures, and 3D models like organoids, organotypic retinal cultures and animal models. Of these, ex vivo human retinal cultures are arguably the most suitable models for translational research as they retain complex inter-cellular interactions of the retina and precisely mimic in-situ responses. In this review, we summarize the distinguishing features of the human retina which are important to preserve in experimental culture, the historical development of human retinal culture systems, the factors affecting ex vivo human retinal culture and the applications and challenges associated with current methods of human retinal explant culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Murali
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Charmaine A Ramlogan-Steel
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia.,School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, North Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Slawomir Andrzejewski
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jason C Steel
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, North Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christopher J Layton
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Greenslopes Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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26
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Hallam D, Hilgen G, Dorgau B, Zhu L, Yu M, Bojic S, Hewitt P, Schmitt M, Uteng M, Kustermann S, Steel D, Nicholds M, Thomas R, Treumann A, Porter A, Sernagor E, Armstrong L, Lako M. Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Generate Light Responsive Retinal Organoids with Variable and Nutrient-Dependent Efficiency. Stem Cells 2018; 36:1535-1551. [PMID: 30004612 PMCID: PMC6392112 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The availability of in vitro models of the human retina in which to perform pharmacological and toxicological studies is an urgent and unmet need. An essential step for developing in vitro models of human retina is the ability to generate laminated, physiologically functional, and light-responsive retinal organoids from renewable and patient specific sources. We investigated five different human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines and showed a significant variability in their efficiency to generate retinal organoids. Despite this variability, by month 5 of differentiation, all iPSC-derived retinal organoids were able to generate light responses, albeit immature, comparable to the earliest light responses recorded from the neonatal mouse retina, close to the period of eye opening. All iPSC-derived retinal organoids exhibited at this time a well-formed outer nuclear like layer containing photoreceptors with inner segments, connecting cilium, and outer like segments. The differentiation process was highly dependent on seeding cell density and nutrient availability determined by factorial experimental design. We adopted the differentiation protocol to a multiwell plate format, which enhanced generation of retinal organoids with retinal-pigmented epithelium (RPE) and improved ganglion cell development and the response to physiological stimuli. We tested the response of iPSC-derived retinal organoids to Moxifloxacin and showed that similarly to in vivo adult mouse retina, the primary affected cell types were photoreceptors. Together our data indicate that light responsive retinal organoids derived from carefully selected and differentiation efficient iPSC lines can be generated at the scale needed for pharmacology and drug screening purposes. Stem Cells 2018;36:1535-1551.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean Hallam
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Gerrit Hilgen
- Newcastle University, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Birthe Dorgau
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lili Zhu
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Min Yu
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sanja Bojic
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | | | | | - Stefan Kustermann
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, University of Tübingen, Basel, Switzerland
| | - David Steel
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Robert Thomas
- Centre for Biological Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Achim Treumann
- Newcastle University, Newcastle University Protein and Proteome Analysis, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Andrew Porter
- Newcastle University, Newcastle University Protein and Proteome Analysis, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Evelyne Sernagor
- Newcastle University, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lyle Armstrong
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Newcells Biotech, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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27
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Masse F, Ouellette M, Lamoureux G, Boisselier E. Gold nanoparticles in ophthalmology. Med Res Rev 2018; 39:302-327. [DOI: 10.1002/med.21509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Florence Masse
- CUO-Recherche, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec and Département d'ophtalmologie; Faculté de médecine, Université Laval; Quebec Canada
| | - Mathieu Ouellette
- CUO-Recherche, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec and Département d'ophtalmologie; Faculté de médecine, Université Laval; Quebec Canada
| | - Guillaume Lamoureux
- CUO-Recherche, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec and Département d'ophtalmologie; Faculté de médecine, Université Laval; Quebec Canada
| | - Elodie Boisselier
- CUO-Recherche, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec and Département d'ophtalmologie; Faculté de médecine, Université Laval; Quebec Canada
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28
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Retinal organotypic culture – A candidate for research on retinas. Tissue Cell 2018; 51:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2018.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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29
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Vighi E, Trifunović D, Veiga-Crespo P, Rentsch A, Hoffmann D, Sahaboglu A, Strasser T, Kulkarni M, Bertolotti E, van den Heuvel A, Peters T, Reijerkerk A, Euler T, Ueffing M, Schwede F, Genieser HG, Gaillard P, Marigo V, Ekström P, Paquet-Durand F. Combination of cGMP analogue and drug delivery system provides functional protection in hereditary retinal degeneration. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E2997-E3006. [PMID: 29531030 PMCID: PMC5879685 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1718792115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal degeneration (RD) is a devastating and currently untreatable neurodegenerative condition that leads to loss of photoreceptor cells and blindness. The vast genetic heterogeneity of RD, the lack of "druggable" targets, and the access-limiting blood-retinal barrier (BRB) present major hurdles toward effective therapy development. Here, we address these challenges (i) by targeting cGMP (cyclic guanosine- 3',5'-monophosphate) signaling, a disease driver common to different types of RD, and (ii) by combining inhibitory cGMP analogs with a nanosized liposomal drug delivery system designed to facilitate transport across the BRB. Based on a screen of several cGMP analogs we identified an inhibitory cGMP analog that interferes with activation of photoreceptor cell death pathways. Moreover, we found liposomal encapsulation of the analog to achieve efficient drug targeting to the neuroretina. This pharmacological treatment markedly preserved in vivo retinal function and counteracted photoreceptor degeneration in three different in vivo RD models. Taken together, we show that a defined class of compounds for RD treatment in combination with an innovative drug delivery method may enable a single type of treatment to address genetically divergent RD-type diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Vighi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Dragana Trifunović
- Forschungsinstitut für Augenheilkunde, Department für Augenheilkunde, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Patricia Veiga-Crespo
- Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Andreas Rentsch
- BIOLOG Life Science Institute Forschungslabor und Biochemica-Vertrieb GmbH, 28199 Bremen, Germany
| | - Dorit Hoffmann
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Ayse Sahaboglu
- Forschungsinstitut für Augenheilkunde, Department für Augenheilkunde, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Torsten Strasser
- Forschungsinstitut für Augenheilkunde, Department für Augenheilkunde, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Manoj Kulkarni
- Forschungsinstitut für Augenheilkunde, Department für Augenheilkunde, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Evelina Bertolotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | | | - Tobias Peters
- Forschungsinstitut für Augenheilkunde, Department für Augenheilkunde, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Euler
- Forschungsinstitut für Augenheilkunde, Department für Augenheilkunde, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Forschungsinstitut für Augenheilkunde, Department für Augenheilkunde, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Frank Schwede
- BIOLOG Life Science Institute Forschungslabor und Biochemica-Vertrieb GmbH, 28199 Bremen, Germany
| | - Hans-Gottfried Genieser
- BIOLOG Life Science Institute Forschungslabor und Biochemica-Vertrieb GmbH, 28199 Bremen, Germany
| | - Pieter Gaillard
- to-BBB technologies BV, 2333 CH Leiden, The Netherlands
- 2-BBB Medicines BV, 2333 CH Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Valeria Marigo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Per Ekström
- Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden;
| | - François Paquet-Durand
- Forschungsinstitut für Augenheilkunde, Department für Augenheilkunde, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany;
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30
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Tan YSE, Shi PJ, Choo CJ, Laude A, Yeong WY. Tissue engineering of retina and Bruch’s membrane: a review of cells, materials and processes. Br J Ophthalmol 2018; 102:1182-1187. [DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2017-311390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2017] [Revised: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The biological, structural and functional configuration of Bruch’s membrane (BM) is significantly relevant to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other chorioretinal diseases, and AMD is one of the leading causes of blindness in the elderly worldwide. The configuration may worsen along with the ageing of retinal pigment epithelium and BM that finally leads to AMD. Thus, the scaffold-based tissue-engineered retina provides an innovative alternative for retinal tissue repair. The cell and material requirements for retinal repair are discussed including cell sheet engineering, decellularised membrane and tissue-engineered membranes. Further, the challenges and potential in realising a whole tissue model construct for retinal regeneration are highlighted herein. This review article provides a framework for future development of tissue-engineered retina as a preclinical model and possible treatments for AMD.
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31
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Buck TM, Pellissier LP, Vos RM, van Dijk EHC, Boon CJF, Wijnholds J. AAV Serotype Testing on Cultured Human Donor Retinal Explants. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1715:275-288. [PMID: 29188521 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7522-8_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This protocol details on a screening method for infectivity and tropism of different serotypes of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) on human retinal explants with cell-type specific or ubiquitous green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression vectors. Eyes from deceased adult human donors are enucleated and the retinas are isolated. Each retina is punched into eight to ten 6-mm equal pieces. Whatman™ paper punches are placed on the retinas and the stack is transferred onto 24-well culture inserts with the photoreceptors facing the membrane. AAVs are applied on the retinal explant punches to allow transduction for 48 h. Retinas are nourished by a serum-free Neurobasal®-A based medium composition that allows extended culturing of explants containing photoreceptor inner and outer segments. The protocols include quality control measurements and histological staining for retina cells. The cost and time effective procedure permits AAV transgene expression assays, RNAi knockdown, and pharmacological intervention on human retinas for 21 days ex vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo M Buck
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lucie P Pellissier
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Unité Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA UMR85, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR-7247, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Équitation, Université François Rabelais, Nouzilly, France
| | - Rogier M Vos
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- InteRNA Technologies BV, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elon H C van Dijk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Camiel J F Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Hurst J, Vitkute M, Hofmann K, Müller S, Löscher M, Bartz-Schmidt KU, Spitzer MS, Schnichels S, Januschowski K. Comparison of Different Cell Culture Media in the Model of the Isolated and Superfused Bovine Retina: Investigating the Limits of More Physiological Perfusion Solutions. Curr Eye Res 2017; 43:232-243. [PMID: 29111831 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2017.1387668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The isolated superfused retina is a standardized tool in ophthalmological research. However, stable electroretinogram (ERG) responses can only be obtained for around eight hours; therefore, limiting its use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term potential of different cell culture media and to promote long-term testing based on the results obtained. MATERIALS AND METHODS For the experimental procedure bovine retinae were prepared and perfused with the standard Sickel solution and an ERG was performed. After recording stable a- or b-waves, different media (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM), MACS, and Neurobasal) were superfused for 45 minutes. ERG recovery was monitored overall for 75 minutes. Analysis of the mRNA expression of Thy-1, GFAP, Bax/Bcl-2-ratio, Rhodopsin, and Opsin via qRT-PCR was performed directly after ERG recording on the same retina. RESULTS None of the tested media had a negative effect on a-wave amplitudes, although b-wave amplitudes decreased (DMEM) or increased (MACS and Neurobasal) compared to the standard solution (Sickel) after 45 minutes of exposure. However, after 75 minutes of wash-out, no difference to the standard solution alone could be observed. Exposure to different media either had no effect or decreased the Opsin and Rhodopsin mRNA levels. Thy-1 expression was strongly diminished in DMEM and MACS (by 2-3-fold), whereas incubation in Neurobasal medium led to a slight increase compared to incubation with the standard solution. Furthermore, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio indicated an anti-apoptotic effect (Bax/Bcl-2 = 0.16; p < 0.05) for Neurobasal. CONCLUSION Neurobasal medium displayed the best electrophysiological properties in the short-term and may be applicable for stable long-term escalation testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Hurst
- a Centre for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen , Tübingen , Germany
| | - Milda Vitkute
- a Centre for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen , Tübingen , Germany
| | - Kathleen Hofmann
- a Centre for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen , Tübingen , Germany
| | - Sebastian Müller
- a Centre for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen , Tübingen , Germany
| | - Marina Löscher
- a Centre for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen , Tübingen , Germany
| | | | - Martin S Spitzer
- a Centre for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen , Tübingen , Germany.,b Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sven Schnichels
- a Centre for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen , Tübingen , Germany
| | - Kai Januschowski
- a Centre for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen , Tübingen , Germany.,c Eye Hospital , Sulzbach , Saar , Germany
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Gómez-Sintes R, Villarejo-Zori B, Serrano-Puebla A, Esteban-Martínez L, Sierra-Filardi E, Ramírez-Pardo I, Rodríguez-Muela N, Boya P. Standard Assays for the Study of Autophagy in the Ex Vivo Retina. Cells 2017; 6:cells6040037. [PMID: 29065501 PMCID: PMC5755496 DOI: 10.3390/cells6040037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a catabolic pathway that mediates the degradation and recycling of intracellular components, and is a key player in a variety of physiological processes in cells and tissues. Recent studies of autophagy in the eye suggest that this pathway is fundamental for the preservation of retinal homeostasis. Given its accessible location outside the brain, the retina is an ideal organ in which to study the central nervous system and a wide range of neuronal processes, from development to neurodegeneration. Here we review several methods used to assess autophagy in the retina in both physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Gómez-Sintes
- Departament of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Beatriz Villarejo-Zori
- Departament of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ana Serrano-Puebla
- Departament of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Lorena Esteban-Martínez
- Departament of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Elena Sierra-Filardi
- Departament of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ignacio Ramírez-Pardo
- Departament of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Natalia Rodríguez-Muela
- Departament of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Patricia Boya
- Departament of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, CSIC, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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Sahaboglu A, Barth M, Secer E, Amo EMD, Urtti A, Arsenijevic Y, Zrenner E, Paquet-Durand F. Olaparib significantly delays photoreceptor loss in a model for hereditary retinal degeneration. Sci Rep 2016; 6:39537. [PMID: 28004814 PMCID: PMC5177898 DOI: 10.1038/srep39537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The enzyme poly-ADP-ribose-polymerase (PARP) mediates DNA-repair and rearrangements of the nuclear chromatin. Generally, PARP activity is thought to promote cell survival and in recent years a number of PARP inhibitors have been clinically developed for cancer treatment. Paradoxically, PARP activity is also connected to many diseases including the untreatable blinding disease Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), where PARP activity appears to drive the pathogenesis of photoreceptor loss. We tested the efficacy of three different PARP inhibitors to prevent photoreceptor loss in the rd1 mouse model for RP. In retinal explant cultures in vitro, olaparib had strong and long-lasting photoreceptor neuroprotective capacities. We demonstrated target engagement by showing that olaparib reduced photoreceptor accumulation of poly-ADP-ribosylated proteins. Remarkably, olaparib also reduced accumulation of cyclic-guanosine-monophosphate (cGMP), a characteristic marker for photoreceptor degeneration. Moreover, intravitreal injection of olaparib in rd1 animals diminished PARP activity and increased photoreceptor survival, confirming in vivo neuroprotection. This study affirms the role of PARP in inherited retinal degeneration and for the first time shows that a clinically approved PARP inhibitor can prevent photoreceptor degeneration in an RP model. The wealth of human clinical data available for olaparib highlights its strong potential for a rapid clinical translation into a novel RP treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melanie Barth
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Tuebingen, Germany.,Graduate Training Center of Neuroscience, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Enver Secer
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Tuebingen, Germany.,Department of Medical Genetics, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Eva M Del Amo
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Arto Urtti
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Centre for Drug Research, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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In vivo genome editing as a potential treatment strategy for inherited retinal dystrophies. Prog Retin Eye Res 2016; 56:1-18. [PMID: 27623223 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In vivo genome editing represents an emerging field in the treatment of monogenic disorders, as it may constitute a solution to the current hurdles in classic gene addition therapy, which are the low levels and limited duration of transgene expression. Following the introduction of a double strand break (DSB) at the mutational site by highly specific endonucleases, such as TALENs (transcription activator like effector nucleases) or RNA based nucleases (clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats - CRISPR-Cas), the cell's own DNA repair machinery restores integrity to the DNA strand and corrects the mutant sequence, thus allowing the cell to produce protein levels as needed. The DNA repair happens either through the error prone non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway or with high fidelity through homology directed repair (HDR) in the presence of a DNA donor template. A third pathway called microhomology mediated endjoining (MMEJ) has been recently discovered. In this review, the authors focus on the different DNA repair mechanisms, the current state of the art tools for genome editing and the particularities of the retina and photoreceptors with regard to in vivo therapeutic approaches. Finally, current attempts in the field of retinal in vivo genome editing are discussed and future directions of research identified.
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Bauer PM, Zalis MC, Abdshill H, Deierborg T, Johansson F, Englund-Johansson U. Inflamed In Vitro Retina: Cytotoxic Neuroinflammation and Galectin-3 Expression. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161723. [PMID: 27612287 PMCID: PMC5017668 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Disease progression in retinal neurodegeneration is strongly correlated to immune cell activation, which may have either a neuroprotective or neurotoxic effect. Increased knowledge about the immune response profile and retinal neurodegeneration may lead to candidate targets for treatments. Therefore, we have used the explanted retina as a model to explore the immune response and expression of the immune modulator galectin-3 (Gal-3), induced by the cultivation per se and after additional immune stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and how this correlates with retinal neurotoxicity. Methods Post-natal mouse retinas were cultured in a defined medium. One group was stimulated with LPS (100 ng/ml, 24 h). Retinal architecture, apoptotic cell death, and micro- and macroglial activity were studied at the time of cultivation (0 days in vitro (DIV)) and at 3, 4 and 7 DIV using morphological staining, biochemical- and immunohistochemical techniques. Results Our results show that sustained activation of macro- and microglia, characterized by no detectable cytokine release and limited expression of Gal-3, is not further inducing apoptosis additional to the axotomy-induced apoptosis in innermost nuclear layer. An elevated immune response was detected after LPS stimulation, as demonstrated primarily by release of immune mediators (i.e. interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-6, KC/GRO (also known as CLCX1) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)), increased numbers of microglia displaying morphologies of late activation stages as well as Gal-3 expression. This was accompanied with increased apoptosis in the two additional nuclear layers, and damage to retinal gross architecture. Conclusion We demonstrate that an immune response characterized by sustained and increased release of cytokines, along with an increase in Gal-3 expression, is accompanied by significant increased neurotoxicity in the explanted retina. Further investigations using the current setting may lead to increased understanding on the mechanisms involved in neuronal loss in retinal neurodegenerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Maximilian Bauer
- Dept. of Biology, Sec. Functional Zoology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Dept. Clinical Sciences in Lund, Div. Ophthalmology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marina Castro Zalis
- Dept. Clinical Sciences in Lund, Div. Ophthalmology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Hodan Abdshill
- Dept. Clinical Sciences in Lund, Div. Ophthalmology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tomas Deierborg
- Dept. Experimental Medical Science, Experimental Neuroinflammation Laboratory, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Johansson
- Dept. of Biology, Sec. Functional Zoology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Jiao K, Sahaboglu A, Zrenner E, Ueffing M, Ekström PAR, Paquet-Durand F. Efficacy of PARP inhibition in Pde6a mutant mouse models for retinitis pigmentosa depends on the quality and composition of individual human mutations. Cell Death Discov 2016; 2:16040. [PMID: 27551530 PMCID: PMC4979439 DOI: 10.1038/cddiscovery.2016.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), an inherited blinding disease, is caused by a variety of different mutations that affect retinal photoreceptor function and survival. So far there is neither effective treatment nor cure. We have previously shown that poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) acts as a common and critical denominator of cell death in photoreceptors, qualifying it as a potential target for future therapeutic intervention. A significant fraction of RP-causing mutations affect the genes for the rod photoreceptor phosphodiesterase 6A (PDE6A) subunit, but it is not known whether they all engage the same death pathway. Analysing three homozygous point mutations (Pde6a R562W, D670G, and V685M) and one compound heterozygous Pde6aV685M/R562W mutation in mouse models that match human RP patients, we demonstrate excessive activation of PARP, which correlated in time with the progression of photoreceptor degeneration. The causal involvement of PARP activity in the neurodegenerative process was confirmed in organotypic retinal explant cultures treated with the PARP-selective inhibitor PJ34, using different treatment time-points and durations. Remarkably, the neuroprotective efficacy of PARP inhibition correlated inversely with the strength of the genetically induced insult, with the D670G mutant showing the best treatment effects. Our results highlight PARP as a target for neuroprotective interventions in RP caused by PDE6A mutations and are a first attempt towards personalized, genotype-matched therapy development for RP. In addition, for each of the different mutant situations, our work identifies windows of opportunity for an optimal treatment regimen for further in vivo experimentation and possibly clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Jiao
- Cell Death Mechanisms Group, Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tuebingen, Roentgenweg 11, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; Centre for Ophthalmology, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province and The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Qingnian 176, Kunming 650021, China
| | - A Sahaboglu
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tuebingen , Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - E Zrenner
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen 72076, Germany; Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - M Ueffing
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tuebingen , Tuebingen 72076, Germany
| | - P A R Ekström
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund, University of Lund , Lund 22184, Sweden
| | - F Paquet-Durand
- Cell Death Mechanisms Group, Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tuebingen , Roentgenweg 11, Tuebingen 72076, Germany
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38
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A serum-free and defined medium for the culture of mammalian postimplantation embryos. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 468:813-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Osborne A, Hopes M, Wright P, Broadway DC, Sanderson J. Human organotypic retinal cultures (HORCs) as a chronic experimental model for investigation of retinal ganglion cell degeneration. Exp Eye Res 2015; 143:28-38. [PMID: 26432917 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
There is a growing need for models of human diseases that utilise native, donated human tissue in order to model disease processes and develop novel therapeutic strategies. In this paper we assessed the suitability of adult human retinal explants as a potential model of chronic retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration. Our results confirmed that RGC markers commonly used in rodent studies (NeuN, βIII Tubulin and Thy-1) were appropriate for labelling human RGCs and followed the expected differential expression patterns across, as well as throughout, the macular and para-macular regions of the retina. Furthermore, we showed that neither donor age nor post-mortem time (within 24 h) significantly affected the initial expression levels of RGC markers. In addition, the feasibility of using human post mortem donor tissue as a long-term model of RGC degeneration was determined with RGC protein being detectable up to 4 weeks in culture with an associated decline in RGC mRNA and significant, progressive, apoptotic labelling of NeuN(+) cells. Differences in RGC apoptosis might have been influenced by medium compositions indicating that media constituents could play a role in supporting axotomised RGCs. We propose that using ex vivo human explants may prove to be a useful model for testing the effectiveness of neuroprotective strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Osborne
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK; John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Marina Hopes
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK; Department of Ophthalmology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, NR4 7UY, UK
| | - Phillip Wright
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - David C Broadway
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK; Department of Ophthalmology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, NR4 7UY, UK; School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Julie Sanderson
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.
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Maekawa Y, Onishi A, Matsushita K, Koide N, Mandai M, Suzuma K, Kitaoka T, Kuwahara A, Ozone C, Nakano T, Eiraku M, Takahashi M. Optimized Culture System to Induce Neurite Outgrowth From Retinal Ganglion Cells in Three-Dimensional Retinal Aggregates Differentiated From Mouse and Human Embryonic Stem Cells. Curr Eye Res 2015; 41:558-68. [PMID: 25880804 DOI: 10.3109/02713683.2015.1038359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To establish a practical research tool for studying the pathogenesis of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) diseases, we optimized culture procedures to induce neurite outgrowth from three-dimensional self-organizing optic vesicles (3D-retinas) differentiated in vitro from mouse and human embryonic stem cells (ESCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS The developing 3D-retinas isolated at various time points were placed on Matrigel-coated plates and cultured in media on the basis of the 3D-retinal culture or the retinal organotypic culture protocol. The number, length, and morphology of the neurites in each culture condition were compared. RESULTS First, we confirmed that Venus-positive cells were double-labeled with a RGC marker, Brn3a, in the 3D-retina differentiated from Fstl4::Venus mouse ESCs, indicating specific RGC-subtype differentiation. Second, Venus-positive neurites grown from these RGC subsets were positive for beta-III tubulin and SMI312 by immunohistochemistry. Enhanced neurite outgrowth was observed in the B27-supplemented Neurobasal-A medium on Matrigel-coated plates from the optic vesicles isolated after 14 days of differentiation from mouse ESCs. For the differentiated RGCs from human ESCs, we obtained neurite extension of >4 mm by modifying Matrigel coating and the culture medium from the mouse RGC culture. CONCLUSION We successfully optimized the culture conditions to enhance lengthy and high-frequency neurite outgrowth in mouse and human models. The procedure would be useful for not only developmental studies of RGCs, including maintenance and projection, but also clinical, pathological, and pharmacological studies of human RGC diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Maekawa
- a Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration , RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology , Kobe , Japan .,b Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science , Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Nagasaki University , Kobe , Japan
| | - Akishi Onishi
- a Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration , RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology , Kobe , Japan
| | - Keizo Matsushita
- a Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration , RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology , Kobe , Japan .,c Regenerative and Cellular Medicine Office, Sumitomo Dainippon Phama Co., Ltd , Kobe , Japan
| | - Naoshi Koide
- a Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration , RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology , Kobe , Japan
| | - Michiko Mandai
- a Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration , RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology , Kobe , Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Suzuma
- b Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science , Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Nagasaki University , Kobe , Japan
| | - Takashi Kitaoka
- b Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science , Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Nagasaki University , Kobe , Japan
| | - Atsushi Kuwahara
- d Laboratory for Organogenesis and Neurogenesis , RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology , Kobe , Japan .,e Environmental Health Science Laboratory , Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. , Osaka , Japan , and
| | - Chikafumi Ozone
- d Laboratory for Organogenesis and Neurogenesis , RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology , Kobe , Japan
| | - Tokushige Nakano
- d Laboratory for Organogenesis and Neurogenesis , RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology , Kobe , Japan .,e Environmental Health Science Laboratory , Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. , Osaka , Japan , and
| | - Mototsugu Eiraku
- f Laboratory for in vitro Histogenesis , RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology , Kobe , Japan
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- a Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration , RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology , Kobe , Japan
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Primary retinal cultures as a tool for modeling diabetic retinopathy: an overview. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:364924. [PMID: 25688355 PMCID: PMC4320900 DOI: 10.1155/2015/364924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Revised: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Experimental models of diabetic retinopathy (DR) have had a crucial role in the comprehension of the pathophysiology of the disease and the identification of new therapeutic strategies. Most of these studies have been conducted in vivo, in animal models. However, a significant contribution has also been provided by studies on retinal cultures, especially regarding the effects of the potentially toxic components of the diabetic milieu on retinal cell homeostasis, the characterization of the mechanisms on the basis of retinal damage, and the identification of potentially protective molecules. In this review, we highlight the contribution given by primary retinal cultures to the study of DR, focusing on early neuroglial impairment. We also speculate on possible themes into which studies based on retinal cell cultures could provide deeper insight.
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Lysosomal membrane permeabilization and autophagy blockade contribute to photoreceptor cell death in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. Cell Death Differ 2014; 22:476-87. [PMID: 25501597 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2014.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Revised: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of hereditary retinal dystrophies that normally result in photoreceptor cell death and vision loss both in animal models and in affected patients. The rd10 mouse, which carries a missense mutation in the Pde6b gene, has been used to characterize the underlying pathophysiology and develop therapies for this devastating and incurable disease. Here we show that increased photoreceptor cell death in the rd10 mouse retina is associated with calcium overload and calpain activation, both of which are observed before the appearance of signs of cell degeneration. These changes are accompanied by an increase in the activity of the lysosomal protease cathepsin B in the cytoplasm of photoreceptor cells, and a reduced colocalization of cathepsin B with lysosomal markers, suggesting that lysosomal membrane permeabilization occurs before the peak of cell death. Moreover, expression of the autophagosomal marker LC3-II (lipidated form of LC3) is reduced and autophagy flux is blocked in rd10 retinas before the onset of photoreceptor cell death. Interestingly, we found that cell death is increased by the induction of autophagy with rapamycin and inhibited by calpain and cathepsin inhibitors, both ex vivo and in vivo. Taken together, these data suggest that calpain-mediated lysosomal membrane permeabilization underlies the lysosomal dysfunction and downregulation of autophagy associated with photoreceptor cell death.
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Farinelli P, Perera A, Arango-Gonzalez B, Trifunovic D, Wagner M, Carell T, Biel M, Zrenner E, Michalakis S, Paquet-Durand F, Ekström PAR. DNA methylation and differential gene regulation in photoreceptor cell death. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1558. [PMID: 25476906 PMCID: PMC4649831 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2014.512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Revised: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) defines a group of inherited degenerative retinal diseases causing progressive loss of photoreceptors. To this day, RP is still untreatable and rational treatment development will require a thorough understanding of the underlying cell death mechanisms. Methylation of the DNA base cytosine by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) is an important epigenetic factor regulating gene expression, cell differentiation, cell death, and survival. Previous studies suggested an involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in RP, and in this study, increased cytosine methylation was detected in dying photoreceptors in the rd1, rd2, P23H, and S334ter rodent models for RP. Ultrastructural analysis of photoreceptor nuclear morphology in the rd1 mouse model for RP revealed a severely altered chromatin structure during retinal degeneration that coincided with an increased expression of the DNMT isozyme DNMT3a. To identify disease-specific differentially methylated DNA regions (DMRs) on a genomic level, we immunoprecipitated methylated DNA fragments and subsequently analyzed them with a targeted microarray. Genome-wide comparison of DMRs between rd1 and wild-type retina revealed hypermethylation of genes involved in cell death and survival as well as cell morphology and nervous system development. When correlating DMRs with gene expression data, we found that hypermethylation occurred alongside transcriptional repression. Consistently, motif analysis showed that binding sites of several important transcription factors for retinal physiology were hypermethylated in the mutant model, which also correlated with transcriptional silencing of their respective target genes. Finally, inhibition of DNMTs in rd1 organotypic retinal explants using decitabine resulted in a substantial reduction of photoreceptor cell death, suggesting inhibition of DNA methylation as a potential novel treatment in RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Farinelli
- 1] Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Lund, BMC-B11, Lund 22184, Sweden [2] Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - A Perera
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) at the Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - B Arango-Gonzalez
- Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - D Trifunovic
- Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - M Wagner
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) at the Department of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - T Carell
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) at the Department of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - M Biel
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) at the Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - E Zrenner
- Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - S Michalakis
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM) at the Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - F Paquet-Durand
- Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - P A R Ekström
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Lund, BMC-B11, Lund 22184, Sweden
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Silver and gold nanoparticles exposure to in vitro cultured retina--studies on nanoparticle internalization, apoptosis, oxidative stress, glial- and microglial activity. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105359. [PMID: 25144684 PMCID: PMC4140780 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex network of neuronal cells in the retina makes it a potential target of neuronal toxicity – a risk factor for visual loss. With growing use of nanoparticles (NPs) in commercial and medical applications, including ophthalmology, there is a need for reliable models for early prediction of NP toxicity in the eye and retina. Metal NPs, such as gold and silver, gain much of attention in the ophthalmology community due to their potential to cross the barriers of the eye. Here, NP uptake and signs of toxicity were investigated after exposure to 20 and 80 nm Ag- and AuNPs, using an in vitro tissue culture model of the mouse retina. The model offers long-term preservation of retinal cell types, numbers and morphology and is a controlled system for delivery of NPs, using serum-free defined culture medium. AgNO3-treatment was used as control for toxicity caused by silver ions. These end-points were studied; gross morphological organization, glial activity, microglial activity, level of apoptosis and oxidative stress, which are all well described as signs of insult to neural tissue. TEM analysis demonstrated cellular- and nuclear uptake of all NP types in all neuronal layers of the retina. Htx-eosin staining showed morphological disruption of the normal complex layered retinal structure, vacuole formation and pyknotic cells after exposure to all Ag- and AuNPs. Significantly higher numbers of apoptotic cells as well as an increased number of oxidative stressed cells demonstrated NP-related neuronal toxicity. NPs also caused increased glial staining and microglial cell activation, typical hallmarks of neural tissue insult. This study demonstrates that low concentrations of 20 and 80 nm sized Ag- and AuNPs have adverse effects on the retina, using an organotypic retina culture model. Our results motivate careful assessment of candidate NP, metallic or-non-metallic, to be used in neural systems for therapeutic approaches.
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von Toerne C, Menzler J, Ly A, Senninger N, Ueffing M, Hauck SM. Identification of a novel neurotrophic factor from primary retinal Müller cells using stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC). Mol Cell Proteomics 2014; 13:2371-81. [PMID: 24925906 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m113.033613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal Müller glial cells (RMGs) have a primary role in maintaining the homeostasis of the retina. In pathological situations, RMGs execute protective and regenerative effects, but they can also contribute to neurodegeneration. It has recently been recognized that cultured primary RMGs secrete pro-survival factors for retinal neurons for up to 2 weeks in culture, but this ability is lost when RMGs are cultivated for longer durations. In our study, we investigated RMG supernatants for novel neuroprotective factors using a quantitative proteomic approach. Stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) was used on primary porcine RMGs. Supernatants of RMGs cultivated for 2 weeks were compared with supernatants from cells that had already lost their protective capacity. Using this approach, we detected established neurotrophic factors such as transferrin, osteopontin, and leukemia inhibitory factor and identified C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10) as a novel candidate neuroprotective factor. All factors prolonged photoreceptor survival in vitro. Ex vivo treatment of retinal explants with leukemia inhibitory factor or CXCL10 demonstrated a neuroprotective effect on photoreceptors. Western blots on CXCL10- and leukemia inhibitory factor-stimulated explanted retina and photoreceptor lysates indicated activation of pro-survival signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling and B-cell lymphoma pathways. These findings suggest that CXCL10 contributes to the supportive potential of RMGs toward retinal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine von Toerne
- From the ‡Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jacob Menzler
- From the ‡Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Alice Ly
- From the ‡Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Nicole Senninger
- From the ‡Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Marius Ueffing
- From the ‡Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; §Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie M Hauck
- From the ‡Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany;
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Kucharska J, Del Río P, Arango-Gonzalez B, Gorza M, Feuchtinger A, Hauck SM, Ueffing M. Cyr61 activates retinal cells and prolongs photoreceptor survival in rd1 mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. J Neurochem 2014; 130:227-40. [PMID: 24593181 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Revised: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Subretinal injections with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) rescue morphology as well as function of rod cells in mouse and rat animal models of retinitis pigmentosa. At the same time, it is postulated that this effect is indirect, mediated by activation of retinal Müller glial (RMG) cells. Here, we show that Cyr61/CCN1, one of the secreted proteins up-regulated in primary RMG after glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor stimulation, provides neuroprotective and pro-survival capacities: Recombinant Cyr61 significantly reduced photoreceptor (PR) cells death in organotypic cultures of Pde6b(rd1) retinas. To identify stimulated pathways in the retina, we treated Pde6b(rd1) retinal explants with Cyr61 and observed an overall increase in activated Erk1/2 and Stat3 signalling molecules characterized by activation-site-specific phosphorylation. To identify Cyr61 retinal target cells, we isolated primary porcine PR, RMG and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and exposed them separately to Cyr61. Here, RMG as well as RPE cells responded with induced phosphorylation of Erk1/2, Stat3 and Akt. In PR, no increase in phosphorylation in any of the studied proteins was detected, suggesting an indirect neuroprotective effect of Cyr61. Cyr61 may thus act as an endogenous pro-survival factor for PR, contributing to the complex repertoire of neuroprotective activities generated by RMG and RPE cells. We propose the following model of Cyr61 neuroprotection within the retina: Cyr61 stimulates retinal Müller glial (RMG) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and activates PI3K/Akt, mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)/Erk and Janus kinase(JAK)/Stat-signalling pathways in these cells. Phosphorylated Stat3 and Erk1/2 presumably translocate to the nucleus, induce transcriptional changes, which increase secretion of neuroprotective agents that protect photoreceptors (PR) from mutation-induced death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kucharska
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
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Ferrer-Martín RM, Martín-Oliva D, Sierra A, Carrasco MC, Martín-Estebané M, Calvente R, Marín-Teva JL, Navascués J, Cuadros MA. Microglial cells in organotypic cultures of developing and adult mouse retina and their relationship with cell death. Exp Eye Res 2014; 121:42-57. [PMID: 24582572 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2014.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2013] [Revised: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Organotypic cultures of retinal explants allow the detailed analysis of microglial cells in a cellular microenvironment similar to that in the in situ retina, with the advantage of easy experimental manipulation. However, the in vitro culture causes changes in the retinal cytoarchitecture and induces a microglial response that may influence the results of these manipulations. The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of the retinal age on changes in retinal cytoarchitecture, cell viability and death, and microglial phenotype and distribution throughout the in vitro culture of developing and adult retina explants. Explants from developing (3 and 10 postnatal days, P3 and P10) and adult (P60) mouse retinas were cultured for up to 10 days in vitro (div). Dead or dying cells were recognized by TUNEL staining, cell viability was determined by flow cytometry, and the numbers and distribution patterns of microglial cells were studied by flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry, respectively. The retinal cytoarchitecture was better preserved at prolonged culture times (10 div) in P10 retina explants than in P3 or adult explants. Particular patterns of cell viability and death were observed at each age: in general, explants from developing retinas showed higher cell viability and lower density of TUNEL-positive profiles versus adult retinas. The proportion of microglial cells relative to the whole population of retinal cells was higher in explants fixed immediately after their dissection (i.e., non-cultured) from adult retinas than in those from developing retinas. This proportion was always higher in non-cultured explants than in explants at 10 div, suggesting the death of some microglial cells during the culture. Activation of microglial cells, as revealed by their phenotypical appearance, was observed in both developing and adult retina explants from the beginning of the culture. Immunofluorescence with the anti-CD68 antibody showed that some activated microglial cells were CD68-positive but others were CD68-negative. Flow cytometry using CD68-labeling revealed that the percentage of CD68-positive microglial cells was much higher in developing than in adult retina explants, despite the activation of microglia in both types of explants, indicating that CD68-labeling was more closely related to the maturity degree of microglia than to their activation. Some swollen activated microglial cells entered the outer nuclear layer in developing and adult cultured retinal explants, whereas this layer was devoid of microglia in non-cultured explants. There was no apparent correlation between the distribution of microglia and that of TUNEL-labeled profiles. However, some swollen activated microglial cells in the outer and inner nuclear layers engulfed clusters of cell nuclei that were negative or weakly positive for TUNEL. This engulfment activity of microglia mimicked that observed in degenerative pathologies of the retina. We conclude that organotypic cultures from developing retinas show a higher rate of cell viability and better preservation of the normal cytoarchitecture in comparison to those obtained from adult retinas. In addition, the features of microglial response in cultured retinal explants show them to be a useful model for studying interactions between microglial cells and degenerating neurons in retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa M Ferrer-Martín
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, E-18071 Granada, Spain
| | - David Martín-Oliva
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, E-18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Sierra
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, E-18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Maria-Carmen Carrasco
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, E-18071 Granada, Spain
| | - María Martín-Estebané
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, E-18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Ruth Calvente
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, E-18071 Granada, Spain
| | - José L Marín-Teva
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, E-18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Julio Navascués
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, E-18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel A Cuadros
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, E-18071 Granada, Spain.
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Farinelli P, Arango-Gonzalez B, Völkl J, Alesutan I, Lang F, Zrenner E, Paquet-Durand F, Ekström PAR. Retinitis Pigmentosa: over-expression of anti-ageing protein Klotho in degenerating photoreceptors. J Neurochem 2013; 127:868-79. [PMID: 23796581 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Retinitis Pigmentosa involves a hereditary degeneration of photoreceptors by as yet unresolved mechanisms. The secretable protein α-Klotho has a function related to ageing processes, and α-Klotho-deficient mice have reduced lifespan and declining functions in several tissues. Here, we studied Klotho in connection with inherited photoreceptor degeneration. Increased nuclear immunostaining for α-Klotho protein was seen in degenerating photoreceptors in four different Retinitis Pigmentosa models (rd1, rd2 mice; P23H, S334ter rhodopsin mutant rats). Correspondingly, in rd1 retina α-Klotho mRNA expression was significantly up-regulated. Moreover, immunostaining for another Klotho family protein, β-Klotho, also co-localized with degenerating rd1 photoreceptors. The rd1 retina displayed reduced levels of fibroblast growth factor 15, a member of the fibroblast growth factor subfamily for which Klotho acts as a co-receptor. Exogenous α-Klotho protein added to retinal explant cultures did not affect cell death in rd1 retinae, but caused a severe layer disordering in wild-type retinae. Our study suggests Klotho as a novel player in the retina, with a clear connection to photoreceptor cell death as well as with an influence on retinal organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Farinelli
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund, University of Lund, Lund, Sweden; Division of Experimental Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Bramall AN, Szego MJ, Pacione LR, Chang I, Diez E, D'Orleans-Juste P, Stewart DJ, Hauswirth WW, Yanagisawa M, McInnes RR. Endothelin-2-mediated protection of mutant photoreceptors in inherited photoreceptor degeneration. PLoS One 2013; 8:e58023. [PMID: 23469133 PMCID: PMC3585171 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0058023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of the Endothelin-2 (Edn2) mRNA is greatly increased in the photoreceptors (PRs) of mouse models of inherited PR degeneration (IPD). To examine the role of Edn2 in mutant PR survival, we generated Edn2−/− mice carrying homozygous Pde6brd1 alleles or the Tg(RHO P347S) transgene. In the Edn2−/− background, PR survival increased 110% in Pde6brd1/rd1 mice at post-natal (PN) day 15, and 60% in Tg(RHO P347S) mice at PN40. In contrast, PR survival was not increased in retinal explants of Pde6brd1/rd1; Edn2−/− mice. This finding, together with systemic abnormalities in Edn2−/− mice, suggested that the increased survival of mutant PRs in the Edn2−/− background resulted at least partly from the systemic EDN2 loss of function. To examine directly the role of EDN2 in mutant PRs, we used a scAAV5-Edn2 cDNA vector to restore Edn2 expression in Pde6brd1/rd1; Edn2−/− PRs and observed an 18% increase in PR survival at PN14. Importantly, PR survival was also increased after injection of scAAV5-Edn2 into Pde6brd1/rd1 retinas, by 31% at PN15. Together, these findings suggest that increased Edn2 expression is protective to mutant PRs. To begin to elucidate Edn2-mediated mechanisms that contribute to PR survival, we used microarray analysis and identified a cohort of 20 genes with >4-fold increased expression in Tg(RHO P347S) retinas, including Fgf2. Notably, increased expression of the FGF2 protein in Tg(RHO P347S) PRs was ablated in Tg(RHO P347S); Edn2−/− retinas. Our findings indicate that the increased expression of PR Edn2 increases PR survival, and suggest that the Edn2-dependent increase in PR expression of FGF2 may contribute to the augmented survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa N. Bramall
- Program in Developmental Biology, The Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael J. Szego
- Program in Developmental Biology, The Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura R. Pacione
- Program in Developmental Biology, The Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Inik Chang
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Eduardo Diez
- Lady Davis Research Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pedro D'Orleans-Juste
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Duncan J. Stewart
- The Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - William W. Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Masashi Yanagisawa
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Roderick R. McInnes
- Program in Developmental Biology, The Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Lady Davis Research Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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50
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Retinal degeneration depends on Bmi1 function and reactivation of cell cycle proteins. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:E593-601. [PMID: 23359713 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1108297110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The epigenetic regulator Bmi1 controls proliferation in many organs. Reexpression of cell cycle proteins such as cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) is a hallmark of neuronal apoptosis in neurodegenerative diseases. Here we address the potential role of Bmi1 as a key regulator of cell cycle proteins during neuronal apoptosis. We show that several cell cycle proteins are expressed in different models of retinal degeneration and required in the Rd1 photoreceptor death process. Deleting E2f1, a downstream target of CDKs, provided temporary protection in Rd1 mice. Most importantly, genetic ablation of Bmi1 provided extensive photoreceptor survival and improvement of retinal function in Rd1 mice, mediated by a decrease in cell cycle markers and regulators independent of p16(Ink4a) and p19(Arf). These data reveal that Bmi1 controls the cell cycle-related death process, highlighting this pathway as a promising therapeutic target for neuroprotection in retinal dystrophies.
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