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Huang S, Zhang W, Xuan S, Si H, Huang D, Ba M, Qi D, Pei X, Lu D, Li Z. Chronic sleep deprivation impairs retinal circadian transcriptome and visual function. Exp Eye Res 2024; 243:109907. [PMID: 38649019 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Sleep loss is common in modern society and is increasingly associated with eye diseases. However, the precise effects of sleep loss on retinal structure and function, particularly on the retinal circadian system, remain largely unexplored. This study investigates these effects using a chronic sleep deprivation (CSD) model in mice. Our investigation reveals that CSD significantly alters the retinal circadian transcriptome, leading to remarkable changes in the temporal patterns of enriched pathways. This perturbation extends to metabolic and immune-related transcriptomes, coupled with an accumulation of reactive oxygen species in the retina. Notably, CSD rhythmically affects the thickness of the ganglion cell complex, along with diurnal shifts in microglial migration and morphology within the retina. Most critically, we observe a marked decrease in both scotopic and photopic retinal function under CSD conditions. These findings underscore the broad impact of sleep deprivation on retinal health, highlighting its role in altering circadian gene expression, metabolism, immune response, and structural integrity. Our study provides new insights into the broader impact of sleep loss on retinal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenzhen Huang
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Henan University, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenxiao Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuting Xuan
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Henan University, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongli Si
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Duliurui Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mengru Ba
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Di Qi
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Henan University, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoting Pei
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Henan University, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dingli Lu
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Henan University, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhijie Li
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Henan University, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China.
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Mori D, Inami C, Ikeda R, Sawahata M, Urata S, Yamaguchi ST, Kobayashi Y, Fujita K, Arioka Y, Okumura H, Kushima I, Kodama A, Suzuki T, Hirao T, Yoshimi A, Sobue A, Ito T, Noda Y, Mizoguchi H, Nagai T, Kaibuchi K, Okabe S, Nishiguchi K, Kume K, Yamada K, Ozaki N. Mice with deficiency in Pcdh15, a gene associated with bipolar disorders, exhibit significantly elevated diurnal amplitudes of locomotion and body temperature. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:216. [PMID: 38806495 PMCID: PMC11133426 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02952-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic factors significantly affect the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. However, the specific pathogenic mechanisms underlying these effects are not fully understood. Recent extensive genomic studies have implicated the protocadherin-related 15 (PCDH15) gene in the onset of psychiatric disorders, such as bipolar disorder (BD). To further investigate the pathogenesis of these psychiatric disorders, we developed a mouse model lacking Pcdh15. Notably, although PCDH15 is primarily identified as the causative gene of Usher syndrome, which presents with visual and auditory impairments, our mice with Pcdh15 homozygous deletion (Pcdh15-null) did not exhibit observable structural abnormalities in either the retina or the inner ear. The Pcdh15-null mice showed very high levels of spontaneous motor activity which was too disturbed to perform standard behavioral testing. However, the Pcdh15 heterozygous deletion mice (Pcdh15-het) exhibited enhanced spontaneous locomotor activity, reduced prepulse inhibition, and diminished cliff avoidance behavior. These observations agreed with the symptoms observed in patients with various psychiatric disorders and several mouse models of psychiatric diseases. Specifically, the hyperactivity may mirror the manic episodes in BD. To obtain a more physiological, long-term quantification of the hyperactive phenotype, we implanted nano tag® sensor chips in the animals, to enable the continuous monitoring of both activity and body temperature. During the light-off period, Pcdh15-null exhibited elevated activity and body temperature compared with wild-type (WT) mice. However, we observed a decreased body temperature during the light-on period. Comprehensive brain activity was visualized using c-Fos mapping, which was assessed during the activity and temperature peak and trough. There was a stark contrast between the distribution of c-Fos expression in Pcdh15-null and WT brains during both the light-on and light-off periods. These results provide valuable insights into the neural basis of the behavioral and thermal characteristics of Pcdh15-deletion mice. Therefore, Pcdh15-deletion mice can be a novel model for BD with mania and other psychiatric disorders, with a strong genetic component that satisfies both construct and surface validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Mori
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
- Brain and Mind Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.
- Department of Pathophysiology of Mental Disorders, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.
| | - Chihiro Inami
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Ikeda
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masahito Sawahata
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shinji Urata
- Department of Otolaryngology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo Pref., Japan
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo Pref., Japan
| | - Sho T Yamaguchi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | | | - Kosuke Fujita
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yuko Arioka
- Department of Pathophysiology of Mental Disorders, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Center for Advanced Medicine and Clinical Research, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroki Okumura
- Department of Pathophysiology of Mental Disorders, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Itaru Kushima
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Pathophysiology of Mental Disorders, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Medical Genomics Center, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Akiko Kodama
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Pathophysiology of Mental Disorders, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Suzuki
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takashi Hirao
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akira Yoshimi
- Division of Clinical Sciences and Neuropsychopharmacology, Meijo University Faculty of Pharmacy, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Akira Sobue
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takahiro Ito
- Division of Clinical Sciences and Neuropsychopharmacology, Meijo University Faculty of Pharmacy, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yukikiro Noda
- Division of Clinical Sciences and Neuropsychopharmacology, Meijo University Faculty of Pharmacy, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Mizoguchi
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Taku Nagai
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Division of Behavioral Neuropharmacology, International Center for Brain Science (ICBS), Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kozo Kaibuchi
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shigeo Okabe
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo Pref., Japan
| | - Koji Nishiguchi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Kume
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kiyofumi Yamada
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Norio Ozaki
- Department of Pathophysiology of Mental Disorders, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
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3
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Yan W, He Q, Long P, Chen T, Zhang L, Wang H. Effect of molecular hydrogen, a novelly-established antioxidant, on the retinal degeneration of hereditary retinitis pigmentosa: an in-vivo study. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1294315. [PMID: 38638334 PMCID: PMC11025393 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1294315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Our research was performed in order to explore the effects of molecular hydrogen (H2), a novelly-established antioxidant, on the retinal degeneration in rd1 mice, an animal model of inherited retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Methods The rd1 mice were divided randomly into control and H2 intervention groups. Mice from other groups received H2 intervention in three modes, two modes of the hydrogen gas (HG) and one model of hydrogen-rich saline (HRS). At 14 days post born (P14) and P21, various indicators were detected in all mice, including eletroretinogram (ERG), fundus phography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and retinal immunotaining of microglia cells' marker, Iba1. Results The ERG amplitude in mice from the control and H2 intervention groups showed no statistical differences (p > 0.05). At P14 and P21, no significant difference in the distance from the retinal pigment epithelium to the outer plexiform layer on OCT from mice of the above two groups was found (p > 0.05). The thickness of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) in mice at P14 and P21 showed no statistical differences between the control group and the H2 intervention group (p > 0.05). In the aspect of the number of Iba1-positive cells, we did not found any significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion Different forms of H2 intervention (hydrogen-rich saline and hydrogen gas) had no obvious effects on the course of retinal degeneration in rd1 mice. The specific mechanism of photoreceptor degeneration in the hereditary RP mouse model may be different, requiring different medical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiming Yan
- The Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi’an People’s Hospital, Xi’an Fourth Hospital, Xi’an, China
- The Third Hospital of Zhangzhou, Zhangzhou, China
- Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Dongfang Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qiurui He
- The Third Hospital of Zhangzhou, Zhangzhou, China
| | - Pan Long
- The General Hospital of Western Theatre Command, PLA, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Center of Clinical Aerospace Medicine, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- The Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi’an People’s Hospital, Xi’an Fourth Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- The Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi’an People’s Hospital, Xi’an Fourth Hospital, Xi’an, China
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Arsenijevic Y, Chang N, Mercey O, El Fersioui Y, Koskiniemi-Kuendig H, Joubert C, Bemelmans AP, Rivolta C, Banin E, Sharon D, Guichard P, Hamel V, Kostic C. Fine-tuning FAM161A gene augmentation therapy to restore retinal function. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:805-822. [PMID: 38504136 PMCID: PMC11018783 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00053-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
For 15 years, gene therapy has been viewed as a beacon of hope for inherited retinal diseases. Many preclinical investigations have centered around vectors with maximal gene expression capabilities, yet despite efficient gene transfer, minimal physiological improvements have been observed in various ciliopathies. Retinitis pigmentosa-type 28 (RP28) is the consequence of bi-allelic null mutations in the FAM161A, an essential protein for the structure of the photoreceptor connecting cilium (CC). In its absence, cilia become disorganized, leading to outer segment collapses and vision impairment. Within the human retina, FAM161A has two isoforms: the long one with exon 4, and the short one without it. To restore CC in Fam161a-deficient mice shortly after the onset of cilium disorganization, we compared AAV vectors with varying promoter activities, doses, and human isoforms. While all vectors improved cell survival, only the combination of both isoforms using the weak FCBR1-F0.4 promoter enabled precise FAM161A expression in the CC and enhanced retinal function. Our investigation into FAM161A gene replacement for RP28 emphasizes the importance of precise therapeutic gene regulation, appropriate vector dosing, and delivery of both isoforms. This precision is pivotal for secure gene therapy involving structural proteins like FAM161A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvan Arsenijevic
- Unit of Retinal Degeneration and Regeneration, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Ning Chang
- Unit of Retinal Degeneration and Regeneration, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Group for Retinal Disorder Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Mercey
- University of Geneva, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Sciences III, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Younes El Fersioui
- Unit of Retinal Degeneration and Regeneration, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Group for Retinal Disorder Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hanna Koskiniemi-Kuendig
- Unit of Retinal Degeneration and Regeneration, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Joubert
- Unit of Retinal Degeneration and Regeneration, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexis-Pierre Bemelmans
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives: mécanismes, thérapies, imagerie, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Carlo Rivolta
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB), Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eyal Banin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Dror Sharon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Paul Guichard
- University of Geneva, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Sciences III, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Virginie Hamel
- University of Geneva, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Sciences III, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Corinne Kostic
- Group for Retinal Disorder Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Yan B, Viswanathan S, Brodie SE, Deng WT, Coleman KE, Hauswirth WW, Nirenberg S. A clinically viable approach to restoring visual function using optogenetic gene therapy. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 29:406-417. [PMID: 37251979 PMCID: PMC10213293 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.05.005] [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: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetic gene therapies offer a promising strategy for restoring vision to patients with retinal degenerative diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Several clinical trials have begun in this area using different vectors and optogenetic proteins (Clinical Identifiers: NCT02556736, NCT03326336, NCT04945772, and NCT04278131). Here we present preclinical efficacy and safety data for the NCT04278131 trial, which uses an AAV2 vector and Chronos as the optogenetic protein. Efficacy was assessed in mice in a dose-dependent manner using electroretinograms (ERGs). Safety was assessed in rats, nonhuman primates, and mice, using several tests, including immunohistochemical analyses and cell counts (rats), electroretinograms (nonhuman primates), and ocular toxicology assays (mice). The results showed that Chronos-expressing vectors were efficacious over a broad range of vector doses and stimulating light intensities, and were well tolerated: no test article-related findings were observed in the anatomical and electrophysiological assays performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyuan Yan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Bionic Sight, Inc., New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Suresh Viswanathan
- Department of Biological and Vision Sciences, College of Optometry, State University of New York, New York, NY 10036, USA
| | - Scott E. Brodie
- Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10017, USA
| | - Wen-Tao Deng
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Kirsten E. Coleman
- Powel Gene Therapy Center Toxicology Core, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - William W. Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
- Bionic Sight, Inc., New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sheila Nirenberg
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Bionic Sight, Inc., New York, NY 10065, USA
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Idzhilova OS, Kolotova DE, Smirnova GR, Abonakour A, Dolgikh DA, Petrovskaya LE, Kirpichnikov MP, Ostrovsky MA, Malyshev AY. Nonselective Expression of Short-Wavelength Cone Opsin Improves Learning in Mice with Retinal Degeneration in a Visually Guided Task. DOKLADY BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES : PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE USSR, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES SECTIONS 2023; 510:167-171. [PMID: 37582993 DOI: 10.1134/s0012496623700369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
The study explored the potential of an animal opsin nonselectively expressed in various neuronal elements of the degenerative retina to restore the impaired visual function. A knockout murine model of inherited retinal dystrophy was used. Mice were injected intravitreally with either a virus carrying the gene of short-wavelength cone opsin associated with a reporter fluorescent protein or a control virus carrying the sequence of a modified fluorescent protein with enhanced membrane tropism. Viral transduction induced pronounced opsin expression in ganglion, bipolar, and horizontal retinal neurons. Behavioral testing included the visually guided task in the trapezoid Morris water maze and showed a partial recovery of the learning ability in the mice whose retinas had been transduced with cone opsin.
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Affiliation(s)
- O S Idzhilova
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - D E Kolotova
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - G R Smirnova
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - A Abonakour
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), Dolgoprudny, Moscow Oblast, Russia
| | - D A Dolgikh
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Biological Faculty, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - L E Petrovskaya
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - M P Kirpichnikov
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Biological Faculty, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - M A Ostrovsky
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Biological Faculty, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - A Yu Malyshev
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
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7
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Rotov AY, Firsov ML. Optogenetic Prosthetization of Retinal Bipolar Cells. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093022060011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Although the experience of optogenetic retinal prosthetics
in animal models dates back to more than 16 years, the first results
obtained on humans have only been reported in the last year. Over this
period, the main challenges of prosthetics became clear and the
approaches to their solution were proposed. In this review, we aim
to present the achievements in the field of optogenetic prosthetization
of retinal bipolar cells with a focus mainly on relatively recent
publications. The review addresses the advantages and disadvantages
of bipolar cell prosthetics as compared to the alternative target,
retinal ganglion cells, and provides a comparative analysis of the
effectiveness of ionotropic light-sensitive proteins (channelrhodopsins)
or metabotropic receptors (rhodopsins) as prosthetic tools.
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8
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Characterization of a novel Pde6b-deficient rat model of retinal degeneration and treatment with adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy. Gene Ther 2022; 30:362-368. [PMID: 36175490 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00365-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In humans, mutations in the beta subunit of cGMP-phosphodiesterase type 6 (PDE6B) cause autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (RP), which typically has an aggressive clinical course of early-onset severe vision loss due to rapid photoreceptor degeneration. In this study, we describe the generation of a novel Pde6b-deficient rat model using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing. We characterize the model at multiple time points using clinical imaging modalities as well as histology with immunohistochemistry to show rapid photoreceptor degeneration compared to wild-type and heterozygous animals. We describe the manufacture of two different adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors (AAV2/1, AAV2/5) under current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and demonstrate their ability to drive human PDE6B expression in vivo. We further demonstrate the ability of AAV-mediated subretinal gene therapy to delay photoreceptor loss in Pde6b-deficient rats compared to untreated controls. However, severe progressive photoreceptor loss was noted even in treated eyes, likely due to the aggressive nature of the disease. These data provide useful preclinical data to guide the development of potential human gene therapy for PDE6B-associated RP. In addition, the rapid photoreceptor degeneration of the Pde6b-deficient rat with intact inner retina may provide a useful model for the study of cell replacement strategies.
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9
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Leroy BP, Fischer MD, Flannery JG, MacLaren RE, Dalkara D, Scholl HPN, Chung DC, Spera C, Viriato D, Banhazi J. Gene Therapy for Inherited Retinal Disease: Long-Term Durability of Effect. Ophthalmic Res 2022; 66:179-196. [PMID: 36103843 DOI: 10.1159/000526317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The recent approval of voretigene neparvovec (Luxturna®) for patients with biallelic RPE65 mutation-associated inherited retinal dystrophy with viable retinal cells represents an important step in the development of ocular gene therapies. Herein, we review studies investigating the episomal persistence of different recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector genomes and the preclinical and clinical evidence of long-term effects of different RPE65 gene replacement therapies. A targeted review of articles published between 1974 and January 2021 in Medline®, Embase®, and other databases was conducted, followed by a descriptive longitudinal analysis of the clinical trial outcomes of voretigene neparvovec. Following an initial screening, 14 publications examining the episomal persistence of different rAAV genomes and 71 publications evaluating gene therapies in animal models were included. Viral genomes were found to persist for at least 22 months (longest study follow-up) as transcriptionally active episomes. Treatment effects lasting almost a decade were reported in canine disease models, with more pronounced effects the earlier the intervention. The clinical trial outcomes of voretigene neparvovec are consistent with preclinical findings and reveal sustained results for up to 7.5 years for the full-field light sensitivity threshold test and 5 years for the multi-luminance mobility test in the Phase I and Phase III trials, respectively. In conclusion, the therapeutic effect of voretigene neparvovec lasts for at least a decade in animal models and 7.5 years in human subjects. Since retinal cells can retain functionality over their lifetime after transduction, these effects may be expected to last even longer in patients with a sufficient number of outer retinal cells at the time of intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart P Leroy
- Department of Ophthalmology & Centre for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital & Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Division of Ophthalmology & Center for Cellular & Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - M Dominik Fischer
- University Eye Hospital, Centre for Ophthalmology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Oxford Eye Hospital, University of Oxford NHS Foundation Trust and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - John G Flannery
- School of Optometry and the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Oxford Eye Hospital, University of Oxford NHS Foundation Trust and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Deniz Dalkara
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Hendrik P N Scholl
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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10
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Fort PE, Losiewicz MK, Elghazi L, Kong D, Cras-Méneur C, Fingar DC, Kimball SR, Rajala RVS, Smith AJ, Ali RR, Abcouwer SF, Gardner TW. mTORC1 regulates high levels of protein synthesis in retinal ganglion cells of adult mice. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101944. [PMID: 35447116 PMCID: PMC9117545 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1), linchpins of the nutrient sensing and protein synthesis pathways, are present at relatively high levels in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) of rodent and human retinas. However, the role of mTORCs in the control of protein synthesis in RGC is unknown. Here, we applied the SUrface SEnsing of Translation (SUnSET) method of nascent protein labeling to localize and quantify protein synthesis in the retinas of adult mice. We also used intravitreal injection of an adeno-associated virus 2 vector encoding Cre recombinase in the eyes of mtor- or rptor-floxed mice to conditionally knockout either both mTORCs or only mTORC1, respectively, in cells within the GCL. A novel vector encoding an inactive Cre mutant (CreΔC) served as control. We found that retinal protein synthesis was highest in the GCL, particularly in RGC. Negation of both complexes or only mTORC1 significantly reduced protein synthesis in RGC. In addition, loss of mTORC1 function caused a significant reduction in the pan-RGC marker, RNA-binding protein with multiple splicing, with little decrease of the total number of cells in the RGC layer, even at 25 weeks after adeno-associated virus-Cre injection. These findings reveal that mTORC1 signaling is necessary for maintaining the high rate of protein synthesis in RGCs of adult rodents, but it may not be essential to maintain RGC viability. These findings may also be relevant to understanding the pathophysiology of RGC disorders, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrice E Fort
- Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Mandy K Losiewicz
- Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lynda Elghazi
- Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Dejuan Kong
- Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Corentin Cras-Méneur
- Internal Medicine (MEND Division), University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Diane C Fingar
- Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Scot R Kimball
- Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Raju V S Rajala
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Alexander J Smith
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Robin R Ali
- Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Steven F Abcouwer
- Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
| | - Thomas W Gardner
- Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Internal Medicine (MEND Division), University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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11
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Matsuyama A, Kalargyrou AA, Smith AJ, Ali RR, Pearson RA. A comprehensive atlas of Aggrecan, Versican, Neurocan and Phosphacan expression across time in wildtype retina and in retinal degeneration. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7282. [PMID: 35508614 PMCID: PMC9068689 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11204-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
As photoreceptor cells die during retinal degeneration, the surrounding microenvironment undergoes significant changes that are increasingly recognized to play a prominent role in determining the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Chondroitin Sulphate Proteoglycans (CSPGs) are a major component of the extracellular matrix that have been shown to inhibit neuronal regrowth and regeneration in the brain and spinal cord, but comparatively little is known about their expression in retinal degeneration. Here we provide a comprehensive atlas of the expression patterns of four individual CSPGs in three models of inherited retinal degeneration and wildtype mice. In wildtype mice, Aggrecan presented a biphasic expression, while Neurocan and Phosphacan expression declined dramatically with time and Versican expression remained broadly constant. In degeneration, Aggrecan expression increased markedly in Aipl1-/- and Pde6brd1/rd1, while Versican showed regional increases in the periphery of Rho-/- mice. Conversely, Neurocan and Phosphacan broadly decrease with time in all models. Our data reveal significant heterogeneity in the expression of individual CSPGs. Moreover, there are striking differences in the expression patterns of specific CSPGs in the diseased retina, compared with those reported following injury elsewhere in the CNS. Better understanding of the distinct distributions of individual CSPGs will contribute to creating more permissive microenvironments for neuro-regeneration and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Matsuyama
- Ocular Cell and Gene therapy Group, Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, 8th Floor, Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK.
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan.
| | - A A Kalargyrou
- Ocular Cell and Gene therapy Group, Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, 8th Floor, Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - A J Smith
- Ocular Cell and Gene therapy Group, Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, 8th Floor, Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - R R Ali
- Ocular Cell and Gene therapy Group, Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, 8th Floor, Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - R A Pearson
- Ocular Cell and Gene therapy Group, Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, 8th Floor, Tower Wing, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK.
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.
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12
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Liu W, Liu S, Li P, Yao K. Retinitis Pigmentosa: Progress in Molecular Pathology and Biotherapeutical Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094883. [PMID: 35563274 PMCID: PMC9101511 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is genetically heterogeneous retinopathy caused by photoreceptor cell death and retinal pigment epithelial atrophy that eventually results in blindness in bilateral eyes. Various photoreceptor cell death types and pathological phenotypic changes that have been disclosed in RP demand in-depth research of its pathogenic mechanism that may account for inter-patient heterogeneous responses to mainstream drug treatment. As the primary method for studying the genetic characteristics of RP, molecular biology has been widely used in disease diagnosis and clinical trials. Current technology iterations, such as gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and optogenetics, are advancing towards precise diagnosis and clinical applications. Specifically, technologies, such as effective delivery vectors, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, and iPSC-based cell transplantation, hasten the pace of personalized precision medicine in RP. The combination of conventional therapy and state-of-the-art medication is promising in revolutionizing RP treatment strategies. This article provides an overview of the latest research on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of retinitis pigmentosa, aiming for a convenient reference of what has been achieved so far.
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13
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Olivares-González L, Salom D, González-García E, Hervás D, Mejía-Chiqui N, Melero M, Velasco S, Muresan BT, Campillo I, Vila-Clérigues N, López-Briz E, Merino-Torres JF, Millán JM, Soriano Del Castillo JM, Rodrigo R. NUTRARET: Effect of 2-Year Nutraceutical Supplementation on Redox Status and Visual Function of Patients With Retinitis Pigmentosa: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Front Nutr 2022; 9:847910. [PMID: 35387197 PMCID: PMC8979249 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.847910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress plays a major role in the pathogenesis of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The main goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of 2-year nutritional intervention with antioxidant nutraceuticals on the visual function of RP patients. Secondly, we assessed how nutritional intervention affected ocular and systemic redox status. We carried out a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Thirty-one patients with RP participated in the study. RP patients randomly received either a mixture of nutraceuticals (NUT) containing folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin A, zinc, copper, selenium, lutein, and zeaxanthin or placebo daily for 2 years. At baseline and after 2-year of the nutritional supplementation, visual function, dietetic-nutritional evaluations, serum concentration of nutraceuticals, plasma and aqueous humor concentration of several markers of redox status and inflammation were assessed. Retinal function and structure were assessed by multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG), spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and automated visual field (VF) tests. Nutritional status was estimated with validated questionnaires. Total antioxidant capacity, extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD3), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, protein carbonyl adducts (CAR) content, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation (as indicator of lipid peroxidation), metabolites of the nitric oxide (NOX) and cytokine (interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha) concentrations were assessed by biochemical and immunological techniques in aqueous humor or/and blood. Bayesian approach was performed to determine the probability of an effect. Region of practical equivalence (ROPE) was used. At baseline, Bayesian analysis revealed a high probability of an altered ocular redox status and to a lesser extent systemic redox status in RP patients compared to controls. Twenty-five patients (10 in the treated arm and 15 in the placebo arm) completed the nutritional intervention. After 2 years of supplementation, patients who received NUT presented better retinal responses (mfERG responses) compared to patients who received placebo. Besides, patients who received NUT showed better ocular antioxidant response (SOD3 activity) and lower oxidative damage (CAR) than those who received placebo. This study suggested that long-term NUT supplementation could slow down visual impairment and ameliorate ocular oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Olivares-González
- Pathophysiology and Therapies for Vision Disorders, Principe Felipe Research Center (CIPF), Valencia, Spain
- Joint Research Unit on Rare Diseases CIPF-Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS-La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - David Salom
- Department of Ophthalmology, Manises Hospital, Manises, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - David Hervás
- Department of Applied Statistics, Operations Research and Quality, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Natalia Mejía-Chiqui
- Pathophysiology and Therapies for Vision Disorders, Principe Felipe Research Center (CIPF), Valencia, Spain
| | - Mar Melero
- Service of Pharmacy, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sheyla Velasco
- Pathophysiology and Therapies for Vision Disorders, Principe Felipe Research Center (CIPF), Valencia, Spain
| | - Bianca Tabita Muresan
- Service of Endocrinology and Nutrition, University General Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Isabel Campillo
- Pathophysiology and Therapies for Vision Disorders, Principe Felipe Research Center (CIPF), Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Eduardo López-Briz
- Service of Pharmacy, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan Francisco Merino-Torres
- Service of Endocrinology and Nutrition, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics UV-IIS La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - José María Millán
- Joint Research Unit on Rare Diseases CIPF-Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS-La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Molecular, Cellular and Genomic Biomedicine, IIS-La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Miguel Soriano Del Castillo
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics UV-IIS La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- Food & Health Laboratory, Institute of Materials Science, University of Valencia (UV), Valencia, Spain
| | - Regina Rodrigo
- Pathophysiology and Therapies for Vision Disorders, Principe Felipe Research Center (CIPF), Valencia, Spain
- Joint Research Unit on Rare Diseases CIPF-Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe (IIS-La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics UV-IIS La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, University of Valencia (UV), Valencia, Spain
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14
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Schoonderwoerd RA, Buck TM, Andriessen CA, Wijnholds J, Hattar S, Meijer JH, Deboer T. Sleep Deprivation Does not Change the Flash Electroretinogram in Wild-type and Opn4-/-Gnat1-/- Mice. J Biol Rhythms 2022; 37:216-221. [PMID: 35132885 PMCID: PMC9008555 DOI: 10.1177/07487304221074995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Sleep deprivation reduces the response of neuronal activity in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and the phase shift in circadian behaviour to phase shifting light pulses, and thus seems to impair the adaptation of the circadian clock to the external light-dark cycle. The question remains where in the pathway of light input to the SCN the response is reduced. We therefore investigated whether the electroretinogram (ERG) changes after sleep deprivation in wild-type mice and in Opn4−/−Gnat1−/− mutant male mice. We found that the ERG is clearly affected by the Opn4−/−Gnat1−/− mutations, but that the ERG after sleep deprivation does not differ from the baseline response. The difference between wild-type and mutant is in accordance with the lack of functional rod and melanopsin in the retina of the mutant mice. We conclude that the decrease in light responsiveness of the SCN after sleep deprivation is probably not caused by changes at the retinal level, but rather at the postsynaptic site within the SCN, reflecting affected neurotransmitter signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin A Schoonderwoerd
- Laboratory for Neurophysiology, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Thilo M Buck
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Samer Hattar
- Section of Light and Circadian Rhythms, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Johanna H Meijer
- Laboratory for Neurophysiology, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Tom Deboer
- Laboratory for Neurophysiology, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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15
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Shughoury A, Ciulla TA, Bakall B, Pennesi ME, Kiss S, Cunningham ET. Genes and Gene Therapy in Inherited Retinal Disease. Int Ophthalmol Clin 2021; 61:3-45. [PMID: 34584043 DOI: 10.1097/iio.0000000000000377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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16
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Bian J, Chen H, Sun J, Cao Y, An J, Pan Q, Qi M. Gene Therapy for Rdh12-Associated Retinal Diseases Helps to Delay Retinal Degeneration and Vision Loss. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2021; 15:3581-3591. [PMID: 34429587 PMCID: PMC8380142 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s305378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The aim of study was to establish Rdh12-associated inherited retinal disease (Rdh12-IRD) mouse model and to identify the best timepoint for gene therapy. Methods We induced retinal degeneration in Rdh12-/- mice using a bright light. We clarified the establishment of Rdh12-IRD mouse model by analyzing the thickness of retinal layers and electroretinography (ERG). Rdh12-IRD mice received a subretinal injection of adeno-associated virus 2/8-packaged Rdh12 cDNA for treatment. We evaluated the visual function and retinal structure in the treated and untreated eyes to identify the best timepoint for gene therapy. Results Rdh12-IRD mice showed significant differences in ERG amplitudes and photoreceptor survival compared to Rdh12+/+ mice. Preventive gene therapy not only maintained normal visual function but also prevented photoreceptor loss. Salvage gene therapy could not reverse the retinal degeneration phenotype of Rdh12-IRD mice, but it could slow down the loss of visual function. Conclusion The light-induced retinal degeneration in our Rdh12-/- mice indicated that a defect in Rdh12 alone was sufficient to cause visual dysfunction and photoreceptor degeneration, which reproduced the phenotypes observed in RDH12-IRD patients. This model is suitable for gene therapy studies. Early treatment of the primary Rdh12 defect helps to delay the later onset of photoreceptor degeneration and maintains visual function in Rdh12-IRD mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Bian
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, School of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.,Center for Precision Medicine, Zhejiang-California International NanoSystems Institute, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, School of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.,Center for Precision Medicine, Zhejiang-California International NanoSystems Institute, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Junhui Sun
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, School of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.,Center for Precision Medicine, Zhejiang-California International NanoSystems Institute, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqing Cao
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhong An
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Pan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang University Medical School First Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Qi
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, School of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.,Center for Precision Medicine, Zhejiang-California International NanoSystems Institute, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.,Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.,DIAN Diagnostics, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Centre, Rochester, NY, 14609, USA.,HVP-China, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
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17
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Yan WM, Long P, Chen MZ, Wei DY, Wang JC, Zhang ZM, Zhang L, Chen T. Retinal neovascularization induced by mutant Vldlr gene inhibited in an inherited retinitis pigmentosa mouse model: an in-vivo study. Int J Ophthalmol 2021; 14:990-997. [PMID: 34282382 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2021.07.05] [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: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To explore whether the retinal neovascularization (NV) in a genetic mutant mice model could be ameliorated in an inherited retinitis pigmentosa (RP) mouse, which would help to elucidate the possible mechanism and prevention of retinal NV diseases in clinic. METHODS The Vldlr -/- mice, the genetic mutant mouse model of retinal NV caused by the homozygous mutation of Vldlr gene, with the rd1 mice, the inherited RP mouse caused by homozygous mutation of Pde6b gene were bred. Intercrossing of the above two mice led to the birth of the F1 hybrids, further inbreeding of which gave birth to the F2 offspring. The ocular genotypes and phenotypes of the mice from all generations were examined, with the F2 offspring grouped according to the genotypes. RESULTS The rd1 mice exhibited the RP phenotype of outer retinal degeneration and loss of retinal function. The Vldlr -/- mice exhibited the phenotype of retinal NV obviously shown by the fundus fluorescein angiography. The F1 hydrides, with the heterozygote genotype, exhibited no phenotypes of RP or retinal NV. The F2 offspring with homozygous genotypes were grouped into four subgroups. They were the F2-I mice with the wild-type Pde6b and Vldlr genes (Pde6b+/+ -Vldlr+/+ ), which had normal ocular phenotypes; the F2-II mice with homozygous mutant Vldlr gene (Pde6b+/+ -Vldlr-/- ), which exhibited the retinal NV phenotype; the F2-III mice with homozygous mutant Pde6b gene (Pde6b-/- -Vldlr+/+ ), which exhibited the RP phenotype. Specifically, the F2-IV mice with homozygous mutant Vldlr and Pde6b gene (Pde6b-/- -Vldlr-/- ) showed only the RP phenotype, without the signs of retinal NV. CONCLUSION The retinal NV can be inhibited by the RP phenotype, which implies the role of a hyperoxic state in treating retinal NV diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ming Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, the 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Forceo of PLA (Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Dongfang Hopsital Affiliated to Xiamen University), Fuzhou 350025, Fujian Province, China.,Center of Clinical Aerospace Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Pan Long
- Department of Ophthalmology, the West General Hospital of Chinese PLA, Chengdu 610083, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Mei-Zhu Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, the 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Forceo of PLA (Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Dongfang Hopsital Affiliated to Xiamen University), Fuzhou 350025, Fujian Province, China
| | - Dong-Yu Wei
- Center of Clinical Aerospace Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jian-Cong Wang
- BeiJing HealthOLight Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing 10010, China
| | - Zuo-Ming Zhang
- Center of Clinical Aerospace Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Affiliated Guangren Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Center of Clinical Aerospace Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
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18
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Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are an important cause of blindness worldwide. Over 270 genes have been associated with IRD. Genetic testing can determine the cause of the clinical disease in the majority of patients. However, at least 25-50% of patients with clinical diagnosis of IRD remain unsolved even after whole genome sequencing. Animal models of IRD can be useful for expanding the set of established IRD genes, to gain biological understanding of the function of these genes in the retina, and to test advanced therapeutics prior to human clinical trials. In this chapter some small and large animal models of IRD are discussed including some of the advantages and limitations of each for various forms of retinopathy.
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19
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Nutraceutical Supplementation Ameliorates Visual Function, Retinal Degeneration, and Redox Status in rd10 Mice. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10071033. [PMID: 34206804 PMCID: PMC8300708 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10071033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal dystrophies characterized by progressive degeneration of photoreceptor cells. Ocular redox status is altered in RP suggesting oxidative stress could contribute to their progression. In this study, we investigated the effect of a mixture of nutraceuticals with antioxidant properties (NUT) on retinal degeneration in rd10 mice, a model of RP. NUT was orally administered to rd10 mice from postnatal day (PD) 9 to PD18. At PD18 retinal function and morphology were examined by electroretinography (ERG) and histology including TUNEL assay, immunolabeling of microglia, Müller cells, and poly ADP ribose polymers. Retinal redox status was determined by measuring the activity of antioxidant enzymes and some oxidative stress markers. Gene expression of the cytokines IL-6, TNFα, and IL-1β was assessed by real-time PCR. NUT treatment delayed the loss of photoreceptors in rd10 mice partially preserving their electrical responses to light stimuli. Moreover, it ameliorated redox status and reduced inflammation including microglia activation, upregulation of cytokines, reactive gliosis, and PARP overactivation. NUT ameliorated retinal functionality and morphology at early stages of RP in rd10 mice. This formulation could be useful as a neuroprotective approach for patients with RP in the future.
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20
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Ribeiro J, Procyk CA, West EL, O'Hara-Wright M, Martins MF, Khorasani MM, Hare A, Basche M, Fernando M, Goh D, Jumbo N, Rizzi M, Powell K, Tariq M, Michaelides M, Bainbridge JWB, Smith AJ, Pearson RA, Gonzalez-Cordero A, Ali RR. Restoration of visual function in advanced disease after transplantation of purified human pluripotent stem cell-derived cone photoreceptors. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109022. [PMID: 33882303 PMCID: PMC8065177 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration and other macular diseases result in the loss of light-sensing cone photoreceptors, causing irreversible sight impairment. Photoreceptor replacement may restore vision by transplanting healthy cells, which must form new synaptic connections with the recipient retina. Despite recent advances, convincing evidence of functional connectivity arising from transplanted human cone photoreceptors in advanced retinal degeneration is lacking. Here, we show restoration of visual function after transplantation of purified human pluripotent stem cell-derived cones into a mouse model of advanced degeneration. Transplanted human cones elaborate nascent outer segments and make putative synapses with recipient murine bipolar cells (BCs), which themselves undergo significant remodeling. Electrophysiological and behavioral assessments demonstrate restoration of surprisingly complex light-evoked retinal ganglion cell responses and improved light-evoked behaviors in treated animals. Stringent controls exclude alternative explanations, including material transfer and neuroprotection. These data provide crucial validation for photoreceptor replacement therapy and for the potential to rescue cone-mediated vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Ribeiro
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | | | - Emma L West
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | | | - Monica F Martins
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | | | - Aura Hare
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Mark Basche
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Milan Fernando
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Debbie Goh
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Neeraj Jumbo
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Matteo Rizzi
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Kate Powell
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Menahil Tariq
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | | | | | - Alexander J Smith
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Rachael A Pearson
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | | | - Robin R Ali
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK; Kellogg Eye Centre, University of Michigan, 1000 Wall St., Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA.
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21
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Defining Phenotype, Tropism, and Retinal Gene Therapy Using Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors (AAVs) in New-Born Brown Norway Rats with a Spontaneous Mutation in Crb1. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073563. [PMID: 33808129 PMCID: PMC8036486 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the Crumbs homologue 1 (CRB1) gene cause inherited retinal dystrophies, such as early-onset retinitis pigmentosa and Leber congenital amaurosis. A Brown Norway rat strain was reported with a spontaneous insertion-deletion (indel) mutation in exon 6 of Crb1. It has been reported that these Crb1 mutant rats show vascular abnormalities associated with retinal telangiectasia and possess an early-onset retinal degenerative phenotype with outer limiting membrane breaks and focal loss of retinal lamination at 2 months of age. Here, we further characterized the morphological phenotype of new-born and adult Crb1 mutant rats in comparison with age-matched Brown Norway rats without a mutation in Crb1. A significantly decreased retinal function and visual acuity was observed in Crb1 mutant rats at 1 and 3 months of age, respectively. Moreover, in control rats, the subcellular localization of canonical CRB1 was observed at the subapical region in Müller glial cells while CRB2 was observed at the subapical region in both photoreceptors and Müller glial cells by immuno-electron microscopy. CRB1 localization was lost in the Crb1 mutant rats, whereas CRB2 was still observed. In addition, we determined the tropism of subretinal or intravitreally administered AAV5-, AAV9- or AAV6-variant ShH10Y445F vectors in new-born control and Crb1 mutant rat retinas. We showed that subretinal injection of AAV5 and AAV9 at postnatal days 5 (P5) or 8 (P8) predominantly infected the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor cells; while intravitreal injection of ShH10Y445F at P5 or P8 resulted in efficient infection of mainly Müller glial cells. Using knowledge of the subcellular localization of CRB1 and the ability of ShH10Y445F to infect Müller glial cells, canonical hCRB1 and hCRB2 AAV-mediated gene therapy were explored in new-born Crb1 mutant rats. Enhanced retinal function after gene therapy delivery in the Crb1 rat was not observed. No timely rescue of the retinal phenotype was observed using retinal function and visual acuity, suggesting the need for earlier onset of expression of recombinant hCRB proteins in Müller glial cells to rescue the severe retinal phenotype in Crb1 mutant rats.
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22
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Changes in Gene Expression Profiling and Phenotype in Aged Multidrug Resistance Protein 4-Deficient Mouse Retinas. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10030455. [PMID: 33804096 PMCID: PMC7999859 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10030455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidrug resistance protein 4 (MRP4) is an energy-dependent membrane transporter responsible for cellular efflux of a broad range of xenobiotics and physiological substrates. In this trial, we aimed to investigate the coeffects of aging and MRP4 deficiency using gene expression microarray and morphological and electrophysiological analyses of mouse retinas. Mrp4-knockout (null) mice and wild-type (WT) mice were reared in the same conditions to 8–12 weeks (young) or 45–55 weeks (aged). Microarray analysis identified 186 differently expressed genes from the retinas of aged Mrp4-null mice as compared to aged WT mice, and subsequent gene ontology and KEGG pathway analyses showed that differently expressed genes were related to lens, eye development, vision and transcellular barrier functions that are involved in metabolic pathways or viral infection pathways. No significant change in thickness was observed for each retinal layer among young/aged WT mice and young/aged Mrp4-null mice. Moreover, immunohistochemical analyses of retinal cell type did not exhibit an overt change in the cellular morphology or distribution among the four age/genotype groups, and the electroretinogram responses showed no significant differences in the amplitude or the latency between aged WT mice and aged Mrp4-null mice. Aging would be an insufficient stress to cause some damage to the retina in the presence of MRP4 deficiency.
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23
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Huang J, Xian B, Peng Y, Zeng B, Li W, Li Z, Xie Y, Zhao M, Zhang H, Zhou M, Yu H, Wu P, Liu X, Huang B. Migration of pre-induced human peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the transplanted to contralateral eye in mice. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:168. [PMID: 33691753 PMCID: PMC7945672 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02180-5] [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: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Retina diseases may lead to blindness as they often afflict both eyes. Stem cell transplantation into the affected eye(s) is a promising therapeutic strategy for certain retinal diseases. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) are a good source of stem cells, but it is unclear whether pre-induced hPBMCs can migrate from the injected eye to the contralateral eye for bilateral treatment. We examine the possibility of bilateral cell transplantation from unilateral cell injection. Methods One hundred and sixty-one 3-month-old retinal degeneration 1 (rd1) mice were divided randomly into 3 groups: an untreated group (n = 45), a control group receiving serum-free Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM) injection into the right subretina (n = 45), and a treatment group receiving injection of pre-induced hPBMCs into the right subretina (n = 71). Both eyes were examined by full-field electroretinogram (ERG), immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) at 1 and 3 months post-injection. Results At both 1 and 3 months post-injection, labeled pre-induced hPBMCs were observed in the retinal inner nuclear layer of the contralateral (left untreated) eye as well as the treated eye as evidenced by immunofluorescence staining for a human antigen. Flow cytometry of fluorescently label cells and qRT-PCR of hPBMCs genes confirmed that transplanted hPBMCs migrated from the treated to the contralateral untreated eye and remained viable for up to 3 months. Further, full-field ERG showed clear light-evoked a and b waves in both treated and untreated eyes at 3 months post-transplantation. Labeled pre-induced hPBMCs were also observed in the contralateral optic nerve but not in the blood circulation, suggesting migration via the optic chiasm. Conclusion It may be possible to treat binocular eye diseases by unilateral stem cell injection. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02180-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfa Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Bikun Xian
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.,The Second People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuting Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.,Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Baozhu Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Weihua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zhiquan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yaojue Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Minglei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Hening Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Minyi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Huan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Peixin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Bing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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24
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Yang P, Lockard R, Titus H, Hiblar J, Weller K, Wafai D, Weleber RG, Duvoisin RM, Morgans CW, Pennesi ME. Suppression of cGMP-Dependent Photoreceptor Cytotoxicity With Mycophenolate Is Neuroprotective in Murine Models of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:25. [PMID: 32785677 PMCID: PMC7441375 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.10.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine the effect of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on retinal degeneration on two mouse models of retinitis pigmentosa. Methods Intraperitoneal injections of MMF were administered daily in rd10 and c57 mice starting at postoperative day 12 (P12) and rd1 mice starting at P8. The effect of MMF was assessed with optical coherence tomography, immunohistochemistry, electroretinography, and OptoMotry. Whole retinal cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and mycophenolic acid levels were quantified with mass spectrometry. Photoreceptor cGMP cytotoxicity was evaluated with cell counts of cGMP immunostaining. Results MMF treatment significantly delays the onset of retinal degeneration and cGMP-dependent photoreceptor cytotoxicity in rd10 and rd1 mice, albeit a more modest effect in the latter. In rd10 mice, treatment with MMF showed robust preservation of the photoreceptors up to P22 with associated suppression of cGMP immunostaining and microglial activation; The neuroprotective effect diminished after P22, but outer retinal thickness was still significantly thicker by P35 and OptoMotry response was significantly better up to P60. Whereas cGMP immunostaining of the photoreceptors were present in rd10 and rd1 mice, hyperphysiological whole retinal cGMP levels were observed only in rd1 mice. Conclusions Early treatment with MMF confers potent neuroprotection in two animal models of RP by suppressing the cGMP-dependent common pathway for photoreceptor cell death. The neuroprotective effect of MMF on cGMP-dependent cytotoxicity occurs independently of the presence of hyperphysiological whole retinal cGMP levels. Thus our data suggest that MMF may be an important new class of neuroprotective agent that could be useful in the treatment of patients with RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Yang
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Rachel Lockard
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Hope Titus
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Jordan Hiblar
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Kyle Weller
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Dahlia Wafai
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Richard G Weleber
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Robert M Duvoisin
- Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Catherine W Morgans
- Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Mark E Pennesi
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
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25
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Fairless R, Williams SK, Katiyar R, Maxeiner S, Schmitz F, Diem R. ERG Responses in Mice with Deletion of the Synaptic Ribbon Component RIBEYE. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:37. [PMID: 32437548 PMCID: PMC7405791 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.5.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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 To determine the influence of RIBEYE deletion and the resulting absence of synaptic ribbons on retinal light signaling by electroretinography. Methods Full-field flash electroretinograms (ERGs) were recorded in RIBEYE knock-out (KO) and wild-type (WT) littermate mice under photopic and scotopic conditions, with oscillatory potentials (OPs) extracted by digital filtering. Flicker ERGs and ERGs following intravitreal injection of pharmacological agents were also obtained under scotopic conditions. Results The a-wave amplitudes were unchanged between RIBEYE KO and WT mice; however, the b-wave amplitudes were reduced in KOs under scotopic, but not photopic, conditions. Increasing stimulation frequency led to a greater reduction in RIBEYE KO b-wave amplitudes compared with WTs. Furthermore, we observed prominent, supernormal OPs in RIBEYE KO mice in comparison with WT mice. Following intravitreal injections with l-2 amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid and cis-2,3 piperidine dicarboxylic acid to block ON and OFF responses at photoreceptor synapses, OPs were completely abolished in both mice types, indicating a synaptic origin of the prominent OPs in the KOs. Conversely, tetrodotoxin treatment to block voltage-gated Na+ channels/spiking neurons did not differentially affect OPs in WT and KO mice. Conclusions The decreased scotopic b-wave and decreased responses to increased stimulation frequencies are consistent with signaling malfunctions at photoreceptor and inner retinal ribbon synapses. Because phototransduction in the photoreceptor outer segments is unaffected in the KOs, their supernormal OPs presumably result from a dysfunction in retinal synapses. The relatively mild ERG phenotype in KO mice, particularly in the photopic range, is probably caused by compensatory mechanisms in retinal signaling pathways.
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26
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Murakami Y, Nakabeppu Y, Sonoda KH. Oxidative Stress and Microglial Response in Retinitis Pigmentosa. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197170. [PMID: 32998461 PMCID: PMC7583782 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
An imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and anti-oxidant capacity results in oxidative injury to cellular components and molecules, which in turn disturbs the homeostasis of cells and organs. Although retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a hereditary disease, non-genetic biological factors including oxidative stress also modulate or contribute to the disease progression. In animal models of RP, the degenerating retina exhibits marked oxidative damage in the nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, and anti-oxidant treatments substantially suppress photoreceptor cell death and microgliosis. Although the mechanisms by which oxidative stress mediates retinal degeneration have not been fully elucidated, our group has shown that oxidative DNA damage and its defense system are key regulators of microglial activation and photoreceptor degeneration in RP. In this review, we summarize the current evidence regarding oxidative stress in animal models and patients with RP. The clinical efficacy of anti-oxidant treatments for RP has not been fully established. Nevertheless, elucidating key biological processes that underlie oxidative damage in RP will be pivotal to understanding the pathology and developing a potent anti-oxidant strategy that targets specific cell types or molecules under oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Murakami
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-92-642-5648; Fax: +81-92-642-5663
| | - Yusaku Nakabeppu
- Division of Neurofunctional Genomics, Department of Immunobiology and Neuroscience, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan;
| | - Koh-Hei Sonoda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan;
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27
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Palfi A, Yesmambetov A, Millington-Ward S, Shortall C, Humphries P, Kenna PF, Chadderton N, Farrar GJ. AAV-Delivered Tulp1 Supplementation Therapy Targeting Photoreceptors Provides Minimal Benefit in Tulp1-/- Retinas. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:891. [PMID: 32973439 PMCID: PMC7482550 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
With marketing approval of the first ocular gene therapy, and other gene therapies in clinical trial, treatments for inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) have become a reality. Biallelic mutations in the tubby like protein 1 gene (TULP1) are causative of IRDs in humans; a mouse knock-out model (Tulp1−/−) is characterized by a similar disease phenotype. We developed a Tulp1 supplementation therapy for Tulp1−/− mice. Utilizing subretinal AAV2/5 delivery at postnatal day (p)2–3 and rhodopsin-kinase promoter (GRK1P) we targeted Tulp1 to photoreceptor cells exploring three doses, 2.2E9, 3.7E8, and 1.2E8 vgs. Tulp1 mRNA and TULP1 protein were assessed by RT-qPCR, western blot and immunocytochemistry, and visual function by electroretinography. Our results indicate that TULP1 was expressed in photoreceptors; achieved levels of Tulp1 mRNA and protein were similar to wild type levels at p20. However, the thickness of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) did not improve in treated Tulp1−/− mice. There was a small and transient electroretinography benefit in the treated retinas at 4 weeks of age (not observed by 6 weeks) when using 3.7E8 vg dose. Dark-adapted mixed rod and cone a- and b-wave amplitudes were 24.3 ± 13.5 μV and 52.2 ± 31.7 μV in treated Tulp1−/− mice, which were significantly different (p < 0.001, t-test), from those detected in untreated eyes (7.1 ± 7.0 μV and 9.4 ± 15.1 μV, respectively). Our results indicate that Tulp1 supplementation in photoreceptors may not be sufficient to provide robust benefit in Tulp1−/− mice. As such, further studies are required to fine tune the Tulp1 supplementation therapy, which, in principle, should rescue the Tulp1−/− phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpad Palfi
- Department of Genetics, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Adlet Yesmambetov
- Department of Genetics, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sophia Millington-Ward
- Department of Genetics, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ciara Shortall
- Department of Genetics, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Pete Humphries
- Department of Genetics, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul F Kenna
- Department of Genetics, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Naomi Chadderton
- Department of Genetics, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - G Jane Farrar
- Department of Genetics, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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28
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West EL, Ribeiro J, Ali RR. Development of Stem Cell Therapies for Retinal Degeneration. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2020; 12:cshperspect.a035683. [PMID: 31818854 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a035683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Degenerative retinal disease is the major cause of sight loss in the developed world and currently there is a lack of effective treatments. As the loss of vision is directly the result of the loss of retinal cells, effective cell replacement through stem-cell-based therapies may have the potential to treat a great number of retinal diseases whatever their underlying etiology. The eye is an ideal organ to develop cell therapies as it is immune privileged, and modern surgical techniques enable precise delivery of cells to the retina. Furthermore, a range of noninvasive diagnostic tests and high-resolution imaging techniques facilitate the evaluation of any therapeutic intervention. In this review, we evaluate the progress to date of current cell therapy strategies for retinal repair, focusing on transplantation of pluripotent stem-cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L West
- Division of Molecular Therapy, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
| | - Joana Ribeiro
- Division of Molecular Therapy, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
| | - Robin R Ali
- Division of Molecular Therapy, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom.,Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, USA
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29
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kleine Holthaus SM, Aristorena M, Maswood R, Semenyuk O, Hoke J, Hare A, Smith AJ, Mole SE, Ali RR. Gene Therapy Targeting the Inner Retina Rescues the Retinal Phenotype in a Mouse Model of CLN3 Batten Disease. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 31:709-718. [PMID: 32578444 PMCID: PMC7404834 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), often referred to as Batten disease, are inherited lysosomal storage disorders that represent the most common neurodegeneration during childhood. Symptoms include seizures, vision loss, motor and cognitive decline, and premature death. The development of brain-directed treatments for NCLs has made noteworthy progress in recent years. Clinical trials are currently ongoing or planned for different forms of the disease. Despite these promising advances, it is unlikely that therapeutic interventions targeting the brain will prevent loss of vision in patients as retinal cells remain untreated and will continue to degenerate. Here, we demonstrate that Cln3Δex7/8 mice, a mouse model of CLN3 Batten disease with juvenile onset, suffer from a decline in inner retinal function resulting from the death of rod bipolar cells, interneurons vital for signal transmission from photoreceptors to ganglion cells in the retina. We also show that this ocular phenotype can be treated by adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated expression of CLN3 in cells of the inner retina, leading to significant survival of bipolar cells and preserved retinal function. In contrast, the treatment of photoreceptors, which are lost in patients at late disease stages, was not therapeutic in Cln3Δex7/8 mice, underlining the notion that CLN3 disease is primarily a disease of the inner retina with secondary changes in the outer retina. These data indicate that bipolar cells play a central role in this disease and identify this cell type as an important target for ocular AAV-based gene therapies for CLN3 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mikel Aristorena
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ryea Maswood
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Olha Semenyuk
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Justin Hoke
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aura Hare
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander J. Smith
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sara E. Mole
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- UCL Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
- UCL Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robin R. Ali
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Correspondence: Prof. Robin R. Ali, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom.
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30
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Mullane K, Williams M. Alzheimer’s disease beyond amyloid: Can the repetitive failures of amyloid-targeted therapeutics inform future approaches to dementia drug discovery? Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 177:113945. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.113945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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31
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Aguilà M, Bellingham J, Athanasiou D, Bevilacqua D, Duran Y, Maswood R, Parfitt DA, Iwawaki T, Spyrou G, Smith AJ, Ali RR, Cheetham ME. AAV-mediated ERdj5 overexpression protects against P23H rhodopsin toxicity. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 29:1310-1318. [PMID: 32196553 PMCID: PMC7254845 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhodopsin misfolding caused by the P23H mutation is a major cause of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP). To date, there are no effective treatments for adRP. The BiP co-chaperone and reductase ERdj5 (DNAJC10) is part of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) quality control machinery, and previous studies have shown that overexpression of ERdj5 in vitro enhanced the degradation of P23H rhodopsin, whereas knockdown of ERdj5 increased P23H rhodopsin ER retention and aggregation. Here, we investigated the role of ERdj5 in photoreceptor homeostasis in vivo by using an Erdj5 knockout mouse crossed with the P23H knock-in mouse and by adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-mediated gene augmentation of ERdj5 in P23H-3 rats. Electroretinogram (ERG) and optical coherence tomography of Erdj5-/- and P23H+/-:Erdj5-/- mice showed no effect of ERdj5 ablation on retinal function or photoreceptor survival. Rhodopsin levels and localization were similar to those of control animals at a range of time points. By contrast, when AAV2/8-ERdj5-HA was subretinally injected into P23H-3 rats, analysis of the full-field ERG suggested that overexpression of ERdj5 reduced visual function loss 10 weeks post-injection (PI). This correlated with a significant preservation of photoreceptor cells at 4 and 10 weeks PI. Assessment of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) morphology showed preserved ONL thickness and reduced rhodopsin retention in the ONL in the injected superior retina. Overall, these data suggest that manipulation of the ER quality control and ER-associated degradation factors to promote mutant protein degradation could be beneficial for the treatment of adRP caused by mutant rhodopsin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yanai Duran
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Ryea Maswood
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | | | - Takao Iwawaki
- Division of Cell Medicine, Department of Life Science, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Giannis Spyrou
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, 581 83, Sweden
| | | | - Robin R Ali
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
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Mahato B, Kaya KD, Fan Y, Sumien N, Shetty RA, Zhang W, Davis D, Mock T, Batabyal S, Ni A, Mohanty S, Han Z, Farjo R, Forster MJ, Swaroop A, Chavala SH. Pharmacologic fibroblast reprogramming into photoreceptors restores vision. Nature 2020; 581:83-88. [PMID: 32376950 PMCID: PMC7469946 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2201-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Photoreceptor loss is the final common endpoint in most retinopathies that lead to irreversible blindness, and there are no effective treatments to restore vision1,2. Chemical reprogramming of fibroblasts offers an opportunity to reverse vision loss; however, the generation of sensory neuronal subtypes such as photoreceptors remains a challenge. Here we report that the administration of a set of five small molecules can chemically induce the transformation of fibroblasts into rod photoreceptor-like cells. The transplantation of these chemically induced photoreceptor-like cells (CiPCs) into the subretinal space of rod degeneration mice (homozygous for rd1, also known as Pde6b) leads to partial restoration of the pupil reflex and visual function. We show that mitonuclear communication is a key determining factor for the reprogramming of fibroblasts into CiPCs. Specifically, treatment with these five compounds leads to the translocation of AXIN2 to the mitochondria, which results in the production of reactive oxygen species, the activation of NF-κB and the upregulation of Ascl1. We anticipate that CiPCs could have therapeutic potential for restoring vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biraj Mahato
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Laboratory for Retinal Rehabilitation, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Koray Dogan Kaya
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yan Fan
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Laboratory for Retinal Rehabilitation, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Nathalie Sumien
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Ritu A Shetty
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Laboratory for Retinal Rehabilitation, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Delaney Davis
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Thomas Mock
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | | | - Aiguo Ni
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Laboratory for Retinal Rehabilitation, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | | | - Zongchao Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Michael J Forster
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sai H Chavala
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Laboratory for Retinal Rehabilitation, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA.
- CIRC Therapeutics, Inc., Dallas, TX, USA.
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Nishiguchi KM, Fujita K, Miya F, Katayama S, Nakazawa T. Single AAV-mediated mutation replacement genome editing in limited number of photoreceptors restores vision in mice. Nat Commun 2020; 11:482. [PMID: 31980606 PMCID: PMC6981188 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-14181-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Supplementing wildtype copies of functionally defective genes with adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a strategy being explored clinically for various retinal dystrophies. However, the low cargo limit of this vector allows its use in only a fraction of patients with mutations in relatively small pathogenic genes. To overcome this issue, we developed a single AAV platform that allows local replacement of a mutated sequence with its wildtype counterpart, based on combined CRISPR-Cas9 and micro-homology-mediated end-joining (MMEJ). In blind mice, the mutation replacement rescued approximately 10% of photoreceptors, resulting in an improvement in light sensitivity and an increase in visual acuity. These effects were comparable to restoration mediated by gene supplementation, which targets a greater number of photoreceptors. This strategy may be applied for the treatment of inherited disorders caused by mutations in larger genes, for which conventional gene supplementation therapy is not currently feasible. Replacing mutant genes with wildtype copies using adeno-associated virus (AAV) has been explored for the treatment of inherited retinopathies, but the low cargo limit restricts its use. Here the authors describe a single AAV platform that allows local replacement of a mutated sequence with its wildtype counterpart, based on combined CRISPR-Cas9 and micro-homology-mediated end joining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji M Nishiguchi
- Department of Advanced Ophthalmic Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan.
| | - Kosuke Fujita
- Department of Ophthalmic Imaging and Information Analytics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Fuyuki Miya
- Department of Medical Science Mathematics, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Shota Katayama
- Department of Advanced Ophthalmic Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Toru Nakazawa
- Department of Advanced Ophthalmic Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan. .,Department of Ophthalmic Imaging and Information Analytics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan.
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Fujita K, Nishiguchi KM, Sato K, Nakagawa Y, Nakazawa T. In vivo imaging of the light response in mouse retinal ganglion cells based on a neuronal activity-dependent promoter. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 521:471-477. [PMID: 31672273 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.10.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Diseases of the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are an important cause of blindness, yet the light response of individual RGCs is difficult to assess in vivo, particularly in mammals, due to a lack of effective methods. We report a simple in vivo platform for imaging the light response of mouse RGCs based on a fluorescent reporter-tagged enhanced synaptic activity-responsive element (E-SARE) that mediates neuronal activity-dependent gene transcription. When E-SARE-driven d2Venus, packaged into an AAV vector, was injected intravitreally, light-responsive retinal neurons expressing d2Venus were visible at single-cell resolution using confocal ophthalmoscopy. Immunohistological assessment identified the majority of these cells as RGCs. In a murine model of RGC injury, the number of d2Venus-positive cells was correlated with the amplitude of light-induced responses and with visual acuity, measured electrophysiologically at the visual cortex, indicating that the vector can be used as a tool to assess visual function in RGCs. The platform described herein allows a simple in vivo assessment of RGC function, which should help basic research into the mechanisms of RGC death and the development of treatments for diseases involving the RGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Fujita
- Department of Ophthalmic Imaging and Information Analytics, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Koji M Nishiguchi
- Department of Advanced Ophthalmic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Kota Sato
- Collaborative Program of Ophthalmic Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Yurika Nakagawa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Toru Nakazawa
- Department of Ophthalmic Imaging and Information Analytics, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan; Department of Advanced Ophthalmic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan; Collaborative Program of Ophthalmic Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan.
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35
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George AK, Homme RP, Majumder A, Tyagi SC, Singh M. Effect of MMP-9 gene knockout on retinal vascular form and function. Physiol Genomics 2019; 51:613-622. [PMID: 31709889 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00041.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration from inherited gene mutation(s) is a common cause of blindness because of structural and functional alterations in photoreceptors. Accordingly, various approaches are being tested to ameliorate or even cure neuroretinal blinding conditions in susceptible patients by employing neuroprotective agents, gene therapeutics, optogenetics, regenerative therapies, and retinal prostheses. The FVB/NJ mouse strain inherently has a common Pde6b rd1 homozygous allele that renders its progeny blind by the time pups reach weaning age. To study the role matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in retinal structure and function, we examined a global MMP-9 knockout (KO) mouse model that has been engineered on the same FVB/NJ background to test the hypothesis whether lack of MMP-9 activity diminishes neuroretinal degenerative changes and thus helps improve the vision. We compared side-by-side various aspects of the ocular physiology in the wild-type (WT) C57BL/6J, FVB/NJ, and MMP-9 KO strains of mice. The results suggest that MMP-9 KO mice display subdued changes in their retinae as reflected by both structural and functional enhancement in the overall ocular neurophysiological parameters. Altogether, the findings appear to have clinical relevance for targeting conditions wherein MMPs and their overactivities are suspected to play dominant pathophysiological roles in advancing neurodegenerative retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akash K George
- Eye and Vision Science Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky.,Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Rubens P Homme
- Eye and Vision Science Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky.,Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Avisek Majumder
- Department of Medicine, UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Suresh C Tyagi
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Mahavir Singh
- Eye and Vision Science Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky.,Department of Physiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky
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Alves CH, Boon N, Mulder AA, Koster AJ, Jost CR, Wijnholds J. CRB2 Loss in Rod Photoreceptors Is Associated with Progressive Loss of Retinal Contrast Sensitivity. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20174069. [PMID: 31438467 PMCID: PMC6747345 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Variations in the Crumbs homolog-1 (CRB1) gene are associated with a wide variety of autosomal recessive retinal dystrophies, including early onset retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA). CRB1 belongs to the Crumbs family, which in mammals includes CRB2 and CRB3. Here, we studied the specific roles of CRB2 in rod photoreceptor cells and whether ablation of CRB2 in rods exacerbates the Crb1-disease. Therefore, we assessed the morphological, retinal, and visual functional consequences of specific ablation of CRB2 from rods with or without concomitant loss of CRB1. Our data demonstrated that loss of CRB2 in mature rods resulted in RP. The retina showed gliosis and disruption of the subapical region and adherens junctions at the outer limiting membrane. Rods were lost at the peripheral and central superior retina, while gross retinal lamination was preserved. Rod function as measured by electroretinography was impaired in adult mice. Additional loss of CRB1 exacerbated the retinal phenotype leading to an early reduction of the dark-adapted rod photoreceptor a-wave and reduced contrast sensitivity from 3-months-of-age, as measured by optokinetic tracking reflex (OKT) behavior testing. The data suggest that CRB2 present in rods is required to prevent photoreceptor degeneration and vision loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Henrique Alves
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nanda Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Aat A Mulder
- Department of Cell & Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Abraham J Koster
- Department of Cell & Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Carolina R Jost
- Department of Cell & Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Feathers KL, Jia L, Perera ND, Chen A, Presswalla FK, Khan NW, Fahim AT, Smith AJ, Ali RR, Thompson DA. Development of a Gene Therapy Vector for RDH12-Associated Retinal Dystrophy. Hum Gene Ther 2019; 30:1325-1335. [PMID: 31237438 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2019.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-onset severe retinal dystrophy (EOSRD) is a genetically heterogeneous group of diseases resulting in serious visual disability in children. A significant number of EOSRD cases, often diagnosed as Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA13), are associated with mutations in the gene encoding retinol dehydrogenase 12 (RDH12). RDH12 is a member of the enzyme family of short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases. In the retina, RDH12 plays a critical role in reducing toxic retinaldehydes generated by visual cycle activity that is required for the light response of the photoreceptor cells. Individuals with RDH12 deficiency exhibit widespread retinal degeneration impacting both rods and cones. Although Rdh12-deficient (Rdh12-/-) mice do not exhibit retinal degeneration, functional deficits relevant to visual cycle function can be demonstrated. In the present study, we describe the development and preclinical testing of a recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vector that has the potential for use in treating EOSRD due to RDH12 mutations. Wild-type and Rdh12-/- mice that received a subretinal injection of rAAV2/5 carrying a human RDH12 cDNA driven by a human rhodopsin-kinase promoter exhibited transgene expression that was stable, correctly localized, and did not cause retinal toxicity. In addition, administration of the vector reconstituted retinal reductase activity in the retinas of Rdh12-/- mice and decreased susceptibility to light damage associated with Rdh12 deficiency, thus demonstrating potential therapeutic efficacy in an animal model that does not exhibit a retinal degeneration phenotype. These findings support further efforts to develop gene replacement therapy for individuals with RDH12 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kecia L Feathers
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Lin Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Nirosha Dayanthi Perera
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Adrienne Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Feriel K Presswalla
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Naheed W Khan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Abigail T Fahim
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Alexander J Smith
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robin R Ali
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Debra A Thompson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Zhang XT, Xu Z, Shi KP, Guo DL, Li H, Wang L, Zhu XB. Elevated expression of TREK-TRAAK K 2P channels in the retina of adult rd1 mice. Int J Ophthalmol 2019; 12:924-929. [PMID: 31236347 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2019.06.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To examine the expression of Twik-related K+ channel 1 (TREK-1), Twik-related K+ channel 2 (TREK-2), and Twik-related arachidonic acid-stimulated K+ channel (TRAAK) in the retina of adult rd1 mice and to detect the protective roles of TREK-TRAAK two-pore-domain K+ (K2P) channels against retinal degeneration. METHODS Twenty-eight-day-old C57BL/6J mice and 28-day-old rd1 mice were used in this study. Retinal protein, retinal RNA, and embedded eyeballs were prepared from these two groups of mice. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses were used to assess the gene transcription and protein levels, respectively. Retinal structures were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to observe the retinal localization of TREK-TRAAK channels. Current changes in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after activation of TREK-TRAAK channels were examined using a patch-clamp technique. RESULTS Compared with C57BL/6J mice, rd1 mice exhibited significantly higher retinal mRNA and protein expression levels of TREK-1, TREK-2, and TRAAK channels. In both groups, immunohistochemistry showed expression of TREK-TRAAK channels in retinal layers. After addition of the TREK-TRAAK channel agonist arachidonic acid (AA), whole-cell voltage step evoked currents were significantly higher in RGCs from rd1 mice than in RGCs from control C57BL/6J mice, suggesting that TREK-TRAAK channels were opened in RGCs from rd1 mice. CONCLUSION TREK-TRAAK K2P channels' expression is increased in adult rd1 mice. AA induced the opening of TREK-TRAAK K2P channels in adult rd1 mice and may thus counterbalance depolarization of RGCs and protect the retina from excitotoxicity. TREK-TRAAK channels may play a protective role against retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Tong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Kang-Pei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Dian-Lei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Han Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiao-Bo Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong Province, China
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Quinn PM, Mulder AA, Henrique Alves C, Desrosiers M, de Vries SI, Klooster J, Dalkara D, Koster AJ, Jost CR, Wijnholds J. Loss of CRB2 in Müller glial cells modifies a CRB1-associated retinitis pigmentosa phenotype into a Leber congenital amaurosis phenotype. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:105-123. [PMID: 30239717 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Variations in the human Crumbs homolog-1 (CRB1) gene lead to an array of retinal dystrophies including early onset of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) in children. To investigate the physiological roles of CRB1 and CRB2 in retinal Müller glial cells (MGCs), we analysed mouse retinas lacking both proteins in MGC. The peripheral retina showed a faster progression of dystrophy than the central retina. The central retina showed retinal folds, disruptions at the outer limiting membrane, protrusion of photoreceptor nuclei into the inner and outer segment layers and ingression of photoreceptor nuclei into the photoreceptor synaptic layer. The peripheral retina showed a complete loss of the photoreceptor synapse layer, intermingling of photoreceptor nuclei within the inner nuclear layer and ectopic photoreceptor cells in the ganglion cell layer. Electroretinography showed severe attenuation of the scotopic a-wave at 1 month of age with responses below detection levels at 3 months of age. The double knockout mouse retinas mimicked a phenotype equivalent to a clinical LCA phenotype due to loss of CRB1. Localization of CRB1 and CRB2 in non-human primate (NHP) retinas was analyzed at the ultrastructural level. We found that NHP CRB1 and CRB2 proteins localized to the subapical region adjacent to adherens junctions at the outer limiting membrane in MGC and photoreceptors. Our data suggest that loss of CRB2 in MGC aggravates the CRB1-associated RP-like phenotype towards an LCA-like phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Quinn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Aat A Mulder
- Department of Cell & Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - C Henrique Alves
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mélissa Desrosiers
- Department of Therapeutics, Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris, UMR_S INSERM, CNRS, UMR, Paris, France
| | - Sharon I de Vries
- Department of Axonal Signaling, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Klooster
- Department of Retina Signal Processing, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Deniz Dalkara
- Department of Therapeutics, Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris, UMR_S INSERM, CNRS, UMR, Paris, France
| | - Abraham J Koster
- Department of Cell & Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Carolina R Jost
- Department of Cell & Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, RC Leiden, The Netherlands.,The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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40
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Cai Y, Cheng T, Yao Y, Li X, Ma Y, Li L, Zhao H, Bao J, Zhang M, Qiu Z, Xue T. In vivo genome editing rescues photoreceptor degeneration via a Cas9/RecA-mediated homology-directed repair pathway. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaav3335. [PMID: 31001583 PMCID: PMC6469935 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aav3335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Although Cas9-mediated genome editing has been widely used to engineer alleles in animal models of human inherited diseases, very few homology-directed repair (HDR)-based genetic editing systems have been established in postnatal mouse models for effective and lasting phenotypic rescue. Here, we developed an HDR-based Cas9/RecA system to precisely correct Pde6b mutation with increased HDR efficiency in postnatal rodless (rd1) mice, a retinitis pigmentosa (RP) mutant model characterized by photoreceptor degeneration and loss of vision. The Cas9/RecA system incorporated Cas9 endonuclease enzyme to generate double-strand breaks (DSBs) and bacterial recombinase A (RecA) to increase homologous recombination. Our data revealed that Cas9/RecA treatment significantly promoted the survival of both rod and cone photoreceptors, restored the expression of PDE6B in rod photoreceptors, and enhanced the visual functions of rd1 mice. Thus, this study provides a precise therapeutic strategy for RP and other genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Cai
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Tianlin Cheng
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yichuan Yao
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yuqian Ma
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Lingyun Li
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Huan Zhao
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Jin Bao
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Mei Zhang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Zilong Qiu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Tian Xue
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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Quinn PM, Alves CH, Klooster J, Wijnholds J. CRB2 in immature photoreceptors determines the superior-inferior symmetry of the developing retina to maintain retinal structure and function. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:3137-3153. [PMID: 29893966 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian apical-basal determinant Crumbs homolog-1 (CRB1) plays a crucial role in retinal structure and function by the maintenance of adherens junctions between photoreceptors and Müller glial cells. Patients with mutations in the CRB1 gene develop retinal dystrophies, including early-onset retinitis pigmentosa and Leber congenital amaurosis. Previously, we showed that Crb1 knockout mice developed a slow-progressing retinal phenotype at foci in the inferior retina, although specific ablation of Crb2 in immature photoreceptors leads to an early-onset phenotype throughout the retina. Here, we conditionally disrupted one or both alleles of Crb2 in immature photoreceptors, on a genetic background lacking Crb1, and studied the retinal dystrophies thereof. Our data showed that disruption of one allele of Crb2 in immature photoreceptors caused a substantial aggravation of the Crb1 phenotype in the entire inferior retina. The photoreceptor layer showed early-onset progressive thinning limited to the inferior retina, although the superior retina maintained intact. Surprisingly, disruption of both alleles of Crb2 in immature photoreceptors further aggravated the phenotype. Throughout the retina, photoreceptor synapses were disrupted and photoreceptor nuclei intermingled with nuclei of the inner nuclear layer. In the superior retina, the ganglion cell layer appeared thicker because of ectopic nuclei of photoreceptors. In conclusion, the data suggest that CRB2 is required to maintain retinal progenitor and photoreceptor cell adhesion and prevent photoreceptor ingression into the immature inner retina. We hypothesize, from these animal models, that decreased levels of CRB2 in immature photoreceptors adjust retinitis pigmentosa because of the loss of CRB1 into Leber congenital amaurosis phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Quinn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - C Henrique Alves
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Klooster
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Approximately 93 years ago at the zoological laboratories of Harvard University, Keeler, a medical geneticist, discovered a retina from a male albino mouse that was completely devoid of visual cells (rods). This rodless mouse was to be the first ever reported murine model of retinal degeneration. Over the years, naturally occurring retinal degeneration mouse mutants have been identified in several common laboratory inbred lines including FVB/NJ (Pde6brd1) and C57BL/6N (Crb1rd8). It is therefore imperative that vision researchers employing other genetically induced retinal degeneration models and experimental models such as laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) or bright white-light exposure screen for such naturally occurring mutations to prevent costly misinterpretations. In this regard, we describe herein simple molecular-based techniques for screening the presence of some commonly encountered rd mutations (Pde6brd1, Crb1rd8, Pde6brd10, and Rpe65rd12).
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43
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Reliable detection of low visual acuity in mice with pattern visually evoked potentials. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15948. [PMID: 30374137 PMCID: PMC6206061 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34413-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Measuring the optokinetic response (OKR) to rotating sinusoidal gratings is becoming an increasingly common method to determine visual function thresholds in mice. This is possible also through direct electrophysiological recording of the response of the neurons in the visual cortex to the presentation of reversing patterned stimuli, i.e. the pattern visually evoked potential (pVEP). Herein, we optimized the conditions for recording pVEPs in wild-type mice: we investigated the optimal depth (1, 2, or 3 mm) of the inserted electrode and the optimal stimulus pattern (vertical, horizontal, or oblique black and white stripes, or a checkerboard pattern). Visual acuity was higher when measured with the optimal pVEP recording conditions, i.e., with the electrode at 2 mm and a vertical-stripe stimulus (0.530 ± 0.021 cycle/degree), than with OKR (0.455 ± 0.006 cycle/degree). Moreover, in murine eyes with optic nerve crush-induced low vision, OKR could not measure any visual acuity, while pVEPs allowed the reliable quantification of residual vision (0.064 ± 0.004 cycle/degree). Our results show that pVEPs allow more sensitive measurement of visual function than the OKR-based method. This technique should be particularly useful in mouse models of ocular disease and low vision.
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Nishiguchi KM, Fujita K, Tokashiki N, Komamura H, Takemoto-Kimura S, Okuno H, Bito H, Nakazawa T. Retained Plasticity and Substantial Recovery of Rod-Mediated Visual Acuity at the Visual Cortex in Blind Adult Mice with Retinal Dystrophy. Mol Ther 2018; 26:2397-2406. [PMID: 30064895 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 07/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In patients born blind with retinal dystrophies, understanding the critical periods of cortical plasticity is important for successful visual restoration. In this study, we sought to model childhood blindness and investigate the plasticity of visual pathways. To this end, we generated double-mutant (Pde6ccpfl1/cpfl1Gnat1IRD2/IRD2) mice with absent rod and cone photoreceptor function, and we evaluated their response for restoring rod (GNAT1) function through gene therapy. Despite the limited effectiveness of gene therapy in restoring visual acuity in patients with retinal dystrophy, visual acuity was, unexpectedly, successfully restored in the mice at the level of the primary visual cortex in this study. This success in visual restoration, defined by changes in the quantified optokinetic response and pattern visually evoked potential, was achieved regardless of the age at treatment (up to 16 months). In the contralateral visual cortex, cortical plasticity, tagged with light-triggered transcription of Arc, was also restored after the treatment in blind mice carrying an Arc promoter-driven reporter gene, dVenus. Our results demonstrate the remarkable plasticity of visual circuits for one of the two photoreceptor mechanisms in older as well as younger mice with congenital blindness due to retinal dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji M Nishiguchi
- Department of Advanced Ophthalmic Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan.
| | - Kosuke Fujita
- Department of Retinal Disease Control, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Tokashiki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Komamura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Sayaka Takemoto-Kimura
- Department of Neuroscience I, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan; PRESTO-Japan Science and Technology Agency, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Okuno
- Medical Innovation Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Bito
- Department of Neurochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Toru Nakazawa
- Department of Advanced Ophthalmic Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; Department of Retinal Disease Control, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
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45
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Gonzalez-Cordero A, Goh D, Kruczek K, Naeem A, Fernando M, Kleine Holthaus SM, Takaaki M, Blackford SJI, Kloc M, Agundez L, Sampson RD, Borooah S, Ovando-Roche P, Mehat MS, West EL, Smith AJ, Pearson RA, Ali RR. Assessment of AAV Vector Tropisms for Mouse and Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived RPE and Photoreceptor Cells. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 29:1124-1139. [PMID: 29580100 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2018.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viral vectors are showing great promise as gene therapy vectors for a wide range of retinal disorders. To date, evaluation of therapeutic approaches has depended almost exclusively on the use of animal models. With recent advances in human stem cell technology, stem cell-derived retina now offers the possibility to assess efficacy in human organoids in vitro. Here we test six adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotypes [AAV2/2, AAV2/9, AAV2/8, AAV2/8T(Y733F), AAV2/5, and ShH10] to determine their efficiency in transducing mouse and human pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor cells in vitro. All the serotypes tested were capable of transducing RPE and photoreceptor cells in vitro. AAV ShH10 and AAV2/5 are the most efficient vectors at transducing both mouse and human RPE, while AAV2/8 and ShH10 achieved similarly robust transduction of human embryonic stem cell-derived cone photoreceptors. Furthermore, we show that human embryonic stem cell-derived photoreceptors can be used to establish promoter specificity in human cells in vitro. The results of this study will aid capsid selection and vector design for preclinical evaluation of gene therapy approaches, such as gene editing, that require the use of human cells and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anai Gonzalez-Cordero
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Debbie Goh
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Kamil Kruczek
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Arifa Naeem
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Milan Fernando
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Sophia-Martha Kleine Holthaus
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom .,2 MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Matsuki Takaaki
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel J I Blackford
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Magdalena Kloc
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Leticia Agundez
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Robert D Sampson
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Shyamanga Borooah
- 3 Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Ovando-Roche
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Manjit S Mehat
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Emma L West
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander J Smith
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Rachael A Pearson
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Robin R Ali
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
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46
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Kim HS, Vargas A, Eom YS, Li J, Yamamoto KL, Craft CM, Lee EJ. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 enhances rod survival in the rd1 mouse retina. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197322. [PMID: 29742163 PMCID: PMC5942829 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), an inherited retinal degenerative disease, is characterized by a progressive loss of rod photoreceptors followed by loss of cone photoreceptors. Previously, when tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1), a key extracellular matrix (ECM) regulator that binds to and inhibits activation of Matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) was intravitreal injected into eyes of a transgenic rhodopsin rat model of RP, S334ter-line3, we discovered cone outer segments are partially protected. In parallel, we reported that a specific MMP9 and MMP2 inhibitor, SB-3CT, interferes with mechanisms leading to rod photoreceptor cell death in an MMP9 dependent manner. Here, we extend our initial rat studies to examine the potential of TIMP1 as a treatment in retinal degeneration by investigating neuroprotective effects in a classic mouse retinal degeneration model, rdPde6b-/- (rd1). The results clearly demonstrate that intravitreal injections of TIMP1 produce extended protection to delay rod photoreceptor cell death. The mean total number of rods in whole-mount retinas was significantly greater in TIMP-treated rd1 retinas (postnatal (P) 30, P35 (P<0.0001) and P45 (P<0.05) than in saline-treated rd1 retinas. In contrast, SB-3CT did not delay rod cell death, leading us to further investigate alternative pathways that do not involve MMPs. In addition to inducing phosphorylated ERK1/2, TIMP1 significantly reduces BAX activity and delays attenuation of the outer nuclear layer (ONL). Physiological responses using scotopic electroretinograms (ERG) reveal b-wave amplitudes from TIMP1-treated retinas are significantly greater than from saline-treated rd1 retinas (P<0.05). In later degenerative stages of rd1 retinas, photopic b-wave amplitudes from TIMP1-treated rd1 retinas are significantly larger than from saline-treated rd1 retinas (P<0.05). Our findings demonstrate that TIMP1 delays photoreceptor cell death. Furthermore, this study provides new insights into how TIMP1 works in the mouse animal model of RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwa Sun Kim
- MDA Vision Research, USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Andrew Vargas
- MDA Vision Research, USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Yun Sung Eom
- MDA Vision Research, USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Justin Li
- MDA Vision Research, USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Kyra L. Yamamoto
- MDA Vision Research, USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Cheryl Mae Craft
- MDA Vision Research, USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Integrative Anatomical Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Eun-Jin Lee
- MDA Vision Research, USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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47
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Prevention of Photoreceptor Cell Loss in a Cln6 nclf Mouse Model of Batten Disease Requires CLN6 Gene Transfer to Bipolar Cells. Mol Ther 2018; 26:1343-1353. [PMID: 29606505 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are inherited lysosomal storage disorders characterized by general neurodegeneration and premature death. Sight loss is also a major symptom in NCLs, severely affecting the quality of life of patients, but it is not targeted effectively by brain-directed therapies. Here we set out to explore the therapeutic potential of an ocular gene therapy to treat sight loss in NCL due to a deficiency in the transmembrane protein CLN6. We found that, although Cln6nclf mice presented mainly with photoreceptor degeneration, supplementation of CLN6 in photoreceptors was not beneficial. Because the level of CLN6 is low in photoreceptors but high in bipolar cells (retinal interneurons that are only lost in Cln6-deficient mice at late disease stages), we explored the therapeutic effects of delivering CLN6 to bipolar cells using adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 7m8. Bipolar cell-specific expression of CLN6 slowed significantly the loss of photoreceptor function and photoreceptor cells. This study shows that the deficiency of a gene normally expressed in bipolar cells can cause the loss of photoreceptors and that this can be prevented by bipolar cell-directed treatment.
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48
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Scholl HPN, Strauss RW, Singh MS, Dalkara D, Roska B, Picaud S, Sahel JA. Emerging therapies for inherited retinal degeneration. Sci Transl Med 2017; 8:368rv6. [PMID: 27928030 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaf2838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Inherited retinal degenerative diseases, a genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous group of disorders, affect the function of photoreceptor cells and are among the leading causes of blindness. Recent advances in molecular genetics and cell biology are elucidating the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these disorders and are helping to identify new therapeutic approaches, such as gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and optogenetics. Several of these approaches have entered the clinical phase of development. Artificial replacement of dying photoreceptor cells using retinal prostheses has received regulatory approval. Precise retinal imaging and testing of visual function are facilitating more efficient clinical trial design. In individual patients, disease stage will determine whether the therapeutic strategy should comprise photoreceptor cell rescue to delay or arrest vision loss or retinal replacement for vision restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik P N Scholl
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland. .,Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Rupert W Strauss
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London EC1V 2PD, U.K.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, U.K.,Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria.,Department of Ophthalmology, Johannes Kepler University Linz, 4021 Linz, Austria
| | - Mandeep S Singh
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Deniz Dalkara
- INSERM, UMR S 968, 75012 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR 7210, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Botond Roska
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.,Neural Circuit Laboratories, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Serge Picaud
- INSERM, UMR S 968, 75012 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR 7210, 75012 Paris, France
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- INSERM, UMR S 968, 75012 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR 7210, 75012 Paris, France.,Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, 75019 Paris, France.,Centre d'Investigation Clinique 1423, INSERM-Center Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, 75012 Paris, France.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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49
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Edwards TL. Discovery of Māori and Polynesian phototransduction pathway founder mutation: what is the gene and what does it mean? Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2017; 45:854-856. [PMID: 29271598 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.13080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas L Edwards
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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50
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Hanna J, Yücel YH, Zhou X, Mathieu E, Paczka-Giorgi LA, Gupta N. Progressive loss of retinal blood vessels in a live model of retinitis pigmentosa. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2017; 53:391-401. [PMID: 30119795 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2017.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess retinal blood vessels in a live retinitis pigmentosa (RP) model with rd1 mutation and green fluorescent protein (GFP) expressed in vascular endothelium. METHODS Homozygous (hm) Tie2-GFP mice with rd1 mutation and known retinal degeneration were crossed with wild-type CD1 mice to generate control heterozygous (ht) Tie2-GFP mice. The retinas of 16 live hm mice were evaluated at 2 weeks and 3, 5, and 8 months of age, and compared with age-matched control ht and CD1 mice by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO). Fluorescence intensity was measured and compared between strains at 3, 5, and 8 months. In vivo findings were validated by immunostaining with collagen IV and isolectin histopathology. RESULTS All hm Tie2-GFP mice showed progressive outer retinal degeneration by OCT. Loss of small branches of blood vessels and then larger main vessels was seen by cSLO. Retinal tissue and vessels were preserved in control ht mice. At all ages, measurements of fluorescence intensity were reduced in hm compared with ht mice (p < 0.001). In all strains, intensity at 8 months was reduced compared with 3 months (p < 0.001) and 5 months (p = 0.021). Histopathological studies confirmed in vivo findings and revealed a pattern of blood vessel regression in the deep plexus, followed by intermediate and superficial retinal plexuses. CONCLUSIONS This is the first evidence of progressive loss of retinal blood vessels in a live mouse model of RP. These findings may be highly relevant to understanding retinal degeneration in RP to prevent blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Hanna
- Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Yeni H Yücel
- Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont; Ophthalmic Pathology Laboratory, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Xun Zhou
- Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Emily Mathieu
- Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Luz A Paczka-Giorgi
- Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Neeru Gupta
- Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.
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