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Barta CL, Thoreson WB. Retinal inputs that drive optomotor responses of mice under mesopic conditions. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2024; 17:138-144. [PMID: 39170059 PMCID: PMC11338136 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2024.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Optomotor responses are a popular way to assess sub-cortical visual responses in mice. We studied photoreceptor inputs into optomotor circuits using genetically-modified mice lacking the exocytotic calcium sensors synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1) and 7 (Syt7) in rods or cones. We also tested mice that in which cone transducin, GNAT2, had been eliminated. We studied spatial frequency sensitivity under mesopic conditions by varying the spatial frequency of a grating rotating at 12 deg/s and contrast sensitivity by varying luminance contrast of 0.2c/deg gratings. We found that eliminating Syt1 from rods reduced responses to a low spatial frequency grating (0.05c/deg) consistent with low resolution in this pathway. Conversely, eliminating the ability of cones to respond to light (by eliminating GNAT2) or transmit light responses (by selectively eliminating Syt1) showed weaker responses to a high spatial frequency grating (3c/deg). Eliminating Syt7 from the entire optomotor pathway in a global knockout had no significant effect on optomotor responses. We isolated the secondary rod pathway involving transmission of rod responses to cones via gap junctions by simultaneously eliminating Syt1 from rods and GNAT2 from cones. We found that the secondary rod pathway is sufficient to drive robust optomotor responses under mesopic conditions. Finally, eliminating Syt1 from both rods and cones almost completely abolished optomotor responses, but we detected weak responses to large, bright rotating gratings that are likely driven by input from intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- CL Barta
- Truhlsen Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, USA
| | - WB Thoreson
- Truhlsen Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, USA
- Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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2
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Wilmet B, Michiels C, Zhang J, Callebert J, Sahel JA, Picaud S, Audo I, Zeitz C. Loss of ON-Pathway Function in Mice Lacking Lrit3 Decreases Recovery From Lens-Induced Myopia. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:18. [PMID: 39250117 PMCID: PMC11385651 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.11.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine whether the Lrit3-/- mouse model of complete congenital stationary night blindness with an ON-pathway defect harbors myopic features and whether the genetic defect influences the recovery from lens-induced myopia. Methods Retinal levels of dopamine (DA) and 3,4 dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) from adult isolated Lrit3-/- retinas were quantified using ultra performance liquid chromatography after light adaptation. Natural refractive development of Lrit3-/- mice was measured from three weeks to nine weeks of age using an infrared photorefractometer. Susceptibility to myopia induction was assessed using a lens-induced myopia protocol with -25 D lenses placed in front of the right eye of the animals for three weeks; the mean interocular shift was measured with an infrared photorefractometer after two and three weeks of goggling and after one and two weeks after removal of goggles. Results Compared to wild-type littermates (Lrit3+/+), both DA and DOPAC were drastically reduced in Lrit3-/- retinas. Natural refractive development was normal but Lrit3-/- mice showed a higher myopic shift and a lower ability to recover from induced myopia. Conclusions Our data consolidate the link between ON pathway defect altered dopaminergic signaling and myopia. We document for the first time the role of ON pathway on the recovery from myopia induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste Wilmet
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | | | - Jingyi Zhang
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Jacques Callebert
- Service of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, INSERM U942, Hospital Lariboisière, Paris, France
| | - José Alain Sahel
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
- Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares REFERET and INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, Paris, France
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburg, PA, United States
| | - Serge Picaud
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Audo
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
- Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares REFERET and INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, Paris, France
| | - Christina Zeitz
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
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Bai D, Guo R, Huang D, Ji J, Liu W. Compound heterozygous mutations in GRM6 causing complete Schubert-Bornschein type congenital stationary night blindness. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27039. [PMID: 38434377 PMCID: PMC10907788 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background To explore the genetic defects of a Chinese family with complete Schubert-Bornschein type congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB). Methods A Chinese family with complete Schubert-Bornschein type CSNB was enrolled in this study. The detailed ocular presentations of the patient were recorded. Targeted gene sequencing including 156 genes related to retinal diseases was used to detect the gene mutation. Sanger sequencing was performed to validate the potential pathogenic variants, and segregation analysis was performed on all available family members. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to predict the impact of the mutations. Results By targeted gene sequencing and Sanger sequencing, we identified compound heterozygous mutations in GRM6: c.152G>T (p.Gly51Val) and c.727delG (p.Val243SerfsX21). Segregation analysis demonstrated that the mother of the proband carried the missense mutation (c.152G>T) while her father carried the frameshift mutation (c.727delG), indicating CSNB was autosomal recessively inherited in this family. Several bioinformatics prediction programs revealed the mutations were "Damaging" or "Disease Causing" and conservation analysis showed both the codons Gly51 and Val243 were highly conserved among species, suggesting the changes were pathogenic. Conclusion By targeted gene sequencing and Sanger sequencing, we detected compound heterozygous mutations (c.152G>T, p.Gly51Val and c.727delG, p.Val243SerfsX21) in GRM6. The mutations co-segregated with the phenotype of the family members and are considered to be responsible for complete Schubert-Bornschein type CSNB. However, functional experiments in the future are needed to confirm the pathogenicity of the variants and to elucidate their exact molecular mechanisms causing CSNB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong'e Bai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Characteristic Medical Center of Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Tianjin, China
| | - Ruru Guo
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Dandan Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Jian Ji
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, 300384, China
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Engert J, Spahn B, Sommerer S, Ehret Kasemo T, Hackenberg S, Rak K, Voelker J. Adult Neurogenesis of the Medial Geniculate Body: In Vitro and Molecular Genetic Analyses Reflect the Neural Stem Cell Capacity of the Rat Auditory Thalamus over Time. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2623. [PMID: 38473870 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) have been recently identified in the neonatal rat medial geniculate body (MGB). NSCs are characterized by three cardinal features: mitotic self-renewal, formation of progenitors, and differentiation into all neuroectodermal cell lineages. NSCs and the molecular factors affecting them are particularly interesting, as they present a potential target for treating neurologically based hearing disorders. It is unclear whether an NSC niche exists in the rat MGB up to the adult stage and which neurogenic factors are essential during maturation. The rat MGB was examined on postnatal days 8, 12, and 16, and at the adult stadium. The cardinal features of NSCs were detected in MGB cells of all age groups examined by neurosphere, passage, and differentiation assays. In addition, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction arrays were used to compare the mRNA levels of 84 genes relevant to NSCs and neurogenesis. In summary, cells of the MGB display the cardinal features of NSCs up to the adult stage with a decreasing NSC potential over time. Neurogenic factors with high importance for MGB neurogenesis were identified on the mRNA level. These findings should contribute to a better understanding of MGB neurogenesis and its regenerative capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Engert
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 11, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Bjoern Spahn
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 11, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Sommerer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 11, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Totta Ehret Kasemo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 11, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Hackenberg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 11, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Kristen Rak
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 11, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Voelker
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 11, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany
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5
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Chen W, Zhong W, Yu L, Lin X, Xie J, Liu Z. A Drosophila Model Reveals the Potential Role for mtt in Retinal Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:899. [PMID: 38255972 PMCID: PMC10815649 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) is a genetically heterogeneous inherited retinal disorder, caused by over 300 mutations in 17 different genes. While there are numerous fly models available for simulating ocular diseases, most are focused on mimicking retinitis pigmentosa (RP), with animal models specifically addressing CSNB limited to mammals. Here, we present a CSNB fly model associated with the mtt gene, utilizing RNA interference (RNAi) to silence the mtt gene in fly eyes (homologous to the mammalian GRM6 gene) and construct a CSNB model. Through this approach, we observed significant defects in the eye structure and function upon reducing mtt expression in fly eyes. This manifested as disruptions in the compound eye lens structure and reduced sensitivity to light responses. These results suggest a critical role for mtt in the function of fly adult eyes. Interestingly, we found that the mtt gene is not expressed in the photoreceptor neurons of adult flies but is localized to the inner lamina neurons. In summary, these results underscore the crucial involvement of mtt in fly retinal function, providing a framework for understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of CSNB and facilitating research into potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Chen
- Institute of Life Sciences, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Wenmiao Zhong
- Institute of Life Sciences, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Lingqi Yu
- Institute of Life Sciences, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Xiang Lin
- Institute of Life Sciences, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Jiayu Xie
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Zhenxing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
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6
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Zeitz C, Roger JE, Audo I, Michiels C, Sánchez-Farías N, Varin J, Frederiksen H, Wilmet B, Callebert J, Gimenez ML, Bouzidi N, Blond F, Guilllonneau X, Fouquet S, Léveillard T, Smirnov V, Vincent A, Héon E, Sahel JA, Kloeckener-Gruissem B, Sennlaub F, Morgans CW, Duvoisin RM, Tkatchenko AV, Picaud S. Shedding light on myopia by studying complete congenital stationary night blindness. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 93:101155. [PMID: 36669906 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Myopia is the most common eye disorder, caused by heterogeneous genetic and environmental factors. Rare progressive and stationary inherited retinal disorders are often associated with high myopia. Genes implicated in myopia encode proteins involved in a variety of biological processes including eye morphogenesis, extracellular matrix organization, visual perception, circadian rhythms, and retinal signaling. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified in animal models mimicking myopia are helpful in suggesting candidate genes implicated in human myopia. Complete congenital stationary night blindness (cCSNB) in humans and animal models represents an ON-bipolar cell signal transmission defect and is also associated with high myopia. Thus, it represents also an interesting model to identify myopia-related genes, as well as disease mechanisms. While the origin of night blindness is molecularly well established, further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of myopia development in subjects with cCSNB. Using whole transcriptome analysis on three different mouse models of cCSNB (in Gpr179-/-, Lrit3-/- and Grm6-/-), we identified novel actors of the retinal signaling cascade, which are also novel candidate genes for myopia. Meta-analysis of our transcriptomic data with published transcriptomic databases and genome-wide association studies from myopia cases led us to propose new biological/cellular processes/mechanisms potentially at the origin of myopia in cCSNB subjects. The results provide a foundation to guide the development of pharmacological myopia therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Zeitz
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.
| | - Jérome E Roger
- Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, CERTO-Retina France, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - Isabelle Audo
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France; CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Juliette Varin
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Helen Frederiksen
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Baptiste Wilmet
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Jacques Callebert
- Service of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, INSERM U942, Hospital Lariboisière, APHP, Paris, France
| | | | - Nassima Bouzidi
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Frederic Blond
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | | | - Stéphane Fouquet
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | | | - Vasily Smirnov
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Ajoy Vincent
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elise Héon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France; CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, Paris, France; Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Florian Sennlaub
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Catherine W Morgans
- Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Robert M Duvoisin
- Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Andrei V Tkatchenko
- Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health, Wenzhou, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Serge Picaud
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
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7
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Wilmet B, Callebert J, Duvoisin R, Goulet R, Tourain C, Michiels C, Frederiksen H, Schaeffel F, Marre O, Sahel JA, Audo I, Picaud S, Zeitz C. Mice Lacking Gpr179 with Complete Congenital Stationary Night Blindness Are a Good Model for Myopia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010219. [PMID: 36613663 PMCID: PMC9820543 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in GPR179 are one of the most common causes of autosomal recessive complete congenital stationary night blindness (cCSNB). This retinal disease is characterized in patients by impaired dim and night vision, associated with other ocular symptoms, including high myopia. cCSNB is caused by a complete loss of signal transmission from photoreceptors to ON-bipolar cells. In this study, we hypothesized that the lack of Gpr179 and the subsequent impaired ON-pathway could lead to myopic features in a mouse model of cCSNB. Using ultra performance liquid chromatography, we show that adult Gpr179-/- mice have a significant decrease in both retinal dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, compared to Gpr179+/+ mice. This alteration of the dopaminergic system is thought to be correlated with an increased susceptibility to lens-induced myopia but does not affect the natural refractive development. Altogether, our data added a novel myopia model, which could be used to identify therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste Wilmet
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 75012 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (B.W.); (C.Z.); Tel.: +33-1-53-46-25-26 (B.W.); +33-1-53-46-25-40 (C.Z.)
| | - Jacques Callebert
- Service of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, INSERM U942, Hospital Lariboisière, AP-HP, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Robert Duvoisin
- Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Ruben Goulet
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Christophe Tourain
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 75012 Paris, France
- Wavefront-Engineering Microscopy Group, Neurophotonics Laboratory, CNRS UMR8250, Paris Descartes University, 75270 Paris, France
| | - Christelle Michiels
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Helen Frederiksen
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Frank Schaeffel
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB), 4056 Basel, Switzerland
- Section of Neurobiology of the Eye, Ophthalmic Research Institute, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Zeiss Vision Lab, Ophthalmic Research Institute, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Olivier Marre
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 75012 Paris, France
| | - José Alain Sahel
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 75012 Paris, France
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Centre Hospitalier National d’Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, 75012 Paris, France
- Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, 75019 Paris, France
- Académie des Sciences, Institut de France, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Audo
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 75012 Paris, France
- Centre Hospitalier National d’Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Serge Picaud
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Christina Zeitz
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 75012 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (B.W.); (C.Z.); Tel.: +33-1-53-46-25-26 (B.W.); +33-1-53-46-25-40 (C.Z.)
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8
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Wu J, Rountree CM, Kare SS, Ramkumar PK, Finan JD, Troy JB. Progress on Designing a Chemical Retinal Prosthesis. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:898865. [PMID: 35774083 PMCID: PMC9239740 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.898865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The last major review of progress toward a chemical retinal prosthesis was a decade ago. Many important advancements have been made since then with the aim of producing an implantable device for animal testing. We review that work here discussing the potential advantages a chemical retinal prosthesis may possess, the spatial and temporal resolutions it might provide, the materials from which an implant might be constructed and its likely effectiveness in stimulating the retina in a natural fashion. Consideration is also given to implant biocompatibility, excitotoxicity of dispensed glutamate and known changes to photoreceptor degenerate retinas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Robert R. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Corey M. Rountree
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Sai-Siva Kare
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Pradeep Kumar Ramkumar
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - John D. Finan
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - John B. Troy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Robert R. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
- *Correspondence: John B. Troy,
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9
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Aung MH, Hogan K, Mazade RE, Park HN, Sidhu CS, Iuvone PM, Pardue MT. ON than OFF pathway disruption leads to greater deficits in visual function and retinal dopamine signaling. Exp Eye Res 2022; 220:109091. [PMID: 35487263 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The visual system uses ON and OFF pathways to signal luminance increments and decrements. Increasing evidence suggests that ON and OFF pathways have different signaling properties and serve specialized visual functions. However, it is still unclear the contribution of ON and OFF pathways to visual behavior. Therefore, we examined the effects on optomotor response and the retinal dopamine system in nob mice with ON pathway dysfunction and Vsx1-/- mice with partial OFF pathway dysfunction. Spatial frequency and contrast sensitivity thresholds were determined, and values were compared to age-matched wild-type controls. Retinas were collected immediately after visual testing to measure levels of dopamine and its metabolite, DOPAC. At 4 weeks of age, we found that nob mice had significantly reduced spatial frequency (19%) and contrast sensitivity (60%) thresholds compared to wild-type mice. Vsx1-/- mice also exhibited reductions in optomotor responses (3% in spatial frequency; 18% in contrast sensitivity) at 4 weeks, although these changes were significantly smaller than those found in nob mice. Furthermore, nob mice had significantly lower DOPAC levels (53%) and dopamine turnover (41%) compared to controls while Vsx1-/- mice displayed a transient increase in DOPAC levels at 4 weeks of age (55%). Our results show that dysfunction of ON pathways leads to reductions in contrast sensitivity, spatial frequency threshold, and retinal dopamine and DOPAC levels whereas partial loss of the OFF pathway has minimal effect. We conclude that ON pathways play a critical role in visual reflexes and retinal dopamine signaling, highlighting a potential association for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moe H Aung
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Health Care System, 1670 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA; Neuroscience Program, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Kelleigh Hogan
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Health Care System, 1670 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Reece E Mazade
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Health Care System, 1670 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Han Na Park
- Neuroscience Program, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 0322, USA
| | - Curran S Sidhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 0322, USA
| | - P Michael Iuvone
- Neuroscience Program, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 0322, USA
| | - Machelle T Pardue
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Health Care System, 1670 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA; Neuroscience Program, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 0322, USA.
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10
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Tsukamoto Y, Iseki K, Omi N. Helical Fasciculation of Bipolar and Horizontal Cell Neurites for Wiring With Photoreceptors in Macaque and Mouse Retinas. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:31. [PMID: 33507230 PMCID: PMC7846946 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.1.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The three-dimensional configurations of rod and cone bipolar cell (BC) dendrites and horizontal cell (HC) processes outside rod and cone synaptic terminals have not been fully elucidated. We reveal how these neurites are mutually arranged to coordinate formation and maintenance of the postsynaptic complex of ribbon synapses in mouse and monkey retinas. Methods Serial section transmission electron microscopy was utilized to reconstruct BC and HC neurites in macaque monkey and mouse, including metabotropic glutamate receptor 6 (mGluR6)-knockout mice. Results Starting from sporadically distributed branching points, rod BC and HC neurites (B and H, respectively) took specific paths to rod spherules by gradually adjusting their mutual positions, which resulted in a closed alternating pattern of H‒B‒H‒B neurites at the rod spherule aperture. This order corresponded to the array of elements constituting the postsynaptic complex of ribbon synapses. We identified novel helical coils of HC processes surrounding the rod BC dendrite in both mouse and macaque retinas, and these structures occurred more frequently in mGluR6-knockout than wild-type mouse retinas. Horizontal cell processes also formed hook-like protrusions that encircled cone BC and HC neurites below the cone pedicles in the macaque retina. Conclusions Bipolar and horizontal cell neurites take specific paths to adjust their mutual positions at the rod spherule aperture. Some HC processes are helically coiled around rod BC dendrites or form hook-like protrusions around cone BC dendrites and HC processes. Loss of mGluR6 signaling may be one factor promoting unbalanced neurite growth and compensatory neurite coiling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiko Tsukamoto
- Department of Biology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Mukogawa, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan.,Studio EM-Retina, Satonaka, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Kyoko Iseki
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, Minatojima Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Naoko Omi
- Studio EM-Retina, Satonaka, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
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11
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Orhan E, Neuillé M, de Sousa Dias M, Pugliese T, Michiels C, Condroyer C, Antonio A, Sahel JA, Audo I, Zeitz C. A New Mouse Model for Complete Congenital Stationary Night Blindness Due to Gpr179 Deficiency. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094424. [PMID: 33922602 PMCID: PMC8122890 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in GPR179 lead to autosomal recessive complete congenital stationary night blindness (cCSNB). This condition represents a signal transmission defect from the photoreceptors to the ON-bipolar cells. To confirm the phenotype, better understand the pathogenic mechanism in vivo, and provide a model for therapeutic approaches, a Gpr179 knock-out mouse model was genetically and functionally characterized. We confirmed that the insertion of a neo/lac Z cassette in intron 1 of Gpr179 disrupts the same gene. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography reveals no obvious retinal structure abnormalities. Gpr179 knock-out mice exhibit a so-called no-b-wave (nob) phenotype with severely reduced b-wave amplitudes in the electroretinogram. Optomotor tests reveal decreased optomotor responses under scotopic conditions. Consistent with the genetic disruption of Gpr179, GPR179 is absent at the dendritic tips of ON-bipolar cells. While proteins of the same signal transmission cascade (GRM6, LRIT3, and TRPM1) are correctly localized, other proteins (RGS7, RGS11, and GNB5) known to regulate GRM6 are absent at the dendritic tips of ON-bipolar cells. These results add a new model of cCSNB, which is important to better understand the role of GPR179, its implication in patients with cCSNB, and its use for the development of therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Orhan
- Institut de la Vision, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, F-75012 Paris, France; (E.O.); (M.N.); (M.d.S.D.); (T.P.); (C.M.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (J.-A.S.); (I.A.)
| | - Marion Neuillé
- Institut de la Vision, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, F-75012 Paris, France; (E.O.); (M.N.); (M.d.S.D.); (T.P.); (C.M.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (J.-A.S.); (I.A.)
| | - Miguel de Sousa Dias
- Institut de la Vision, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, F-75012 Paris, France; (E.O.); (M.N.); (M.d.S.D.); (T.P.); (C.M.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (J.-A.S.); (I.A.)
| | - Thomas Pugliese
- Institut de la Vision, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, F-75012 Paris, France; (E.O.); (M.N.); (M.d.S.D.); (T.P.); (C.M.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (J.-A.S.); (I.A.)
| | - Christelle Michiels
- Institut de la Vision, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, F-75012 Paris, France; (E.O.); (M.N.); (M.d.S.D.); (T.P.); (C.M.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (J.-A.S.); (I.A.)
| | - Christel Condroyer
- Institut de la Vision, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, F-75012 Paris, France; (E.O.); (M.N.); (M.d.S.D.); (T.P.); (C.M.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (J.-A.S.); (I.A.)
| | - Aline Antonio
- Institut de la Vision, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, F-75012 Paris, France; (E.O.); (M.N.); (M.d.S.D.); (T.P.); (C.M.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (J.-A.S.); (I.A.)
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Institut de la Vision, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, F-75012 Paris, France; (E.O.); (M.N.); (M.d.S.D.); (T.P.); (C.M.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (J.-A.S.); (I.A.)
- Centre Hospitalier National d’Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC1423, F-75012 Paris, France
- Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, F-75019 Paris, France
- Academie des Sciences, Institut de France, F-75006 Paris, France
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Isabelle Audo
- Institut de la Vision, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, F-75012 Paris, France; (E.O.); (M.N.); (M.d.S.D.); (T.P.); (C.M.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (J.-A.S.); (I.A.)
- Centre Hospitalier National d’Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC1423, F-75012 Paris, France
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College of London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Christina Zeitz
- Institut de la Vision, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, F-75012 Paris, France; (E.O.); (M.N.); (M.d.S.D.); (T.P.); (C.M.); (C.C.); (A.A.); (J.-A.S.); (I.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-1-53-46-25-40
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12
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Burger CA, Jiang D, Mackin RD, Samuel MA. Development and maintenance of vision's first synapse. Dev Biol 2021; 476:218-239. [PMID: 33848537 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Synapses in the outer retina are the first information relay points in vision. Here, photoreceptors form synapses onto two types of interneurons, bipolar cells and horizontal cells. Because outer retina synapses are particularly large and highly ordered, they have been a useful system for the discovery of mechanisms underlying synapse specificity and maintenance. Understanding these processes is critical to efforts aimed at restoring visual function through repairing or replacing neurons and promoting their connectivity. We review outer retina neuron synapse architecture, neural migration modes, and the cellular and molecular pathways that play key roles in the development and maintenance of these connections. We further discuss how these mechanisms may impact connectivity in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney A Burger
- Huffington Center on Aging, Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Danye Jiang
- Huffington Center on Aging, Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Robert D Mackin
- Huffington Center on Aging, Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Melanie A Samuel
- Huffington Center on Aging, Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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13
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Varin J, Bouzidi N, Dias MMDS, Pugliese T, Michiels C, Robert C, Desrosiers M, Sahel JA, Audo I, Dalkara D, Zeitz C. Restoration of mGluR6 Localization Following AAV-Mediated Delivery in a Mouse Model of Congenital Stationary Night Blindness. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:24. [PMID: 33729473 PMCID: PMC7980044 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.3.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Complete congenital stationary night blindness (cCSNB) is an incurable inherited retinal disorder characterized by an ON-bipolar cell (ON-BC) defect. GRM6 mutations are the third most prevalent cause of cCSNB. The Grm6-/- mouse model mimics the human phenotype, showing no b-wave in the electroretinogram (ERG) and a loss of mGluR6 and other proteins of the same cascade at the outer plexiform layer (OPL). Our aim was to restore protein localization and function in Grm6-/- adult mice targeting specifically ON-BCs or the whole retina. Methods Adeno-associated virus-encoding Grm6 under two different promoters (GRM6-Grm6 and CAG-Grm6) were injected intravitreally in P15 Grm6-/- mice. ERG recordings at 2 and 4 months were performed in Grm6+/+, untreated and treated Grm6-/- mice. Similarly, immunolocalization studies were performed on retinal slices before or after treatment using antibodies against mGluR6, TRPM1, GPR179, RGS7, RGS11, Gβ5, and dystrophin. Results Following treatment, mGluR6 was localized to the dendritic tips of ON-BCs when expressed with either promoter. The relocalization efficiency in mGluR6-transduced retinas at the OPL was 2.5% versus 11% when the GRM6-Grm6 and CAG-Grm6 were used, respectively. Albeit no functional rescue was seen in ERGs, relocalization of TRPM1, GPR179, and Gβ5 was also noted using both constructs. The restoration of the localization of RGS7, RGS11, and dystrophin was more obvious in retinas treated with GRM6-Grm6 than in retinas treated with CAG-Grm6. Conclusions Our findings show the potential of treating cCSNB with GRM6 mutations; however, it appears that the transduction rate must be improved to restore visual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Varin
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Nassima Bouzidi
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | | | - Thomas Pugliese
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | | | - Camille Robert
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | | | - José-Alain Sahel
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.,CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, Paris, France.,Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris, France.,Academie des Sciences, Institut de France, Paris, France.,Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Isabelle Audo
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.,CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, Paris, France.,Institute of Ophthalmology, University College of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Deniz Dalkara
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Christina Zeitz
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
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14
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Lagali PS, Zhao BYH, Yan K, Baker AN, Coupland SG, Tsilfidis C, Picketts DJ. Sensory Experience Modulates Atrx-mediated Neuronal Integrity in the Mouse Retina. Neuroscience 2020; 452:169-180. [PMID: 33197500 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Mutation of the α-thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked protein, ATRX, causes intellectual disability and is associated with pleiotropic defects including ophthalmological abnormalities. We have previously demonstrated that Atrx deficiency in the mouse retina leads to the selective loss of inhibitory interneurons and inner retinal dysfunction. Onset of the amacrine cell neurodegenerative phenotype in Atrx-deficient retinas occurs postnatally after neuronal specification, and coincides with eye opening. Given this timing, we sought to interrogate the influence of light-dependent visual signaling on Atrx-mediated neuronal survival and function in the mouse retina. Retina-specific Atrx conditional knockout (cKO) mice were subjected to light deprivation using two different paradigms: (1) a dark-rearing regime, and (2) genetic deficiency of metabotropic glutamate receptor 6 (mGluR6) to block the ON retinal signaling pathway. Scotopic electroretinography was performed for adult dark-reared Atrx cKO mice and controls to measure retinal neuron function in vivo. Retinal immunohistochemistry and enumeration of amacrine cells were performed for both light deprivation paradigms. We observed milder normalized a-wave, b-wave and oscillatory potential (OP) deficits in electroretinograms of dark-reared Atrx cKO mice compared to light-exposed counterparts. In addition, amacrine cell loss was partially limited by genetic restriction of retinal signaling through the ON pathway. Our results suggest that the temporal features of the Atrx cKO phenotype are likely due to a combined effect of light exposure upon eye opening and coincident developmental processes impacting the retinal circuitry. In addition, this study reveals a novel activity-dependent role for Atrx in mediating post-replicative neuronal integrity in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela S Lagali
- Neuroscience Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada; Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Brandon Y H Zhao
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Keqin Yan
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Adam N Baker
- Neuroscience Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Stuart G Coupland
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Catherine Tsilfidis
- Neuroscience Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - David J Picketts
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada.
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15
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Loss of the ER membrane protein complex subunit Emc3 leads to retinal bipolar cell degeneration in aged mice. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238435. [PMID: 32886670 PMCID: PMC7473584 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein complex (EMC) is a conserved protein complex involved in inserting the transmembrane domain of membrane proteins into membranes in the ER. EMC3 is an essential component of EMC and is important for rhodopsin synthesis in photoreceptor cells. However, the in vivo function of Emc3 in bipolar cells (BCs) has not been determined. To explore the role of Emc3 in BCs, we generated a BC-specific Emc3 knockout mouse model (named Emc3 cKO) using the Purkinje cell protein 2 (Pcp2) Cre line. Although normal electroretinography (ERG) b-waves were observed in Emc3 cKO mice at 6 months of age, Emc3 cKO mice exhibited reduced b-wave amplitudes at 12 months of age, as determined by scotopic and photopic ERG, and progressive death of BCs, whereas the ERG a-wave amplitudes were preserved. PKCa staining of retinal cryosections from Emc3 cKO mice revealed death of rod BCs. Loss of Emc3 led to the presence of the synaptic protein mGLuR6 in the outer nuclear layer (ONL). Immunostaining analysis of presynaptic protein postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) revealed rod terminals retracted to the ONL in Emc3 cKO mice at 12 months of age. In addition, deletion of Emc3 resulted in elevated glial fibrillary acidic protein, indicating reactive gliosis in the retina. Our data demonstrate that loss of Emc3 in BCs leads to decreased ERG response, increased astrogliosis and disruption of the retinal inner nuclear layer in mice of 12 months of age. Taken together, our studies indicate that Emc3 is not required for the development of BCs but is important for long-term survival of BCs.
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16
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Hasan N, Pangeni G, Ray TA, Fransen KM, Noel J, Borghuis BG, McCall MA, Gregg RG. LRIT3 is Required for Nyctalopin Expression and Normal ON and OFF Pathway Signaling in the Retina. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO.0002-20.2020. [PMID: 31959619 PMCID: PMC7031853 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0002-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The first retinal synapse, photoreceptor→bipolar cell (BC), is both anatomically and functionally complex. Within the same synaptic region, a change in presynaptic glutamate release is sensed by both ON BCs (DBCs) via the metabotropic glutamate receptor 6 (mGluR6), and OFF BCs (HBCs) via ionotropic glutamate receptors to establish parallel signaling pathways that preferentially encode light increments (ON) or decrements (OFF), respectively. The synaptic structural organization of ON and OFF-type BCs at the photoreceptor terminal differs. DBCs make an invaginating synapse that contains a diverse but incompletely understood complex of interacting proteins (signalplex). HBCs make primarily flat contacts that contain an apparent different set of proteins that is equally uncharacterized. LRIT3 is a synaptic protein known to be essential for ON pathway visual function. In both male and female mice, we demonstrate that LRIT3 interacts with and is required for expression of nyctalopin, and thus TRPM1 at all DBC dendritic tips, but DBC signalplex components are not required for LRIT3 expression. Using whole-cell and multielectrode array (MEA) electrophysiology and glutamate imaging, we demonstrate that the loss of LRIT3 impacts both ON and OFF signaling pathway function. Without LRIT3, excitatory input to type 1 BCs is reduced, as are the visually evoked responses of many OFF retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). We conclude that the absence of LRIT3 expression disrupts excitatory input to OFF BCs and, thus disrupts the normal function of OFF RGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazarul Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292
| | - Gobinda Pangeni
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292
| | - Thomas A Ray
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292
| | - Kathryn M Fransen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292
| | - Jennifer Noel
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292
| | - Bart G Borghuis
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292
| | - Maureen A McCall
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292
| | - Ronald G Gregg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292
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17
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Kinoshita J, Hasan N, Bell BA, Peachey NS. Reduced expression of the nob8 gene does not normalize the distribution or function of mGluR6 in the mouse retina. Mol Vis 2019; 25:890-901. [PMID: 32025181 PMCID: PMC6982428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The Grm6nob8 mouse carries a missense mutation in the Grm6 gene (p.Met66Leu), and exhibits a reduced b-wave of the electroretinogram (ERG), abnormal localization of metabotropic glutamate receptor 6 (mGluR6) to the depolarizing bipolar cell (DBC) soma, and a reduced level of mGluR6 at the DBC dendritic tips. Although the underlying mechanism remains unknown, one possible explanation is that DBCs cannot efficiently traffic the mutant mGluR6. In that scenario, reducing the total amount of mutant mGluR6 protein might normalize localization, and thus, improve the ERG phenotype as well. The second purpose of this study was to determine whether the abnormal cellular distribution of mutant mGluR6 in Grm6nob8 retinas might induce late onset DBC degeneration. Methods We crossed Grm6nob8 animals with Grm6nob3 mice, which carry a null mutation in Grm6, to generate Grm6nob3/nob8 compound heterozygotes. We used western blotting to measure the total mGluR6 content, and immunohistochemistry to document mGluR6 localization within DBCs. In addition, we examined outer retinal function with ERG and retinal architecture in vivo with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Results The retinal content of mGluR6 was reduced in the retinas of the Grm6nob3/nob8 compound heterozygotes compared to the Grm6nob8 homozygotes. The cellular distribution of mGluR6 in the Grm6nob3/nob8 compound heterozygotes matched that of the Grm6nob8 homozygotes, with extensive expression throughout the DBC cell body and limited expression at the DBC dendritic tips. The dark-adapted ERG b-waves of the Grm6nob3/nob8 mice were reduced in comparison to those of the Grm6nob8 homozygotes at postnatal day 21 and 28. The overall ERG waveforms obtained from 4- through 68-week old Grm6nob8 mice were in general agreement for dark- and light-adapted conditions. The maximum response and sensitivity of the dark-adapted ERG b-wave did not change statistically significantly with age. SD-OCT revealed the maintained laminar structure of the retina, including a clear inner nuclear layer (INL) at each age examined (from 11 to 57 weeks old), although the INL in the mice older than 39 weeks of age was somewhat thinner than that seen at 11 weeks. Conclusions Mislocalization of mutant mGluR6 is not normalized by reducing the total mGluR6. Mislocalized mutant mGluR6 does not trigger substantial loss of DBCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nazarul Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | | | - Neal S. Peachey
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
- Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
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18
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Das RG, Becker D, Jagannathan V, Goldstein O, Santana E, Carlin K, Sudharsan R, Leeb T, Nishizawa Y, Kondo M, Aguirre GD, Miyadera K. Genome-wide association study and whole-genome sequencing identify a deletion in LRIT3 associated with canine congenital stationary night blindness. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14166. [PMID: 31578364 PMCID: PMC6775105 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50573-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB), in the complete form, is caused by dysfunctions in ON-bipolar cells (ON-BCs) which are secondary neurons of the retina. We describe the first disease causative variant associated with CSNB in the dog. A genome-wide association study using 12 cases and 11 controls from a research colony determined a 4.6 Mb locus on canine chromosome 32. Subsequent whole-genome sequencing identified a 1 bp deletion in LRIT3 segregating with CSNB. The canine mutant LRIT3 gives rise to a truncated protein with unaltered subcellular expression in vitro. Genetic variants in LRIT3 have been associated with CSNB in patients although there is limited evidence regarding its apparently critical function in the mGluR6 pathway in ON-BCs. We determine that in the canine CSNB retina, the mutant LRIT3 is correctly localized to the region correlating with the ON-BC dendritic tips, albeit with reduced immunolabelling. The LRIT3-CSNB canine model has direct translational potential enabling studies to help understand the CSNB pathogenesis as well as to develop new therapies targeting the secondary neurons of the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rueben G Das
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Doreen Becker
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, United States of America.,Institute of Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | | | - Orly Goldstein
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Evelyn Santana
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Kendall Carlin
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Raghavi Sudharsan
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Tosso Leeb
- Institute of Genetics, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yuji Nishizawa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai, Aichi, Japan
| | - Mineo Kondo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Keiko Miyadera
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, United States of America.
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19
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Grassmeyer JJ, Cahill AL, Hays CL, Barta C, Quadros RM, Gurumurthy CB, Thoreson WB. Ca 2+ sensor synaptotagmin-1 mediates exocytosis in mammalian photoreceptors. eLife 2019; 8:e45946. [PMID: 31172949 PMCID: PMC6588344 DOI: 10.7554/elife.45946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
To encode light-dependent changes in membrane potential, rod and cone photoreceptors utilize synaptic ribbons to sustain continuous exocytosis while making rapid, fine adjustments to release rate. Release kinetics are shaped by vesicle delivery down ribbons and by properties of exocytotic Ca2+ sensors. We tested the role for synaptotagmin-1 (Syt1) in photoreceptor exocytosis by using novel mouse lines in which Syt1 was conditionally removed from rods or cones. Photoreceptors lacking Syt1 exhibited marked reductions in exocytosis as measured by electroretinography and single-cell recordings. Syt1 mediated all evoked release in cones, whereas rods appeared capable of some slow Syt1-independent release. Spontaneous release frequency was unchanged in cones but increased in rods lacking Syt1. Loss of Syt1 did not alter synaptic anatomy or reduce Ca2+ currents. These results suggest that Syt1 mediates both phasic and tonic release at photoreceptor synapses, revealing unexpected flexibility in the ability of Syt1 to regulate Ca2+-dependent synaptic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin J Grassmeyer
- Truhlsen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual SciencesUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental NeuroscienceUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
| | - Asia L Cahill
- Truhlsen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual SciencesUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
| | - Cassandra L Hays
- Truhlsen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual SciencesUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
- Department of Cellular and Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
| | - Cody Barta
- Truhlsen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual SciencesUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
| | - Rolen M Quadros
- Mouse Genome Engineering Core Facility, Vice Chancellor for Research OfficeUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
| | - Channabasavaiah B Gurumurthy
- Mouse Genome Engineering Core Facility, Vice Chancellor for Research OfficeUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
- Developmental Neuroscience, Munroe Meyer Institute for Genetics and RehabilitationUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
| | - Wallace B Thoreson
- Truhlsen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual SciencesUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental NeuroscienceUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
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20
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Neuillé M, Cao Y, Caplette R, Guerrero-Given D, Thomas C, Kamasawa N, Sahel JA, Hamel CP, Audo I, Picaud S, Martemyanov KA, Zeitz C. LRIT3 Differentially Affects Connectivity and Synaptic Transmission of Cones to ON- and OFF-Bipolar Cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:1768-1778. [PMID: 28334377 PMCID: PMC5374884 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-20745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Mutations in LRIT3 lead to complete congenital stationary night blindness (cCSNB). Using a cCSNB mouse model lacking Lrit3 (nob6), we recently have shown that LRIT3 has a role in the correct localization of TRPM1 (transient receptor potential melastatin 1) to the dendritic tips of ON-bipolar cells (BCs), contacting both rod and cone photoreceptors. Furthermore, postsynaptic clustering of other mGluR6 cascade components is selectively eliminated at the dendritic tips of cone ON-BCs. The purpose of this study was to further define the role of LRIT3 in structural and functional organization of cone synapses. Methods Exhaustive electroretinogram analysis was performed in a patient with LRIT3 mutations. Multielectrode array recordings were performed at the level of retinal ganglion cells in nob6 mice. Targeting of GluR1 and GluR5 at the dendritic tips of OFF-BCs in nob6 retinas was assessed by immunostaining and confocal microscopy. The ultrastructure of photoreceptor synapses was evaluated by electron microscopy in nob6 mice. Results The patient with LRIT3 mutations had a selective ON-BC dysfunction with relatively preserved OFF-BC responses. In nob6 mice, complete lack of ON-pathway function with robust, yet altered signaling processing in OFF-pathways was detected. Consistent with these observations, molecules essential for the OFF-BC signaling were normally targeted to the synapse. Finally, synaptic contacts made by ON-BC but not OFF-BC neurons with the cone pedicles were disorganized without ultrastructural alterations in cone terminals, horizontal cell processes, or synaptic ribbons. Conclusions These results suggest that LRIT3 is likely involved in coordination of the transsynaptic communication between cones and ON-BCs during synapse formation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Neuillé
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM U968, CNRS UMR 7210, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Yan Cao
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida United States
| | - Romain Caplette
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM U968, CNRS UMR 7210, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | | | - Connon Thomas
- Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, Florida United States
| | - Naomi Kamasawa
- Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, Florida United States
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM U968, CNRS UMR 7210, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France 4CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DHOS CIC1423, Paris, France 5Institute of Ophthalmology, University College of London, London, United Kingdom 6Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris, France 8Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Christian P Hamel
- INSERM U583, Physiopathologie et thérapie des déficits sensoriels et moteurs, Institut des Neurosciences de Montpellier, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, Montpellier, France
| | - Isabelle Audo
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM U968, CNRS UMR 7210, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France 4CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DHOS CIC1423, Paris, France 5Institute of Ophthalmology, University College of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Serge Picaud
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM U968, CNRS UMR 7210, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Kirill A Martemyanov
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida United States
| | - Christina Zeitz
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM U968, CNRS UMR 7210, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
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21
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Peachey NS, Hasan N, FitzMaurice B, Burrill S, Pangeni G, Karst SY, Reinholdt L, Berry ML, Strobel M, Gregg RG, McCall MA, Chang B. A missense mutation in Grm6 reduces but does not eliminate mGluR6 expression or rod depolarizing bipolar cell function. J Neurophysiol 2017; 118:845-854. [PMID: 28490646 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00888.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
GRM6 encodes the metabotropic glutamate receptor 6 (mGluR6) used by retinal depolarizing bipolar cells (DBCs). Mutations in GRM6 lead to DBC dysfunction and underlie the human condition autosomal recessive complete congenital stationary night blindness. Mouse mutants for Grm6 are important models for this condition. Here we report a new Grm6 mutant, identified in an electroretinogram (ERG) screen of mice maintained at The Jackson Laboratory. The Grm6nob8 mouse has a reduced-amplitude b-wave component of the ERG, which reflects light-evoked DBC activity. Sequencing identified a missense mutation that converts a highly conserved methionine within the ligand binding domain to leucine (p.Met66Leu). Consistent with prior studies of Grm6 mutant mice, the laminar size and structure in the Grm6nob8 retina were comparable to control. The Grm6nob8 phenotype is distinguished from other Grm6 mutants that carry a null allele by a reduced but not absent ERG b-wave, decreased but present expression of mGluR6 at DBC dendritic tips, and mislocalization of mGluR6 to DBC somas. Consistent with a reduced but not absent b-wave, there were a subset of retinal ganglion cells whose responses to light onset have times to peak within the range of those in control retinas. These data indicate that the p.Met66Leu mutant mGluR6 is trafficked less than control. However, the mGluR6 that is localized to the DBC dendritic tips is able to initiate DBC signal transduction. The Grm6nob8 mouse extends the Grm6 allelic series and will be useful for elucidating the role of mGluR6 in DBC signal transduction and in human disease.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This article describes a mouse model of the human disease complete congenital stationary night blindness in which the mutation reduces but does not eliminate GRM6 expression and bipolar cell function, a distinct phenotype from that seen in other Grm6 mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal S Peachey
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.,Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio.,Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Nazarul Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | | | | | - Gobinda Pangeni
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky; and
| | | | | | | | | | - Ronald G Gregg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky; and
| | - Maureen A McCall
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky; and.,Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Bo Chang
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine;
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22
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Lee WH, Higuchi H, Ikeda S, Macke EL, Takimoto T, Pattnaik BR, Liu C, Chu LF, Siepka SM, Krentz KJ, Rubinstein CD, Kalejta RF, Thomson JA, Mullins RF, Takahashi JS, Pinto LH, Ikeda A. Mouse Tmem135 mutation reveals a mechanism involving mitochondrial dynamics that leads to age-dependent retinal pathologies. eLife 2016; 5:e19264. [PMID: 27863209 PMCID: PMC5117855 DOI: 10.7554/elife.19264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
While the aging process is central to the pathogenesis of age-dependent diseases, it is poorly understood at the molecular level. We identified a mouse mutant with accelerated aging in the retina as well as pathologies observed in age-dependent retinal diseases, suggesting that the responsible gene regulates retinal aging, and its impairment results in age-dependent disease. We determined that a mutation in the transmembrane 135 (Tmem135) is responsible for these phenotypes. We observed localization of TMEM135 on mitochondria, and imbalance of mitochondrial fission and fusion in mutant Tmem135 as well as Tmem135 overexpressing cells, indicating that TMEM135 is involved in the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics. Additionally, mutant retina showed higher sensitivity to oxidative stress. These results suggest that the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics through TMEM135 is critical for protection from environmental stress and controlling the progression of retinal aging. Our study identified TMEM135 as a critical link between aging and age-dependent diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hua Lee
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
| | - Hitoshi Higuchi
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
| | - Sakae Ikeda
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
| | - Erica L Macke
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
| | - Tetsuya Takimoto
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
| | - Bikash R Pattnaik
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
| | - Che Liu
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
| | - Li-Fang Chu
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, United States
| | - Sandra M Siepka
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States
| | - Kathleen J Krentz
- Transgenic Mouse Facility, Biotechnology Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
| | - C Dustin Rubinstein
- Translational Genomics Facility, Biotechnology Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
| | - Robert F Kalejta
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
| | | | - Robert F Mullins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual, University of Iowa, Iowa City, United States
| | - Joseph S Takahashi
- Department of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Lawrence H Pinto
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States
| | - Akihiro Ikeda
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, United States
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23
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Brüggen B, Kremser C, Bickert A, Ebel P, Vom Dorp K, Schultz K, Dörmann P, Willecke K, Dedek K. Defective ceramide synthases in mice cause reduced amplitudes in electroretinograms and altered sphingolipid composition in retina and cornea. Eur J Neurosci 2016; 44:1700-13. [PMID: 27086873 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Complex sphingolipids are strongly expressed in neuronal tissue and contain ceramides in their backbone. Ceramides are synthesized by six ceramide synthases (CerS1-6). Although it is known that each tissue has a unique profile of ceramide synthase expression and ceramide synthases are implicated in several neurodegenerative disorders, the expression of ceramide synthase isoforms has not been investigated in the retina. Here we demonstrate CerS1, CerS2 and CerS4 expression in mouse retina and cornea, with CerS4 ubiquitously expressed in all retinal neurons and Müller cells. To test whether ceramide synthase deficiency affects retinal function, we compared electroretinograms and retina morphology between wild-type and CerS1-, CerS2- and CerS4-deficient mice. Electroretinograms were strongly reduced in amplitude in ceramide synthase-deficient mice, suggesting that signalling in the outer retina is affected. However, the number of photoreceptors and cone outer segment length were unaltered and no changes in retinal layer thickness or synaptic structures were found. Mass spectrometric analyses of ceramides, hexosyl-ceramides and sphingomyelins showed that C20 to C24 acyl-containing species were decreased whereas C16-containing species were increased in the retina of ceramide synthase-deficient mice. Similar but smaller changes were also found in the cornea. Thus, we hypothesize that the replacement of very long-chain fatty acyl residues by shorter C16 residues may affect the electrical properties of retina and cornea, and alter receptor-mediated signal transduction, vesicle-mediated synaptic transmission or corneal light transmission. Future studies need to identify the molecular targets of ceramides or derived sphingolipids in light signal transduction and transmission in the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Brüggen
- Neurobiology, University of Oldenburg, 26111, Oldenburg, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Bickert
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Philipp Ebel
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Katharina Vom Dorp
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Konrad Schultz
- Neurobiology, University of Oldenburg, 26111, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Peter Dörmann
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Klaus Willecke
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Karin Dedek
- Neurobiology, University of Oldenburg, 26111, Oldenburg, Germany.,Research Center Neurosensory Science, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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24
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Identification of a new mutant allele, Grm6(nob7), for complete congenital stationary night blindness. Vis Neurosci 2016; 32:E004. [PMID: 26241901 DOI: 10.1017/s0952523815000012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Electroretinogram (ERG) studies identified a new mouse line with a normal a-wave but lacking the b-wave component. The ERG phenotype of this new allele, nob7, matched closely that of mouse mutants for Grm6, Lrit3, Trpm1, and Nyx, which encode for proteins expressed in depolarizing bipolar cells (DBCs). To identify the underlying mutation, we first crossed nob7 mice with Grm6 nob3 mutants and measured the ERGs in offspring. All the offspring lacked the b-wave, indicating that nob7 is a new allele for Grm6: Grm6 nob7 . Sequence analyses of Grm6 nob7 cDNAs identified a 28 base pair insertion between exons 8 and 9, which would result in a frameshift mutation in the open reading frame that encodes the metabotropic glutamate receptor 6 (Grm6). Sequencing both the cDNA and genomic DNA from exon 8 and intron 8, respectively, from the Grm6 nob7 mouse revealed a G to A transition at the last position in exon 8. This mutation disrupts splicing and the normal exon 8 is extended by 28 base pairs, because splicing occurs 28 base pairs downstream at a cryptic splice donor. Consistent with the impact of the resulting frameshift mutation, there is a loss of mGluR6 protein (encoded by Grm6) from the dendritic tips of DBCs in the Grm6 nob7 retina. These results indicate that Grm6 nob7 is a new model of the complete form of congenital stationary night blindness, a human condition that has been linked to mutations of GRM6.
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25
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Scalabrino ML, Boye SL, Fransen KMH, Noel JM, Dyka FM, Min SH, Ruan Q, De Leeuw CN, Simpson EM, Gregg RG, McCall MA, Peachey NS, Boye SE. Intravitreal delivery of a novel AAV vector targets ON bipolar cells and restores visual function in a mouse model of complete congenital stationary night blindness. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:6229-39. [PMID: 26310623 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) effectively targets therapeutic genes to photoreceptors, pigment epithelia, Müller glia and ganglion cells of the retina. To date, no one has shown the ability to correct, with gene replacement, an inherent defect in bipolar cells (BCs), the excitatory interneurons of the retina. Targeting BCs with gene replacement has been difficult primarily due to the relative inaccessibility of BCs to standard AAV vectors. This approach would be useful for restoration of vision in patients with complete congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB1), where signaling through the ON BCs is eliminated due to mutations in their G-protein-coupled cascade genes. For example, the majority of CSNB1 patients carry a mutation in nyctalopin (NYX), which encodes a protein essential for proper localization of the TRPM1 cation channel required for ON BC light-evoked depolarization. As a group, CSNB1 patients have a normal electroretinogram (ERG) a-wave, indicative of photoreceptor function, but lack a b-wave due to defects in ON BC signaling. Despite retinal dysfunction, the retinas of CSNB1 patients do not degenerate. The Nyx(nob) mouse model of CSNB1 faithfully mimics this phenotype. Here, we show that intravitreally injected, rationally designed AAV2(quadY-F+T-V) containing a novel 'Ple155' promoter drives either GFP or YFP_Nyx in postnatal Nyx(nob) mice. In treated Nyx(nob) retina, robust and targeted Nyx transgene expression in ON BCs partially restored the ERG b-wave and, at the cellular level, signaling in ON BCs. Our results support the potential for gene delivery to BCs and gene replacement therapy in human CSNB1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Charles N De Leeuw
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at the Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 4H4, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3
| | - Elizabeth M Simpson
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at the Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 4H4, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3
| | - Ronald G Gregg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Maureen A McCall
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology and
| | - Neal S Peachey
- Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA and Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Shannon E Boye
- Department of Ophthalmology and, Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA,
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26
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Neuillé M, Morgans CW, Cao Y, Orhan E, Michiels C, Sahel JA, Audo I, Duvoisin RM, Martemyanov KA, Zeitz C. LRIT3 is essential to localize TRPM1 to the dendritic tips of depolarizing bipolar cells and may play a role in cone synapse formation. Eur J Neurosci 2015; 42:1966-75. [PMID: 25997951 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Revised: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in LRIT3 lead to complete congenital stationary night blindness (cCSNB). The exact role of LRIT3 in ON-bipolar cell signaling cascade remains to be elucidated. Recently, we have characterized a novel mouse model lacking Lrit3 [no b-wave 6, (Lrit3(nob6/nob6) )], which displays similar abnormalities to patients with cCSNB with LRIT3 mutations. Here we compare the localization of components of the ON-bipolar cell signaling cascade in wild-type and Lrit3(nob6/nob6) retinal sections by immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. An anti-LRIT3 antibody was generated. Immunofluorescent staining of LRIT3 in wild-type mice revealed a specific punctate labeling in the outer plexiform layer (OPL), which was absent in Lrit3(nob6/nob6) mice. LRIT3 did not co-localize with ribeye or calbindin but co-localized with mGluR6. TRPM1 staining was severely decreased at the dendritic tips of all depolarizing bipolar cells in Lrit3(nob6/nob6) mice. mGluR6, GPR179, RGS7, RGS11 and Gβ5 immunofluorescence was absent at the dendritic tips of cone ON-bipolar cells in Lrit3(nob6/nob6) mice, while it was present at the dendritic tips of rod bipolar cells. Furthermore, peanut agglutinin (PNA) labeling was severely reduced in the OPL in Lrit3(nob6/nob6) mice. This study confirmed the localization of LRIT3 at the dendritic tips of depolarizing bipolar cells in mouse retina and demonstrated the dependence of TRPM1 localization on the presence of LRIT3. As tested components of the ON-bipolar cell signaling cascade and PNA revealed disrupted localization, an additional function of LRIT3 in cone synapse formation is suggested. These results point to a possibly different regulation of the mGluR6 signaling cascade between rod and cone ON-bipolar cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Neuillé
- INSERM, U968, Paris, F-75012, France.,CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, F-75012, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, F-75012, France
| | - Catherine W Morgans
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Yan Cao
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Elise Orhan
- INSERM, U968, Paris, F-75012, France.,CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, F-75012, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, F-75012, France
| | - Christelle Michiels
- INSERM, U968, Paris, F-75012, France.,CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, F-75012, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, F-75012, France
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- INSERM, U968, Paris, F-75012, France.,CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, F-75012, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, F-75012, France.,Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, DHU ViewMaintain, INSERM-DHOS CIC, 1423, Paris, F-75012, France.,Institute of Ophthalmology, University College of London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.,Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris, F-75019, France.,Académie des Sciences-Institut de France, Paris, F-75006, France
| | - Isabelle Audo
- INSERM, U968, Paris, F-75012, France.,CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, F-75012, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, F-75012, France.,Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, DHU ViewMaintain, INSERM-DHOS CIC, 1423, Paris, F-75012, France.,Institute of Ophthalmology, University College of London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Robert M Duvoisin
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Kirill A Martemyanov
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Christina Zeitz
- INSERM, U968, Paris, F-75012, France.,CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, F-75012, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, F-75012, France
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27
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Psychophysical testing in rodent models of glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Exp Eye Res 2015; 141:154-63. [PMID: 26144667 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Revised: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Processing of visual information begins in the retina, with photoreceptors converting light stimuli into neural signals. Ultimately, signals are transmitted to the brain through signaling networks formed by interneurons, namely bipolar, horizontal and amacrine cells providing input to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which form the optic nerve with their axons. As part of the chronic nature of glaucomatous optic neuropathy, the increasing and irreversible damage and ultimately loss of neurons, RGCs in particular, occurs following progressive damage to the optic nerve head (ONH), eventually resulting in visual impairment and visual field loss. There are two behavioral assays that are typically used to assess visual deficits in glaucoma rodent models, the visual water task and the optokinetic drum. The visual water task can assess an animal's ability to distinguish grating patterns that are associated with an escape from water. The optokinetic drum relies on the optomotor response, a reflex turning of the head and neck in the direction of the visual stimuli, which usually consists of rotating black and white gratings. This reflex is a physiological response critical for keeping the image stable on the retina. Driven initially by the neuronal input from direction-selective RGCs, this reflex is comprised of a number of critical sensory and motor elements. In the presence of repeatable and defined stimuli, this reflex is extremely well suited to analyze subtle changes in the circuitry and performance of retinal neurons. Increasing the cycles of these alternating gratings per degree, or gradually reducing the contrast of the visual stimuli, threshold levels can be determined at which the animal is no longer tracking the stimuli, and thereby visual function of the animal can be determined non-invasively. Integrating these assays into an array of outcome measures that determine multiple aspects of visual function is a central goal in vision research and can be realized, for example, by the combination of measuring optomotor reflex function with electroretinograms (ERGs) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the retina. These structure-function correlations in vivo are urgently needed to identify disease mechanisms as potential new targets for drug development. Such a combination of the experimental assessment of the optokinetic reflex (OKR) or optomotor response (OMR) with other measures of retinal structure and function is especially valuable for research on GON. The chronic progression of the disease is characterized by a gradual decrease in function accompanied by a concomitant increase in structural damage to the retina, therefore the assessment of subtle changes is key to determining the success of novel intervention strategies.
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Congenital stationary night blindness: An analysis and update of genotype–phenotype correlations and pathogenic mechanisms. Prog Retin Eye Res 2015; 45:58-110. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2014.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Revised: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Effects of mGluR6-deficiency on photoreceptor ribbon synapse formation: comparison of electron microscopic analysis of serial sections with random sections. Vis Neurosci 2015; 31:39-46. [PMID: 24801622 DOI: 10.1017/s0952523813000473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the effects of metabotropic glutamate receptor 6 (mGluR6) deficiency on ribbon synapse formation in rod spherules and cone pedicles using serial-section electron microscopy. In a wild-type (WT) mouse, only 3% of spherules had one invaginating bipolar dendrite (1B-type) and 97% of spherules were 2B-type. In contrast, in an mGluR6-knockout (KO) mouse, 29% of spherules were 1B-type and 71% of spherules were 2B-type. Spherules without bipolar invagination were not observed in either genotype. The single invaginating dendrites in 1B-type spherules were larger and the surface areas of synaptic ribbons were 23% smaller in the mGluR6-KO mouse than in the WT mouse. In cones, the number of invaginating bipolar dendrites decreased from 12 in the WT mouse to 9.5 in the mGluR6-KO mouse. This decrease correlated with a decrease in the number of cone synaptic ribbons from 10 in the WT mouse to 8 in the mGluR6-KO mouse. The mGluR6-KO phenotype showed negative effects on ribbon synapse formation. This negativity was similar to those in mGluR6-nob4, Gβ3-KO, Gβ5-KO, and RGS-7:RGS-11 double-KO mice, but the detailed manners and degrees of alterations appeared to vary depending on different missing components. Two published morphological assessments of the RGS-7:RGS-11 double-KO phenotype reported conflicting data; therefore, we tested the statistical techniques used in the two analyses. One statistical evaluation measure was effective in identifying a significant difference in structure between the mutant and WT phenotypes, whereas the other measure was ineffective. Conventional random section analysis using the effective measure provided sufficient data for a statistical test of the occurrence of structural changes. However, serial section analysis was required to determine the absolute numbers of ribbons and invaginating dendrites and to estimate structural parameters such as ribbon surface area.
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Inayat S, Rountree CM, Troy JB, Saggere L. Chemical stimulation of rat retinal neurons: feasibility of an epiretinal neurotransmitter-based prosthesis. J Neural Eng 2014; 12:016010. [PMID: 25504758 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2560/12/1/016010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE No cure currently exists for photoreceptor degenerative diseases, which cause partial or total blindness in millions of people worldwide. Electrical retinal prostheses have been developed by several groups with the goal of restoring vision lost to these diseases, but electrical stimulation has limitations. It excites both somas and axons, activating retinal pathways nonphysiologically, and limits spatial resolution because of current spread. Chemical stimulation of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) using the neurotransmitter glutamate has been suggested as an alternative to electrical stimulation with some significant advantages. However, sufficient scientific data to support developing a chemical-based retinal prosthesis is lacking. The goal of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a neurotransmitter-based retinal prosthesis and determine therapeutic stimulation parameters. APPROACH We injected controlled amounts of glutamate into rat retinas from the epiretinal side ex vivo via micropipettes using a pressure injection system and recorded RGC responses with a multielectrode array. Responsive units were identified using a spike rate threshold of 3 Hz. MAIN RESULTS We recorded both somal and axonal units and demonstrated successful glutamatergic stimulation across different RGC subtypes. Analyses show that exogenous glutamate acts on RGC synapses similar to endogenous glutamate and, unlike electrical prostheses, stimulates only RGC somata. The spatial spread of glutamate stimulation was ≈ 290 μm from the injection site, comparable to current electrical prostheses. Further, the glutamate injections produced spatially differential responses in OFF, ON, and ON-OFF RGC subtypes, suggesting that differential stimulation of the OFF and ON systems may be possible. A temporal resolution of 3.2 Hz was obtained, which is a rate suitable for spatial vision. SIGNIFICANCE We provide strong support for the feasibility of an epiretinal neurotransmitter-based retinal prosthesis. Our findings suggest that chemical stimulation of RGCs is a viable alternative to electrical stimulation and could offer distinct advantages such as the selective stimulation of RGC somata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samsoon Inayat
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA. Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
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Fletcher EL, Jobling AI, Greferath U, Mills SA, Waugh M, Ho T, de Iongh RU, Phipps JA, Vessey KA. Studying age-related macular degeneration using animal models. Optom Vis Sci 2014; 91:878-86. [PMID: 24978866 PMCID: PMC4186726 DOI: 10.1097/opx.0000000000000322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the recent years, there have been tremendous advances in our understanding of the genetic and environmental factors associated with the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Examination of retinal changes in various animals has aided our understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease. Notably, mouse strains, carrying genetic anomalies similar to those affecting humans, have provided a foundation for understanding how various genetic risk factors affect retinal integrity. However, to date, no single mouse strain that develops all the features of AMD in a progressive age-related manner has been identified. In addition, a mutation present in some background strains has clouded the interpretation of retinal phenotypes in many mouse strains. The aim of this perspective was to describe how animals can be used to understand the significance of each sign of AMD, as well as key genetic risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica L Fletcher
- *MScOptom, PhD †PhD ‡BSc(Hons) §MOptom, PhD Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (all authors)
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Neuillé M, El Shamieh S, Orhan E, Michiels C, Antonio A, Lancelot ME, Condroyer C, Bujakowska K, Poch O, Sahel JA, Audo I, Zeitz C. Lrit3 deficient mouse (nob6): a novel model of complete congenital stationary night blindness (cCSNB). PLoS One 2014; 9:e90342. [PMID: 24598786 PMCID: PMC3943948 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in LRIT3, coding for a Leucine-Rich Repeat, immunoglobulin-like and transmembrane domains 3 protein lead to autosomal recessive complete congenital stationary night blindness (cCSNB). The role of the corresponding protein in the ON-bipolar cell signaling cascade remains to be elucidated. Here we genetically and functionally characterize a commercially available Lrit3 knock-out mouse, a model to study the function and the pathogenic mechanism of LRIT3. We confirm that the insertion of a Bgeo/Puro cassette in the knock-out allele introduces a premature stop codon, which presumably codes for a non-functional protein. The mouse line does not harbor other mutations present in common laboratory mouse strains or in other known cCSNB genes. Lrit3 mutant mice exhibit a so-called no b-wave (nob) phenotype with lacking or severely reduced b-wave amplitudes in the scotopic and photopic electroretinogram (ERG), respectively. Optomotor tests reveal strongly decreased optomotor responses in scotopic conditions. No obvious fundus auto-fluorescence or histological retinal structure abnormalities are observed. However, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) reveals thinned inner nuclear layer and part of the retina containing inner plexiform layer, ganglion cell layer and nerve fiber layer in these mice. To our knowledge, this is the first time that SD-OCT technology is used to characterize an animal model for CSNB. This phenotype is noted at 6 weeks and at 6 months. The stationary nob phenotype of mice lacking Lrit3, which we named nob6, confirms the findings previously reported in patients carrying LRIT3 mutations and is similar to other cCSNB mouse models. This novel mouse model will be useful for investigating the pathogenic mechanism(s) associated with LRIT3 mutations and clarifying the role of LRIT3 in the ON-bipolar cell signaling cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Neuillé
- INSERM, U968, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Said El Shamieh
- INSERM, U968, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Elise Orhan
- INSERM, U968, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Christelle Michiels
- INSERM, U968, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Aline Antonio
- INSERM, U968, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
- Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DHOS CIC 503, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Elise Lancelot
- INSERM, U968, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Christel Condroyer
- INSERM, U968, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Kinga Bujakowska
- INSERM, U968, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Ocular Genomics Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Olivier Poch
- Laboratoire de Bioinformatique Intégrative et Génomique, ICube, CNRS, UMR_7357, Strasbourg, France
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- INSERM, U968, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
- Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DHOS CIC 503, Paris, France
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College of London, London, United Kingdom
- Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris, France
- Académie des Sciences–Institut de France, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Audo
- INSERM, U968, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
- Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DHOS CIC 503, Paris, France
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christina Zeitz
- INSERM, U968, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
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Sarnaik R, Chen H, Liu X, Cang J. Genetic disruption of the On visual pathway affects cortical orientation selectivity and contrast sensitivity in mice. J Neurophysiol 2014; 111:2276-86. [PMID: 24598523 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00558.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The retina signals stimulus contrast via parallel On and Off pathways and sends the information to higher visual centers. Here we study the role of the On pathway using mice that have null mutations in the On-specific GRM6 receptor in the retina (Pinto LH, Vitaterna MH, Shimomura K, Siepka SM, Balannik V, McDearmon EL, Omura C, Lumayag S, Invergo BM, Brandon M, Glawe B, Cantrell DR, Donald R, Inayat S, Olvera MA, Vessey KA, Kirstan A, McCall MA, Maddox D, Morgans CW, Young B, Pletcher MT, Mullins RF, Troy JB, Takahashi JS. Vis Neurosci 24: 111-123, 2007; Maddox DM, Vessey KA, Yarbrough GL, Invergo BM, Cantrell DR, Inayat S, Balannik V, Hicks WL, Hawes NL, Byers S, Smith RS, Hurd R, Howell D, Gregg RG, Chang B, Naggert JK, Troy JB, Pinto LH, Nishina PM, McCall MA. J Physiol 586: 4409-4424, 2008). In these "nob" mice, single unit recordings in the primary visual cortex (V1) reveal degraded selectivity for orientations due to an increased response at nonpreferred orientations. Contrast sensitivity in the nob mice is reduced with severe deficits at low contrast, consistent with the phenotype of night blindness in human patients with mutations in Grm6. These cortical deficits can be largely explained by reduced input drive and increased response variability seen in nob V1. Interestingly, increased variability is also observed in the superior colliculus of these mice but does not affect its tuning properties. Further, the increased response variability in the nob mice is traced to the retina, a result phenocopied by acute pharmacological blockade of the On pathway in wild-type retina. Together, our results suggest that the On and Off pathways normally interact to increase response reliability in the retina, which in turn propagates to various central visual targets and affects their functional properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Sarnaik
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois; Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois; and
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
| | - Xiaorong Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois; Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
| | - Jianhua Cang
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois;
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Abstract
The b-wave is a major component of the electroretinogram that reflects the activity of depolarizing bipolar cells (DBCs). The b-wave is used diagnostically to identify patients with defects in DBC signaling or in transmission from photoreceptors to DBCs. In mouse models, an abnormal b-wave has been used to demonstrate a critical role of a particular protein in the release of glutamate from photoreceptor terminals, in establishing the structure of the photoreceptor-to-DBC synapse, in DBC signal transduction, and also in DBC development, survival, or metabolic support. The purpose of this review is to summarize these models and how they have advanced our understanding of outer retinal function.
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Feng L, Zhao Y, Yoshida M, Chen H, Yang JF, Kim TS, Cang J, Troy JB, Liu X. Sustained ocular hypertension induces dendritic degeneration of mouse retinal ganglion cells that depends on cell type and location. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2013; 54:1106-17. [PMID: 23322576 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.12-10791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Glaucoma is characterized by retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death and frequently associated with elevated IOP. How RGCs degenerate before death is little understood, so we sought to investigate RGC degeneration in a mouse model of ocular hypertension. METHODS A laser-induced mouse model of chronic ocular hypertension mimicked human high-tension glaucoma. Immunohistochemistry was used to characterize overall RGC loss and an optomotor behavioral test to measure corresponding changes in visual capacity. Changes in RGC functional properties were characterized by a large-scale multielectrode array (MEA). The transgenic Thy-1-YFP mouse line, in which a small number of RGCs are labeled with yellow fluorescent protein (YFP), permitted investigation of whether subtypes of RGCs or RGCs from particular retinal areas were differentially vulnerable to elevated IOP. RESULTS Sustained IOP elevation in mice was achieved by laser photocoagulation. We confirmed RGC loss and decreased visual acuity in ocular hypertensive mice. Furthermore, these mice had fewer visually responsive cells with smaller receptive field sizes compared to controls. We demonstrated that RGC dendritic shrinkage started from the vertical axis of hypertensive eyes and that mono-laminated ON cells were more susceptible to IOP elevation than bi-laminated ON-OFF cells. Moreover, a subgroup of ON RGCs labeled by the SMI-32 antibody exhibited significant dendritic atrophy in the superior quadrant of the hypertensive eyes. CONCLUSIONS RGC degeneration depends on subtype and location in hypertensive eyes. This study introduces a valuable model to investigate how the structural and functional degeneration of RGCs leads to visual impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
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Peachey NS, Pearring JN, Bojang P, Hirschtritt ME, Sturgill-Short G, Ray TA, Furukawa T, Koike C, Goldberg AFX, Shen Y, McCall MA, Nawy S, Nishina PM, Gregg RG. Depolarizing bipolar cell dysfunction due to a Trpm1 point mutation. J Neurophysiol 2012; 108:2442-51. [PMID: 22896717 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00137.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in TRPM1 are found in humans with an autosomal recessive form of complete congenital stationary night blindness (cCSNB). The Trpm1(-/-) mouse has been an important animal model for this condition. Here we report a new mouse mutant, tvrm27, identified in a chemical mutagenesis screen. Genetic mapping of the no b-wave electroretinogram (ERG) phenotype of tvrm27 localized the mutation to a chromosomal region that included Trpm1. Complementation testing with Trpm1(-/-) mice confirmed a mutation in Trpm1. Sequencing identified a nucleotide change in exon 23, converting a highly conserved alanine within the pore domain to threonine (p.A1068T). Consistent with prior studies of Trpm1(-/-) mice, no anatomical changes were noted in the Trpm1(tvrm27/tvrm27) retina. The Trpm1(tvrm27/tvrm27) phenotype is distinguished from that of Trpm1(-/-) by the retention of TRPM1 expression on the dendritic tips of depolarizing bipolar cells (DBCs). While ERG b-wave amplitudes of Trpm1(+/-) heterozygotes are comparable to wild type, those of Trpm1(+/tvrm27) mice are reduced by 32%. A similar reduction in the response of Trpm1(+/tvrm27) DBCs to LY341495 or capsaicin is evident in whole cell recordings. These data indicate that the p.A1068T mutant TRPM1 acts as a dominant negative with respect to TRPM1 channel function. Furthermore, these data indicate that the number of functional TRPM1 channels at the DBC dendritic tips is a key factor in defining DBC response amplitude. The Trpm1(tvrm27/tvrm27) mutant will be useful for elucidating the role of TRPM1 in DBC signal transduction, for determining how Trpm1 mutations impact central visual processing, and for evaluating experimental therapies for cCSNB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal S Peachey
- Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA.
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Peachey NS, Sturgill-Short GM. Response properties of slow PIII in the Large (vls) mutant. Doc Ophthalmol 2012; 125:203-9. [PMID: 22865473 DOI: 10.1007/s10633-012-9347-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mouse mutants for proteins expressed in the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex at the photoreceptor terminal have electroretinogram (ERG) b-waves with a delayed onset and time course. The b-wave is defined by the sum of PII generated by depolarizing bipolar cells and slow PIII generated by Müller glial cells. In this study, we evaluated the hypothesis that the abnormalities observed in one of these mutants, Large (vls) , are caused by abnormal response properties of slow PIII. METHODS To isolate slow PIII, we crossed the Large (vls) mutant to a mouse line (Gpr179 (nob5) ) that lacks the ERG b-wave but maintains normal photoreceptor function and in which retinal degeneration does not occur. ERGs were recorded to strobe flash stimuli after overnight dark adaptation. RESULTS In comparison with control responses, the a-wave and slow PIII had comparable waveforms but were reduced in amplitude in Large (vls) mice. The magnitude of this reduction was comparable for these components, and across stimulus luminance. There was no stimulus condition where the amplitude of slow PIII was larger than control. CONCLUSIONS The data obtained are inconsistent with the idea that the b-wave abnormalities noted in Large (vls) mutant mice are caused by abnormal response properties of slow PIII.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal S Peachey
- Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, 10701 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. ,Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
| | - Gwen M Sturgill-Short
- Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, 10701 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
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Guidance-cue control of horizontal cell morphology, lamination, and synapse formation in the mammalian outer retina. J Neurosci 2012; 32:6859-68. [PMID: 22593055 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0267-12.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the vertebrate retina, neuronal circuitry required for visual perception is organized within specific laminae. Photoreceptors convey external visual information to bipolar and horizontal cells at triad ribbon synapses established within the outer plexiform layer (OPL), initiating retinal visual processing. However, the molecular mechanisms that organize these three classes of neuronal processes within the OPL, thereby ensuring appropriate ribbon synapse formation, remain largely unknown. Here we show that mice with null mutations in Sema6A or PlexinA4 (PlexA4) exhibit a pronounced defect in OPL stratification of horizontal cell axons without any apparent deficits in bipolar cell dendrite or photoreceptor axon targeting. Furthermore, these mutant horizontal cells exhibit aberrant dendritic arborization and reduced dendritic self-avoidance within the OPL. Ultrastructural analysis shows that the horizontal cell contribution to rod ribbon synapse formation in PlexA4⁻/⁻ retinas is disrupted. These findings define molecular components required for outer retina lamination and ribbon synapse formation.
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GPR179 is required for depolarizing bipolar cell function and is mutated in autosomal-recessive complete congenital stationary night blindness. Am J Hum Genet 2012; 90:331-9. [PMID: 22325362 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2011.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2011] [Revised: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 12/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Complete congenital stationary night blindness (cCSNB) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of retinal disorders characterized by nonprogressive impairment of night vision, absence of the electroretinogram (ERG) b-wave, and variable degrees of involvement of other visual functions. We report here that mutations in GPR179, encoding an orphan G protein receptor, underlie a form of autosomal-recessive cCSNB. The Gpr179(nob5/nob5) mouse model was initially discovered by the absence of the ERG b-wave, a component that reflects depolarizing bipolar cell (DBC) function. We performed genetic mapping, followed by next-generation sequencing of the critical region and detected a large transposon-like DNA insertion in Gpr179. The involvement of GPR179 in DBC function was confirmed in zebrafish and humans. Functional knockdown of gpr179 in zebrafish led to a marked reduction in the amplitude of the ERG b-wave. Candidate gene analysis of GPR179 in DNA extracted from patients with cCSNB identified GPR179-inactivating mutations in two patients. We developed an antibody against mouse GPR179, which robustly labeled DBC dendritic terminals in wild-type mice. This labeling colocalized with the expression of GRM6 and was absent in Gpr179(nob5/nob5) mutant mice. Our results demonstrate that GPR179 plays a critical role in DBC signal transduction and expands our understanding of the mechanisms that mediate normal rod vision.
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Amyloid precursor protein is required for normal function of the rod and cone pathways in the mouse retina. PLoS One 2012; 7:e29892. [PMID: 22279552 PMCID: PMC3261162 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2011] [Accepted: 12/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a transmembrane glycoprotein frequently studied for its role in Alzheimer's disease. Our recent study in APP knockout (KO) mice identified an important role for APP in modulating normal neuronal development in the retina. However the role APP plays in the adult retina and whether it is required for vision is unknown. In this study we evaluated the role of APP in retinal function and morphology comparing adult wildtype (WT) and APP-KO mice. APP was expressed on neuronal cells of the inner retina, including horizontal, cone bipolar, amacrine and ganglion cells in WT mice. The function of the retina was assessed using the electroretinogram and although the rod photoreceptor responses were similar in APP-KO and WT mice, the post-photoreceptor, inner retinal responses of both the rod and cone pathways were reduced in APP-KO mice. These changes in inner retinal function did not translate to a substantial change in visual acuity as assessed using the optokinetic response or to changes in the gross cellular structure of the retina. These findings indicate that APP is not required for basic visual function, but that it is involved in modulating inner retinal circuitry.
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Batcha AH, Greferath U, Jobling AI, Vessey KA, Ward MM, Nithianantharajah J, Hannan AJ, Kalloniatis M, Fletcher EL. Retinal dysfunction, photoreceptor protein dysregulation and neuronal remodelling in the R6/1 mouse model of Huntington's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2011; 45:887-96. [PMID: 22198376 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2011.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2011] [Revised: 10/26/2011] [Accepted: 12/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurological disease characterised by motor dysfunction, cognitive impairment and personality changes. Previous work in HD patients and animal models of the disease has also highlighted retinal involvement. This study characterised the changes in retinal structure and function early within the progression of disease using the R6/1 mouse model of HD. The retinal phenotype was observed to occur at the same time in the disease process as other neurological deficits such as motor dysfunction (by 13 weeks of age). There was a specific functional deficit in cone response to the electroretinogram and using immunocytochemical techniques, this dysfunction was found to be likely due to a progressive and complete loss of cone opsin and transducin protein expression by 20 weeks of age. In addition, there was an increase in Müller cell gliosis and the presence of ectopic rod photoreceptor terminals. This retinal remodelling is also observed in downstream neurons, namely the rod and cone bipolar cells. While R6/1 mice exhibit significant retinal pathology simultaneously with other more classical HD alterations, this doesn't lead to extensive cell loss. These findings suggest that in HD, cone photoreceptors are initially targeted, possibly via dysregulation of protein expression or trafficking and that this process is subsequently accompanied by increased retinal stress and neuronal remodelling also involving the rod pathway. As retinal structure and connectivity are well characterised, the retina may provide a useful model tissue in which to characterise the mechanisms important in the development of neuronal pathology in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abrez Hussain Batcha
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
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Barabas P, Huang W, Chen H, Koehler CL, Howell G, John SWM, Tian N, Rentería RC, Krizaj D. Missing optomotor head-turning reflex in the DBA/2J mouse. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2011; 52:6766-73. [PMID: 21757588 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.10-7147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The optomotor reflex of DBA/2J (D2), DBA/2J-Gpnmb+ (D2-Gpnmb+), and C57BL/6J (B6) mouse strains was assayed, and the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) firing patterns, direction selectivity, vestibulomotor function and central vision was compared between the D2 and B6 mouse lines. METHODS Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements, real-time PCR, and immunohistochemical analysis were used to assess the time course of glaucomatous changes in D2 retinas. Behavioral analyses of optomotor head-turning reflex, visible platform Morris water maze and Rotarod measurements were conducted to test vision and vestibulomotor function. Electroretinogram (ERG) measurements were used to assay outer retinal function. The multielectrode array (MEA) technique was used to characterize RGC spiking and direction selectivity in D2 and B6 retinas. RESULTS Progressive increase in IOP and loss of Brn3a signals in D2 animals were consistent with glaucoma progression starting after 6 months of age. D2 mice showed no response to visual stimulation that evoked robust optomotor responses in B6 mice at any age after eye opening. Spatial frequency threshold was also not measurable in the D2-Gpnmb+ strain control. ERG a- and b-waves, central vision, vestibulomotor function, the spiking properties of ON, OFF, ON-OFF, and direction-selective RGCs were normal in young D2 mice. CONCLUSIONS The D2 strain is characterized by a lack of optomotor reflex before IOP elevation and RGC degeneration are observed. This behavioral deficit is D2 strain-specific, but is independent of retinal function and glaucoma. Caution is advised when using the optomotor reflex to follow glaucoma progression in D2 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Barabas
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA.
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Thompson S, Stasheff SF, Hernandez J, Nylen E, East JS, Kardon RH, Pinto LH, Mullins RF, Stone EM. Different inner retinal pathways mediate rod-cone input in irradiance detection for the pupillary light reflex and regulation of behavioral state in mice. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2011; 52:618-23. [PMID: 20847113 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.10-6146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Detection of light in the eye contributes both to spatial awareness (form vision) and to responses that acclimate an animal to gross changes in light (irradiance detection). This dual role means that eye disease that disrupts form vision can also adversely affect physiology and behavioral state. The purpose of this study was to investigate how inner retinal circuitry mediating rod-cone photoreceptor input contributes to functionally distinct irradiance responses and whether that might account for phenotypic diversity in retinal disease. METHODS The sensitivity of the pupillary light reflex and negative masking (activity suppression by light) was measured in wild-type mice with intact inner retinal circuitry, Nob4 mice that lack ON-bipolar cell function, and rd1 mice that lack rods and cones and, therefore, have no input to ON or OFF bipolar cells. RESULTS An expected increase in sensitivity to negative masking with loss of photoreceptor input in rd1 was duplicated in Nob4 mice. In contrast, sensitivity of the pupillary light reflex was more severely reduced in rd1 than in Nob4 mice. CONCLUSIONS Absence of ON-bipolar cell-mediated rod-cone input can fully explain the phenotype of outer retina degeneration for negative masking but not for the pupillary light reflex. Therefore, inner retinal pathways mediating rod-cone input are different for negative masking and the pupillary light reflex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stewart Thompson
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Universityof Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
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Fletcher EL, Jobling AI, Vessey KA, Luu C, Guymer RH, Baird PN. Animal models of retinal disease. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2011; 100:211-86. [PMID: 21377628 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-384878-9.00006-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Diseases of the retina are the leading causes of blindness in the industrialized world. The recognition that animals develop retinal diseases with similar traits to humans has led to not only a dramatic improvement in our understanding of the pathogenesis of retinal disease but also provided a means for testing possible treatment regimes and successful gene therapy trials. With the advent of genetic and molecular biological tools, the association between specific gene mutations and retinal signs has been made. Animals carrying natural mutations usually in one gene now provide well-established models for a host of inherited retinal diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa, Leber congenital amaurosis, inherited macular degeneration, and optic nerve diseases. In addition, the development of transgenic technologies has provided a means by which to study the effects of these and novel induced mutations on retinal structure and function. Despite these advances, there is a paucity of suitable animal models for complex diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy, largely because these diseases are not caused by single gene defects, but involve complex genetics and/or exacerbation through environmental factors, epigenetic, or other modes of genetic influence. In this review, we outline in detail the available animal models for inherited retinal diseases and how this information has furthered our understanding of retinal diseases. We also examine how transgenic technologies have helped to develop our understanding of the role of isolated genes or pathways in complex diseases like AMD, diabetes, and glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica L Fletcher
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Cantrell DR, Cang J, Troy JB, Liu X. Non-centered spike-triggered covariance analysis reveals neurotrophin-3 as a developmental regulator of receptive field properties of ON-OFF retinal ganglion cells. PLoS Comput Biol 2010; 6:e1000967. [PMID: 20975932 PMCID: PMC2958799 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1000967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2010] [Accepted: 09/21/2010] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The functional separation of ON and OFF pathways, one of the fundamental features of the visual system, starts in the retina. During postnatal development, some retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) whose dendrites arborize in both ON and OFF sublaminae of the inner plexiform layer transform into RGCs with dendrites that monostratify in either the ON or OFF sublamina, acquiring final dendritic morphology in a subtype-dependent manner. Little is known about how the receptive field (RF) properties of ON, OFF, and ON-OFF RGCs mature during this time because of the lack of a reliable and efficient method to classify RGCs into these subtypes. To address this deficiency, we developed an innovative variant of Spike Triggered Covariance (STC) analysis, which we term Spike Triggered Covariance – Non-Centered (STC-NC) analysis. Using a multi-electrode array (MEA), we recorded the responses of a large population of mouse RGCs to a Gaussian white noise stimulus. As expected, the Spike-Triggered Average (STA) fails to identify responses driven by symmetric static nonlinearities such as those that underlie ON-OFF center RGC behavior. The STC-NC technique, in contrast, provides an efficient means to identify ON-OFF responses and quantify their RF center sizes accurately. Using this new tool, we find that RGCs gradually develop sensitivity to focal stimulation after eye opening, that the percentage of ON-OFF center cells decreases with age, and that RF centers of ON and ON-OFF cells become smaller. Importantly, we demonstrate for the first time that neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) regulates the development of physiological properties of ON-OFF center RGCs. Overexpression of NT-3 leads to the precocious maturation of RGC responsiveness and accelerates the developmental decrease of RF center size in ON-OFF cells. In summary, our study introduces STC-NC analysis which successfully identifies subtype RGCs and demonstrates how RF development relates to a neurotrophic driver in the retina. The developmental separation of ON and OFF pathways is one of the fundamental features of the visual system. In the mouse retina, some bi-stratified ON-OFF RGCs are refined into mono-stratified ON or OFF RGCs during the first postnatal month. However, the process by which the RGCs' physiological receptive field properties mature remains incompletely characterized, mainly due to the lack of a reliable and efficient method to classify RGCs into different subtypes. Here we have developed an innovative analysis, Spike Triggered Covariance – Non-Centered (STC-NC), and demonstrated that this technique can accurately characterize the receptive field properties of ON, OFF and ON-OFF center cells. We show that, in wildtype mouse, RGCs gradually develop sensitivity to focal stimulation after eye opening, and the development of ON-OFF receptive field center properties correlates well with their dendritic laminar refinement. Furthermore, overexpression of NT-3 accelerates the developmental decrease of receptive field center size in ON-OFF cells. Our study is the first to establish the STC-NC analysis which can successfully identify ON-OFF subtype RGCs and to demonstrate how receptive field development relates to a neurotrophic driver in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald R. Cantrell
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Jianhua Cang
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Neurobiology and Physiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - John B. Troy
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JBT); (XL)
| | - Xiaorong Liu
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Neurobiology and Physiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JBT); (XL)
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Miller BH, Schultz LE, Long BC, Pletcher MT. Quantitative trait locus analysis identifies Gabra3 as a regulator of behavioral despair in mice. Mamm Genome 2010; 21:247-57. [PMID: 20512339 PMCID: PMC2890984 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-010-9266-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2009] [Accepted: 05/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The Tail Suspension Test (TST), which measures behavioral despair, is widely used as an animal model of human depressive disorders and antidepressant efficacy. In order to identify novel genes involved in the regulation of TST performance, we crossed an inbred strain exhibiting low immobility in the TST (RIIIS/J) with two high-immobility strains (C57BL/6J and NZB/BlNJ) to create two distinct F2 hybrid populations. All F2 offspring (n = 655) were genotyped at high density with a panel of SNP markers. Whole-genome interval mapping of the F2 populations identified statistically significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on mouse chromosomes (MMU) 4, 6, and X. Microarray analysis of hippocampal gene expression in the three parental strains was used to identify potential candidate genes within the MMUX QTLs identified in the NZB/BlNJ × RIIIS/J cross. Expression of Gabra3, which encodes the GABAA receptor α3 subunit, was robust in the hippocampus of B6 and RIIIS mice but absent from NZB hippocampal tissue. To verify the role of Gabra3 in regulating TST behavior in vivo, mice were treated with SB-205384, a positive modulator of the α3 subunit. SB-205384 significantly reduced TST immobility in B6 mice without affecting general activity, but it had no effect on behavior in NZB mice. This work suggests that GABRA3 regulates a behavioral endophenotype of depression and establishes this gene as a viable new target for the study and treatment of human depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke H. Miller
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL 33458 USA
| | - Laura E. Schultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL 33458 USA
| | - Bradley C. Long
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL 33458 USA
| | - Mathew T. Pletcher
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL 33458 USA
- Compound Safety Prediction, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Groton, CT 06340 USA
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Retina-specific GTPase accelerator RGS11/G beta 5S/R9AP is a constitutive heterotrimer selectively targeted to mGluR6 in ON-bipolar neurons. J Neurosci 2009; 29:9301-13. [PMID: 19625520 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1367-09.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Members of the R7 family of the regulators of G-protein signaling (R7 RGS) proteins form multi-subunit complexes that play crucial roles in processing the light responses of retinal neurons. The disruption of these complexes has been shown to lead to the loss of temporal resolution in retinal photoreceptors and deficient synaptic transmission to downstream neurons. Despite the well established role of one member of this family, RGS9-1, in controlling vertebrate phototransduction, the roles and organizational principles of other members in the retina are poorly understood. Here we investigate the composition, localization, and function of complexes containing RGS11, the closest homolog of RGS9-1. We find that RGS11 forms a novel obligatory trimeric complex with the short splice isoform of the type 5 G-protein beta subunit (G beta 5) and the RGS9 anchor protein (R9AP). The complex is expressed exclusively in the dendritic tips of ON-bipolar cells in which its localization is accomplished through a direct association with mGluR6, the glutamate receptor essential for the ON-bipolar light response. Although association with both R9AP and mGluR6 contributed to the proteolytic stabilization of the complex, postsynaptic targeting of RGS11 was not determined by its membrane anchor R9AP. Electrophysiological recordings of the light response in mouse rod ON-bipolar cells reveal that the genetic elimination of RGS11 has little effect on the deactivation of G alpha(o) in dark-adapted cells or during adaptation to background light. These results suggest that the deactivation of mGluR6 cascade during the light response may require the contribution of multiple GTPase activating proteins.
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Beqollari D, Betzenhauser MJ, Kammermeier PJ. Altered G-protein coupling in an mGluR6 point mutant associated with congenital stationary night blindness. Mol Pharmacol 2009; 76:992-7. [PMID: 19666700 DOI: 10.1124/mol.109.058628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The highly specialized metabotropic glutamate receptor type 6 (mGluR6) is postsynaptically localized and expressed only in the dendrites of ON bipolar cells. Upon activation of mGluR6 by glutamate released from photoreceptors, a nonselective cation channel is inhibited, causing these cells to hyperpolarize. Mutations in this gene have been implicated in the development of congenital stationary night blindness type 1 (CSNB1). We investigated five known mGluR6 point mutants that lead to CSNB1 to determine the molecular mechanism of each phenotype. In agreement with other studies, four mutants demonstrated trafficking impairment. However, mGluR6 E775K (E781K in humans) suggested no trafficking or signaling deficiencies measured by our initial assays. Most importantly, our results indicate a switch in G-protein coupling, in which E775K loses G(o) coupling but retains coupling to G(i), which may explain the phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald Beqollari
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
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Naturally occurring animal models with outer retina phenotypes. Vision Res 2009; 49:2636-52. [PMID: 19375447 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2009.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2009] [Revised: 04/07/2009] [Accepted: 04/07/2009] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Naturally occurring and laboratory generated animal models serve as powerful tools with which to investigate the etiology of human retinal degenerations, especially retinitis pigmentosa (RP), Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), cone dystrophies (CD) and macular degeneration (MD). Much progress has been made in elucidating gene defects underlying disease, in understanding mechanisms leading to disease, and in designing molecules for translational research and gene-based therapy to interfere with the progression of disease. Key to this progress has been study of naturally occurring murine and canine retinal degeneration mutants. This article will review the history, phenotypes and gene defects of select animal models with outer retina (photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium) degeneration phenotypes.
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