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Zhou P, Zhang S, Li L, Zhang R, Guo G, Zhang Y, Wang R, Liu M, Wang Z, Zhao H, Yang G, Xie S, Ran J. Targeted degradation of VEGF with bispecific aptamer-based LYTACs ameliorates pathological retinal angiogenesis. Theranostics 2024; 14:4983-5000. [PMID: 39267779 PMCID: PMC11388081 DOI: 10.7150/thno.98467] [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: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Neovascular ocular diseases (NODs) represent the leading cause of visual impairment globally. Despite significant advances in anti-angiogenic therapies targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), persistent challenges remain prevalent. As a proof-of-concept study, we herein demonstrate the effectiveness of targeted degradation of VEGF with bispecific aptamer-based lysosome-targeting chimeras (referred to as VED-LYTACs). Methods: VED-LYTACs were constructed with three distinct modules: a mannose-6-phosphate receptor (M6PR)-binding motif containing an M6PR aptamer, a VEGF-binding module with an aptamer targeting VEGF, and a linker essential for bridging and stabilizing the two-aptamer structure. The degradation efficiency of VED-LYTACs via the autophagy-lysosome system was examined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence staining. Subsequently, the anti-angiogenic effects of VED-LYTACs were evaluated using in vitro wound healing assay, tube formation assay, three-dimensional sprouting assay, and ex vivo aortic ring sprouting assay. Finally, the potential therapeutic effects of VED-LYTACs on pathological retinal neovascularization and vascular leakage were tested by employing mouse models of NODs. Results: The engineered VED-LYTACs promote the interaction between M6PR and VEGF, consequently facilitating the translocation and degradation of VEGF through the lysosome. Our data show that treatment with VED-LYTACs significantly suppresses VEGF-induced angiogenic activities both in vitro and ex vivo. In addition, intravitreal injection of VED-LYTACs remarkably ameliorates abnormal vascular proliferation and leakage in mouse models of NODs. Conclusion: Our findings present a novel strategy for targeting VEGF degradation with an aptamer-based LYTAC system, effectively ameliorating pathological retinal angiogenesis. These results suggest that VED-LYTACs have potential as therapeutic agents for managing NODs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zhou
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Sai Zhang
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Lin Li
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Renshuai Zhang
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Guizhi Guo
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Yufei Zhang
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Runa Wang
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Miaoyuan Liu
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Zhiyi Wang
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Huijie Zhao
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Guiwen Yang
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Songbo Xie
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Jie Ran
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
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Pickel L, Kim SJ, Hacibekiroglu S, Nagy A, Lee J, Sung HK. The Circadian Clock of Müller Glia Is Necessary for Retinal Homeostasis and Neuronal Survival. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024:S0002-9440(24)00290-6. [PMID: 39147235 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2024.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Biological processes throughout the body are orchestrated in time through the regulation of local circadian clocks. The retina is among the most metabolically active tissues, with demands depending greatly on the light/dark cycle. Most cell types within the retina are known to express the circadian clock in rodents; however, retinal clock expression in the human has not previously been localized. Moreover, the effect of local circadian clock dysfunction on retinal homeostasis is incompletely understood. We demonstrate an age-dependent decline in circadian clock gene and protein expression in the human retina. Using an animal model of targeted Bmal1 deficiency, we identify the circadian clock of the retinal Müller glia as essential for neuronal survival, vascular integrity, and retinal function. These results suggest a potential role for the local retinal circadian clock within the Müller glia in age-related retinal disease and retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Pickel
- Translational Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Soo Jin Kim
- Department of Medical Science, AMIST, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Translational Biomedical Research Group, Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sabiha Hacibekiroglu
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andras Nagy
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Junyeop Lee
- Department of Medical Science, AMIST, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Translational Biomedical Research Group, Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hoon-Ki Sung
- Translational Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Audo I, Nassisi M, Zeitz C, Sahel JA. The Extraordinary Phenotypic and Genetic Variability of Retinal and Macular Degenerations: The Relevance to Therapeutic Developments. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041652. [PMID: 37604589 PMCID: PMC11146306 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of rare conditions leading to various degrees of visual handicap and to progressive blindness in more severe cases. Besides visual rehabilitation, educational, and socio-professional support, there are currently limited therapeutic options, but the approval of the first gene therapy product for RPE65-related IRDs raised hope for therapeutic innovations. Such developments are facing obstacles intrinsic to the disease and the affected tissue including the extreme phenotypic and genetic variability of IRDs and the fine tuning of visual processing through the complex architecture of the postmitotic neural retina. A precise phenotypic characterization is required prior to genetic testing, which now relies on high-throughput sequencing. Their challenges will be discussed within this article as well as their implications in clinical trial design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Audo
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France
- Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, National Rare Disease Center REFERET and INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, Paris F-75012, France
| | - Marco Nassisi
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan 20122, Italy
- Ophthalmology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Christina Zeitz
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France
- Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, National Rare Disease Center REFERET and INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, Paris F-75012, France
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
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4
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Amini E, Rohani M, Fasano A, Azad Z, Miri S, Habibi SAH, Emamikhah M, Mirshahi R, Joghataei MT, Gholibeigian Z, Ghasemi Falavarjani K. Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation Disorders and Retinal Neurovascular Structure. Mov Disord 2024; 39:411-423. [PMID: 37947042 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29644] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The unique neurovascular structure of the retina has provided an opportunity to observe brain pathology in many neurological disorders. However, such studies on neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) disorders are lacking. OBJECTIVES To investigate NBIA's neurological and ophthalmological manifestations. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted on genetically confirmed NBIA patients and an age-gender-matched control group. The thickness of retinal layers, central choroidal thickness (CCT), and capillary plexus densities were measured by spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and OCT angiography, respectively. The patients also underwent funduscopy, electroretinography (ERG), visual evoked potential (VEP), and neurological examination (Pantothenate-Kinase Associated Neurodegeneration-Disease Rating Scale [PKAN-DRS]). The generalized estimating equation model was used to consider inter-eye correlations. RESULTS Seventy-four patients' and 80 controls' eyes were analyzed. Patients had significantly decreased visual acuity, reduced inner or outer sectors of almost all evaluated layers, increased CCT, and decreased vessel densities, with abnormal VEP and ERG in 32.4% and 45.9%, respectively. There were correlations between visual acuity and temporal peripapillary nerve fiber layer (positive) and between PKAN-DRS score and disease duration (negative), and scotopic b-wave amplitudes (positive). When considering only the PKAN eyes, ONL was among the significantly decreased retinal layers, with no differences in retinal vessel densities. Evidence of pachychoroid was only seen in patients with Kufor Rakeb syndrome. CONCLUSION Observing pathologic structural and functional neurovascular changes in NBIA patients may provide an opportunity to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and differential retinal biomarkers in NBIA subtypes in further investigations. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elahe Amini
- ENT and Head and Neck Research Center, The Five Senses Health Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rohani
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Skull Base Research Center, The Five Senses Health Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alfonso Fasano
- University Health Network University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zahra Azad
- Skull Base Research Center, The Five Senses Health Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahnaz Miri
- Vision Neurology Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Seyed Amir Hassan Habibi
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Skull Base Research Center, The Five Senses Health Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maziar Emamikhah
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Skull Base Research Center, The Five Senses Health Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Mirshahi
- Eye Research Center, The Five Senses Health Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Zeinab Gholibeigian
- Skull Base Research Center, The Five Senses Health Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khalil Ghasemi Falavarjani
- Eye Research Center, The Five Senses Health Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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5
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Vėbraitė I, Bar-Haim C, David-Pur M, Hanein Y. Bi-directional electrical recording and stimulation of the intact retina with a screen-printed soft probe: a feasibility study. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1288069. [PMID: 38264499 PMCID: PMC10804455 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1288069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Electrophysiological investigations of intact neural circuits are challenged by the gentle and complex nature of neural tissues. Bi-directional electrophysiological interfacing with the retina, in its intact form, is particularly demanding and currently there is no feasible approach to achieve such investigations. Here we present a feasibility study of a novel soft multi-electrode array suitable for bi-directional electrophysiological study of the intact retina. Methods Screen-printed soft electrode arrays were developed and tested. The soft probes were designed to accommodate the curvature of the retina in the eye and offer an opportunity to study the retina in its intact form. Results For the first time, we show both electrical recording and stimulation capabilities from the intact retina. In particular, we demonstrate the ability to characterize retina responses to electrical stimulation and reveal stable, direct, and indirect responses compared with ex-vivo conditions. Discussion These results demonstrate the unique performances of the new probe while also suggesting that intact retinas retain better stability and robustness than ex-vivo retinas making them more suitable for characterizing retina responses to electrical stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ieva Vėbraitė
- School of Electrical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Chen Bar-Haim
- School of Electrical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Moshe David-Pur
- School of Electrical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yael Hanein
- School of Electrical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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6
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Witczyńska A, Alaburda A, Grześk G, Nowaczyk J, Nowaczyk A. Unveiling the Multifaceted Problems Associated with Dysrhythmia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:263. [PMID: 38203440 PMCID: PMC10778936 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010263] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Dysrhythmia is a term referring to the occurrence of spontaneous and repetitive changes in potentials with parameters deviating from those considered normal. The term refers to heart anomalies but has a broader meaning. Dysrhythmias may concern the heart, neurological system, digestive system, and sensory organs. Ion currents conducted through ion channels are a universal phenomenon. The occurrence of channel abnormalities will therefore result in disorders with clinical manifestations depending on the affected tissue, but phenomena from other tissues and organs may also manifest themselves. A similar problem concerns the implementation of pharmacotherapy, the mechanism of which is related to the impact on various ion currents. Treatment in this case may cause unfavorable effects on other tissues and organs. Drugs acting through the modulation of ion currents are characterized by relatively low tissue specificity. To assess a therapy's efficacy and safety, the risk of occurrences in other tissues with similar mechanisms of action must be considered. In the present review, the focus is shifted prominently onto a comparison of abnormal electrical activity within different tissues and organs. This review includes an overview of the types of dysrhythmias and the basic techniques of clinical examination of electrophysiological disorders. It also presents a concise overview of the available pharmacotherapy in particular diseases. In addition, the authors review the relevant ion channels and their research technique based on patch clumping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianna Witczyńska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Toruń, Poland;
| | - Aidas Alaburda
- Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Institute of Bioscience, Vilnius University Saulėtekio Ave. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| | - Grzegorz Grześk
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Toruń, Poland;
| | - Jacek Nowaczyk
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Physicochemistry of Polymers, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 7 Gagarina St., 87-100 Toruń, Poland;
| | - Alicja Nowaczyk
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Toruń, Poland;
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Brabec M, Constable PA, Thompson DA, Marmolejo-Ramos F. Group comparisons of the individual electroretinogram time trajectories for the ascending limb of the b-wave using a raw and registered time series. BMC Res Notes 2023; 16:238. [PMID: 37773138 PMCID: PMC10542250 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-023-06535-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The electroretinogram is a clinical test commonly used in the diagnosis of retinal disorders with the peak time and amplitude of the a- and b-waves used as the main indicators of retinal function. However, subtle changes that affect the shape of the electroretinogram waveform may occur in the early stages of disease or in conditions that have a neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative origin. In such cases, we introduce a statistical approach to mathematically model the shape of the electroretinogram waveform that may aid clinicians and researchers using the electroretinogram or other biological signal recordings to identify morphological features in the waveforms that may not be captured by the time or time-frequency domains of the waveforms. We present a statistical graphics-based analysis of the ascending limb of the b-wave (AL-b) of the electroretinogram in children with and without a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with a narrative explanation of the statistical approach to illustrate how different features of the waveform based on location and scale derived from raw and registered time series can reveal subtle differences between the groups. RESULTS Analysis of the raw time trajectories confirmed findings of previous studies with a reduced and delayed b-wave amplitude in ASD. However, when the individual time trajectories were registered then group differences were visible in the mean amplitude at registered time ~ 0.6 suggesting a novel method to differentiate groups using registration of the ERG waveform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Brabec
- Institute of Computer Science of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Paul A Constable
- Flinders University, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Caring Futures Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | - Dorothy A Thompson
- The Tony Kriss Visual Electrophysiology Unit, Clinical and Academic, Department of Ophthalmology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Fernando Marmolejo-Ramos
- Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning, The University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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8
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Yang TH, Kang EYC, Lin PH, Wu PL, Sachs JA, Wang NK. The Value of Electroretinography in Identifying Candidate Genes for Inherited Retinal Dystrophies: A Diagnostic Guide. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3041. [PMID: 37835784 PMCID: PMC10572658 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13193041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a group of heterogeneous diseases caused by genetic mutations that specifically affect the function of the rod, cone, or bipolar cells in the retina. Electroretinography (ERG) is a diagnostic tool that measures the electrical activity of the retina in response to light stimuli, and it can help to determine the function of these cells. A normal ERG response consists of two waves, the a-wave and the b-wave, which reflect the activity of the photoreceptor cells and the bipolar and Muller cells, respectively. Despite the growing availability of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, identifying the precise genetic mutation causing an IRD can be challenging and costly. However, certain types of IRDs present with unique ERG features that can help guide genetic testing. By combining these ERG findings with other clinical information, such as on family history and retinal imaging, physicians can effectively narrow down the list of candidate genes to be sequenced, thereby reducing the cost of genetic testing. This review article focuses on certain types of IRDs with unique ERG features. We will discuss the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of, and ERG findings on, these disorders, emphasizing the unique role ERG plays in their diagnosis and genetic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsai-Hsuan Yang
- Department of Education, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan;
- College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
| | - Eugene Yu-Chuan Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan;
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hsuan Lin
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Yunlin 640203, Taiwan;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (P.-L.W.); (J.A.S.)
| | - Pei-Liang Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (P.-L.W.); (J.A.S.)
- Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Jacob Aaron Sachs
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (P.-L.W.); (J.A.S.)
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | - Nan-Kai Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan;
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (P.-L.W.); (J.A.S.)
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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9
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Mahroo OA. Visual electrophysiology and "the potential of the potentials". Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:2399-2408. [PMID: 36928229 PMCID: PMC10397240 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02491-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Visual electrophysiology affords direct, quantitative, objective assessment of visual pathway function at different levels, and thus yields information complementary to, and not necessarily obtainable from, imaging or psychophysical testing. The tests available, and their indications, have evolved, with many advances, both in technology and in our understanding of the neural basis of the waveforms, now facilitating more precise evaluation of physiology and pathophysiology. After summarising the visual pathway and current standard clinical testing methods, this review discusses, non-exhaustively, several developments, focusing particularly on human electroretinogram recordings. These include new devices (portable, non-mydiatric, multimodal), novel testing protocols (including those aiming to separate rod-driven and cone-driven responses, and to monitor retinal adaptation), and developments in methods of analysis, including use of modelling and machine learning. It is likely that several tests will become more accessible and useful in both clinical and research settings. In future, these methods will further aid our understanding of common and rare eye disease, will help in assessing novel therapies, and will potentially yield information relevant to neurological and neuro-psychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar A Mahroo
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, UK.
- Retinal and Genetics Services, Moorfields Eye Hospital, 162 City Road, London, UK.
- Section of Ophthalmology and Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital Campus, Westminster Bridge Road, London, UK.
- Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Translational Ophthalmology, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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10
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Sakti DH, Cornish EE, Fraser CL, Nash BM, Sandercoe TM, Jones MM, Rowe NA, Jamieson RV, Johnson AM, Grigg JR. Early recognition of CLN3 disease facilitated by visual electrophysiology and multimodal imaging. Doc Ophthalmol 2023; 146:241-256. [PMID: 36964447 PMCID: PMC10256658 DOI: 10.1007/s10633-023-09930-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis is a group of neurodegenerative disorders with varying visual dysfunction. CLN3 is a subtype which commonly presents with visual decline. Visual symptomatology can be indistinct making early diagnosis difficult. This study reports ocular biomarkers of CLN3 patients to assist clinicians in early diagnosis, disease monitoring, and future therapy. METHODS Retrospective review of 5 confirmed CLN3 patients in our eye clinic. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), electroretinogram (ERG), ultra-widefield (UWF) fundus photography and fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) studies were undertaken. RESULTS Five unrelated children, 4 females and 1 male, with median age of 6.2 years (4.6-11.7) at first assessment were investigated at the clinic from 2016 to 2021. Four homozygous and one heterozygous pathogenic CLN3 variants were found. Best corrected visual acuities (BCVAs) ranged from 0.18 to 0.88 logMAR at first presentation. Electronegative ERGs were identified in all patients. Bull's eye maculopathies found in all patients. Hyper-autofluorescence ring surrounding hypo-autofluorescence fovea on FAF was found. Foveal ellipsoid zone (EZ) disruptions were found in all patients with additional inner and outer retinal microcystic changes in one patient. Neurological problems noted included autism, anxiety, motor dyspraxia, behavioural issue, and psychomotor regression. CONCLUSIONS CLN3 patients presented at median age 6.2 years with visual decline. Early onset maculopathy with an electronegative ERG and variable cognitive and motor decline should prompt further investigations including neuropaediatric evaluation and genetic assessment for CLN3 disease. The structural parameters such as EZ and FAF will facilitate ocular monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhimas H Sakti
- Save Sight Institute, Speciality of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney Eye Hospital Campus, 8 Macquarie St, Sydney, NSW, 2001, Australia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Elisa E Cornish
- Save Sight Institute, Speciality of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney Eye Hospital Campus, 8 Macquarie St, Sydney, NSW, 2001, Australia
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Save Sight Institute, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Clare L Fraser
- Save Sight Institute, Speciality of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney Eye Hospital Campus, 8 Macquarie St, Sydney, NSW, 2001, Australia
| | - Benjamin M Nash
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Save Sight Institute, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Genome Diagnostics, Sydney Children's Hospital Network (Westmead), Sydney, Australia
| | - Trent M Sandercoe
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network (Westmead), Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael M Jones
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network (Westmead), Sydney, Australia
| | - Neil A Rowe
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network (Westmead), Sydney, Australia
| | - Robyn V Jamieson
- Save Sight Institute, Speciality of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney Eye Hospital Campus, 8 Macquarie St, Sydney, NSW, 2001, Australia
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Save Sight Institute, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexandra M Johnson
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - John R Grigg
- Save Sight Institute, Speciality of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney Eye Hospital Campus, 8 Macquarie St, Sydney, NSW, 2001, Australia.
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Save Sight Institute, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network (Westmead), Sydney, Australia.
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11
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Challenges and Opportunities in the Genetic Analysis of Inherited Retinal Dystrophies in Africa, a Literature Review. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13020239. [PMID: 36836473 PMCID: PMC9964248 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13020239] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a global problem that is largely unaddressed, especially in Africa. Black indigenous Africans are rarely represented in research that develops genetic tests and genetic therapies for IRDs, yet their genomes are more diverse. The aim of this literature review is to synthesize information on the IRD genetic research conducted among indigenous black Africans to identify challenges and opportunities for progress. PubMed was searched to identify empirical publications reporting the genetic analysis of IRDs among indigenous Africans. A total of 11 articles were selected for the review. Based on the information in the articles, the main genetic testing methods in use include next-generation, whole exome, and Sanger sequencing. The main IRDs characterized by the genetic tests include retinitis pigmentosa, Leber Congenital Amaurosis, Stagardt disease, and cone dystrophy. Examples of implicated genes include MERTK, GUCY2D, ABCA4, and KCNV2 for the four IRDs, respectively. Research activities on the genetics of IRDs are generally scanty in Africa. Even in South Africa and North Africa where some research activities were noted, only a few indigenous black Africans were included in the study cohorts. There is an urgent need for genetic research on IRDs, especially in East, Central, and West Africa.
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12
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Ran J, Zhang Y, Zhang S, Li H, Zhang L, Li Q, Qin J, Li D, Sun L, Xie S, Zhang X, Liu L, Liu M, Zhou J. Targeting the HDAC6-Cilium Axis Ameliorates the Pathological Changes Associated with Retinopathy of Prematurity. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2105365. [PMID: 35619548 PMCID: PMC9313505 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202105365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the leading causes of childhood visual impairment and blindness. However, there are still very few effective pharmacological interventions for ROP. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6)-mediated disassembly of photoreceptor cilia has recently been implicated as an early event in the pathogenesis of ROP. Herein it is shown that enhanced expression of HDAC6 by intravitreal injection of adenoviruses encoding HDAC6 induces the typical pathological changes associated with ROP in mice, including disruption of the membranous disks of photoreceptor outer segments and a decrease in electroretinographic amplitudes. Hdac6 transgenic mice exhibit similar ROP-related defects in retinal structures and functions and disassembly of photoreceptor cilia, whereas Hdac6 knockout mice are resistant to oxygen change-induced retinal defects. It is further shown that blocking HDAC6-mediated cilium disassembly by intravitreal injection of small-molecule compounds protect mice from ROP-associated retinal defects. The findings indicate that pharmacological targeting of the HDAC6-cilium axis may represent a promising strategy for the prevention of ROP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ran
- Institute of Biomedical SciencesShandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance BiologyCollaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of ShandongCollege of Life SciencesShandong Normal UniversityJinan250014China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical SciencesShandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance BiologyCollaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of ShandongCollege of Life SciencesShandong Normal UniversityJinan250014China
| | - Sai Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical SciencesShandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance BiologyCollaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of ShandongCollege of Life SciencesShandong Normal UniversityJinan250014China
| | - Haixia Li
- Institute of Biomedical SciencesShandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance BiologyCollaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of ShandongCollege of Life SciencesShandong Normal UniversityJinan250014China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical SciencesShandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance BiologyCollaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of ShandongCollege of Life SciencesShandong Normal UniversityJinan250014China
| | - Qingchao Li
- Institute of Biomedical SciencesShandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance BiologyCollaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of ShandongCollege of Life SciencesShandong Normal UniversityJinan250014China
| | - Juan Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical BiologyCollege of Life SciencesHaihe Laboratory of Cell EcosystemNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
| | - Dengwen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical BiologyCollege of Life SciencesHaihe Laboratory of Cell EcosystemNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
| | - Lei Sun
- Institute of Biomedical SciencesShandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance BiologyCollaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of ShandongCollege of Life SciencesShandong Normal UniversityJinan250014China
| | - Songbo Xie
- Institute of Biomedical SciencesShandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance BiologyCollaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of ShandongCollege of Life SciencesShandong Normal UniversityJinan250014China
| | - Xiaomin Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and DiseasesEye Institute and School of OptometryTianjin Medical University Eye HospitalTianjin300384China
| | - Lin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical BiologyCollege of Life SciencesHaihe Laboratory of Cell EcosystemNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
| | - Min Liu
- Institute of Biomedical SciencesShandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance BiologyCollaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of ShandongCollege of Life SciencesShandong Normal UniversityJinan250014China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Institute of Biomedical SciencesShandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance BiologyCollaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of ShandongCollege of Life SciencesShandong Normal UniversityJinan250014China
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical BiologyCollege of Life SciencesHaihe Laboratory of Cell EcosystemNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
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13
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Sakti DH, Ali H, Korsakova M, Saakova N, Mustafic N, Fraser CL, Jamieson RV, Cornish EE, Grigg JR. Electronegative electroretinogram in the modern multimodal imaging era. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022; 50:429-440. [PMID: 35212129 PMCID: PMC9544723 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background The electronegative electroretinogram (ERG) reflecting inner retinal dysfunction can assist as a diagnostic tool to determine the anatomical location in eye disease. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency and aetiology of electronegative ERG in a tertiary ophthalmology centre and to develop a clinical algorithm to assist patient management. Methods Retrospective review of ERGs performed at the Save Sight Institute from January 2011 to December 2020. ERGs were performed according to ISCEV standard. The b:a ratio was analysed in dark adapted (DA) 3.0 or 12.0 recordings. Patients with ratio of ≤1.0 were included. Results A total of 4421 patients had ERGs performed during study period, of which 139 patients (3.1%) had electronegative ERG. The electronegative ERG patients' median age at referral time was 37 (0.7–90.6) years. The causative aetiologies were photoreceptor dystrophy (48, 34.5%), Congenital Stationary Night Blindness (CSNB) (33, 23.7%), retinal ischemia (18, 12.9%), retinoschisis (15, 10.8%), paraneoplastic autoimmune retinopathy (PAIR) and nonPAIR (14, 10.1%), batten disease (4, 2.9%), and inflammatory retinopathy (4, 2.9%). There were three patients with an unclassified diagnosis. Thirty‐two patients (23%) had good vision and a normal fundus appearance. Eleven patients (7.9%) had good vision and normal results in all multimodal imaging. Conclusions The frequency of electronegative ERG in our referral centre was 3.1% with photoreceptor dystrophy as the main aetiology. A significant number of the cases had good vision with normal fundus or normal multimodal imaging. This further highlights the value of an ERG in this modern multimodal imaging era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhimas H. Sakti
- Visual electrophysiology Unit, Save Sight Institute, Speciality of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Save Sight Institute Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing Universitas Gadjah Mada Yogyakarta Indonesia
| | - Haipha Ali
- Visual electrophysiology Unit, Save Sight Institute, Speciality of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Maria Korsakova
- Visual electrophysiology Unit, Save Sight Institute, Speciality of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Nonna Saakova
- Visual electrophysiology Unit, Save Sight Institute, Speciality of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Nina Mustafic
- Visual electrophysiology Unit, Save Sight Institute, Speciality of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Clare L. Fraser
- Visual electrophysiology Unit, Save Sight Institute, Speciality of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Eye Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Robyn V. Jamieson
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Save Sight Institute Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Specialty of Genetic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Department of Clinical Genetics, The Children's Hospital at Westmead Sydney Children's Hospital Network Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Elisa E. Cornish
- Visual electrophysiology Unit, Save Sight Institute, Speciality of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Save Sight Institute Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Eye Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - John R. Grigg
- Visual electrophysiology Unit, Save Sight Institute, Speciality of Clinical Ophthalmology and Eye Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Save Sight Institute Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Eye Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
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