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Pang JJ. The Variety of Mechanosensitive Ion Channels in Retinal Neurons. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4877. [PMID: 38732096 PMCID: PMC11084373 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Alterations in intraocular and external pressure critically involve the pathogenesis of glaucoma, traumatic retinal injury (TRI), and other retinal disorders, and retinal neurons have been reported to express multiple mechanical-sensitive channels (MSCs) in recent decades. However, the role of MSCs in visual functions and pressure-related retinal conditions has been unclear. This review will focus on the variety and functional significance of the MSCs permeable to K+, Na+, and Ca2+, primarily including the big potassium channel (BK); the two-pore domain potassium channels TRAAK and TREK; Piezo; the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC); and the transient receptor potential channels vanilloid TRPV1, TRPV2, and TRPV4 in retinal photoreceptors, bipolar cells, horizontal cells, amacrine cells, and ganglion cells. Most MSCs do not directly mediate visual signals in vertebrate retinas. On the other hand, some studies have shown that MSCs can open in physiological conditions and regulate the activities of retinal neurons. While these data reasonably predict the crossing of visual and mechanical signals, how retinal light pathways deal with endogenous and exogenous mechanical stimulation is uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Jie Pang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Ying R, Li C, Li H, Zou J, Hu M, Hong Q, Shen Y, Hou L, Cheng H, Zhou R. RPGR is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for the small GTPase RAB37 required for retinal function via autophagy regulation. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114010. [PMID: 38536817 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the small GTPase RAB37 acts as an organizer of autophagosome biogenesis, the upstream regulatory mechanism of autophagy via guanosine diphosphate (GDP)-guanosine triphosphate (GTP) exchange in maintaining retinal function has not been determined. We found that retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor that activates RAB37 by accelerating GDP-to-GTP exchange. RPGR directly interacts with RAB37 via the RPGR-RCC1-like domain to promote autophagy through stimulating exchange. Rpgr knockout (KO) in mice leads to photoreceptor degeneration owing to autophagy impairment in the retina. Notably, the retinopathy phenotypes of Rpgr KO retinas are rescued by the adeno-associated virus-mediated transfer of pre-trans-splicing molecules, which produce normal Rpgr mRNAs via trans-splicing in the Rpgr KO retinas. This rescue upregulates autophagy through the re-expression of RPGR in KO retinas to accelerate GDP-to-GTP exchange; thus, retinal homeostasis reverts to normal. Taken together, these findings provide an important missing link for coordinating RAB37 GDP-GTP exchange via the RPGR and retinal homeostasis by autophagy regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruhong Ying
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Cong Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Huirong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325003, China
| | - Juan Zou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Mengxin Hu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Qiang Hong
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yin Shen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Ling Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325003, China.
| | - Hanhua Cheng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Rongjia Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
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Goo H, Lee MY, Lee YJ, Lee S, Ahn JC, Hong N. Multi-Wavelength Photobiomodulation Ameliorates Sodium Iodate-Induced Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17394. [PMID: 38139223 PMCID: PMC10743884 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417394] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a global health challenge. AMD causes visual impairment and blindness, particularly in older individuals. This multifaceted disease progresses through various stages, from asymptomatic dry to advanced wet AMD, driven by various factors including inflammation and oxidative stress. Current treatments are effective mainly for wet AMD; the therapeutic options for dry AMD are limited. Photobiomodulation (PBM) using low-energy light in the red-to-near-infrared range is a promising treatment for retinal diseases. This study investigated the effects of multi-wavelength PBM (680, 780, and 830 nm) on sodium iodate-induced oxidatively damaged retinal tissue. In an in vivo rat model of AMD induced by sodium iodate, multi-wavelength PBM effectively protected the retinal layers, reduced retinal apoptosis, and prevented rod bipolar cell depletion. Furthermore, PBM inhibited photoreceptor degeneration and reduced retinal pigment epithelium toxicity. These results suggest that multi-wavelength PBM may be a useful therapeutic strategy for AMD, mitigating oxidative stress, preserving retinal integrity, and preventing apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeyoon Goo
- Department of Medical Laser, Graduate School of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea;
- Beckman Laser Institute-Korea, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea; (M.Y.L.); (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Min Young Lee
- Beckman Laser Institute-Korea, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea; (M.Y.L.); (Y.-J.L.)
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Dankook University Hospital, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Yea-Jin Lee
- Beckman Laser Institute-Korea, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea; (M.Y.L.); (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Sangkeun Lee
- MEDI-IOT Co., Ltd., Seoul 02708, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jin-Chul Ahn
- Beckman Laser Institute-Korea, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea; (M.Y.L.); (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Namgue Hong
- Beckman Laser Institute-Korea, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea; (M.Y.L.); (Y.-J.L.)
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Goddin TL, Yu H, Friedman DS, Owsley C, Kwon M. MNREAD Reading Vision in Adults With Glaucoma Under Mesopic and Photopic Conditions. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:43. [PMID: 38153749 PMCID: PMC10756241 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.15.43] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Despite good photopic visual acuity, glaucoma patients report difficulty performing daily activities under dim light such as reading. Here we investigated the impact of mesopic lighting conditions on reading vision of glaucoma patients. Methods The study design included 39 patients with glaucoma and 40 healthy controls. Reading vision was assessed with MNREAD charts under mesopic (2 cd/m2) and photopic (220 cd/m2) conditions. Four reading indexes: maximum reading speed (MRS), critical print size (CPS), reading acuity (RA), and reading accessibility index (ACC) were obtained from the MNREAD test yielding a plot of reading speed versus print size. Results Compared to photopic conditions, reading vision of both healthy controls and glaucoma patients significantly decreased under mesopic conditions (P < 0.05). For glaucoma patients (85% with mild or moderate glaucoma), MRS and ACC decreased by six words per minute and 0.1, respectively under mesopic conditions; CPS and RA increased by 0.25 and 0.18 logMAR, respectively. Moreover, under both photopic and mesopic conditions, reading vision of glaucoma patients was significantly worse than that of healthy controls, but the difference was greater under mesopic conditions (P < 0.05) even after controlling for age and visual acuity. Conclusions Mesopic conditions make reading more challenging for both healthy controls and glaucoma patients. However, reading in dim light appears to be more burdensome for glaucoma patients. Mesopic reading tests mediated by both cone and rod photoreceptor systems likely provide a more sensitive and comprehensive assessment of a patient's reading impairment than testing under photopic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Traci-Lin Goddin
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Haojue Yu
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - David S. Friedman
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Cynthia Owsley
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - MiYoung Kwon
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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Liu Y, Xia P, Yan F, Yuan M, Yuan H, Du Y, Yan J, Song Q, Zhang T, Hu D, Shen Y. Engineered Extracellular Vesicles for Delivery of an IL-1 Receptor Antagonist Promote Targeted Repair of Retinal Degeneration. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2302962. [PMID: 37518765 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202302962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Retinal degeneration (RD) is an irreversible blinding disease that seriously affects patients' daily activities and mental health. Targeting hyperactivated microglia and regulating polarization are promising strategies for treating the disease. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation is proven to be an effective treatment due to its immunomodulatory and regenerative properties. However, the low efficiency of cell migration and integration of MSCs remains a major obstacle to clinical use. The goal of this study is to develop a nanodelivery system that targets hyperactivated microglia and inhibits their release of proinflammatory factors, to achieve durable neuroprotection. This approach is to engineer extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from MSC, modify them with a cyclic RGD (cRGD) peptide on their surface, and load them with an antagonist of the IL-1 receptor, anakinra. Comparing with non-engineered EVs, it is observed that engineered cRGD-EVs exhibit an increased targeting efficiency against hyperactivated microglia and strongly protected photoreceptors in experimental RD cells and animal models. This study provides a strategy to improve drug delivery to degenerated retinas and offers a promising approach to improve the treatment of RD through targeted modulation of the immune microenvironment via engineered cRGD-EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizong Liu
- Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, P. R. China
| | - Peng Xia
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430062, P. R. China
| | - Feiyue Yan
- Frontier Science Center of Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, P. R. China
| | - Man Yuan
- Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, P. R. China
| | - Haitao Yuan
- Department of Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518020, P. R. China
| | - Yuxin Du
- Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, P. R. China
| | - Jiangbo Yan
- Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, P. R. China
| | - Qiulin Song
- Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, P. R. China
| | - Tianlu Zhang
- Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, P. R. China
| | - Danping Hu
- Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, P. R. China
| | - Yin Shen
- Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, P. R. China
- Frontier Science Center of Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, P. R. China
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Zhang Z, Peng S, Xu T, Liu J, Zhao L, Xu H, Zhang W, Zhu Y, Yang Z. Retinal Microenvironment-Protected Rhein-GFFYE Nanofibers Attenuate Retinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Regulating Microglial/Macrophage M1/M2 Polarization. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2302909. [PMID: 37653617 PMCID: PMC10602545 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Retinal ischemia is involved in the occurrence and development of various eye diseases, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and central retinal artery occlusion. To the best of our knowledge, few studies have reported self-assembling peptide natural products for the suppression of ocular inflammation and oxidative stress. Herein, a self-assembling peptide GFFYE is designed and synthesized, which can transform the non-hydrophilicity of rhein into an amphiphilic sustained-release therapeutic agent, and rhein-based therapeutic nanofibers (abbreviated as Rh-GFFYE) are constructed for the treatment of retinal ischemia-reperfusion (RIR) injury. Rh-GFFYE significantly ameliorates oxidative stress and inflammation in an in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model of retinal ischemia and a rat model of RIR injury. Rh-GFFYE also significantly enhances retinal electrophysiological recovery and exhibits good biocompatibility. Importantly, Rh-GFFYE also promotes the transition of M1-type macrophages to the M2 type, ultimately altering the pro-inflammatory microenvironment. Further investigation of the treatment mechanism indicates that Rh-GFFYE activates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway to reduce oxidative stress and inhibits the NF-κB and STAT3 signaling pathways to affect inflammation and macrophage polarization. In conclusion, the rhein-loaded nanoplatform alleviates RIR injury by modulating the retinal microenvironment. The findings are expected to promote the clinical application of hydrophobic natural products in RIR injury-associated eye diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuhong Zhang
- School of PharmacyKey Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug EvaluationMinistry of EducationCollaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of ShandongYantai UniversityYantai264005China
| | - Shengjun Peng
- School of PharmacyKey Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug EvaluationMinistry of EducationCollaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of ShandongYantai UniversityYantai264005China
| | - Tengyan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive MaterialsMinistry of EducationState Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical BiologyCollege of Life SciencesCollaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineeringand National Institute of Functional MaterialsNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
| | - Jia Liu
- School of PharmacyKey Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug EvaluationMinistry of EducationCollaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of ShandongYantai UniversityYantai264005China
| | - Laien Zhao
- School of PharmacyKey Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug EvaluationMinistry of EducationCollaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of ShandongYantai UniversityYantai264005China
| | - Hui Xu
- School of PharmacyKey Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug EvaluationMinistry of EducationCollaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of ShandongYantai UniversityYantai264005China
| | - Wen Zhang
- School of PharmacyKey Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug EvaluationMinistry of EducationCollaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of ShandongYantai UniversityYantai264005China
| | - Yuanying Zhu
- School of PharmacyKey Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug EvaluationMinistry of EducationCollaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of ShandongYantai UniversityYantai264005China
| | - Zhimou Yang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive MaterialsMinistry of EducationState Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical BiologyCollege of Life SciencesCollaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineeringand National Institute of Functional MaterialsNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
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Ramsay E, Lajunen T, Bhattacharya M, Reinisalo M, Rilla K, Kidron H, Terasaki T, Urtti A. Selective drug delivery to the retinal cells: Biological barriers and avenues. J Control Release 2023; 361:1-19. [PMID: 37481214 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Retinal drug delivery is a challenging, but important task, because most retinal diseases are still without any proper therapy. Drug delivery to the retina is hampered by the anatomical and physiological barriers resulting in minimal bioavailability after topical ocular and systemic administrations. Intravitreal injections are current method-of-choice in retinal delivery, but these injections show short duration of action for small molecules and low target bioavailability for many protein, gene based drugs and nanomedicines. State-of-art delivery systems are based on prolonged retention, controlled drug release and physical features (e.g. size and charge). However, drug delivery to the retina is not cell-specific and these approaches do not facilitate intracellular delivery of modern biological drugs (e.g. intracellular proteins, RNA based medicines, gene editing). In this focused review we highlight biological factors and mechanisms that form the basis for the selective retinal drug delivery systems in the future. Therefore, we are presenting current knowledge related to retinal membrane transporters, receptors and targeting ligands in relation to nanomedicines, conjugates, extracellular vesicles, and melanin binding. These issues are discussed in the light of retinal structure and cell types as well as future prospects in the field. Unlike in some other fields of targeted drug delivery (e.g. cancer research), selective delivery technologies have been rarely studied, even though cell targeted delivery may be even more feasible after local administration into the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Ramsay
- Drug Research Programme, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tatu Lajunen
- Drug Research Programme, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland; School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Madhushree Bhattacharya
- Drug Research Programme, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mika Reinisalo
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kirsi Rilla
- School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Heidi Kidron
- Drug Research Programme, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tetsuya Terasaki
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Arto Urtti
- Drug Research Programme, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland; School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1 C, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
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Tong J, Khou V, Trinh M, Alonso‐Caneiro D, Zangerl B, Kalloniatis M. Derivation of human retinal cell densities using high-density, spatially localized optical coherence tomography data from the human retina. J Comp Neurol 2023; 531:1108-1125. [PMID: 37073514 PMCID: PMC10953454 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
This study sought to identify demographic variations in retinal thickness measurements from optical coherence tomography (OCT), to enable the calculation of cell density parameters across the neural layers of the healthy human macula. From macular OCTs (n = 247), ganglion cell (GCL), inner nuclear (INL), and inner segment-outer segment (ISOS) layer measurements were extracted using a customized high-density grid. Variations with age, sex, ethnicity, and refractive error were assessed with multiple linear regression analyses, with age-related distributions further assessed using hierarchical cluster analysis and regression models. Models were tested on a naïve healthy cohort (n = 40) with Mann-Whitney tests to determine generalizability. Quantitative cell density data were calculated from histological data from previous human studies. Eccentricity-dependent variations in OCT retinal thickness closely resemble topographic cell density maps from human histological studies. Age was consistently identified as significantly impacting retinal thickness (p = .0006, .0007, and .003 for GCL, INL and ISOS), with gender affecting ISOS only (p < .0001). Regression models demonstrated that age-related changes in the GCL and INL begin in the 30th decade and were linear for the ISOS. Model testing revealed significant differences in INL and ISOS thickness (p = .0008 and .0001; however, differences fell within the OCT's axial resolution. Qualitative comparisons show close alignment between OCT and histological cell densities when using unique, high-resolution OCT data, and correction for demographics-related variability. Overall, this study describes a process to calculate in vivo cell density from OCT for all neural layers of the human retina, providing a framework for basic science and clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janelle Tong
- Centre for Eye HealthUniversity of New South Wales (UNSW)New South WalesSydneyAustralia
- School of Optometry and Vision ScienceUniversity of New South Wales (UNSW)New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Vincent Khou
- Centre for Eye HealthUniversity of New South Wales (UNSW)New South WalesSydneyAustralia
- School of Optometry and Vision ScienceUniversity of New South Wales (UNSW)New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Matt Trinh
- Centre for Eye HealthUniversity of New South Wales (UNSW)New South WalesSydneyAustralia
- School of Optometry and Vision ScienceUniversity of New South Wales (UNSW)New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - David Alonso‐Caneiro
- School of Optometry and Vision ScienceCentre for Vision and Eye ResearchContact Lens and Visual Optics LaboratoryQueensland University of TechnologyQueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
- School of Science, Technology and EngineeringUniversity of Sunshine CoastQueenslandSippy DownsAustralia
| | - Barbara Zangerl
- School of Optometry and Vision ScienceUniversity of New South Wales (UNSW)New South WalesSydneyAustralia
- Coronary Care UnitRoyal Prince Alfred HospitalNew South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Michael Kalloniatis
- Centre for Eye HealthUniversity of New South Wales (UNSW)New South WalesSydneyAustralia
- School of Optometry and Vision ScienceUniversity of New South Wales (UNSW)New South WalesSydneyAustralia
- Department of OptometrySchool of MedicineDeakin UniversityVictoriaWaurn PondsAustralia
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Svare F, Ghosh F. Beneficial and Detrimental Pressure-Related Effects on Inner Neurons in the Adult Porcine In Vitro Retina. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:19. [PMID: 36780140 PMCID: PMC9927757 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.2.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore pressure-related effects in the adult porcine retina in vitro. Methods Retinal explants were subjected to 0, 10, 30, or 60 mmHg of pressure for 24 or 48 hours in culture. Overall tissue damage in sections was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase media levels, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and TUNEL staining. Inner retinal neurons were evaluated by protein kinase C alpha (rod bipolar cells), CHX10 (overall bipolar cell population), parvalbumin (amacrine cells), and RBPMS (ganglion cells) immunohistochemistry. Results All retinas kept in culture displayed increased pyknosis and apoptosis compared with directly fixed controls. The 10-mmHg explants displayed attenuation of overall tissue damage compared with the 0-, 30-, and 60-mmHg counterparts. No difference in the number of rod bipolar cells was seen in the 10-mmHg explants compared with directly fixed controls, whereas significantly fewer cells were detected in the remaining pressure groups. No difference in the number of ganglion cells in the 0-, 10-, and 60-mmHg groups was seen compared with directly fixed controls after 24 hours, whereas a lower number was found in the 30-mmHg counterpart. A decline of ganglion cells was found in the 0-, 10-, and 60-mmHg group after 48 hours, but no further decrease was seen in the 30-mmHg group. No differences were detected in overall bipolar and amacrine cells in the pressure groups after 24 hours compared with directly fixed controls. Conclusions A moderate amount of pressure attenuates culture-related retinal neurodegeneration. Rod bipolar cells are specifically vulnerable to excessive pressure. Translational Relevance These findings are relevant for glaucoma-related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frida Svare
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Ghosh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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10
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Dias SB, de Lemos L, Sousa L, Bitoque DB, Silva GA, Seabra MC, Tenreiro S. Age-Related Changes of the Synucleins Profile in the Mouse Retina. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13010180. [PMID: 36671565 PMCID: PMC9855780 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (aSyn) plays a central role in Parkinson's disease (PD) and has been extensively studied in the brain. This protein is part of the synuclein family, which is also composed of beta-synuclein (bSyn) and gamma-synuclein (gSyn). In addition to its neurotoxic role, synucleins have important functions in the nervous system, modulating synaptic transmission. Synucleins are expressed in the retina, but they have been poorly characterized. However, there is evidence that they are important for visual function and that they can play a role in retinal degeneration. This study aimed to profile synucleins in the retina of naturally aged mice and to correlate their patterns with specific retinal cells. With aging, we observed a decrease in the thickness of specific retinal layers, accompanied by an increase in glial reactivity. Moreover, the aSyn levels decreased, whereas bSyn increased with aging. The colocalization of both proteins was decreased in the inner plexiform layer (IPL) of the aged retina. gSyn presented an age-related decrease at the inner nuclear layer but was not significantly changed in the ganglion cell layer. The synaptic marker synaptophysin was shown to be preferentially colocalized with aSyn in the IPL with aging. At the same time, aSyn was found to exist at the presynaptic endings of bipolar cells and was affected by aging. Overall, this study suggests that physiological aging can be responsible for changes in the retinal tissue, implicating functional alterations that could affect synuclein family function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Batista Dias
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luísa de Lemos
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luís Sousa
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Diogo B. Bitoque
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Araújo Silva
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel C. Seabra
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Sandra Tenreiro
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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11
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Xie F, Li Z, Yang N, Yang J, Hua D, Luo J, He T, Xing Y. Inhibition of Heat Shock Protein B8 Alleviates Retinal Dysfunction and Ganglion Cells Loss Via Autophagy Suppression in Mouse Axonal Damage. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:28. [PMID: 35758906 PMCID: PMC9248752 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.6.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Heat shock protein B8 (HspB8) can be upregulated rapidly in many pathologic processes, but its role in traumatic optic neuropathy remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the involvement of autophagy in the effects of HspB8 by using the optic nerve crush (ONC) model. Methods Male C57BL/6J mice were intravitreally injected with recombinant adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2-shHspB8 or AAV2-GFP) and subsequently received ONC by a self-closing tweezers. Western blot and immunohistochemistry staining were used to evaluate the expression of HspB8. We conducted retinal flat-mount immunofluorescence to measure the quantities of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), and full-field flash electroretinogram (ff-ERG) and optomotor response (OMR) were used to evaluate retinal function. The autophagy level was reflected by western blot, immunohistochemistry staining, and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images. We also applied 3-methyladenine (3MA) and rapamycin (Rapa) to regulate autophagy level in optic nerve injury. Results ONC stimulated the expression of HspB8. Declines of RGCs and ff-ERG b-wave amplitudes resulting from ONC can be alleviated by HspB8 downregulation. Increased autophagy activity after ONC was observed; however, this change can be reversed by intravitreal injection of AAV2-shHspB8. Furthermore, application of autophagy inhibitor 3MA had the same neuroprotective effects as AAV2-shHspB8, as illustrated by ff-ERG and quantities of RGCs. Also, protection of AAV2-shHspB8 was compromised by the autophagy activator Rapa. Conclusions Inhibition of HspB8 in mice optic nerve injury had neuroprotective effects, which may be derived from its downregulation of autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feijia Xie
- Eye Center, RenMin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zongyuan Li
- Eye Center, RenMin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Yang
- Eye Center, RenMin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiayi Yang
- Eye Center, RenMin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Dihao Hua
- Eye Center, RenMin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinyuan Luo
- Eye Center, RenMin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao He
- Eye Center, RenMin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiqiao Xing
- Eye Center, RenMin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
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12
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Wright P, Rodgers J, Wynne J, Bishop PN, Lucas RJ, Milosavljevic N. Viral Transduction of Human Rod Opsin or Channelrhodopsin Variants to Mouse ON Bipolar Cells Does Not Impact Retinal Anatomy or Cause Measurable Death in the Targeted Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222313111. [PMID: 34884916 PMCID: PMC8658283 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222313111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The viral gene delivery of optogenetic actuators to the surviving inner retina has been proposed as a strategy for restoring vision in advanced retinal degeneration. We investigated the safety of ectopic expression of human rod opsin (hRHO), and two channelrhodopsins (enhanced sensitivity CoChR-3M and red-shifted ReaChR) by viral gene delivery in ON bipolar cells of the mouse retina. Adult Grm6Cre mice were bred to be retinally degenerate or non-retinally degenerate (homozygous and heterozygous for the rd1Pde6b mutation, respectively) and intravitreally injected with recombinant adeno-associated virus AAV2/2(quad Y-F) serotype containing a double-floxed inverted transgene comprising one of the opsins of interest under a CMV promoter. None of the opsins investigated caused changes in retinal thickness; induced apoptosis in the retina or in transgene expressing cells; or reduced expression of PKCα (a specific bipolar cell marker). No increase in retinal inflammation at the level of gene expression (IBA1/AIF1) was found within the treated mice compared to controls. The expression of hRHO, CoChR or ReaChR under a strong constitutive promoter in retinal ON bipolar cells following intravitreal delivery via AAV2 does not cause either gross changes in retinal health, or have a measurable impact on the survival of targeted cells.
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13
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Multimodal imaging and functional analysis of the chick NMDA retinal damage model. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257148. [PMID: 34492087 PMCID: PMC8423281 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The chick is rapidly becoming a standardized preclinical model in vision research to study mechanisms of ocular disease. We seek to comprehensively evaluate the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) model of excitotoxic retinal damage using multimodal imaging, functional, and histologic approaches in NMDA-damaged, vehicle-treated, and undamaged chicks. Methods Chicks were either left undamaged in both eyes or were injected with NMDA in the left eye and saline (vehicle) in the right eye. TUNEL assay was performed on chicks to assess levels of retinal cell death one day post-injection of NMDA or saline and on age-matched untreated chicks. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was performed weekly on chicks and age-matched controls day 1 (D1) up to D28 post-injection. Light adapted electroretinograms (ERG) were performed alongside SD-OCT measurements on post-injection chicks along with age-matched untreated controls. Results Untreated and vehicle-treated eyes had no TUNEL positive cells while NMDA-treated eyes accumulated large numbers of TUNEL positive cells in the Inner Nuclear Layer (INL), but not other layers, at D1 post injection. Significant inner retina swelling or edema was found on SD-OCT imaging at D1 post-injection which resolved at subsequent timepoints. Both the INL and the inner plexiform layer significantly thinned by one-week post-injection and did not recover for the duration of the measurements. On ERG, NMDA-treated eyes had significantly reduced amplitudes of all parameters at D1 with all metrics improving over time. The b-wave, oscillatory potentials, and ON/OFF bipolar responses were the most affected with at least 70% reduction immediately after damage compared to the fellow eye control. Conclusion This study establishes a normative baseline on the retinal health and gross functional ability as well as intraocular pressures of undamaged, vehicle-treated, and NMDA-damaged chicks to provide a standard for comparing therapeutic treatment studies in this important animal model.
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Early Functional Impairment in Experimental Glaucoma Is Accompanied by Disruption of the GABAergic System and Inceptive Neuroinflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147581. [PMID: 34299211 PMCID: PMC8306430 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, and increased intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor. We aimed to determine if early functional and molecular differences in the glaucomatous retina manifest before significant retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss is apparent. Adenoviral vectors expressing a pathogenic form of myocilin (Ad5.MYOC) were used to induce IOP elevation in C57BL/6 mice. IOP and pattern electroretinograms (pERG) were recorded, and retinas were prepared for RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry, or to determine RGC loss. Ocular injection of Ad5.MYOC leads to reliable IOP elevation, resulting in significant loss of RGC after nine weeks. A significant decrease in the pERG amplitude was evident in eyes three weeks after IOP elevation. Retinal gene expression analysis revealed increased expression for 291 genes related to complement cascade, inflammation, and antigen presentation in hypertensive eyes. Decreased expression was found for 378 genes associated with the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic and glutamatergic systems and axon guidance. These data suggest that early functional changes in RGC might be due to reduced GABAA receptor signaling and neuroinflammation that precedes RGC loss in this glaucoma model. These initial changes may offer new targets for early detection of glaucoma and the development of new interventions.
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Chronic Glaucoma Using Biodegradable Microspheres to Induce Intraocular Pressure Elevation. Six-Month Follow-Up. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9060682. [PMID: 34208744 PMCID: PMC8235213 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: To compare two prolonged animal models of glaucoma over 24 weeks of follow-up. A novel pre-trabecular model of chronic glaucoma was achieved by injection of biodegradable poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) microspheres (10–20 µm) (Ms20/10) into the ocular anterior chamber to progressively increase ocular hypertension (OHT). Methods: Rat right eyes were injected to induce OHT: 50% received a suspension of Ms20/10 in the anterior chamber at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks, and the other 50% received a sclerosing episcleral vein injection biweekly (EPIm). Ophthalmological clinical signs, intraocular pressure (IOP), neuroretinal functionality measured by electroretinography (ERG), and structural analysis of the retina, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL) protocols using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and histological exams were performed. Results: Both models showed progressive neuroretinal degeneration (p < 0.05), and contralateral eye affectation. The Ms20/10 model showed a more progressive increase in IOP and better preservation of ocular surface. Although no statistical differences were found between models, the EPIm showed a tendency to produce thicker retinal and thinner GCL thicknesses, slower latency and smaller amplitude as measured using ERG, and more aggressive disturbances in retinal histology. In both models, while the GCL showed the greatest percentage loss of thickness, the RNFL showed the greatest and earliest rate of thickness loss. Conclusions: The intracameral model with biodegradable microspheres resulted more like the conditions observed in humans. It was obtained by a less-aggressive mechanism, which allows for adequate study of the pathology over longer periods.
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Wu M, Deng Q, Lei X, Du Y, Shen Y. Elavl2 Regulates Retinal Function Via Modulating the Differentiation of Amacrine Cells Subtype. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:1. [PMID: 34061953 PMCID: PMC8185395 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.7.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The neuronal ELAV-like proteins (nElavls; Elavl2, Elavl3, Elavl4) have been known to regulate neuronal differentiation, maintenance, and axonogenesis in the brain. However, the specific role of nElavls in retina remains unclear. Here, we attempted to identify the expression pattern of Elavl2 during retinogenesis and aimed to decipher the function of Elavl2 in the retina. Methods We have used the Cre-loxP system to conditionally inactivate Elavl2 in order to examine its role in developing retina. Eyes were collected for histology, immunohistochemistry, and TUNEL analysis to identify the structure of retina, and examined by RNA sequencing to analyze the function and pathway enrichment of differentially expressed genes in transgenic mice. Moreover, the mechanism by which Elavl2 regulates the differentiation of amacrine cells (ACs) was explored by RNA immunoprecipitation assays. Finally, eyes were functionally assessed by whole-cell patch-clamp, electroretinography (ERG) and optomotor response. Results Elavl2 was expressed in retinal progenitor cells and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), ACs, and horizontal cells. Retina-specific ablation of Elavl2 led to the loss of ACs and the transcription factors involved in ACs differentiation were also downregulated. In addition, the spontaneous activities of RGCs were obviously increased in Elavl2-deficient mice. Meanwhile, the loss of ACs that induced by Elavl2 deficiency lead to a decrease in ERG responses and visual acuity. Conclusions Elavl2 is an intrinsic factor that involved in the differentiation of ACs subtype during retinogenesis, and essential for maintaining the normal retinal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjuan Wu
- Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qinqin Deng
- Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xinlan Lei
- Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yuxin Du
- Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yin Shen
- Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Li Z, Xie F, Yang N, Yang J, Luo J, Hua D, He T, Xing Y. Krüppel-like factor 7 protects retinal ganglion cells and promotes functional preservation via activating the Akt pathway after retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Exp Eye Res 2021; 207:108587. [PMID: 33891954 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Krüppel-like factor 7 (KLF7) on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and retinal function after retinal ischemia-reperfusion (RIR) injury in mice. METHODS Male C57BL/6J mice were intravitreally injected with recombinant adeno-associated vectors (rAAV-KLF7-EGFP or rAAV-EGFP), and subsequently used to induce RIR injury. Retinal cryosections were used to access the efficacy of virus transfection, 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after rAAV-KLF7-EGFP transfer. RGCs survival rate was observed and quantified by immunofluorescent staining, 7 days after RIR injury. Meanwhile, electroretinogram (ERG) and optomotor response were used to evaluate the electrophysiological functions and visual acuity. Apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL staining 1 day after RIR injury. Expression of KLF7, Akt, phospho-Akt, Bcl-2, and Bax were further detected by western blot to excavate the underlying mechanism. RESULTS The transfection efficiency of rAAV-KLF7-EGFP was increased in a time-dependent manner, and the number of EGFP-positive cells was increased significantly 3 weeks after rAAV-KLF7-EGFP transfer. RGCs survival rates, amplitudes of ERG a-, b-wave, Ops, PhNR, and visual acuity of mice were decreased after RIR injury. With the increase of light intensity, the amplitudes of scotopic ERG a- and b-wave were gradually increased while the incubation period was gradually shortened. RGCs survival rates, amplitudes of ERG a-, b-wave, Ops, PhNR, and visual acuity of mice were increased after rAAV-KLF7-EGFP transfer. The protein level of KLF7 was up-regulated after rAAV-KLF7-EGFP transfer. Up-regulation of KLF7 significantly inhibited cells apoptosis, increased phospho-Akt and Bcl-2 expression, and decreased Bax expression. There were no significant changes in Akt expression. CONCLUSION Overexpression of KLF7 can not only prevent the loss of RGCs, but also preserve the electrophysiological function. In addition, overexpression of KLF7 can ameliorate the retinal dysfunction after RIR injury, and ultimately improve the visual acuity of mice. The activation of Akt pathway and the suppression of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway contribute to the neuroprotection of KLF7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongyuan Li
- Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Feijia Xie
- Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ning Yang
- Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jiayi Yang
- Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jinyuan Luo
- Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, China
| | - Dihao Hua
- Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, China
| | - Tao He
- Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Yiqiao Xing
- Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, China.
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Eastlake K, Jayaram H, Luis J, Hayes M, Khaw PT, Limb GA. Strain Specific Responses in a Microbead Rat Model of Experimental Glaucoma. Curr Eye Res 2021; 46:387-397. [PMID: 32842792 PMCID: PMC8025805 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2020.1805472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE A major challenge in glaucoma research is the lack of reproducible animal models of RGC and optic nerve damage, the characteristic features of this condition. We therefore examined the glaucomatous responses of two different rat strains, the Brown Norway (BN) and Lister Hooded (LH) rats, to high intraocular pressure (IOP) induced by injection of magnetic beads into the anterior chamber. METHODS Magnetic microsphere suspensions (20 µl of 5-20 mg/ml) were injected into the anterior chamber of BN (n = 9) or LH (N = 15) rats. Animals from each strain were divided into three groups, each receiving a different dose of microspheres. IOP was measured over 4 weeks using a rebound tonometer. Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) damage and function were assessed using scotopic electroretinograms (ERGs), retinal flatmounts and optic nerve histology. ANOVA and Student's t-tests were used to analyse the data. RESULTS A significant elevation in IOP was observed in BN rats receiving injections of 20 mg (37.18 ± 12.28 mmHg) or 10 mg microspheres/ml (36.95 ± 13.63 mmHg) when compared with controls (19.63 ± 4.29 mmHg) (p < .001) over 2 weeks. This correlated with a significant impairment of RGC function, as determined by scotopic ERG (p < .001), reduction in axon number (p < .05) and lower RGC density (P < .05) in animals receiving 20 mg or 10 mg microspheres/ml as compared with controls. LH rats receiving similar microsphere doses showed reduced scotopic ERG function (p < .001) after 2 weeks. No changes in IOP was seen in this strain, although a reduction in axon density was observed in optic nerve cross-sections (p < .05). Initial changes in IOP and ERG responses observed in BN rats remained unchanged for a duration of 7 weeks. In LH animals, ERG responses were decreased at 1-2 weeks and returned to control levels after 5 weeks. CONCLUSIONS Although this model was easily reproducible in BN rats, the phenotype of injury observed in LH rats was very different from that observed in BN animals. We suggest that differences in the glaucomatous response observed in these two strains may be ascribed to anatomical and physiological differences and merits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Eastlake
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields, Eye Hospitaland UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Hari Jayaram
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields, Eye Hospitaland UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Joshua Luis
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields, Eye Hospitaland UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Matthew Hayes
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields, Eye Hospitaland UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Peng T. Khaw
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields, Eye Hospitaland UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - G. Astrid Limb
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields, Eye Hospitaland UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
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Tundo GR, Sbardella D, Santoro AM, Coletta A, Oddone F, Grasso G, Milardi D, Lacal PM, Marini S, Purrello R, Graziani G, Coletta M. The proteasome as a druggable target with multiple therapeutic potentialities: Cutting and non-cutting edges. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 213:107579. [PMID: 32442437 PMCID: PMC7236745 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Ubiquitin Proteasome System (UPS) is an adaptable and finely tuned system that sustains proteostasis network under a large variety of physiopathological conditions. Its dysregulation is often associated with the onset and progression of human diseases; hence, UPS modulation has emerged as a promising new avenue for the development of treatments of several relevant pathologies, such as cancer and neurodegeneration. The clinical interest in proteasome inhibition has considerably increased after the FDA approval in 2003 of bortezomib for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, which is now used in the front-line setting. Thereafter, two other proteasome inhibitors (carfilzomib and ixazomib), designed to overcome resistance to bortezomib, have been approved for treatment-experienced patients, and a variety of novel inhibitors are currently under preclinical and clinical investigation not only for haematological malignancies but also for solid tumours. However, since UPS collapse leads to toxic misfolded proteins accumulation, proteasome is attracting even more interest as a target for the care of neurodegenerative diseases, which are sustained by UPS impairment. Thus, conceptually, proteasome activation represents an innovative and largely unexplored target for drug development. According to a multidisciplinary approach, spanning from chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology to pharmacology, this review will summarize the most recent available literature regarding different aspects of proteasome biology, focusing on structure, function and regulation of proteasome in physiological and pathological processes, mostly cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, connecting biochemical features and clinical studies of proteasome targeting drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- G R Tundo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - A M Santoro
- CNR, Institute of Crystallography, Catania, Italy
| | - A Coletta
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - F Oddone
- IRCCS-Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy
| | - G Grasso
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - D Milardi
- CNR, Institute of Crystallography, Catania, Italy
| | - P M Lacal
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, IDI-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - S Marini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - R Purrello
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - G Graziani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - M Coletta
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
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