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Liu Y, Zong X, Cao W, Zhang W, Zhang N, Yang N. Gene Therapy for Retinitis Pigmentosa: Current Challenges and New Progress. Biomolecules 2024; 14:903. [PMID: 39199291 PMCID: PMC11352491 DOI: 10.3390/biom14080903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) poses a significant threat to eye health worldwide, with prevalence rates of 1 in 5000 worldwide. This genetically diverse retinopathy is characterized by the loss of photoreceptor cells and atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium. Despite the involvement of more than 3000 mutations across approximately 90 genes in its onset, finding an effective treatment has been challenging for a considerable time. However, advancements in scientific research, especially in gene therapy, are significantly expanding treatment options for this most prevalent inherited eye disease, with the discovery of new compounds, gene-editing techniques, and gene loci offering hope for more effective treatments. Gene therapy, a promising technology, utilizes viral or non-viral vectors to correct genetic defects by either replacing or silencing disease-causing genes, potentially leading to complete recovery. In this review, we primarily focus on the latest applications of gene editing research in RP. We delve into the most prevalent genes associated with RP and discuss advancements in genome-editing strategies currently employed to correct various disease-causing mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ningzhi Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road #238, Wuhan 430060, China; (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (W.C.); (W.Z.)
| | - Ning Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road #238, Wuhan 430060, China; (Y.L.); (X.Z.); (W.C.); (W.Z.)
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Bianco L, Antropoli A, Benadji A, Condroyer C, Antonio A, Navarro J, Sahel JA, Zeitz C, Audo I. RDH5 and RLBP1-Associated Inherited Retinal Diseases: Refining the Spectrum of Stationary and Progressive Phenotypes. Am J Ophthalmol 2024; 267:160-171. [PMID: 38945349 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2024.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the clinical, functional, and imaging characteristics in patients affected by inherited retinal diseases associated with RDH5 and RLBP1 gene variants, and to report novel genotype-phenotype correlations. DESIGN Retrospective single-center cohort study. METHODS Twenty-two patients with molecularly confirmed RLBP1-associated retinopathy and 5 with RDH5-associated retinopathy. Medical records were reviewed to obtain data on family history and ophthalmologic examinations, including retinal imaging and full-field electroretinography (ffERG). Genotype was determined by targeted next-generation sequencing followed by confirmation and familial segregation by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS The median (interquartile ranges) age at baseline for the RDH5 and RLBP1 cohort was 44.6 (38.2-67.9) years and 36.9 (23.1-45.2) years, respectively. Macular atrophy (MA) was found in approximately 80% of eyes from both cohorts. The RLBP1 genotype was associated with a lower macular volume by 0.28 mm3 (95% CI, -0.46 to -0.11; P = .005) compared to the RDH5 genotype. In both genotypic cohorts, we found a significant annual rate of macular volume loss, estimated at -0.007 mm3/y (95% CI, -0.012 to -0.001; P = .02), without any significant difference between the two genotypes. Three unrelated patients homozygous for the c.361C>T p.(Arg121Trp) RLBP1 variant showed minimal impairment of both the rod and cone systems function on ffERG and absence of MA. CONCLUSIONS Progressive MA in addition to congenital night blindness can be identified in adult patients with RDH5-associated retinopathy. Vice versa, hypomorphic RLBP1 variants may cause milder retinal phenotypes rather than the typical severe rod-cone dystrophy with MA. These findings could prove beneficial to improve the prognostication of patients and help in designing future interventional trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Bianco
- From the Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision (Bianco, Antropoli, Condroyer, Antonio, Antonio, Navarro, Sahel, Zeitz, and Audo), Paris, France; Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute (Bianco and Antropoli), Milan, Italy; Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele (Bianco and Antropoli), Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Antropoli
- From the Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision (Bianco, Antropoli, Condroyer, Antonio, Antonio, Navarro, Sahel, Zeitz, and Audo), Paris, France; Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute (Bianco and Antropoli), Milan, Italy; Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele (Bianco and Antropoli), Milan, Italy
| | - Amine Benadji
- Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares REFERET and INSERM-DGOS CIC (Benadji, Sahel, and Audo), Paris, France
| | - Christel Condroyer
- From the Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision (Bianco, Antropoli, Condroyer, Antonio, Antonio, Navarro, Sahel, Zeitz, and Audo), Paris, France
| | - Aline Antonio
- From the Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision (Bianco, Antropoli, Condroyer, Antonio, Antonio, Navarro, Sahel, Zeitz, and Audo), Paris, France
| | - Julien Navarro
- From the Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision (Bianco, Antropoli, Condroyer, Antonio, Antonio, Navarro, Sahel, Zeitz, and Audo), Paris, France
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- From the Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision (Bianco, Antropoli, Condroyer, Antonio, Antonio, Navarro, Sahel, Zeitz, and Audo), Paris, France; Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares REFERET and INSERM-DGOS CIC (Benadji, Sahel, and Audo), Paris, France; Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (Sahel), Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christina Zeitz
- From the Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision (Bianco, Antropoli, Condroyer, Antonio, Antonio, Navarro, Sahel, Zeitz, and Audo), Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Audo
- From the Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision (Bianco, Antropoli, Condroyer, Antonio, Antonio, Navarro, Sahel, Zeitz, and Audo), Paris, France; Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares REFERET and INSERM-DGOS CIC (Benadji, Sahel, and Audo), Paris, France.
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Bassetto M, Kolesnikov AV, Lewandowski D, Kiser JZ, Halabi M, Einstein DE, Choi EH, Palczewski K, Kefalov VJ, Kiser PD. Dominant role for pigment epithelial CRALBP in supplying visual chromophore to photoreceptors. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114143. [PMID: 38676924 PMCID: PMC11211020 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114143] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein (CRALBP) supports production of 11-cis-retinaldehyde and its delivery to photoreceptors. It is found in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Müller glia (MG), but the relative functional importance of these two cellular pools is debated. Here, we report RPE- and MG-specific CRALBP knockout (KO) mice and examine their photoreceptor and visual cycle function. Bulk visual chromophore regeneration in RPE-KO mice is 15-fold slower than in controls, accounting for their delayed rod dark adaptation and protection against retinal phototoxicity, whereas MG-KO mice have normal bulk visual chromophore regeneration and retinal light damage susceptibility. Cone pigment regeneration is significantly impaired in RPE-KO mice but mildly affected in MG-KO mice, disclosing an unexpectedly strong reliance of cone photoreceptors on the RPE-based visual cycle. These data reveal a dominant role for RPE-CRALBP in supporting rod and cone function and highlight the importance of RPE cell targeting for CRALBP gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bassetto
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Research Service, Tibor Rubin VA Long Beach Medical Center, Long Beach, CA 90822, USA; Center for Translational Vision Research, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Alexander V Kolesnikov
- Center for Translational Vision Research, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Dominik Lewandowski
- Center for Translational Vision Research, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Jianying Z Kiser
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for Translational Vision Research, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Maximilian Halabi
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - David E Einstein
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Research Service, Tibor Rubin VA Long Beach Medical Center, Long Beach, CA 90822, USA
| | - Elliot H Choi
- Center for Translational Vision Research, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for Translational Vision Research, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Vladimir J Kefalov
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for Translational Vision Research, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Philip D Kiser
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Research Service, Tibor Rubin VA Long Beach Medical Center, Long Beach, CA 90822, USA; Center for Translational Vision Research, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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Du X, Butler AG, Chen HY. Cell-cell interaction in the pathogenesis of inherited retinal diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1332944. [PMID: 38500685 PMCID: PMC10944940 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1332944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The retina is part of the central nervous system specialized for vision. Inherited retinal diseases (IRD) are a group of clinically and genetically heterogenous disorders that lead to progressive vision impairment or blindness. Although each disorder is rare, IRD accumulatively cause blindness in up to 5.5 million individuals worldwide. Currently, the pathophysiological mechanisms of IRD are not fully understood and there are limited treatment options available. Most IRD are caused by degeneration of light-sensitive photoreceptors. Genetic mutations that abrogate the structure and/or function of photoreceptors lead to visual impairment followed by blindness caused by loss of photoreceptors. In healthy retina, photoreceptors structurally and functionally interact with retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Müller glia (MG) to maintain retinal homeostasis. Multiple IRD with photoreceptor degeneration as a major phenotype are caused by mutations of RPE- and/or MG-associated genes. Recent studies also reveal compromised MG and RPE caused by mutations in ubiquitously expressed ciliary genes. Therefore, photoreceptor degeneration could be a direct consequence of gene mutations and/or could be secondary to the dysfunction of their interaction partners in the retina. This review summarizes the mechanisms of photoreceptor-RPE/MG interaction in supporting retinal functions and discusses how the disruption of these processes could lead to photoreceptor degeneration, with an aim to provide a unique perspective of IRD pathogenesis and treatment paradigm. We will first describe the biology of retina and IRD and then discuss the interaction between photoreceptors and MG/RPE as well as their implications in disease pathogenesis. Finally, we will summarize the recent advances in IRD therapeutics targeting MG and/or RPE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Holly Y. Chen
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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Vingolo EM, Mascolo S, Miccichè F, Manco G. Retinitis Pigmentosa: From Pathomolecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Strategies. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:189. [PMID: 38276069 PMCID: PMC10819364 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60010189] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa is an inherited disease, in which mutations in different types of genes lead to the death of photoreceptors and the loss of visual function. Although retinitis pigmentosa is the most common type of inherited retinal dystrophy, a clear line of therapy has not yet been defined. In this review, we will focus on the therapeutic aspect and attempt to define the advantages and disadvantages of the protocols of different therapies. The role of some therapies, such as antioxidant agents or gene therapy, has been established for years now. Many clinical trials on different genes and mutations causing RP have been conducted, and the approval of voretigene nepavorec by the FDA has been an important step forward. Nonetheless, even if gene therapy is the most promising type of treatment for these patients, other innovative strategies, such as stem cell transplantation or hyperbaric oxygen therapy, have been shown to be safe and improve visual quality during clinical trials. The treatment of this disease remains a challenge, to which we hope to find a solution as soon as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simona Mascolo
- Sense Organs Department, UOSD of Ophtalmology, University la Sapienza of Rome, Polo Pontino-Ospedale A. Fiorini, 4019 Terracina, Italy; (E.M.V.); (F.M.); (G.M.)
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Xia X, Guo X. Adeno-associated virus vectors for retinal gene therapy in basic research and clinical studies. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1310050. [PMID: 38105897 PMCID: PMC10722277 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1310050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and a broad range of inherited retinal diseases, are leading causes of irreversible vision loss and blindness. Gene therapy is a promising and fast-growing strategy to treat both monogenic and multifactorial retinal disorders. Vectors for gene delivery are crucial for efficient and specific transfer of therapeutic gene(s) into target cells. AAV vectors are ideal for retinal gene therapy due to their inherent advantages in safety, gene expression stability, and amenability for directional engineering. The eye is a highly compartmentalized organ composed of multiple disease-related cell types. To determine a suitable AAV vector for a specific cell type, the route of administration and choice of AAV variant must be considered together. Here, we provide a brief overview of AAV vectors for gene transfer into important ocular cell types, including retinal pigment epithelium cells, photoreceptors, retinal ganglion cells, Müller glial cells, ciliary epithelial cells, trabecular meshwork cells, vascular endothelial cells, and pericytes, via distinct injection methods. By listing suitable AAV vectors in basic research and (pre)clinical studies, we aim to highlight the progress and unmet needs of AAV vectors in retinal gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xinzheng Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, China
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7
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Wong NK, Yip SP, Huang CL. Establishing Functional Retina in a Dish: Progress and Promises of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Retinal Neuron Differentiation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13652. [PMID: 37686457 PMCID: PMC10487913 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713652] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The human eye plays a critical role in vision perception, but various retinal degenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can lead to vision loss or blindness. Although progress has been made in understanding retinal development and in clinical research, current treatments remain inadequate for curing or reversing these degenerative conditions. Animal models have limited relevance to humans, and obtaining human eye tissue samples is challenging due to ethical and legal considerations. Consequently, researchers have turned to stem cell-based approaches, specifically induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), to generate distinct retinal cell populations and develop cell replacement therapies. iPSCs offer a novel platform for studying the key stages of human retinogenesis and disease-specific mechanisms. Stem cell technology has facilitated the production of diverse retinal cell types, including retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and photoreceptors, and the development of retinal organoids has emerged as a valuable in vitro tool for investigating retinal neuron differentiation and modeling retinal diseases. This review focuses on the protocols, culture conditions, and techniques employed in differentiating retinal neurons from iPSCs. Furthermore, it emphasizes the significance of molecular and functional validation of the differentiated cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nonthaphat Kent Wong
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shea Ping Yip
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chien-Ling Huang
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China
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8
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Montag K, Ivanov R, Bauer P. Role of SEC14-like phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins in membrane identity and dynamics. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1181031. [PMID: 37255567 PMCID: PMC10225987 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1181031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Membrane identity and dynamic processes, that act at membrane sites, provide important cues for regulating transport, signal transduction and communication across membranes. There are still numerous open questions as to how membrane identity changes and the dynamic processes acting at the surface of membranes are regulated in diverse eukaryotes in particular plants and which roles are being played by protein interaction complexes composed of peripheral and integral membrane proteins. One class of peripheral membrane proteins conserved across eukaryotes comprises the SEC14-like phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins (SEC14L-PITPs). These proteins share a SEC14 domain that contributes to membrane identity and fulfills regulatory functions in membrane trafficking by its ability to sense, bind, transport and exchange lipophilic substances between membranes, such as phosphoinositides and diverse other lipophilic substances. SEC14L-PITPs can occur as single-domain SEC14-only proteins in all investigated organisms or with a modular domain structure as multi-domain proteins in animals and streptophytes (comprising charales and land plants). Here, we present an overview on the functional roles of SEC14L-PITPs, with a special focus on the multi-domain SEC14L-PITPs of the SEC14-nodulin and SEC14-GOLD group (PATELLINs, PATLs in plants). This indicates that SEC14L-PITPs play diverse roles from membrane trafficking to organism fitness in plants. We concentrate on the structure of SEC14L-PITPs, their ability to not only bind phospholipids but also other lipophilic ligands, and their ability to regulate complex cellular responses through interacting with proteins at membrane sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolin Montag
- Institute of Botany, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Rumen Ivanov
- Institute of Botany, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Petra Bauer
- Institute of Botany, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Center of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), Germany
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Chen DD, Liu B, Wang Y, Jiang M, Shang G, Xue M, Jia X, Lang Y, Zhou G, Zhang F, Peng X, Hu Y. The downregulation of HSP90-controlled CRALBP expression is associated with age-related vision attenuation. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22832. [PMID: 36826429 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201608rr] [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: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
The dysfunction of CRALBP, a key regulator of the visual cycle, is associated with retinitis punctata albescens characterized by night vision loss and retinal degeneration. In this paper, we find that the expression of CRALBP is regulated by heat shock protein 90 (HSP90). Inhibition of HSP90α or HSP90β expression by using the CRISPR-Cas9 technology downregulates CRALBP's mRNA and protein expression in ARPE-19 cells by triggering the degradation of transcription factor SP1 in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. SP1 can bind to CRALBP's promoter, and inhibition of SP1 by its inhibitor plicamycin or siRNA downregulates CRALBP's mRNA expression. In the zebrafish, inhibition of HSP90 by the intraperitoneal injection of IPI504 reduces the thickness of the retinal outer nuclear layer and Rlbp1b mRNA expression. Interestingly, the expression of HSP90, SP1, and CRALBP is correlatedly downregulated in the senescent ARPE-19 and Pig primary RPE cells in vitro and in the aged zebrafish and mouse retinal tissues in vivo. The aged mice exhibit the low night adaption activity. Taken together, these data indicate that the HSP90-SP1 is a novel regulatory axis of CRALBP transcriptional expression in RPE cells. The age-mediated downregulation of the HSP90-SP1-CRALBP axis is a potential etiology for the night vision reduction in senior people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Dan Chen
- The Division of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Baixue Liu
- The Division of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuxuan Wang
- The Division of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mingjun Jiang
- The Division of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guohui Shang
- Department of Medical Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mengjiao Xue
- The Division of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaolin Jia
- The Division of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - YouFei Lang
- The Division of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guiling Zhou
- The Division of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fengyan Zhang
- The Division of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xuyan Peng
- The Division of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanzhong Hu
- The Division of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,The Jointed National Laboratory of Antibody Drug Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
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Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenesis Underlying Inherited Retinal Dystrophies. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020271. [PMID: 36830640 PMCID: PMC9953031 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020271] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are congenital retinal degenerative diseases that have various inheritance patterns, including dominant, recessive, X-linked, and mitochondrial. These diseases are most often the result of defects in rod and/or cone photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium function, development, or both. The genes associated with these diseases, when mutated, produce altered protein products that have downstream effects in pathways critical to vision, including phototransduction, the visual cycle, photoreceptor development, cellular respiration, and retinal homeostasis. The aim of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive review of the underlying molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis of IRDs by delving into many of the genes associated with IRD development, their protein products, and the pathways interrupted by genetic mutation.
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Bhardwaj A, Yadav A, Yadav M, Tanwar M. Genetic dissection of non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa. Indian J Ophthalmol 2022; 70:2355-2385. [PMID: 35791117 PMCID: PMC9426071 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_46_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) belongs to a group of pigmentary retinopathies. It is the most common form of inherited retinal dystrophy, characterized by progressive degradation of photoreceptors that leads to nyctalopia, and ultimately, complete vision loss. RP is distinguished by the continuous retinal degeneration that progresses from the mid-periphery to the central and peripheral retina. RP was first described and named by Franciscus Cornelius Donders in the year 1857. It is one of the leading causes of bilateral blindness in adults, with an incidence of 1 in 3000 people worldwide. In this review, we are going to focus on the genetic heterogeneity of this disease, which is provided by various inheritance patterns, numerosity of variations and inter-/intra-familial variations based upon penetrance and expressivity. Although over 90 genes have been identified in RP patients, the genetic cause of approximately 50% of RP cases remains unknown. Heterogeneity of RP makes it an extremely complicated ocular impairment. It is so complicated that it is known as “fever of unknown origin”. For prognosis and proper management of the disease, it is necessary to understand its genetic heterogeneity so that each phenotype related to the various genetic variations could be treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarti Bhardwaj
- Department of Genetics, M. D. University, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - Anshu Yadav
- Department of Genetics, M. D. University, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - Manoj Yadav
- Department of Genetics, M. D. University, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - Mukesh Tanwar
- Department of Genetics, M. D. University, Rohtak, Haryana, India
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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: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [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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Georgiou M, Yang C, Atkinson R, Pan K, Buskin A, Molina MM, Collin J, Al‐Aama J, Goertler F, Ludwig SEJ, Davey T, Lührmann R, Nagaraja‐Grellscheid S, Johnson CA, Ali R, Armstrong L, Korolchuk V, Urlaub H, Mozaffari‐Jovin S, Lako M. Activation of autophagy reverses progressive and deleterious protein aggregation in PRPF31 patient-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium cells. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e759. [PMID: 35297555 PMCID: PMC8926896 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mutations in pre-mRNA processing factor 31 (PRPF31), a core protein of the spliceosomal tri-snRNP complex, cause autosomal-dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP). It has remained an enigma why mutations in ubiquitously expressed tri-snRNP proteins result in retina-specific disorders, and so far, the underlying mechanism of splicing factors-related RP is poorly understood. METHODS We used the induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology to generate retinal organoids and RPE models from four patients with severe and very severe PRPF31-adRP, unaffected individuals and a CRISPR/Cas9 isogenic control. RESULTS To fully assess the impacts of PRPF31 mutations, quantitative proteomics analyses of retinal organoids and RPE cells were carried out showing RNA splicing, autophagy and lysosome, unfolded protein response (UPR) and visual cycle-related pathways to be significantly affected. Strikingly, the patient-derived RPE and retinal cells were characterised by the presence of large amounts of cytoplasmic aggregates containing the mutant PRPF31 and misfolded, ubiquitin-conjugated proteins including key visual cycle and other RP-linked tri-snRNP proteins, which accumulated progressively with time. The mutant PRPF31 variant was not incorporated into splicing complexes, but reduction of PRPF31 wild-type levels led to tri-snRNP assembly defects in Cajal bodies of PRPF31 patient retinal cells, altered morphology of nuclear speckles and reduced formation of active spliceosomes giving rise to global splicing dysregulation. Moreover, the impaired waste disposal mechanisms further exacerbated aggregate formation, and targeting these by activating the autophagy pathway using Rapamycin reduced cytoplasmic aggregates, leading to improved cell survival. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that it is the progressive aggregate accumulation that overburdens the waste disposal machinery rather than direct PRPF31-initiated mis-splicing, and thus relieving the RPE cells from insoluble cytoplasmic aggregates presents a novel therapeutic strategy that can be combined with gene therapy studies to fully restore RPE and retinal cell function in PRPF31-adRP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Georgiou
- Newcastle University Biosciences InstituteNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Chunbo Yang
- Newcastle University Biosciences InstituteNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Robert Atkinson
- Newcastle University Biosciences InstituteNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Kuan‐Ting Pan
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary SciencesGöttingenGermany
| | - Adriana Buskin
- Newcastle University Biosciences InstituteNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | | | - Joseph Collin
- Newcastle University Biosciences InstituteNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Jumana Al‐Aama
- Faculty of MedicineKing Abdulaziz UniversitySaudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Tracey Davey
- Newcastle University Biosciences InstituteNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | | | | | | | | | - Lyle Armstrong
- Newcastle University Biosciences InstituteNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | | | - Henning Urlaub
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary SciencesGöttingenGermany
- Bioanalytics, Department of Clinical ChemistryUniversity Medical CenterGoettingenGermany
| | - Sina Mozaffari‐Jovin
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary SciencesGöttingenGermany
- Medical Genetics Research CenterMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Newcastle University Biosciences InstituteNewcastle upon TyneUK
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14
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Tang JAH, Granger CE, Kunala K, Parkins K, Huynh KT, Bowles-Johnson K, Yang Q, Hunter JJ. Adaptive optics fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy of in vivo human retinal pigment epithelium. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2022; 13:1737-1754. [PMID: 35414970 PMCID: PMC8973160 DOI: 10.1364/boe.451628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The intrinsic fluorescence properties of lipofuscin - naturally occurring granules that accumulate in the retinal pigment epithelium - are a potential biomarker for the health of the eye. A new modality is described here which combines adaptive optics technology with fluorescence lifetime detection, allowing for the investigation of functional and compositional differences within the eye and between subjects. This new adaptive optics fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscope was demonstrated in 6 subjects. Repeated measurements between visits had a minimum intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.59 Although the light levels were well below maximum permissible exposures, the safety of the imaging paradigm was tested using clinical measures; no concerns were raised. This new technology allows for in vivo adaptive optics fluorescence lifetime imaging of the human RPE mosaic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet A. H. Tang
- The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
- Contributed equally
| | - Charles E. Granger
- The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
- Contributed equally
| | - Karteek Kunala
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Keith Parkins
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Khang T. Huynh
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Kristen Bowles-Johnson
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Qiang Yang
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Jennifer J. Hunter
- The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
- Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
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15
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Sanie-Jahromi F, Nowroozzadeh MH. RPE based gene and cell therapy for inherited retinal diseases: A review. Exp Eye Res 2022; 217:108961. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.108961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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16
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Arai H, Kono N. α-Tocopherol transfer protein (α-TTP). Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 176:162-175. [PMID: 34563650 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
α-Tocopherol transfer protein (α-TTP) is so far the only known protein that specifically recognizes α-tocopherol (α-Toc), the most abundant and most biologically active form of vitamin E, in higher animals. α-TTP is highly expressed in the liver where α-TTP selects α-Toc among vitamin E forms taken up via plasma lipoproteins and promotes its secretion to circulating lipoproteins. Thus, α-TTP is a major determinant of plasma α-Toc concentrations. Familial vitamin E deficiency, also called Ataxia with vitamin E deficiency, is caused by mutations in the α-TTP gene. More than 20 different mutations have been found in the α-TTP gene worldwide, among which some missense mutations provided valuable clues to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying intracellular α-Toc transport. In hepatocytes, α-TTP catalyzes the vectorial transport of α-Toc from the endocytotic compartment to the plasma membrane (PM) by targeting phosphatidylinositol phosphates (PIPs) such as PI(4,5)P2. By binding PIPs at the PM, α-TTP opens the lid covering the hydrophobic pocket, thus facilitating the release of bound α-Toc to the PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Arai
- Laboratory of Microenvironmental and Metabolic Health Science, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Nozomu Kono
- Department of Health Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
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17
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Acquired night blindness due to rod dysfunction after long-term hemodialysis. Jpn J Ophthalmol 2021; 66:1-7. [PMID: 34741231 DOI: 10.1007/s10384-021-00883-z] [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: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report the clinical findings in 6 patients who developed night blindness after long-term hemodialysis. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series. PATIENTS AND METHODS The medical charts of the 6 patients were examined. The fundus photographs, spectral-domain optical coherence tomographic (SD-OCT) images, full-field ERGs, and blood chemistry panels were analyzed. RESULTS The mean age of the 6 patients (4 men) at the time of diagnosis was 69.1 ± 5.9 years. The mean duration of the hemodialysis was 21.8 ± 13.4 years (7-41 years). The visual acuity of the patients was preserved at 20/30 or better except in 1 eye. Ophthalmoscopy showed white flecks that were scattered over the midperipheral retina in all the eyes. SD-OCT showed mild macular degeneration in 5 eyes. The scotopic ERGs elicited by dim flashes were absent, and those elicited by bright flashes had negative waveforms. The photopic ERGs were relatively well preserved. These data indicated a rod-specific dysfunction that may account for the night blindness. The plasma concentration of vitamin A was within the normal range in 4 of the patients and slightly lower than the normal limit in 1 of the patients. Administration of vitamin A was performed for 1 patient, and the symptom of night blindness and scotopic ERGs were improved 3 months later. DISCUSSION Long-term hemodialysis can be associated with the night blindness that may be caused by vitamin A deficiency, even though the plasma concentration of vitamin A in these patients was within the normal range.
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18
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Schlegel DK, Ramkumar S, von Lintig J, Neuhauss SC. Disturbed retinoid metabolism upon loss of rlbp1a impairs cone function and leads to subretinal lipid deposits and photoreceptor degeneration in the zebrafish retina. eLife 2021; 10:71473. [PMID: 34668483 PMCID: PMC8585484 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71473] [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: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The RLBP1 gene encodes the 36 kDa cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein, CRALBP, a soluble retinoid carrier, in the visual cycle of the eyes. Mutations in RLBP1 are associated with recessively inherited clinical phenotypes, including Bothnia dystrophy, retinitis pigmentosa, retinitis punctata albescens, fundus albipunctatus, and Newfoundland rod–cone dystrophy. However, the etiology of these retinal disorders is not well understood. Here, we generated homologous zebrafish models to bridge this knowledge gap. Duplication of the rlbp1 gene in zebrafish and cell-specific expression of the paralogs rlbp1a in the retinal pigment epithelium and rlbp1b in Müller glial cells allowed us to create intrinsically cell type-specific knockout fish lines. Using rlbp1a and rlbp1b single and double mutants, we investigated the pathological effects on visual function. Our analyses revealed that rlbp1a was essential for cone photoreceptor function and chromophore metabolism in the fish eyes. rlbp1a-mutant fish displayed reduced chromophore levels and attenuated cone photoreceptor responses to light stimuli. They accumulated 11-cis and all-trans-retinyl esters which displayed as enlarged lipid droplets in the RPE reminiscent of the subretinal yellow-white lesions in patients with RLBP1 mutations. During aging, these fish developed retinal thinning and cone and rod photoreceptor dystrophy. In contrast, rlbp1b mutants did not display impaired vision. The double mutant essentially replicated the phenotype of the rlbp1a single mutant. Together, our study showed that the rlbp1a zebrafish mutant recapitulated many features of human blinding diseases caused by RLBP1 mutations and provided novel insights into the pathways for chromophore regeneration of cone photoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domino K Schlegel
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Srinivasagan Ramkumar
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, United States
| | - Johannes von Lintig
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, United States
| | - Stephan Cf Neuhauss
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
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19
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Retinitis Punctata Albescens and RLBP1-Allied Phenotypes. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2021; 1:100052. [PMID: 36247817 PMCID: PMC9559097 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2021.100052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To identify relevant criteria for gene therapy based on clinical and genetic characteristics of rod–cone dystrophy associated with RLBP1 pathogenic variants in a large cohort comprising children and adults. Design Retrospective cohort study. Participants Patients with pathogenic variants in RLBP1 registered in a single French reference center specialized in inherited retinal dystrophies. Methods Clinical, multimodal imaging, and genetic findings were reviewed. Main Outcome Measures Age of onset; visual acuity; ellipsoid line length; nasal, temporal, and foveal retinal thickness; and pathogenic variants and related phenotypes, including Newfoundland rod–cone and Bothnia dystrophies (NFRCDs), were reappraised. Results Twenty-one patients (15 families) were included. The most frequent form was NFRCD with 12 patients (8 families) homozygous for the recurrent deletion of exons 7 through 9 in RLBP1 and 5 patients (4 families) with biallelic protein-truncating variants (2 novel: p.Gln16∗ and p.Tyr251∗). A novel combination of the p.Arg234Trp Bothnia variant with a nonsense variant in trans led to Bothnia dystrophy in 2 sisters. One proband carrying the p.Met266Lys Bothnia variant and in trans p.Arg121Trp and a second, with the p.Arg9Cys and p.Tyr111∗ combination, both demonstrated mild retinitis punctata albescens. Independently of genotype, all patients showed a visual acuity of worse than 20/200, an ellipsoid line width of less than 1000 μm, and a mean foveal thickness of less than 130 to 150 μm, with loss of both the interdigitation and ellipsoid lines. Conclusions The eligibility for RLBP1 gene therapy first should be determined according to the biallelic variant combination using a robust classification as proposed herein. An ellipsoid line width of more than 1200 μm and a central thickness of more than 130 to 150 μm with detectable ellipsoid and interdigitation lines should be 2 prerequisite imaging indicators for gene therapy.
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20
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O'Carroll SJ, Cook WH, Young D. AAV Targeting of Glial Cell Types in the Central and Peripheral Nervous System and Relevance to Human Gene Therapy. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 13:618020. [PMID: 33505247 PMCID: PMC7829478 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.618020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Different glial cell types are found throughout the central (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), where they have important functions. These cell types are also involved in nervous system pathology, playing roles in neurodegenerative disease and following trauma in the brain and spinal cord (astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes), nerve degeneration and development of pain in peripheral nerves (Schwann cells, satellite cells), retinal diseases (Müller glia) and gut dysbiosis (enteric glia). These cell type have all been proposed as potential targets for treating these conditions. One approach to target these cell types is the use of gene therapy to modify gene expression. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have been shown to be safe and effective in targeting cells in the nervous system and have been used in a number of clinical trials. To date, a number of studies have tested the use of different AAV serotypes and cell-specific promoters to increase glial cell tropism and expression. However, true glial-cell specific targeting for a particular glial cell type remains elusive. This review provides an overview of research into developing glial specific gene therapy and discusses some of the issues that still need to be addressed to make glial cell gene therapy a clinical reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J O'Carroll
- Spinal Cord Injury Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - William H Cook
- Molecular Neurotherapeutics Group, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Deborah Young
- Molecular Neurotherapeutics Group, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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21
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Kolesnikov AV, Kiser PD, Palczewski K, Kefalov VJ. Function of mammalian M-cones depends on the level of CRALBP in Müller cells. J Gen Physiol 2021; 153:211551. [PMID: 33216847 PMCID: PMC7685772 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202012675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cone photoreceptors mediate daytime vision in vertebrates. The rapid and efficient regeneration of their visual pigments following photoactivation is critical for the cones to remain photoresponsive in bright and rapidly changing light conditions. Cone pigment regeneration depends on the recycling of visual chromophore, which takes place via the canonical visual cycle in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the Müller cell-driven intraretinal visual cycle. The molecular mechanisms that enable the neural retina to regenerate visual chromophore for cones have not been fully elucidated. However, one known component of the two visual cycles is the cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein (CRALBP), which is expressed both in the RPE and in Müller cells. To understand the significance of CRALBP in cone pigment regeneration, we examined the function of cones in mice heterozygous for Rlbp1, the gene encoding CRALBP. We found that CRALBP expression was reduced by ∼50% in both the RPE and retina of Rlbp1+/- mice. Electroretinography (ERG) showed that the dark adaptation of rods and cones is unaltered in Rlbp1+/- mice, indicating a normal RPE visual cycle. However, pharmacologic blockade of the RPE visual cycle revealed suppressed cone dark adaptation in Rlbp1+/- mice in comparison with controls. We conclude that the expression level of CRALPB specifically in the Müller cells modulates the efficiency of the retina visual cycle. Finally, blocking the RPE visual cycle also suppressed further cone dark adaptation in Rlbp1-/- mice, revealing a shunt in the classical RPE visual cycle that bypasses CRALBP and allows partial but unexpectedly rapid cone dark adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander V Kolesnikov
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Philip D Kiser
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Center for Translation Vision Research, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA.,Research Service, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, CA
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Center for Translation Vision Research, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA.,Department of Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Vladimir J Kefalov
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
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22
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Widjaja-Adhi MAK, Golczak M. The molecular aspects of absorption and metabolism of carotenoids and retinoids in vertebrates. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2020; 1865:158571. [PMID: 31770587 PMCID: PMC7244374 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2019.158571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient necessary for numerous basic physiological functions, including reproduction and development, immune cell differentiation and communication, as well as the perception of light. To evade the dire consequences of vitamin A deficiency, vertebrates have evolved specialized metabolic pathways that enable the absorption, transport, and storage of vitamin A acquired from dietary sources as preformed retinoids or provitamin A carotenoids. This evolutionary advantage requires a complex interplay between numerous specialized retinoid-transport proteins, receptors, and enzymes. Recent advances in molecular and structural biology resulted in a rapid expansion of our understanding of these processes at the molecular level. This progress opened new avenues for the therapeutic manipulation of retinoid homeostasis. In this review, we summarize current research related to the biochemistry of carotenoid and retinoid-processing proteins with special emphasis on the structural aspects of their physiological actions. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Carotenoids recent advances in cell and molecular biology edited by Johannes von Lintig and Loredana Quadro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Made Airanthi K Widjaja-Adhi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Marcin Golczak
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States of America; Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States of America.
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23
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Harrison KR, Reifler AN, Chervenak AP, Wong KY. Prolonged Melanopsin-based Photoresponses Depend in Part on RPE65 and Cellular Retinaldehyde-binding Protein (CRALBP). Curr Eye Res 2020; 46:515-523. [PMID: 32841098 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2020.1815793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) contain the photopigment melanopsin and can signal light continuously for many hours. Melanopsin is excited when its chromophore 11-cis-retinal absorbs a photon and becomes all-trans-retinal, which must be reisomerized to 11-cis-retinal to regenerate photoexcitable melanopsin. Due to the great distance separating ipRGCs from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) whose retinoid cycle produces 11-cis-retinal, ipRGCs had been assumed to regenerate all melanopsin molecules autonomously. Surprisingly, we previously found that pharmacologically inhibiting the retinoid cycle rendered melanopsin-based responses to prolonged illumination less sustained, suggesting that the RPE may supply retinoids to help ipRGCs regenerate melanopsin during extended photostimulation. However, the specificity of those drugs is unclear. Here, we reexamined the role of the retinoid cycle, and tested whether the RPE-to-ipRGC transport of retinoids utilizes cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein (CRALBP), present throughout the RPE and Müller glia. METHODS To measure melanopsin-mediated photoresponses in isolation, all animals were 8- to 12-month-old rod/cone-degenerate mice. We genetically knocked out RPE-specific 65 kDa protein (RPE65), a critical enzyme in the retinoid cycle. We also knocked out the CRALBP gene rlbp1 mainly in Foxg1-expressing Müller cells. We obtained multielectrode-array recordings from ipRGCs in a novel RPE-attached mouse retina preparation, and imaged pupillary light reflexes in vivo. RESULTS Melanopsin-based ipRGC responses to prolonged light became less tonic in both knockout lines, and pupillary light reflexes were also less sustained in RPE65-knockout than control mice. CONCLUSIONS These results confirm that ipRGCs rely partly on the retinoid cycle to continuously regenerate melanopsin during prolonged photostimulation, and suggest that CRALBP in Müller glia likely transports 11-cis-retinal from the RPE to ipRGCs - this is the first proposed functional role for CRALBP in the inner retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystal R Harrison
- Departments of Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Aaron N Reifler
- Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Andrew P Chervenak
- Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kwoon Y Wong
- Departments of Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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24
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Bagheri S, Pantrangi M, Sodhi SK, Bagheri S, Oellers P, Scholl HPN. A NOVEL LARGE HOMOZYGOUS DELETION IN THE CELLULAR RETINALDEHYDE-BINDING PROTEIN GENE (RLBP1) IN A PATIENT WITH RETINITIS PUNCTATA ALBESCENS. Retin Cases Brief Rep 2020; 14:85-89. [PMID: 28827498 DOI: 10.1097/icb.0000000000000628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report the phenotypic and genotypic data of a patient with retinitis punctata albescens carrying a novel deletion in the RLBP1 gene. RESULTS A woman of Iranian descent in her forties with a history of progressive visual deterioration since early childhood exhibited phenotypic features of retinitis punctata albescens with multiple white dots in the posterior pole and macular atrophy in both eyes. The microarray analysis identified a ∼2.160 kb homozygous deletion corresponding to a minimum deletion boundary of chr15q26.1:89,756,882-89,759,041/GRCh37 (hg19), which encompasses exon 6 of the RLBP1 gene. CONCLUSION We describe a novel large homozygous deletion in the RLBP1 gene encoding the cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein in a patient of Iranian descent with retinitis punctata albescens. Genotype-phenotype studies may provide more information about the functions of the RLBP1 encoding proteins and the disease course, because RLBP1 mutations are associated with high phenotypic variability and are therefore a necessity for future tailored individual therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saghar Bagheri
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Simrat K Sodhi
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Patrick Oellers
- Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Hendrik P N Scholl
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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25
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Masson C, García-García D, Bitard J, Grellier ÉK, Roger JE, Perron M. Yap haploinsufficiency leads to Müller cell dysfunction and late-onset cone dystrophy. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:631. [PMID: 32801350 PMCID: PMC7429854 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02860-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hippo signalling regulates eye growth during embryogenesis through its effectors YAP and TAZ. Taking advantage of a Yap heterozygous mouse line, we here sought to examine its function in adult neural retina, where YAP expression is restricted to Müller glia. We first discovered an unexpected temporal dynamic of gene compensation. At postnatal stages, Taz upregulation occurs, leading to a gain of function-like phenotype characterised by EGFR signalling potentiation and delayed cell-cycle exit of retinal progenitors. In contrast, Yap+/- adult retinas no longer exhibit TAZ-dependent dosage compensation. In this context, Yap haploinsufficiency in aged individuals results in Müller glia dysfunction, late-onset cone degeneration, and reduced cone-mediated visual response. Alteration of glial homeostasis and altered patterns of cone opsins were also observed in Müller cell-specific conditional Yap-knockout aged mice. Together, this study highlights a novel YAP function in Müller cells for the maintenance of retinal tissue homeostasis and the preservation of cone integrity. It also suggests that YAP haploinsufficiency should be considered and explored as a cause of cone dystrophies in human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christel Masson
- Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, CERTO-Retina France, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, 91405, France.
| | - Diana García-García
- Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, CERTO-Retina France, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, 91405, France
| | - Juliette Bitard
- Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, CERTO-Retina France, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, 91405, France
| | - Élodie-Kim Grellier
- Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, CERTO-Retina France, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, 91405, France
| | - Jérôme E Roger
- Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, CERTO-Retina France, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, 91405, France.
| | - Muriel Perron
- Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, CERTO-Retina France, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, 91405, France.
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26
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Garafalo AV, Cideciyan AV, Héon E, Sheplock R, Pearson A, WeiYang Yu C, Sumaroka A, Aguirre GD, Jacobson SG. Progress in treating inherited retinal diseases: Early subretinal gene therapy clinical trials and candidates for future initiatives. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 77:100827. [PMID: 31899291 PMCID: PMC8714059 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.100827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Due to improved phenotyping and genetic characterization, the field of 'incurable' and 'blinding' inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) has moved substantially forward. Decades of ascertainment of IRD patient data from Philadelphia and Toronto centers illustrate the progress from Mendelian genetic types to molecular diagnoses. Molecular genetics have been used not only to clarify diagnoses and to direct counseling but also to enable the first clinical trials of gene-based treatment in these diseases. An overview of the recent reports of gene augmentation clinical trials by subretinal injections is used to reflect on the reasons why there has been limited success in this early venture into therapy. These first-in human experiences have taught that there is a need for advancing the techniques of delivery of the gene products - not only for refining further subretinal trials, but also for evaluating intravitreal delivery. Candidate IRDs for intravitreal gene delivery are then suggested to illustrate some of the disorders that may be amenable to improvement of remaining central vision with the least photoreceptor trauma. A more detailed understanding of the human IRDs to be considered for therapy and the calculated potential for efficacy should be among the routine prerequisites for initiating a clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra V Garafalo
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Elise Héon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rebecca Sheplock
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Alexander Pearson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Caberry WeiYang Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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27
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Green J, Tolley C, Bentley S, Arbuckle R, Burstedt M, Whelan J, Holopigian K, Stasi K, Sloesen B, Spera C, Deslandes JY, Mullins A. Qualitative Interviews to Better Understand the Patient Experience and Evaluate Patient-Reported Outcomes (PRO) in RLBP1 Retinitis Pigmentosa (RLBP1 RP). Adv Ther 2020; 37:2884-2901. [PMID: 32372289 PMCID: PMC7467452 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-020-01275-4] [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: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION RLBP1 RP is an autosomal recessive form of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), characterized by night blindness, prolonged dark adaptation, constricted visual fields and impaired macular function. This study aimed to better understand the patient experience of RLBP1 RP and evaluate the content validity of existing patient reported outcome (PRO) instruments in this condition. METHODS Semi-structured concept elicitation and cognitive debriefing interviews were conducted with RLBP1 RP patients in Canada and Sweden. Interviews started with open-ended concept elicitation questioning, and then patients were cognitively debriefed on The National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25), the Low Luminance Questionnaire (LLQ) and four light/dark adaptation items of the Visual Activities Questionnaire (VAQ). Qualitative interviews were also conducted with three expert clinicians. Anonymized, verbatim transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Twenty-one patients were interviewed (Canada n = 10; Sweden n = 11). Symptoms reported included night blindness (n = 21), difficulty adapting to changes in lighting (n = 21) and difficulties seeing in bright lighting (n = 18). Patients experienced substantial impacts on daily activities (n = 21) and physical functioning (n = 17). Patients had difficulty interpreting and selecting a response for some items in the NEI VFQ-25 and LLQ. Some items were not relevant to patients' disease experience. There were both gaps and overlaps in the conceptual coverage of the instruments. CONCLUSIONS Visual impairment due to RLBP1 RP has a substantial impact on physical functioning and daily activities. To adequately assess all important symptoms and associated functional impacts in RLBP1 RP, it is recommended to either modify one or more existing instruments or to develop a new non-syndromic RP specific instrument.
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28
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Wang D, Lu C, Yu J, Zhang M, Zhu W, Gu J. Chinese Medicine for Psoriasis Vulgaris Based on Syndrome Pattern: A Network Pharmacological Study. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2020; 2020:5239854. [PMID: 32419809 PMCID: PMC7204377 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5239854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The long-term use of conventional therapy for psoriasis vulgaris remains a challenge due to limited or no patient response and severe side effects. Complementary and alternative treatments such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are widely used in East Asia. TCM treatment is based on individual syndrome types. Three TCM formulae, Compound Qingdai Pills (F1), Yujin Yinxie Tablets (F2), and Xiaoyin Tablets (F3), are used for blood heat, blood stasis, and blood dryness type of psoriasis vulgaris, respectively. OBJECTIVES To explore the mechanism of three TCM formulae for three syndrome types of psoriasis vulgaris. METHODS The compounds of the three TCM formulae were retrieved from the Psoriasis Database of Traditional Chinese Medicine (PDTCM). Their molecular properties of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADME/T), and drug-likeness were compared by analyzing the distribution of compounds in the chemical space. The cellular targets of the compounds were predicted by molecular docking. By constructing the compound-target network and analyzing network centrality, key targets and compounds for each formula were screened. Three syndrome types of psoriasis vulgaris related pathways and biological processes (BPs) were enriched by the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) v6.8. RESULTS The compounds of the three formulae exhibited structural diversity, good drug-like properties, and ADME/T properties. A total of 72, 97 and 85 targets were found to have interactions with compounds of F1, F2, and F3, respectively. The three formulae were all related to 53 targets, 8 pathways, 9 biological processes, and 10 molecular functions (MFs). In addition, each formula had unique targets and regulated different pathways and BPs. CONCLUSION The three TCM formulae exhibited common mechanisms to some extent. The differences at molecular and systems levels may contribute to their unique applications in individualized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Wang
- Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510091, China
- Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510006, China
- The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chuanjian Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510006, China
- The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jingjie Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510006, China
- The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510006, China
- The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510006, China
- The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jiangyong Gu
- Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510006, China
- The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
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29
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Lima de Carvalho JR, Kim HJ, Ueda K, Zhao J, Owji AP, Yang T, Tsang SH, Sparrow JR. Effects of deficiency in the RLBP1-encoded visual cycle protein CRALBP on visual dysfunction in humans and mice. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:6767-6780. [PMID: 32188692 PMCID: PMC7212638 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.012695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in retinaldehyde-binding protein 1 (RLBP1), encoding the visual cycle protein cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein (CRALBP), cause an autosomal recessive form of retinal degeneration. By binding to 11-cis-retinoid, CRALBP augments the isomerase activity of retinoid isomerohydrolase RPE65 (RPE65) and facilitates 11-cis-retinol oxidation to 11-cis-retinal. CRALBP also maintains the 11-cis configuration and protects against unwanted retinaldehyde activity. Studying a sibling pair that is compound heterozygous for mutations in RLBP1/CRALBP, here we expand the phenotype of affected individuals, elucidate a previously unreported phenotype in RLBP1/CRALBP carriers, and demonstrate consistencies between the affected individuals and Rlbp1/Cralbp−/− mice. In the RLBP1/CRALBP-affected individuals, nonrecordable rod-specific electroretinogram traces were recovered after prolonged dark adaptation. In ultrawide-field fundus images, we observed radially arranged puncta typical of RLBP1/CRALBP-associated disease. Spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) revealed hyperreflective aberrations within photoreceptor-associated bands. In short-wavelength fundus autofluorescence (SW-AF) images, speckled hyperautofluorescence and mottling indicated macular involvement. In both the affected individuals and their asymptomatic carrier parents, reduced SW-AF intensities, measured as quantitative fundus autofluorescence (qAF), indicated chronic impairment in 11-cis-retinal availability and provided information on mutation severity. Hypertransmission of the SD-OCT signal into the choroid together with decreased near-infrared autofluorescence (NIR-AF) provided evidence for retinal pigment epithelial cell (RPE) involvement. In Rlbp1/Cralbp−/− mice, reduced 11-cis-retinal levels, qAF and NIR-AF intensities, and photoreceptor loss were consistent with the clinical presentation of the affected siblings. These findings indicate that RLBP1 mutations are associated with progressive disease involving RPE atrophy and photoreceptor cell degeneration. In asymptomatic carriers, qAF disclosed previously undetected visual cycle deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hye Jin Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
| | - Keiko Ueda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
| | - Jin Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
| | - Aaron P Owji
- Department of Pharmacology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
| | - Tingting Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032.,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
| | - Janet R Sparrow
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032 .,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
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30
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Strunz T, Lauwen S, Kiel C, Hollander AD, Weber BHF. A transcriptome-wide association study based on 27 tissues identifies 106 genes potentially relevant for disease pathology in age-related macular degeneration. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1584. [PMID: 32005911 PMCID: PMC6994629 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58510-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for late stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have identified 52 independent genetic variants with genome-wide significance at 34 genomic loci. Typically, such an approach rarely results in the identification of functional variants implicating a defined gene in the disease process. We now performed a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) allowing the prediction of effects of AMD-associated genetic variants on gene expression. The TWAS was based on the genotypes of 16,144 late-stage AMD cases and 17,832 healthy controls, and gene expression was imputed for 27 different human tissues which were obtained from 134 to 421 individuals. A linear regression model including each individuals imputed gene expression data and the respective AMD status identified 106 genes significantly associated to AMD variants in at least one tissue (Q-value < 0.001). Gene enrichment analysis highlighted rather systemic than tissue- or cell-specific processes. Remarkably, 31 of the 106 genes overlapped with significant GWAS signals of other complex traits and diseases, such as neurological or autoimmune conditions. Taken together, our study highlights the fact that expression of genes associated with AMD is not restricted to retinal tissue as could be expected for an eye disease of the posterior pole, but instead is rather ubiquitous suggesting processes underlying AMD pathology to be of systemic nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Strunz
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Susette Lauwen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Christina Kiel
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Anneke den Hollander
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bernhard H F Weber
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
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31
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Khan R, Shabbir RMK, Raza I, Abdullah U, Naeem MA, Ahmed A, Malik S, Hu Z, Xia K. A founder RDH5 splice site mutation leads to retinitis punctata albescens in two inbred Pakistani kindreds. Ophthalmic Genet 2020; 41:7-12. [PMID: 31933420 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2019.1709124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Retinitis punctate albescens (RPA) is a rare form of retinal dystrophy characterized by congenital stationary night blindness and a characteristic fundus appearance. Missense or nonsense mutations in RDH5 in homozygous or heterozygous state have been implicated in RPA.Material and methods: Two consanguineous Pakistani kindreds with the highly variable manifestation of RPA were studied. Whole-exome sequencing was applied to the index subjects in both families. Sanger sequencing of the candidate RDH5 variant was carried out. Pathogenicity of the detected variant was assessed through bioinformatics tools.Results: The ophthalmic examination through full-field electroretinogram of affected patients in both families was consistent with RPA. A novel splice donor variant at the first exon/intron boundary of RDH5 (NM_002905.3: c.-33 + 2dup) segregated in recessive fashion with the clinical phenotype in both families. One of the heterozygous variant carriers was also observed to have a milder expression of retinal flecks. Haplotype analysis surrounding the splice variant and pattern of runs of homozygosity were suggestive of common ancestry in these families.Conclusion: This is the first report of any pathogenic splice variant at first exon/intron boundary implicated in RPA and suggests another mechanism through which RDH5 variants could be associated with eye phenotype. This study also highlights the importance of a thorough phenotypic evaluation of heterozygous mutation carriers who may exhibit milder symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizwan Khan
- Centre for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Human Genetics Program, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Rana Muhammad Kamran Shabbir
- Human Genetics Program, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Irum Raza
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nishtar Medical University and Hospital, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Umair Abdullah
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nishtar Medical University and Hospital, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Asif Naeem
- National Center for Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ashfaque Ahmed
- Centre for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Sajid Malik
- Human Genetics Program, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Zhengmao Hu
- Centre for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kun Xia
- Centre for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligences Technology (CEBSIT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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32
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Mayer AK, Balousha G, Sharkia R, Mahajnah M, Ayesh S, Schulze M, Buchert R, Zobor D, Azem A, Schöls L, Bauer P, Wissinger B. Unraveling the genetic cause of hereditary ophthalmic disorders in Arab societies from Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Eur J Hum Genet 2020; 28:742-753. [PMID: 31896775 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-019-0566-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Visual impairment due to inherited ophthalmic disorders is amongst the most common disabilities observed in populations practicing consanguineous marriages. Here we investigated the molecular genetic basis of an unselected broad range of ophthalmic disorders in 20 consanguineous families from Arab villages of Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Most patients had little or very poor prior clinical workup and were recruited in a field study. Homozygosity mapping followed by candidate gene sequencing applying conventional Sanger sequencing or targeted next generation sequencing was performed in six families. In the remaining 14 families, one affected subject per family was chosen for whole exome sequencing. We discovered likely disease-causing variants, all homozygous, in 19 of 20 independent families (95%) including a previously reported novel disease gene for congenital nystagmus associated with foveal hypoplasia. Moreover, we found a family in which disease-causing variants for two collagenopathies - Stickler and Knobloch syndrome - segregate within a large sibship. Nine of the 19 distinct variants observed in this study were novel. Our study demonstrated a very high molecular diagnostic yield for a highly diverse spectrum of rare ophthalmic disorders in Arab patients from Israel and the Palestinian Authority, even with very limited prior clinical investigation. We conclude that 'genetic testing first' may be an economic way to direct clinical care and to support proper genetic counseling and risk assessment in these families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja K Mayer
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Tuebingen, Germany.,Praxis fuer Humangenetik Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ghassan Balousha
- Department of Pathology and Histology, Al-Quds University, Eastern Jerusalem, Palestinian Authority, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rajech Sharkia
- The Triangle Regional Research and Development Center, Kfar Qari', Israel.,Beit-Berl Academic College, Beit-Berl, Israel
| | - Muhammad Mahajnah
- Child Neurology and Development Center, Hillel-Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel.,The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Suhail Ayesh
- Molecular Genetic Laboratory, Al-Makassed Islamic Charitable Society Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Martin Schulze
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Praxis fuer Humangenetik Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Rebecca Buchert
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ditta Zobor
- University Eye Hospital, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Abdussalam Azem
- The School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, George S. Wise faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ludger Schöls
- Hertie Institute for Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,German Center of Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Peter Bauer
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Bernd Wissinger
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Tuebingen, Germany.
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33
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Ma Z, Liu J, Guo X. A retinal-binding protein mediates olfactory attraction in the migratory locusts. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 114:103214. [PMID: 31442488 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.103214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein (CRALBP) is abundantly expressed in retina and its mutations are associated with visual impairments. The functions of CRALBP are less known in extra retinal tissues. Herein, we study the function of CRALBP in modulating olfactory behaviors in gregarious and solitary locusts. The expressions of cralbp mRNA and protein were enriched in locust brains and antennae. RNAi knockdown of cralbp in gregarious locusts decreased their attractive response to gregarious volatiles. RNA-seq and quantitative PCR confirmed that cralbp mRNA and protein expression levels were upregulated and downregulated after octopamine receptor α1 (OctαR1) activation and inhibition, respectively. Gene network analysis revealed that cralbp is the core hub gene in the interactive network among differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) resulting from activating and inhibiting OctαR1. Moreover, cralbp RNAi knockdown inhibited the induction of olfactory attraction by octopamine (OA)-OctαR1 signaling. CRALBP helped to transmit OA signals to mediate olfactory attraction response to guaiacol and veratrole, which are two odorant components in gregarious volatiles. This study suggested that CRALBP may act as a novel effector protein in OctαR1 signaling to mediate olfactory attraction. This study indicated that CRALBP modulates olfactory attraction in extra retina tissues and retinaldehyde metabolism may be crucial for olfactory attraction modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongyuan Ma
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Jipeng Liu
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojiao Guo
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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34
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Ben M’Barek K, Habeler W, Regent F, Monville C. Developing Cell-Based Therapies for RPE-Associated Degenerative Eye Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1186:55-97. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-28471-8_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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35
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Volonté YA, Vallese-Maurizi H, Dibo MJ, Ayala-Peña VB, Garelli A, Zanetti SR, Turpaud A, Craft CM, Rotstein NP, Politi LE, German OL. A Defective Crosstalk Between Neurons and Müller Glial Cells in the rd1 Retina Impairs the Regenerative Potential of Glial Stem Cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:334. [PMID: 31402853 PMCID: PMC6670004 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Müller glial cells (MGC) are stem cells in the retina. Although their regenerative capacity is very low in mammals, the use of MGC as stem cells to regenerate photoreceptors (PHRs) during retina degenerations, such as in retinitis pigmentosa, is being intensely studied. Changes affecting PHRs in diseased retinas have been thoroughly investigated; however, whether MGC are also affected is still unclear. We here investigated whether MGC in retinal degeneration 1 (rd1) mouse, an animal model of retinitis pigmentosa, have impaired stem cell properties or structure. rd1 MGC showed an altered morphology, both in culture and in the whole retina. Using mixed neuron-glial cultures obtained from newborn mice retinas, we determined that proliferation was significantly lower in rd1 than in wild type (wt) MGC. Levels of stem cell markers, such as Nestin and Sox2, were also markedly reduced in rd1 MGC compared to wt MGC in neuron-glial cultures and in retina cryosections, even before the onset of PHR degeneration. We then investigated whether neuron-glial crosstalk was involved in these changes. Noteworthy, Nestin expression was restored in rd1 MGC in co-culture with wt neurons. Conversely, Nestin expression decreased in wt MGC in co-culture with rd1 neurons, as occurred in rd1 MGC in rd1 neuron-glial mixed cultures. These results imply that MGC proliferation and stem cell markers are reduced in rd1 retinas and might be restored by their interaction with “healthy” PHRs, suggesting that alterations in rd1 PHRs lead to a disruption in neuron-glial crosstalk affecting the regenerative potential of MGC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanel A Volonté
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur - National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Harmonie Vallese-Maurizi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur - National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Marcos J Dibo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur - National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Victoria B Ayala-Peña
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur - National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Andrés Garelli
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur - National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Samanta R Zanetti
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur - National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Axel Turpaud
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur - National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Cheryl Mae Craft
- Department of Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Integrative Anatomical Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Nora P Rotstein
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur - National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Luis E Politi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur - National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Olga L German
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur - National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
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The Cytoskeleton of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium: from Normal Aging to Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20143578. [PMID: 31336621 PMCID: PMC6678077 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20143578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a unique epithelium, with major roles which are essential in the visual cycle and homeostasis of the outer retina. The RPE is a monolayer of polygonal and pigmented cells strategically placed between the neuroretina and Bruch membrane, adjacent to the fenestrated capillaries of the choriocapillaris. It shows strong apical (towards photoreceptors) to basal/basolateral (towards Bruch membrane) polarization. Multiple functions are bound to a complex structure of highly organized and polarized intracellular components: the cytoskeleton. A strong connection between the intracellular cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix is indispensable to maintaining the function of the RPE and thus, the photoreceptors. Impairments of these intracellular structures and the regular architecture they maintain often result in a disrupted cytoskeleton, which can be found in many retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This review article will give an overview of current knowledge on the molecules and proteins involved in cytoskeleton formation in cells, including RPE and how the cytoskeleton is affected under stress conditions—especially in AMD.
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Tsunoda K, Fujinami K, Yoshitake K, Iwata T. Late-onset night blindness with peripheral flecks accompanied by progressive trickle-like macular degeneration. Doc Ophthalmol 2019; 139:171-184. [PMID: 31286363 DOI: 10.1007/s10633-019-09705-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report the clinical and genetic characteristics of 6 cases with late-onset night blindness with peripheral flecks accompanied by progressive trickle-like macular degeneration. METHODS Clinical and genetic data were collected from 6 independent patients who complained of night blindness in their fifth to eighth decade of life. The ophthalmological examinations included ophthalmoscopy, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and full-field electroretinography (ERG). Whole exome sequencing with target gene analysis was performed to determine the causative genes and variants. RESULTS All of the patients first complained of night blindness at the ages of 40-71 years. Funduscopic examinations demonstrated white or atrophic flecks scattered in the posterior pole and peripheral retina bilaterally. FAF showed patchy hypo-autofluorescence spots in the posterior pole similar to that of the trickling type of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The region of abnormal FAF rapidly expanded with age, and one eye developed a choroidal neovascularization. The full-field scotopic ERGs with 20 min of dark adaptation were severely reduced or extinguished in all cases. There was partial recovery of the ERGs after 180 min of dark adaptation. The cone ERGs were reduced in all cases. Whole exome sequencing revealed no pathogenic variants of 301 retinal disease-associated genes. CONCLUSIONS The six cases had some common features with the flecked retina syndrome, familial drusen, and late-onset retinal degeneration although none had pathogenic variants causative for these disorders. These cases may represent a subset of severe trickling AMD or a new clinical entity of acquired pan-retinal visual cycle deficiency of unknown etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazushige Tsunoda
- Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, 2-5-1, Higashigaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 152-8902, Japan.
| | - Kaoru Fujinami
- Division of Vision Research, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, 2-5-1, Higashigaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 152-8902, Japan.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Kazutoshi Yoshitake
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, 2-5-1, Higashigaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 152-8902, Japan
| | - Takeshi Iwata
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center, 2-5-1, Higashigaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 152-8902, Japan
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Evaluation of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Cytotoxicity of Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator Using Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. J Ophthalmol 2019; 2019:7189241. [PMID: 31016039 PMCID: PMC6444245 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7189241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Revised: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The evaluation of drug-induced cytotoxicity is of great importance for the clinical application of pharmaceutical products, and human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have received considerable scrutiny as a cell source for in vitro cytotoxicity testing. The aim of this study is to validate the concept of cytotoxicity testing using hiPSC-derived retinal pigment epithelium (hiPSC-RPE) by comparing the responsiveness of human fetal RPE (hfRPE) and human RPE cell line (ARPE19) to recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA). Methods HfRPE, two types of hiPSC-RPE, and ARPE19 were cultured in media with or without rtPA. A lactate dehydrogenase release assay was performed to investigate the dose- and time-dependent effects of rtPA on cell death. RPE function was evaluated by measuring the secretion of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and RPE-specific gene expression. Results Rates of cell damage in hfRPE and both hiPS-RPE were increased by rtPA supplementation (2000 and 4000 μg/ml) for 1 hour, whereas ARPE19 cell damage was increased by supplementation with rtPA at concentrations higher than 50 μg/ml. Although 100 μg/ml rtPA for 24 hours did not affect RPE cell function, sustained rtPA exposure induced prolonged cytotoxic effects in hfRPE and two hiPSC-RPE, but not ARPE19. Conclusion The responsiveness of hiPSC-RPE to rtPA is similar to that of hfRPE in terms of cell death and cell function. Thus, hiPSC-RPE is a valuable cell source for in vitro cytotoxicity testing.
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Dalvi S, Galloway CA, Singh R. Pluripotent Stem Cells to Model Degenerative Retinal Diseases: The RPE Perspective. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1186:1-31. [PMID: 31654384 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-28471-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cell technology, including human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), has provided a suitable platform to investigate molecular and pathological alterations in an individual cell type using patient's own cells. Importantly, hiPSCs/hESCs are amenable to genome editing providing unique access to isogenic controls. Specifically, the ability to introduce disease-causing mutations in control (unaffected) and conversely correct disease-causing mutations in patient-derived hiPSCs has provided a powerful approach to clearly link the disease phenotype with a specific gene mutation. In fact, utilizing hiPSC/hESC and CRISPR technology has provided significant insight into the pathomechanism of several diseases. With regard to the eye, the use of hiPSCs/hESCs to study human retinal diseases is especially relevant to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-based disorders. This is because several studies have now consistently shown that hiPSC-RPE in culture displays key physical, gene expression and functional attributes of human RPE in vivo. In this book chapter, we will discuss the current utility, limitations, and plausible future approaches of pluripotent stem cell technology for the study of retinal degenerative diseases. Of note, although we will broadly summarize the significant advances made in modeling and studying several retinal diseases utilizing hiPSCs/hESCs, our specific focus will be on the utility of patient-derived hiPSCs for (1) establishment of human cell models and (2) molecular and pharmacological studies on patient-derived cell models of retinal degenerative diseases where RPE cellular defects play a major pathogenic role in disease development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonal Dalvi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Chad A Galloway
- Department of Ophthalmology, Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Ruchira Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA. .,UR Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Rochester, NY, USA. .,Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
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40
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Structural biology of 11- cis-retinaldehyde production in the classical visual cycle. Biochem J 2018; 475:3171-3188. [PMID: 30352831 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20180193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The vitamin A derivative 11-cis-retinaldehyde plays a pivotal role in vertebrate vision by serving as the chromophore of rod and cone visual pigments. In the initial step of vision, a photon is absorbed by this chromophore resulting in its isomerization to an all-trans state and consequent activation of the visual pigment and phototransduction cascade. Spent chromophore is released from the pigments through hydrolysis. Subsequent photon detection requires the delivery of regenerated 11-cis-retinaldehyde to the visual pigment. This trans-cis conversion is achieved through a process known as the visual cycle. In this review, we will discuss the enzymes, binding proteins and transporters that enable the visual pigment renewal process with a focus on advances made during the past decade in our understanding of their structural biology.
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Winkler TW, Brandl C, Grassmann F, Gorski M, Stark K, Loss J, Weber BHF, Heid IM. Investigating the modulation of genetic effects on late AMD by age and sex: Lessons learned and two additional loci. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194321. [PMID: 29529059 PMCID: PMC5846797 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Late-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment in the elderly with a complex etiology. The most important non-modifiable risk factors for onset and progression of late AMD are age and genetic risk factors, however, little is known about the interplay between genetics and age or sex. Here, we conducted a large-scale age- and sex-stratified genome-wide association study (GWAS) using 1000 Genomes imputed genome-wide and ExomeChip data (>12 million variants). The data were established by the International Age-related Macular Degeneration Genomics Consortium (IAMDGC) from 16,144 late AMD cases and 17,832 controls. Our systematic search for interaction effects yielded significantly stronger effects among younger individuals at two known AMD loci (near CFH and ARMS2/HTRA1). Accounting for age and gene-age interaction using a joint test identified two additional AMD loci compared to the previous main effect scan. One of these two is a novel AMD GWAS locus, near the retinal clusterin-like protein (CLUL1) gene, and the other, near the retinaldehyde binding protein 1 (RLBP1), was recently identified in a joint analysis of nuclear and mitochondrial variants. Despite considerable power in our data, neither sex-dependent effects nor effects with opposite directions between younger and older individuals were observed. This is the first genome-wide interaction study to incorporate age, sex and their interaction with genetic effects for late AMD. Results diminish the potential for a role of sex in the etiology of late AMD yet highlight the importance and existence of age-dependent genetic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W. Winkler
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Caroline Brandl
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Felix Grassmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Mathias Gorski
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Stark
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Julika Loss
- Medical Sociology, Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Iris M. Heid
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Velez G, Machlab DA, Tang PH, Sun Y, Tsang SH, Bassuk AG, Mahajan VB. Proteomic analysis of the human retina reveals region-specific susceptibilities to metabolic- and oxidative stress-related diseases. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193250. [PMID: 29466423 PMCID: PMC5821407 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Differences in regional protein expression within the human retina may explain molecular predisposition of specific regions to ophthalmic diseases like age-related macular degeneration, cystoid macular edema, retinitis pigmentosa, and diabetic retinopathy. To quantify protein levels in the human retina and identify patterns of differentially-expressed proteins, we collected foveomacular, juxta-macular, and peripheral retina punch biopsies from healthy donor eyes and analyzed protein content by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Protein expression was analyzed with 1-way ANOVA, gene ontology, pathway representation, and network analysis. We identified a mean of 1,974 proteins in the foveomacular retina, 1,999 in the juxta-macular retina, and 1,779 in the peripheral retina. Six hundred ninety-seven differentially-expressed proteins included those unique to and abundant in each anatomic region. Proteins with higher expression in each region include: heat-shock protein 90-alpha (HSP90AA1), and pyruvate kinase (PKM) in the foveomacular retina; vimentin (VIM) and fructose-bisphosphate aldolase C (ALDOC); and guanine nucleotide-binding protein subunit beta-1 (GNB1) and guanine nucleotide-binding protein subunit alpha-1 (GNAT1) in the peripheral retina. Pathway analysis identified downstream mediators of the integrin signaling pathway to be highly represented in the foveomacular region (P = 6.48 e-06). Metabolic pathways were differentially expressed among all retinal regions. Gene ontology analysis showed that proteins related to antioxidant activity were higher in the juxta-macular and the peripheral retina, but present in lower amounts in the foveomacular retina. Our proteomic analysis suggests that certain retinal regions are susceptible to different forms of metabolic and oxidative stress. The findings give mechanistic insight into retina function, reveal important molecular processes, and prioritize new pathways for therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Velez
- Omics Laboratory, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States of America
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Daniel A. Machlab
- Omics Laboratory, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States of America
| | - Peter H. Tang
- Omics Laboratory, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States of America
- Palo Alto Veterans Administration, Palo Alto, California, United States of America
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States of America
- Palo Alto Veterans Administration, Palo Alto, California, United States of America
| | - Stephen H. Tsang
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care, and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology & Cell Biology, Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Alexander G. Bassuk
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Vinit B. Mahajan
- Omics Laboratory, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States of America
- Palo Alto Veterans Administration, Palo Alto, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Ward R, Sundaramurthi H, Di Giacomo V, Kennedy BN. Enhancing Understanding of the Visual Cycle by Applying CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing in Zebrafish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:37. [PMID: 29696141 PMCID: PMC5904205 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
During the vertebrate visual cycle, all-trans-retinal is exported from photoreceptors to the adjacent RPE or Müller glia wherein 11-cis-retinal is regenerated. The 11-cis chromophore is returned to photoreceptors, forming light-sensitive visual pigments with opsin GPCRs. Dysfunction of this process perturbs phototransduction because functional visual pigment cannot be generated. Mutations in visual cycle genes can result in monogenic inherited forms of blindness. Though key enzymatic processes are well characterized, questions remain as to the physiological role of visual cycle proteins in different retinal cell types, functional domains of these proteins in retinoid biochemistry and in vivo pathogenesis of disease mutations. Significant progress is needed to develop effective and accessible treatments for inherited blindness arising from mutations in visual cycle genes. Here, we review opportunities to apply gene editing technology to two crucial visual cycle components, RPE65 and CRALBP. Expressed exclusively in the human RPE, RPE65 enzymatically converts retinyl esters into 11-cis retinal. CRALBP is an 11-cis-retinal binding protein expressed in human RPE and Muller glia. Loss-of-function mutations in either protein results in autosomal recessive forms of blindness. Modeling these human conditions using RPE65 or CRALBP murine knockout models have enhanced our understanding of their biochemical function, associated disease pathogenesis and development of therapeutics. However, rod-dominated murine retinae provide a challenge to assess cone function. The cone-rich zebrafish model is amenable to cost-effective maintenance of a variety of strains. Interestingly, gene duplication in zebrafish resulted in three Rpe65 and two Cralbp isoforms with differential temporal and spatial expression patterns. Functional investigations of zebrafish Rpe65 and Cralbp were restricted to gene knockdown with morpholino oligonucleotides. However, transient silencing, off-target effects and discrepancies between knockdown and knockout models, highlight a need for more comprehensive alternatives for functional genomics. CRISPR/Cas9 in zebrafish has emerged as a formidable technology enabling targeted gene knockout, knock-in, activation, or silencing to single base-pair resolution. Effective, targeted gene editing by CRISPR/Cas9 in zebrafish enables unprecedented opportunities to create genetic research models. This review will discuss existing knowledge gaps regarding RPE65 and CRALBP. We explore the benefits of CRISPR/Cas9 to establish innovative zebrafish models to enhance knowledge of the visual cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ward
- UCD School of Biomolecular & Biomedical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Husvinee Sundaramurthi
- UCD School of Biomolecular & Biomedical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Breandán N. Kennedy
- UCD School of Biomolecular & Biomedical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- *Correspondence: Breandán N. Kennedy
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Abstract
Genetic mouse models mimicking human diseases have been developed and utilized for retinal research in various topics, involving anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pathology. The main reasons why mouse models are important for retinal research include that rodents share a key retinal homology with humans and that genetic manipulation is relatively easily applicable for mice. Here, we describe genetic mouse models, which are categorized with functions in the retina and relationship with human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Maeda
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tadao Maeda
- Research Division, Kobe Research Institute, HEALIOS K.K., Kobe, Japan.
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MacLachlan TK, Milton MN, Turner O, Tukov F, Choi VW, Penraat J, Delmotte MH, Michaut L, Jaffee BD, Bigelow CE. Nonclinical Safety Evaluation of scAAV8- RLBP1 for Treatment of RLBP1 Retinitis Pigmentosa. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2017; 8:105-120. [PMID: 29359172 PMCID: PMC5772508 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa is a form of retinal degeneration usually caused by genetic mutations affecting key functional proteins. We have previously demonstrated efficacy in a mouse model of RLBP1 deficiency with a self-complementary AAV8 vector carrying the gene for human RLBP1 under control of a short RLBP1 promoter (CPK850).1 In this article, we describe the nonclinical safety profile of this construct as well as updated efficacy data in the intended clinical formulation. In Rlbp1−/− mice dosed at a range of CPK850 levels, a minimum efficacious dose of 3 × 107 vg in a volume of 1 μL was observed. For safety assessment in these and Rlbp1+/+ mice, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and histopathological analysis indicated retinal thinning that appeared to be dose-dependent for both Rlbp1 genotypes, with no qualitative difference noted between Rlbp1+/+ and Rlbp1−/− mice. In a non-human primate study, RLBP1 mRNA expression was detected and dose dependent intraocular inflammation and retinal thinning were observed. Inflammation resolved slowly over time and did not appear to be exacerbated in the presence of anti-AAV8 antibodies. Biodistribution was evaluated in rats and satellite animals in the non-human primate study. The vector was largely detected in ocular tissues and low levels in the optic nerve, superior colliculus, and lateral geniculate nucleus, with limited distribution outside of these tissues. These data suggest that an initial subretinal dose of ∼3 × 107 vg/μL CPK850 can safely be used in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy K MacLachlan
- Preclinical Safety, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mark N Milton
- Pharmacokinetic Sciences, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Oliver Turner
- Preclinical Safety, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, East Hanover, NJ, USA
| | - Francis Tukov
- Preclinical Safety, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, East Hanover, NJ, USA
| | - Vivian W Choi
- Ophthalmology Research, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jan Penraat
- Preclinical Safety, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, East Hanover, NJ, USA
| | | | - Lydia Michaut
- Pharmacokinetic Sciences, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bruce D Jaffee
- Ophthalmology Research, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Chad E Bigelow
- Ophthalmology Research, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Macias-Muñoz A, McCulloch KJ, Briscoe AD. Copy Number Variation and Expression Analysis Reveals a Nonorthologous Pinta Gene Family Member Involved in Butterfly Vision. Genome Biol Evol 2017; 9:3398-3412. [PMID: 29136137 PMCID: PMC5739039 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evx230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate (cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein) and Drosophila (prolonged depolarization afterpotential is not apparent [PINTA]) proteins with a CRAL-TRIO domain transport retinal-based chromophores that bind to opsin proteins and are necessary for phototransduction. The CRAL-TRIO domain gene family is composed of genes that encode proteins with a common N-terminal structural domain. Although there is an expansion of this gene family in Lepidoptera, there is no lepidopteran ortholog of pinta. Further, the function of these genes in lepidopterans has not yet been established. Here, we explored the molecular evolution and expression of CRAL-TRIO domain genes in the butterfly Heliconius melpomene in order to identify a member of this gene family as a candidate chromophore transporter. We generated and searched a four tissue transcriptome and searched a reference genome for CRAL-TRIO domain genes. We expanded an insect CRAL-TRIO domain gene phylogeny to include H. melpomene and used 18 genomes from 4 subspecies to assess copy number variation. A transcriptome-wide differential expression analysis comparing four tissue types identified a CRAL-TRIO domain gene, Hme CTD31, upregulated in heads suggesting a potential role in vision for this CRAL-TRIO domain gene. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry confirmed that Hme CTD31 and its protein product are expressed in the retina, specifically in primary and secondary pigment cells and in tracheal cells. Sequencing of eye protein extracts that fluoresce in the ultraviolet identified Hme CTD31 as a possible chromophore binding protein. Although we found several recent duplications and numerous copy number variants in CRAL-TRIO domain genes, we identified a single copy pinta paralog that likely binds the chromophore in butterflies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aide Macias-Muñoz
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine
| | - Kyle J McCulloch
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine.,FAS Center for Systems Biology, Harvard University
| | - Adriana D Briscoe
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine
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Verdugo ME, Alling J, Lazar ES, Del Cerro M, Ray J, Aguirre G. Posterior Segment Approach for Subretinal Transplantation or Injection in the Canine Model. Cell Transplant 2017; 10:317-327. [DOI: 10.3727/000000001783986710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A posterior segment approach for cell transplantation or injection into the subretinal space of the dog has been developed. Controlled penetration to the subretinal space was achieved using a 29-gauge injection cannula, either blunted or with a 30° sharpened bevel, and partially ensheathed with moveable plastic tubing. Depending on the injection volume used, the retina detached, and the fluid was reabsorbed within 1 – 3 weeks, although for smaller volumes the retina reattached within a matter of days. The optimal injection volume used was between 100 and 150 μl, or two injections of 55 μl each. By ophthalmoscopy following the surgery, it was possible to serially monitor the injection site and retinal bleb through fundus photography. Light microscopy demonstrates the distribution of stable, viable RPE cells in the subretinal space up to 6 months. The transplantation technique developed for the dog is atraumatic and free from any major surgical or clinical complications. It can be readily used to deliver cells or fluids to localized regions of the subretinal space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E. Verdugo
- James A. Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Julie Alling
- James A. Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Eliot S. Lazar
- Departments of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Manuel Del Cerro
- Departments of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY 14642
- Departments of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Jharna Ray
- James A. Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Gustavo Aguirre
- James A. Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
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Broadgate S, Yu J, Downes SM, Halford S. Unravelling the genetics of inherited retinal dystrophies: Past, present and future. Prog Retin Eye Res 2017; 59:53-96. [PMID: 28363849 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The identification of the genes underlying monogenic diseases has been of interest to clinicians and scientists for many years. Using inherited retinal dystrophies as an example of monogenic disease we describe the history of molecular genetic techniques that have been pivotal in the discovery of disease causing genes. The methods that were developed in the 1970's and 80's are still in use today but have been refined and improved. These techniques enabled the concept of the Human Genome Project to be envisaged and ultimately realised. When the successful conclusion of the project was announced in 2003 many new tools and, as importantly, many collaborations had been developed that facilitated a rapid identification of disease genes. In the post-human genome project era advances in computing power and the clever use of the properties of DNA replication has allowed the development of next-generation sequencing technologies. These methods have revolutionised the identification of disease genes because for the first time there is no need to define the position of the gene in the genome. The use of next generation sequencing in a diagnostic setting has allowed many more patients with an inherited retinal dystrophy to obtain a molecular diagnosis for their disease. The identification of novel genes that have a role in the development or maintenance of retinal function is opening up avenues of research which will lead to the development of new pharmacological and gene therapy approaches. Neither of which can be used unless the defective gene and protein is known. The continued development of sequencing technologies also holds great promise for the advent of truly personalised medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Broadgate
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Levels 5 and 6 West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Jing Yu
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Levels 5 and 6 West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Susan M Downes
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Stephanie Halford
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Levels 5 and 6 West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK.
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Abstract
Recent progress in molecular understanding of the retinoid cycle in mammalian retina stems from painstaking biochemical reconstitution studies supported by natural or engineered animal models with known genetic lesions and studies of humans with specific genetic blinding diseases. Structural and membrane biology have been used to detect critical retinal enzymes and proteins and their substrates and ligands, placing them in a cellular context. These studies have been supplemented by analytical chemistry methods that have identified small molecules by their spectral characteristics, often in conjunction with the evaluation of models of animal retinal disease. It is from this background that rational therapeutic interventions to correct genetic defects or environmental insults are identified. Thus, most presently accepted modulators of the retinoid cycle already have demonstrated promising results in animal models of retinal degeneration. These encouraging signs indicate that some human blinding diseases can be alleviated by pharmacological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip D Kiser
- Department of Pharmacology, Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106 ; Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Department of Pharmacology, Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
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50
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Wen B, Li S, Li H, Chen Y, Ma X, Wang J, Lu F, Qu J, Hou L. Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor regulates the visual cycle genes Rlbp1 and Rdh5 in the retinal pigment epithelium. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21208. [PMID: 26876013 PMCID: PMC4753414 DOI: 10.1038/srep21208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Regeneration of the visual pigment by cells of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is fundamental to vision. Here we show that the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, MITF, which plays a central role in the development and function of RPE cells, regulates the expression of two visual cycle genes, Rlbp1 which encodes retinaldehyde binding protein-1 (RLBP1), and Rdh5, which encodes retinol dehydrogenase-5 (RDH5). First, we found that Rlbp1 and Rdh5 are downregulated in optic cups and presumptive RPEs of Mitf-deficient mouse embryos. Second, experimental manipulation of MITF levels in human RPE cells in culture leads to corresponding modulations of the endogenous levels of RLBP1 and RDH5. Third, the retinal degeneration associated with the disruption of the visual cycle in Mitf-deficient mice can be partially corrected both structurally and functionally by an exogenous supply of 9-cis-retinal. We conclude that the expression of Rlbp1 and Rdh5 critically depends on functional Mitf in the RPE and suggest that MITF has an important role in controlling retinoid processing in the RPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wen
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003, China.,State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base and Key Laboratory of Vision Science of Ministry of Health and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003, China
| | - Huirong Li
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003, China
| | - Xiaoyin Ma
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003, China
| | - Fan Lu
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base and Key Laboratory of Vision Science of Ministry of Health and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003, China
| | - Jia Qu
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base and Key Laboratory of Vision Science of Ministry of Health and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003, China
| | - Ling Hou
- Laboratory of Developmental Cell Biology and Disease, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003, China.,State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base and Key Laboratory of Vision Science of Ministry of Health and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325003, China
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