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Yin Z, Kang J, Cheng X, Gao H, Huo S, Xu H. Investigating Müller glia reprogramming in mice: a retrospective of the last decade, and a look to the future. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:946-959. [PMID: 38989930 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Müller glia, as prominent glial cells within the retina, plays a significant role in maintaining retinal homeostasis in both healthy and diseased states. In lower vertebrates like zebrafish, these cells assume responsibility for spontaneous retinal regeneration, wherein endogenous Müller glia undergo proliferation, transform into Müller glia-derived progenitor cells, and subsequently regenerate the entire retina with restored functionality. Conversely, Müller glia in the mouse and human retina exhibit limited neural reprogramming. Müller glia reprogramming is thus a promising strategy for treating neurodegenerative ocular disorders. Müller glia reprogramming in mice has been accomplished with remarkable success, through various technologies. Advancements in molecular, genetic, epigenetic, morphological, and physiological evaluations have made it easier to document and investigate the Müller glia programming process in mice. Nevertheless, there remain issues that hinder improving reprogramming efficiency and maturity. Thus, understanding the reprogramming mechanism is crucial toward exploring factors that will improve Müller glia reprogramming efficiency, and for developing novel Müller glia reprogramming strategies. This review describes recent progress in relatively successful Müller glia reprogramming strategies. It also provides a basis for developing new Müller glia reprogramming strategies in mice, including epigenetic remodeling, metabolic modulation, immune regulation, chemical small-molecules regulation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and cell-cell fusion, to achieve Müller glia reprogramming in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Yin
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
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Lee MS, Jui J, Sahu A, Goldman D. Mycb and Mych stimulate Müller glial cell reprogramming and proliferation in the uninjured and injured zebrafish retina. Development 2024; 151:dev203062. [PMID: 38984586 DOI: 10.1242/dev.203062] [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: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
In the injured zebrafish retina, Müller glial cells (MG) reprogram to adopt retinal stem cell properties and regenerate damaged neurons. The strongest zebrafish reprogramming factors might be good candidates for stimulating a similar regenerative response by mammalian MG. Myc proteins are potent reprogramming factors that can stimulate cellular plasticity in differentiated cells; however, their role in MG reprogramming and retina regeneration remains poorly explored. Here, we report that retinal injury stimulates mycb and mych expression and that, although both Mycb and Mych stimulate MG reprogramming and proliferation, only Mych enhances retinal neuron apoptosis. RNA-sequencing analysis of wild-type, mychmut and mycbmut fish revealed that Mycb and Mych regulate ∼40% and ∼16%, respectively, of the genes contributing to the regeneration-associated transcriptome of MG. Of these genes, those that are induced are biased towards regulation of ribosome biogenesis, protein synthesis, DNA synthesis, and cell division, which are the top cellular processes affected by retinal injury, suggesting that Mycb and Mych are potent MG reprogramming factors. Consistent with this, forced expression of either of these proteins is sufficient to stimulate MG proliferation in the uninjured retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Sun Lee
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute and Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jonathan Jui
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute and Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Aresh Sahu
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute and Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Daniel Goldman
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute and Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Liang S, Zhou J, Yu X, Lu S, Liu R. Neuronal conversion from glia to replenish the lost neurons. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1446-1453. [PMID: 38051886 PMCID: PMC10883502 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.386400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Neuronal injury, aging, and cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases such as cerebral infarction, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease are characterized by significant neuronal loss. Unfortunately, the neurons of most mammals including humans do not possess the ability to self-regenerate. Replenishment of lost neurons becomes an appealing therapeutic strategy to reverse the disease phenotype. Transplantation of pluripotent neural stem cells can supplement the missing neurons in the brain, but it carries the risk of causing gene mutation, tumorigenesis, severe inflammation, and obstructive hydrocephalus induced by brain edema. Conversion of neural or non-neural lineage cells into functional neurons is a promising strategy for the diseases involving neuron loss, which may overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of neural stem cell therapy. Thus far, many strategies to transform astrocytes, fibroblasts, microglia, Müller glia, NG2 cells, and other glial cells to mature and functional neurons, or for the conversion between neuronal subtypes have been developed through the regulation of transcription factors, polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1), and small chemical molecules or are based on a combination of several factors and the location in the central nervous system. However, some recent papers did not obtain expected results, and discrepancies exist. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the history of neuronal transdifferentiation, summarize the strategies for neuronal replenishment and conversion from glia, especially astrocytes, and point out that biosafety, new strategies, and the accurate origin of the truly converted neurons in vivo should be focused upon in future studies. It also arises the attention of replenishing the lost neurons from glia by gene therapies such as up-regulation of some transcription factors or down-regulation of PTBP1 or drug interference therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Liang
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Geriatric Rehabilitation, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolin Yu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruitian Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Zhang J, Yang SG, Zhou FQ. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 signaling in neural regeneration in vivo. J Mol Cell Biol 2024; 15:mjad075. [PMID: 38059848 PMCID: PMC11063957 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjad075] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) signaling plays important and broad roles in regulating neural development in vitro and in vivo. Here, we reviewed recent findings of GSK3-regulated axon regeneration in vivo in both the peripheral and central nervous systems and discussed a few controversial findings in the field. Overall, current evidence indicates that GSK3β signaling serves as an important downstream mediator of the PI3K-AKT pathway to regulate axon regeneration in parallel with the mTORC1 pathway. Specifically, the mTORC1 pathway supports axon regeneration mainly through its role in regulating cap-dependent protein translation, whereas GSK3β signaling might be involved in regulating N6-methyladenosine mRNA methylation-mediated, cap-independent protein translation. In addition, GSK3 signaling also plays a key role in reshaping the neuronal transcriptomic landscape during neural regeneration. Finally, we proposed some research directions to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulatory function of GSK3 signaling and discover novel GSK3 signaling-related therapeutic targets. Together, we hope to provide an updated and insightful overview of how GSK3 signaling regulates neural regeneration in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Shu-Guang Yang
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Feng-Quan Zhou
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
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Dai M, Yang N, Xu K, Zhang J, Li X, Zhang Y, Li W. Discovering human cell-compatible gene therapy virus variants via optimized screening in mouse models. Cell Prolif 2024; 57:e13565. [PMID: 37864397 PMCID: PMC10905335 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13565] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In gene therapy, intravenous injection of viral vectors reigns as the primary administration route. These vectors include adeno-associated viruses, adenoviruses, herpes viruses, rhabdoviruses and others. However, these naturally occurring viruses lack inherent tissue or organ tropism for tailored disease treatment. To address this, we devised an optimized process involving directed viral capsid evolution, organ-specific humanized mouse models and in vitro-in vivo virus screening. Our approach allows for the rapid generation specifically modified adeno-associated virus variants, surpassing the time required for natural evolution, which spans millions of years. Notably, these variants exhibit robust targeting of the liver, favouring chimeric human liver cells over murine hepatocytes. Furthermore, certain variants achieve augmented targeting with reduced off-target organ infection, thereby mitigating dosage requirements and enhancing safety in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moyu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ning Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Kai Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- College of Life ScienceNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Xueke Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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Yin Z, Ge L, Cha Z, Gao H, A L, Zeng Y, Huang X, Cheng X, Yao K, Tao Z, Xu H. Identifying Hmga2 preserving visual function by promoting a shift of Müller glia cell fate in mice with acute retinal injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:54. [PMID: 38414051 PMCID: PMC10900711 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03657-9] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unlike in lower vertebrates, Müller glia (MG) in adult mammalian retinas lack the ability to reprogram into neurons after retinal injury or degeneration and exhibit reactive gliosis instead. Whether a transition in MG cell fate from gliosis to reprogramming would help preserve photoreceptors is still under exploration. METHODS A mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) was established using MG cell lineage tracing mice by intraperitoneal injection of sodium iodate (SI). The critical time point for the fate determination of MG gliosis was determined through immunohistochemical staining methods. Then, bulk-RNA and single-cell RNA seq techniques were used to elucidate the changes in RNA transcription of the retina and MG at that time point, and new genes that may determine the fate transition of MG were screened. Finally, the selected gene was specifically overexpressed in MG cells through adeno-associated viruses (AAV) in the mouse RP model. Bulk-RNA seq technique, immunohistochemical staining methods, and visual function testing were used to elucidate and validate the mechanism of new genes function on MG cell fate transition and retinal function. RESULTS Here, we found the critical time point for MG gliosis fate determination was 3 days post SI injection. Hmga2 was screened out as a candidate regulator for the cell fate transition of MG. After retinal injury caused by SI, the Hmga2 protein is temporarily and lowly expressed in MG cells. Overexpression of Hmga2 in MG down-regulated glial cell related genes and up-regulated photoreceptor related genes. Besides, overexpressing Hmga2 exclusively to MG reduced MG gliosis, made MG obtain cone's marker, and retained visual function in mice with acute retinal injury. CONCLUSION Our results suggested the unique reprogramming properties of Hmga2 in regulating the fate transition of MG and neuroprotective effects on the retina with acute injury. This work uncovers the reprogramming ability of epigenetic factors in MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Yin
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, 400038, China
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Lingling Ge
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Zhe Cha
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, 400038, China
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Hui Gao
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Luodan A
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yuxiao Zeng
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xiaona Huang
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xuan Cheng
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Kai Yao
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430065, China.
| | - Zui Tao
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Haiwei Xu
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Konar GJ, Flickinger Z, Sharma S, Vallone KT, Lyon CE, Doshier C, Lingan A, Lyon W, Patton JG. Damage-Induced Senescent Immune Cells Regulate Regeneration of the Zebrafish Retina. AGING BIOLOGY 2024; 2:e20240021. [PMID: 39156966 PMCID: PMC11328971 DOI: 10.59368/agingbio.20240021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Zebrafish spontaneously regenerate their retinas in response to damage through the action of Müller glia (MG). Even though MG are conserved in higher vertebrates, the capacity to regenerate retinal damage is lost. Recent work has focused on the regulation of inflammation during tissue regeneration, with temporal roles for macrophages and microglia. Senescent cells that have withdrawn from the cell cycle have mostly been implicated in aging but are still metabolically active, releasing a variety of signaling molecules as part of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Here, we discover that in response to retinal damage, a subset of cells expressing markers of microglia/macrophages also express markers of senescence. These cells display a temporal pattern of appearance and clearance during retina regeneration. Premature removal of senescent cells by senolytic treatment led to a decrease in proliferation and incomplete repair of the ganglion cell layer after N-methyl-D-aspartate damage. Our results demonstrate a role for modulation of senescent cell responses to balance inflammation, regeneration, plasticity, and repair as opposed to fibrosis and scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory J. Konar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Zachary Flickinger
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Shivani Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kyle T. Vallone
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Charles E. Lyon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Claire Doshier
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Audrey Lingan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - William Lyon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - James G. Patton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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Sichani AS, Khoddam S, Shakeri S, Tavakkoli Z, Jafroodi AR, Dabbaghipour R, Sisakht M, Fallahi J. Partial Reprogramming as a Method for Regenerating Neural Tissues in Aged Organisms. Cell Reprogram 2024; 26:10-23. [PMID: 38381402 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2023.0123] [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] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging causes numerous age-related diseases, leading the human species to death. Nevertheless, rejuvenating strategies based on cell epigenetic modifications are a possible approach to counteract disease progression while getting old. Cell reprogramming of adult somatic cells toward pluripotency ought to be a promising tool for age-related diseases. However, researchers do not have control over this process as cells lose their fate, and cause potential cancerous cells or unexpected cell phenotypes. Direct and partial reprogramming were introduced in recent years with distinctive applications. Although direct reprogramming makes cells lose their identity, it has various applications in regeneration medicine. Temporary and regulated in vivo overexpression of Yamanaka factors has been shown in several experimental contexts to be achievable and is used to rejuvenate mice models. This regeneration can be accomplished by altering the epigenetic adult cell signature to the signature of a younger cell. The greatest advantage of partial reprogramming is that this method does not allow cells to lose their identity when they are resetting their epigenetic clock. It is a regimen of short-term Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc expression in vivo that prevents full reprogramming to the pluripotent state and avoids both tumorigenesis and the presence of unwanted undifferentiated cells. We know that many neurological age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, dementia, and Parkinson's disease, are the main cause of death in the last decades of life. Therefore, scientists have a special tendency regarding neuroregeneration methods to increase human life expectancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Saber Sichani
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Somayeh Khoddam
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shayan Shakeri
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Tavakkoli
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Arad Ranji Jafroodi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Dabbaghipour
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Sisakht
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Jafar Fallahi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Dyballa L, Rudzite AM, Hoseini MS, Thapa M, Stryker MP, Field GD, Zucker SW. Population encoding of stimulus features along the visual hierarchy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2317773121. [PMID: 38227668 PMCID: PMC10823231 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317773121] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The retina and primary visual cortex (V1) both exhibit diverse neural populations sensitive to diverse visual features. Yet it remains unclear how neural populations in each area partition stimulus space to span these features. One possibility is that neural populations are organized into discrete groups of neurons, with each group signaling a particular constellation of features. Alternatively, neurons could be continuously distributed across feature-encoding space. To distinguish these possibilities, we presented a battery of visual stimuli to the mouse retina and V1 while measuring neural responses with multi-electrode arrays. Using machine learning approaches, we developed a manifold embedding technique that captures how neural populations partition feature space and how visual responses correlate with physiological and anatomical properties of individual neurons. We show that retinal populations discretely encode features, while V1 populations provide a more continuous representation. Applying the same analysis approach to convolutional neural networks that model visual processing, we demonstrate that they partition features much more similarly to the retina, indicating they are more like big retinas than little brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Dyballa
- Department of Computer Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT06511
| | | | - Mahmood S. Hoseini
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
| | - Mishek Thapa
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Michael P. Stryker
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, CA94143
| | - Greg D. Field
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Steven W. Zucker
- Department of Computer Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT06511
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT06511
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10
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Tempone MH, Borges-Martins VP, César F, Alexandrino-Mattos DP, de Figueiredo CS, Raony Í, dos Santos AA, Duarte-Silva AT, Dias MS, Freitas HR, de Araújo EG, Ribeiro-Resende VT, Cossenza M, P. Silva H, P. de Carvalho R, Ventura ALM, Calaza KC, Silveira MS, Kubrusly RCC, de Melo Reis RA. The Healthy and Diseased Retina Seen through Neuron-Glia Interactions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1120. [PMID: 38256192 PMCID: PMC10817105 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The retina is the sensory tissue responsible for the first stages of visual processing, with a conserved anatomy and functional architecture among vertebrates. To date, retinal eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, and others, affect nearly 170 million people worldwide, resulting in vision loss and blindness. To tackle retinal disorders, the developing retina has been explored as a versatile model to study intercellular signaling, as it presents a broad neurochemical repertoire that has been approached in the last decades in terms of signaling and diseases. Retina, dissociated and arranged as typical cultures, as mixed or neuron- and glia-enriched, and/or organized as neurospheres and/or as organoids, are valuable to understand both neuronal and glial compartments, which have contributed to revealing roles and mechanisms between transmitter systems as well as antioxidants, trophic factors, and extracellular matrix proteins. Overall, contributions in understanding neurogenesis, tissue development, differentiation, connectivity, plasticity, and cell death are widely described. A complete access to the genome of several vertebrates, as well as the recent transcriptome at the single cell level at different stages of development, also anticipates future advances in providing cues to target blinding diseases or retinal dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus H. Tempone
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21949-000, Brazil; (M.H.T.); (F.C.); (D.P.A.-M.); (V.T.R.-R.)
| | - Vladimir P. Borges-Martins
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute and Program of Neurosciences, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói 24020-150, Brazil; (V.P.B.-M.); (A.A.d.S.); (M.C.); (R.C.C.K.)
| | - Felipe César
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21949-000, Brazil; (M.H.T.); (F.C.); (D.P.A.-M.); (V.T.R.-R.)
| | - Dio Pablo Alexandrino-Mattos
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21949-000, Brazil; (M.H.T.); (F.C.); (D.P.A.-M.); (V.T.R.-R.)
| | - Camila S. de Figueiredo
- Department of Neurobiology and Program of Neurosciences, Institute of Biology, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói 24020-141, Brazil; (C.S.d.F.); (A.T.D.-S.); (E.G.d.A.); (R.P.d.C.); (A.L.M.V.); (K.C.C.)
| | - Ícaro Raony
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (Í.R.); (H.R.F.)
| | - Aline Araujo dos Santos
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute and Program of Neurosciences, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói 24020-150, Brazil; (V.P.B.-M.); (A.A.d.S.); (M.C.); (R.C.C.K.)
| | - Aline Teixeira Duarte-Silva
- Department of Neurobiology and Program of Neurosciences, Institute of Biology, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói 24020-141, Brazil; (C.S.d.F.); (A.T.D.-S.); (E.G.d.A.); (R.P.d.C.); (A.L.M.V.); (K.C.C.)
| | - Mariana Santana Dias
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy and Viral Vectors, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21949-000, Brazil; (M.S.D.); (H.P.S.)
| | - Hércules Rezende Freitas
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (Í.R.); (H.R.F.)
| | - Elisabeth G. de Araújo
- Department of Neurobiology and Program of Neurosciences, Institute of Biology, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói 24020-141, Brazil; (C.S.d.F.); (A.T.D.-S.); (E.G.d.A.); (R.P.d.C.); (A.L.M.V.); (K.C.C.)
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation—INCT-NIM, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Victor Tulio Ribeiro-Resende
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21949-000, Brazil; (M.H.T.); (F.C.); (D.P.A.-M.); (V.T.R.-R.)
| | - Marcelo Cossenza
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute and Program of Neurosciences, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói 24020-150, Brazil; (V.P.B.-M.); (A.A.d.S.); (M.C.); (R.C.C.K.)
| | - Hilda P. Silva
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy and Viral Vectors, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21949-000, Brazil; (M.S.D.); (H.P.S.)
| | - Roberto P. de Carvalho
- Department of Neurobiology and Program of Neurosciences, Institute of Biology, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói 24020-141, Brazil; (C.S.d.F.); (A.T.D.-S.); (E.G.d.A.); (R.P.d.C.); (A.L.M.V.); (K.C.C.)
| | - Ana L. M. Ventura
- Department of Neurobiology and Program of Neurosciences, Institute of Biology, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói 24020-141, Brazil; (C.S.d.F.); (A.T.D.-S.); (E.G.d.A.); (R.P.d.C.); (A.L.M.V.); (K.C.C.)
| | - Karin C. Calaza
- Department of Neurobiology and Program of Neurosciences, Institute of Biology, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói 24020-141, Brazil; (C.S.d.F.); (A.T.D.-S.); (E.G.d.A.); (R.P.d.C.); (A.L.M.V.); (K.C.C.)
| | - Mariana S. Silveira
- Laboratory for Investigation in Neuroregeneration and Development, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21949-000, Brazil;
| | - Regina C. C. Kubrusly
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute and Program of Neurosciences, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói 24020-150, Brazil; (V.P.B.-M.); (A.A.d.S.); (M.C.); (R.C.C.K.)
| | - Ricardo A. de Melo Reis
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21949-000, Brazil; (M.H.T.); (F.C.); (D.P.A.-M.); (V.T.R.-R.)
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11
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Guo YM, Jiang X, Min J, Huang J, Huang XF, Ye L. Advances in the study of Müller glia reprogramming in mammals. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1305896. [PMID: 38155865 PMCID: PMC10752929 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1305896] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Müller cells play an integral role in the development, maintenance, and photopic signal transmission of the retina. While lower vertebrate Müller cells can differentiate into various types of retinal neurons to support retinal repair following damage, there is limited neurogenic potential of mammalian Müller cells. Therefore, it is of great interest to harness the neurogenic potential of mammalian Müller cells to achieve self-repair of the retina. While multiple studies have endeavored to induce neuronal differentiation and proliferation of mammalian Müller cells under defined conditions, the efficiency and feasibility of these methods often fall short, rendering them inadequate for the requisites of retinal repair. As the mechanisms and methodologies of Müller cell reprogramming have been extensively explored, a summary of the reprogramming process of unlocking the neurogenic potential of Müller cells can provide insight into Müller cell fate development and facilitate their therapeutic use in retinal repair. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the progress in reprogramming mammalian Müller cells and discuss strategies for optimizing methods and enhancing efficiency based on the mechanisms of fate regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ming Guo
- Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi’an People’s Hospital (Xi’an Fourth Hospital), Affiliated People’s Hospital of Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xinyi Jiang
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jie Min
- Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi’an People’s Hospital (Xi’an Fourth Hospital), Affiliated People’s Hospital of Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Juan Huang
- Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi’an People’s Hospital (Xi’an Fourth Hospital), Affiliated People’s Hospital of Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiu-Feng Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lu Ye
- Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi’an People’s Hospital (Xi’an Fourth Hospital), Affiliated People’s Hospital of Northwest University, Xi’an, China
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12
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Woodworth MB, Greig LC, Goldberg JL. Intrinsic and Induced Neuronal Regeneration in the Mammalian Retina. Antioxid Redox Signal 2023; 39:1039-1052. [PMID: 37276181 PMCID: PMC10715439 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2023.0309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Retinal neurons are vulnerable to disease and injury, which can result in neuronal death and degeneration leading to irreversible vision loss. The human retina does not regenerate to replace neurons lost to disease or injury. However, cells within the retina of other animals are capable of regenerating neurons, and homologous cells within the mammalian retina could potentially be prompted to do the same. Activating evolutionarily silenced intrinsic regenerative capacity of the mammalian retina could slow, or even reverse, vision loss, leading to an improved quality of life for millions of people. Recent Advances: During development, neurons in the retina are generated progressively by retinal progenitor cells, with distinct neuron types born over developmental time. Many genes function in this process to specify the identity of newly generated neuron types, and these appropriate states of gene expression inform recent regenerative work. When regeneration is initiated in other vertebrates, including birds and fish, specific signaling pathways control the efficiency of regeneration, and these conserved pathways are likely to be important in mammals as well. Critical Issues: Using insights from development and from other animals, limited regeneration from intrinsic cell types has been demonstrated in the mammalian retina, but it is able only to generate a subset of partially differentiated retinal neuron types. Future Directions: Future studies should aim at increasing the efficiency of regeneration, activating regeneration in a targeted fashion across the retina, and improving the ability to generate specific types of retinal neurons to replace those lost to disease or injury. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 39, 1039-1052.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mollie B. Woodworth
- Department of Ophthalmology, Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Luciano C. Greig
- Department of Ophthalmology, Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey L. Goldberg
- Department of Ophthalmology, Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
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13
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Zhang K, Cai W, Xin Y, He Q, Chen C, Zeng M, Chen S. Retinal Ganglion Cell Fate Induction by Ngn-Family Transcription Factors. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:32. [PMID: 38133504 PMCID: PMC10746927 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.15.32] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the projection neurons of the retina. Loss of RGCs is the cellular basis for vision loss in patients with glaucoma. Finding ways to regenerate RGCs will aid in the development of regenerative therapies for patients with glaucoma. The aim of this study was to examine the ability of Ngn-family transcription factors (TFs) to induce RGC regeneration through reprogramming in vitro and in vivo. Methods In vitro, lentiviruses were used to deliver Ngn-TFs into mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). In vivo, mouse pup retina electroporation was used to deliver Ngn-TFs into late-stage retinal progenitor cells (RPCs). Immunofluorescence staining and RNA sequencing were used to examine cell fate reprogramming; patch-clamp recording was used to examine neuronal electrophysiologic functions. Results In vitro, all three Ngn-TFs, Ngn1, Ngn2, and Ngn3, were able to work alone to reprogram MEFs into RGC-like neurons that resembled RGCs at the transcriptome level, exhibited typical neuronal membrane electrophysiologic properties, and formed functional synaptic communications with retinal neurons. In vivo, Ngn-TFs reprogrammed the differentiation-competent state of late-stage RPCs to generate RGCs. Conclusions Ngn-TFs are effective in inducing an RGC-like fate both in vitro and in vivo and might be explored further in the future for glaucoma translational applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenwen Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanling Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qinghai He
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Canbin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingbing Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
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14
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Santhanam A, Shihabeddin E, Wei H, Wu J, O'Brien J. Molecular basis of retinal remodeling in a zebrafish model of retinitis pigmentosa. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:362. [PMID: 37979052 PMCID: PMC10657301 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05021-1] [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: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
A hallmark of inherited retinal degenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is progressive structural and functional remodeling of the remaining retinal cells as photoreceptors degenerate. Extensive remodeling of the retina stands as a barrier for the successful implementation of strategies to restore vision. To understand the molecular basis of remodeling, we performed analyses of single-cell transcriptome data from adult zebrafish retina of wild type AB strain (WT) and a P23H mutant rhodopsin transgenic model of RP with continuous degeneration and regeneration. Retinas from both female and male fish were pooled to generate each library, combining data from both sexes. We provide a benchmark atlas of retinal cell type transcriptomes in zebrafish and insight into how each retinal cell type is affected in the P23H model. Oxidative stress is found throughout the retina, with increases in reliance on oxidative metabolism and glycolysis in the affected rods as well as cones, bipolar cells, and retinal ganglion cells. There is also transcriptional evidence for widespread synaptic remodeling and enhancement of glutamatergic transmission in the inner retina. Notably, changes in circadian rhythm regulation are detected in cones, bipolar cells, and retinal pigmented epithelium. We also identify the transcriptomic signatures of retinal progenitor cells and newly formed rods essential for the regenerative process. This comprehensive transcriptomic analysis provides a molecular road map to understand how the retina remodels in the context of chronic retinal degeneration with ongoing regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abirami Santhanam
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- University of Houston College of Optometry, Houston, TX, 77204, USA.
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Eyad Shihabeddin
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- MD Anderson UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Haichao Wei
- Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jiaqian Wu
- MD Anderson UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - John O'Brien
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- University of Houston College of Optometry, Houston, TX, 77204, USA.
- MD Anderson UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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15
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Cha Z, Yin Z, A L, Ge L, Yang J, Huang X, Gao H, Chen X, Feng Z, Mo L, He J, Zhu S, Zhao M, Tao Z, Gu Z, Xu H. Fullerol rescues the light-induced retinal damage by modulating Müller glia cell fate. Redox Biol 2023; 67:102911. [PMID: 37816275 PMCID: PMC10570010 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102911] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive light exposure can damage photoreceptors and lead to blindness. Oxidative stress serves a key role in photo-induced retinal damage. Free radical scavengers have been proven to protect against photo-damaged retinal degeneration. Fullerol, a potent antioxidant, has the potential to protect against ultraviolet-B (UVB)-induced cornea injury by activating the endogenous stem cells. However, its effects on cell fate determination of Müller glia (MG) between gliosis and de-differentiation remain unclear. Therefore, we established a MG lineage-tracing mouse model of light-induced retinal damage to examine the therapeutic effects of fullerol. Fullerol exhibited superior protection against light-induced retinal injury compared to glutathione (GSH) and reduced oxidative stress levels, inhibited gliosis by suppressing the TGF-β pathway, and enhanced the de-differentiation of MG cells. RNA sequencing revealed that transcription candidate pathways, including Nrf2 and Wnt10a pathways, were involved in fullerol-induced neuroprotection. Fullerol-mediated transcriptional changes were validated by qPCR, Western blotting, and immunostaining using mouse retinas and human-derived Müller cell lines MIO-M1 cells, confirming that fullerol possibly modulated the Nrf2, Wnt10a, and TGF-β pathways in MG, which suppressed gliosis and promoted the de-differentiation of MG in light-induced retinal degeneration, indicating its potential in treating retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Cha
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zhiyuan Yin
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Luodan A
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Lingling Ge
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Junling Yang
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xiaona Huang
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Hui Gao
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xia Chen
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zhou Feng
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Lingyue Mo
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Juncai He
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China; Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, No. 927 Hospital, Puer 665000, Yunnan, China
| | - Shuang Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of High Energy Physics and National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Maoru Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of High Energy Physics and National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zui Tao
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Zhanjun Gu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of High Energy Physics and National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Haiwei Xu
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing 400038, China.
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16
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Pavlou M, Reh TA. Cell-Based Therapies: Strategies for Regeneration. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2023; 13:a041306. [PMID: 36878647 PMCID: PMC10626262 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041306] [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: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
The neural retina of mammals, like most of the rest of the central nervous system, does not regenerate new neurons after they are lost through damage or disease. The ability of nonmammalian vertebrates, like fish and amphibians, is remarkable, and lessons learned over the last 20 years have revealed some of the mechanisms underlying this potential. This knowledge has recently been applied to mammals to develop methods that can stimulate regeneration in mice. In this review, we highlight the progress in this area, and propose a "wish list" of how the clinical implementation of regenerative strategies could be applicable to various human retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Pavlou
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington School of Medicine, Institute of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington School of Medicine, Institute of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
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17
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Vasamsetti BMK, Chon K, Yoon CY, Kim J, Choi JY, Hwang S, Park KH. Transcriptome Profiling of Etridiazole-Exposed Zebrafish ( Danio rerio) Embryos Reveals Pathways Associated with Cardiac and Ocular Toxicities. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15067. [PMID: 37894748 PMCID: PMC10606920 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015067] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Etridiazole (EDZ) is a thiadiazole-containing fungicide commonly used to control Pythium and Phytophthora spp. Although previous studies have shown that EDZ is teratogenic, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying its toxicity remain unknown. In this study, a zebrafish (Danio rerio; ZF) model was used to explore the molecular pathways associated with EDZ toxicity. The whole transcriptome of ZF embryos exposed to 96 h of EDZ was analyzed, along with developmental abnormalities. EDZ-induced malformations were primarily related to the eyes, heart, and growth of the ZF. Compared to untreated ZF, etridiazole-treated ZF had 2882 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), consisting of 1651 downregulated genes and 1231 upregulated genes. Gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were involved in biological processes, such as sensory perception, visual perception, sensory organ development, and visual system development, and showed transmembrane transporter and peptidase regulator activities. Metabolism, phototransduction, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, MAPK signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, and vascular smooth muscle contraction were among the most enriched KEGG pathways. The qPCR analyses of the eight random genes were in good agreement with the transcriptome data. These results suggest several putative mechanisms underlying EDZ-induced developmental deformities in ZF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kyongmi Chon
- Toxicity and Risk Assessment Division, Department of Agro-Food Safety and Crop Protection, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration, Iseo-myeon, Wanju-gun 55365, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea; (B.M.K.V.); (S.H.); (K.-H.P.)
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18
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Schilardi G, Kralik J, Kleinlogel S. Selective Block of Upregulated Kv1.3 Potassium Channels in ON-Bipolar Cells of the Blind Retina Enhances Optogenetically Restored Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14207. [PMID: 37762510 PMCID: PMC10531754 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814207] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of photoreceptors in retinal degenerative diseases also impacts the inner retina: bipolar cell dendrites retract, neurons rewire, and protein expression changes. ON-bipolar cells (OBCs) represent an attractive target for optogenetic vision restoration. However, the above-described maladaptations may negatively impact the quality of restored vision. To investigate this question, we employed human post-mortem retinas and transgenic rd1_Opto-mGluR6 mice expressing the optogenetic construct Opto-mGluR6 in OBCs and carrying the retinal degeneration rd1 mutation. We found significant changes in delayed rectifier potassium channel expression in OBCs of degenerative retinas. In particular, we found an increase in Kv1.3 expression already in early stages of degeneration. Immunohistochemistry localized Kv1.3 channels specifically to OBC axons. In whole-cell patch-clamp experiments, OBCs in the degenerated murine retina were less responsive, which could be reversed by application of the specific Kv1.3 antagonist Psora-4. Notably, Kv1.3 block significantly increased the amplitude and kinetics of Opto-mGluR6-mediated light responses in OBCs of the blind retina and increased the signal-to-noise ratio of light-triggered responses in retinal ganglion cells. We propose that reduction in Kv1.3 activity in the degenerated retina, either by pharmacological block or by KCNA3 gene silencing, could improve the quality of restored vision.
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19
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Abstract
Because the central nervous system is largely nonrenewing, neurons and their synapses must be maintained over the lifetime of an individual to ensure circuit function. Age is a dominant risk factor for neural diseases, and declines in nervous system function are a common feature of aging even in the absence of disease. These alterations extend to the visual system and, in particular, to the retina. The retina is a site of clinically relevant age-related alterations but has also proven to be a uniquely approachable system for discovering principles that govern neural aging because it is well mapped, contains diverse neuron types, and is experimentally accessible. In this article, we review the structural and molecular impacts of aging on neurons within the inner and outer retina circuits. We further discuss the contribution of non-neuronal cell types and systems to retinal aging outcomes. Understanding how and why the retina ages is critical to efforts aimed at preventing age-related neural decline and restoring neural function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D Zhu
- Department of Neuroscience, Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA;
| | - Sharma Pooja Tarachand
- Department of Neuroscience, Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA;
| | - Qudrat Abdulwahab
- Department of Neuroscience, Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA;
| | - Melanie A Samuel
- Department of Neuroscience, Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA;
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20
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Chen D, Sun YY, Zhou LY, Han X, Yang S, Hong FY, Yuan Y, Wu XH, Huang GH, Cheng YC, Huang J, Feng DF. Knockdown of Porf-2 restores visual function after optic nerve crush injury. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:570. [PMID: 37640747 PMCID: PMC10462692 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06087-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the sole output neurons in the eyes, are vulnerable to diverse insults in many pathological conditions, which can lead to permanent vision dysfunction. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms that contribute to protecting RGCs and their axons from injuries are not completely known. Here, we identify that Porf-2, a member of the Rho GTPase activating protein gene group, is upregulated in RGCs after optic nerve crush. Knockdown of Porf-2 protects RGCs from apoptosis and promotes long-distance optic nerve regeneration after crush injury in both young and aged mice in vivo. In vitro, we find that inhibition of Porf-2 induces axon growth and growth cone formation in retinal explants. Inhibition of Porf-2 provides long-term and post-injury protection to RGCs and eventually promotes the recovery of visual function after crush injury in mice. These findings reveal a neuroprotective impact of the inhibition of Porf-2 on RGC survival and axon regeneration after optic nerve injury, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for vision restoration in patients with traumatic optic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Chen
- Southern Medical University Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, 201499, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201999, China
| | - Yi-Yu Sun
- Southern Medical University Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, 201499, China
| | - Lai-Yang Zhou
- Southern Medical University Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, 201499, China
| | - Xu Han
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, School of Anesthesiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Fei-Yang Hong
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Wu
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Guo-Hui Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201999, China
| | - Yuan-Chi Cheng
- Southern Medical University Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, 201499, China
| | - Ju Huang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Dong-Fu Feng
- Southern Medical University Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, 201499, China.
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21
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Zeng S, Chen Y, Zhou F, Zhang T, Fan X, Chrzanowski W, Gillies MC, Zhu L. Recent advances and prospects for lipid-based nanoparticles as drug carriers in the treatment of human retinal diseases. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 199:114965. [PMID: 37315899 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114965] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The delivery of cures for retinal diseases remains problematic. There are four main challenges: passing through multiple barriers of the eye, the delivery to particular retinal cell types, the capability to carry different forms of therapeutic cargo and long-term therapeutic efficacy. Lipid-based nanoparticles (LBNPs) are potent to overcome these challenges due to their unique merits: amphiphilic nanoarchitectures to pass biological barriers, vary modifications with specific affinity to target cell types, flexible capacity for large and mixed types of cargos and slow-release formulations for long-term treatment. We have reviewed the latest research on the applications of LBNPs for treating retinal diseases and categorized them by different payloads. Furthermore, we identified technical barriers and discussed possible future development for LBNPs to expand the therapeutic potential in treating retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoxue Zeng
- Macula Research Group, Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Yingying Chen
- Macula Research Group, Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Fanfan Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Ting Zhang
- Macula Research Group, Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Xiaohui Fan
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | | | - Mark C Gillies
- Macula Research Group, Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Ling Zhu
- Macula Research Group, Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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22
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Krylov A, Yu S, Veen K, Newton A, Ye A, Qin H, He J, Jusuf PR. Heterogeneity in quiescent Müller glia in the uninjured zebrafish retina drive differential responses following photoreceptor ablation. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1087136. [PMID: 37575968 PMCID: PMC10413128 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1087136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Loss of neurons in the neural retina is a leading cause of vision loss. While humans do not possess the capacity for retinal regeneration, zebrafish can achieve this through activation of resident Müller glia. Remarkably, despite the presence of Müller glia in humans and other mammalian vertebrates, these cells lack an intrinsic ability to contribute to regeneration. Upon activation, zebrafish Müller glia can adopt a stem cell-like state, undergo proliferation and generate new neurons. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of this activation subsequent retinal regeneration remains unclear. Methods/Results To address this, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and report remarkable heterogeneity in gene expression within quiescent Müller glia across distinct dorsal, central and ventral retina pools of such cells. Next, we utilized a genetically driven, chemically inducible nitroreductase approach to study Müller glia activation following selective ablation of three distinct photoreceptor subtypes: long wavelength sensitive cones, short wavelength sensitive cones, and rods. There, our data revealed that a region-specific bias in activation of Müller glia exists in the zebrafish retina, and this is independent of the distribution of the ablated cell type across retinal regions. Notably, gene ontology analysis revealed that injury-responsive dorsal and central Müller glia express genes related to dorsal/ventral pattern formation, growth factor activity, and regulation of developmental process. Through scRNA-seq analysis, we identify a shared genetic program underlying initial Müller glia activation and cell cycle entry, followed by differences that drive the fate of regenerating neurons. We observed an initial expression of AP-1 and injury-responsive transcription factors, followed by genes involved in Notch signaling, ribosome biogenesis and gliogenesis, and finally expression of cell cycle, chromatin remodeling and microtubule-associated genes. Discussion Taken together, our findings document the regional specificity of gene expression within quiescent Müller glia and demonstrate unique Müller glia activation and regeneration features following neural ablation. These findings will improve our understanding of the molecular pathways relevant to neural regeneration in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Krylov
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Shuguang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Kellie Veen
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Axel Newton
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Aojun Ye
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huiwen Qin
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie He
- State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Patricia R. Jusuf
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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23
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Zhang H, Guo Y, Yang Y, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Zhuang J, Zhang Y, Shen M, Zhao J, Zhang R, Qiu Y, Li S, Hu J, Li W, Wu J, Xu H, Fliesler SJ, Liao Y, Liu Z. MAP4Ks inhibition promotes retinal neuron regeneration from Müller glia in adult mice. NPJ Regen Med 2023; 8:36. [PMID: 37443319 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-023-00310-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian Müller glia (MG) possess limited regenerative capacities. However, the intrinsic capacity of mammalian MG to transdifferentiate to generate mature neurons without transgenic manipulations remains speculative. Here we show that MAP4K4, MAP4K6 and MAP4K7, which are conserved Misshapen subfamily of ste20 kinases homologs, repress YAP activity in mammalian MG and therefore restrict their ability to be reprogrammed. However, by treating with a small molecule inhibitor of MAP4K4/6/7, mouse MG regain their ability to proliferate and enter into a retinal progenitor cell (RPC)-like state after NMDA-induced retinal damage; such plasticity was lost in YAP knockout MG. Moreover, spontaneous trans-differentiation of MG into retinal neurons expressing both amacrine and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) markers occurs after inhibitor withdrawal. Taken together, these findings suggest that MAP4Ks block the reprogramming capacity of MG in a YAP-dependent manner in adult mammals, which provides a novel avenue for the pharmaceutical induction of retinal regeneration in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houjian Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science; Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine; Eye Institute of Xiamen University; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
- Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Yuli Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science; Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine; Eye Institute of Xiamen University; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
- Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Yaqiong Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science; Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine; Eye Institute of Xiamen University; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Yuqian Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science; Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine; Eye Institute of Xiamen University; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Youwen Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science; Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine; Eye Institute of Xiamen University; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Jingbin Zhuang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science; Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine; Eye Institute of Xiamen University; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science; Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine; Eye Institute of Xiamen University; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Mei Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science; Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine; Eye Institute of Xiamen University; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Jiankai Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science; Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine; Eye Institute of Xiamen University; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Rongrong Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science; Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine; Eye Institute of Xiamen University; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Yan Qiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science; Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine; Eye Institute of Xiamen University; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Shiying Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science; Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine; Eye Institute of Xiamen University; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Jiaoyue Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science; Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine; Eye Institute of Xiamen University; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science; Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine; Eye Institute of Xiamen University; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Jianfeng Wu
- Laboratory animal research center, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Haiwei Xu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Steven J Fliesler
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Biochemistry and Neuroscience Graduate School, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, SUNY- University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Research Service, VA Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Yi Liao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science; Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine; Eye Institute of Xiamen University; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China.
| | - Zuguo Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science; Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine; Eye Institute of Xiamen University; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China.
- Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
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24
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Wang LL, Zhang CL. Therapeutic Potential of PTBP1 Inhibition, If Any, Is Not Attributed to Glia-to-Neuron Conversion. Annu Rev Neurosci 2023; 46:1-15. [PMID: 36750409 PMCID: PMC10404630 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-092822-083410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
A holy grail of regenerative medicine is to replenish the cells that are lost due to disease. The adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS) has, however, largely lost such a regenerative ability. An emerging strategy for the generation of new neurons is through glia-to-neuron (GtN) conversion in vivo, mainly accomplished by the regulation of fate-determining factors. When inhibited, PTBP1, a factor involved in RNA biology, was reported to induce rapid and efficient GtN conversion in multiple regions of the adult CNS. Remarkably, PTBP1 inhibition was also claimed to greatly improve behaviors of mice with neurological diseases or aging. These phenomenal claims, if confirmed, would constitute a significant advancement in regenerative medicine. Unfortunately, neither GtN conversion nor therapeutic potential via PTBP1 inhibition was validated by the results of multiple subsequent replication studies with stringent methods. Here we review these controversial studies and conclude with recommendations for examining GtN conversion in vivo and future investigations of PTBP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei-Lei Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA;
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA;
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25
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Dyballa L, Rudzite AM, Hoseini MS, Thapa M, Stryker MP, Field GD, Zucker SW. Population encoding of stimulus features along the visual hierarchy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.27.545450. [PMID: 37425920 PMCID: PMC10327159 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.27.545450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The retina and primary visual cortex (V1) both exhibit diverse neural populations sensitive to diverse visual features. Yet it remains unclear how neural populations in each area partition stimulus space to span these features. One possibility is that neural populations are organized into discrete groups of neurons, with each group signaling a particular constellation of features. Alternatively, neurons could be continuously distributed across feature-encoding space. To distinguish these possibilities, we presented a battery of visual stimuli to mouse retina and V1 while measuring neural responses with multi-electrode arrays. Using machine learning approaches, we developed a manifold embedding technique that captures how neural populations partition feature space and how visual responses correlate with physiological and anatomical properties of individual neurons. We show that retinal populations discretely encode features, while V1 populations provide a more continuous representation. Applying the same analysis approach to convolutional neural networks that model visual processing, we demonstrate that they partition features much more similarly to the retina, indicating they are more like big retinas than little brains.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mishek Thapa
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University
- Stein Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Michael P. Stryker
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Greg D. Field
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University
- Stein Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Steven W. Zucker
- Department of Computer Science, Yale University
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University
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26
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Si TE, Li Z, Zhang J, Su S, Liu Y, Chen S, Peng GH, Cao J, Zang W. Epigenetic mechanisms of Müller glial reprogramming mediating retinal regeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1157893. [PMID: 37397254 PMCID: PMC10309042 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1157893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases, characterized by retinal neuronal death and severe vision loss, affect millions of people worldwide. One of the most promising treatment methods for retinal degenerative diseases is to reprogram non-neuronal cells into stem or progenitor cells, which then have the potential to re-differentiate to replace the dead neurons, thereby promoting retinal regeneration. Müller glia are the major glial cell type and play an important regulatory role in retinal metabolism and retinal cell regeneration. Müller glia can serve as a source of neurogenic progenitor cells in organisms with the ability to regenerate the nervous system. Current evidence points toward the reprogramming process of Müller glia, involving changes in the expression of pluripotent factors and other key signaling molecules that may be regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. This review summarizes recent knowledge of epigenetic modifications involved in the reprogramming process of Müller glia and the subsequent changes to gene expression and the outcomes. In living organisms, epigenetic mechanisms mainly include DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNA-mediated miRNA degradation, all of which play a crucial role in the reprogramming process of Müller glia. The information presented in this review will improve the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the Müller glial reprogramming process and provide a research basis for the development of Müller glial reprogramming therapy for retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-En Si
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhixiao Li
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Songxue Su
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yupeng Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shiyue Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guang-Hua Peng
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Laboratory of Visual Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Weidong Zang
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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27
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Qin H, Zhang W, Zhang S, Feng Y, Xu W, Qi J, Zhang Q, Xu C, Liu S, Zhang J, Lei Y, Liu W, Feng S, Wang J, Fu X, Xu Z, Li P, Yao K. Vision rescue via unconstrained in vivo prime editing in degenerating neural retinas. J Exp Med 2023; 220:e20220776. [PMID: 36930174 PMCID: PMC10037108 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20220776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited retinal dystrophy causing progressive and irreversible loss of retinal photoreceptors. Here, we developed a genome-editing tool characterized by the versatility of prime editors (PEs) and unconstrained PAM requirement of a SpCas9 variant (SpRY), referred to as PESpRY. The diseased retinas of Pde6b-associated RP mouse model were transduced via a dual AAV system packaging PESpRY for the in vivo genome editing through a non-NGG PAM (GTG). The progressing cell loss was reversed once the mutation was corrected, leading to substantial rescue of photoreceptors and production of functional PDE6β. The treated mice exhibited significant responses in electroretinogram and displayed good performance in both passive and active avoidance tests. Moreover, they presented an apparent improvement in visual stimuli-driven optomotor responses and efficiently completed visually guided water-maze tasks. Together, our study provides convincing evidence for the prevention of vision loss caused by RP-associated gene mutations via unconstrained in vivo prime editing in the degenerating retinas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Qin
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenliang Zhang
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiyao Zhang
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan Feng
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weihui Xu
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia Qi
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunxiu Xu
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanshan Liu
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia Zhang
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yushuang Lei
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wanqin Liu
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuyu Feng
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuefei Fu
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zifen Xu
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ping Li
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Yao
- Institute of Visual Neuroscience and Stem Cell Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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28
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Han G, Wei P, Han Q. Application of IPSC and Müller glia derivatives in retinal degenerative diseases. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 199:351-362. [PMID: 37678979 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases cause blindness characterized by a progressive decline in the number and function of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), photoreceptor cells, and ganglion cells. Such diseases include retinitis pigmentosa (RP), glaucomatous optic neuropathy, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic optic neuropathy. Recent studies have demonstrated that Müller glial cells (MGCs), an endogenous alternative source of retinal neurons, are important glial cells involved in retinal development, damage, and regeneration, making it an excellent target for retinal nerve regeneration. Although hardly differentiate into neuron cells, transplanted MGCs have been shown to induce partial recovery of visual function in experimental retinal degenerative models. This improvement is possibly attributed to the release of neuroprotective factors that derived from the MGCs. With the development of the therapeutic usage of pluripotent stem cell, application of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) or embryonic stem cells (ESCs) originated derivation of MGCs have been widely used in retinal degenerative disease model such as glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa model. This chapter summarized the relevant research and mechanisms and provided a broader application and research prospects for effective treatments in retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoge Han
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, P.R. China; Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, P.R. China; Nankai University Eye Institute, Nankai University Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, P.R. China.
| | - Pinghui Wei
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, P.R. China; Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, P.R. China; Nankai University Eye Institute, Nankai University Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Quanhong Han
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, P.R. China; Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, P.R. China; Nankai University Eye Institute, Nankai University Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, P.R. China
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29
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Hammadi S, Tzoumas N, Ferrara M, Meschede IP, Lo K, Harris C, Lako M, Steel DH. Bruch's Membrane: A Key Consideration with Complement-Based Therapies for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. J Clin Med 2023; 12:2870. [PMID: 37109207 PMCID: PMC10145879 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12082870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The complement system is crucial for immune surveillance, providing the body's first line of defence against pathogens. However, an imbalance in its regulators can lead to inappropriate overactivation, resulting in diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally affecting around 200 million people. Complement activation in AMD is believed to begin in the choriocapillaris, but it also plays a critical role in the subretinal and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) spaces. Bruch's membrane (BrM) acts as a barrier between the retina/RPE and choroid, hindering complement protein diffusion. This impediment increases with age and AMD, leading to compartmentalisation of complement activation. In this review, we comprehensively examine the structure and function of BrM, including its age-related changes visible through in vivo imaging, and the consequences of complement dysfunction on AMD pathogenesis. We also explore the potential and limitations of various delivery routes (systemic, intravitreal, subretinal, and suprachoroidal) for safe and effective delivery of conventional and gene therapy-based complement inhibitors to treat AMD. Further research is needed to understand the diffusion of complement proteins across BrM and optimise therapeutic delivery to the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Hammadi
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Nikolaos Tzoumas
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
- Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Queen Alexandra Rd., Sunderland SR2 9H, UK
| | | | - Ingrid Porpino Meschede
- Gyroscope Therapeutics Limited, a Novartis Company, Rolling Stock Yard, 6th Floor, 188 York Way, London N7 9AS, UK
| | - Katharina Lo
- Gyroscope Therapeutics Limited, a Novartis Company, Rolling Stock Yard, 6th Floor, 188 York Way, London N7 9AS, UK
| | - Claire Harris
- Gyroscope Therapeutics Limited, a Novartis Company, Rolling Stock Yard, 6th Floor, 188 York Way, London N7 9AS, UK
- Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - David H. Steel
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
- Sunderland Eye Infirmary, Queen Alexandra Rd., Sunderland SR2 9H, UK
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Yin W, Mao X, Xu M, Chen M, Xue M, Su N, Yuan S, Liu Q. Epigenetic regulation in the commitment of progenitor cells during retinal development and regeneration. Differentiation 2023:S0301-4681(23)00023-3. [PMID: 37069005 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Retinal development is initiated by multipotent retinal progenitor cells, which undergo several rounds of cell divisions and subsequently terminal differentiation. Retinal regeneration is usually considered as the recapitulation of retinal development, which share common mechanisms underlying the cell cycle re-entry of adult retinal stem cells and the differentiation of retinal neurons. However, how proliferative retinal progenitor cells perform a precise transition to postmitotic retinal cell types during the process of development and regeneration remains elusive. It is proposed that both the intrinsic and extrinsic programming are involved in the transcriptional regulation of the spatio-temporal fate commitment. Epigenetic modifications and the regulatory mechanisms at both DNA and chromatin levels are also postulated to play an important role in the timing of differentiation of specific retinal cells. In the present review, we have summarized recent knowledge of epigenetic regulation that underlies the commitment of retinal progenitor cells in the settings of retinal development and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiying Mao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingkang Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengting Xue
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Songtao Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qinghuai Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, People's Republic of China.
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Zhen F, Zou T, Wang T, Zhou Y, Dong S, Zhang H. Rhodopsin-associated retinal dystrophy: Disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1132179. [PMID: 37077319 PMCID: PMC10106759 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1132179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhodopsin is a light-sensitive G protein-coupled receptor that initiates the phototransduction cascade in rod photoreceptors. Mutations in the rhodopsin-encoding gene RHO are the leading cause of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP). To date, more than 200 mutations have been identified in RHO. The high allelic heterogeneity of RHO mutations suggests complicated pathogenic mechanisms. Here, we discuss representative RHO mutations as examples to briefly summarize the mechanisms underlying rhodopsin-related retinal dystrophy, which include but are not limited to endoplasmic reticulum stress and calcium ion dysregulation resulting from protein misfolding, mistrafficking, and malfunction. Based on recent advances in our understanding of disease mechanisms, various treatment methods, including adaptation, whole-eye electrical stimulation, and small molecular compounds, have been developed. Additionally, innovative therapeutic treatment strategies, such as antisense oligonucleotide therapy, gene therapy, optogenetic therapy, and stem cell therapy, have achieved promising outcomes in preclinical disease models of rhodopsin mutations. Successful translation of these treatment strategies may effectively ameliorate, prevent or rescue vision loss related to rhodopsin mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Zhen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial Ophthalmic Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tongdan Zou
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ting Wang
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yongwei Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial Ophthalmic Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuqian Dong
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial Ophthalmic Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Shuqian Dong, ; Houbin Zhang,
| | - Houbin Zhang
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- *Correspondence: Shuqian Dong, ; Houbin Zhang,
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Xie Y, Zhou J, Wang LL, Zhang CL, Chen B. New AAV tools fail to detect Neurod1-mediated neuronal conversion of Müller glia and astrocytes in vivo. EBioMedicine 2023; 90:104531. [PMID: 36947961 PMCID: PMC10033723 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reprogramming resident glial cells to convert them into neurons in vivo represents a potential therapeutic strategy that could replenish lost neurons, repair damaged neural circuits, and restore function. AAV (adeno-associated virus)-based expression systems are powerful tools for in vivo gene delivery in glia-to-neuron reprogramming, however, recent studies show that AAV-based gene delivery of Neurod1 into the mouse brain can cause severe leaky expression into endogenous neurons leading to misinterpretation of glia-to-neuron conversion. METHODS AAV-based delivery systems were modified for improved in vivo delivery of Neurod1, Math5, Ascl1, and Neurog2 in the adult mouse retina and brain. To examine whether bona fide glia-to-neuron conversion occurs, stringent fate mapping experiments were performed to trace the lineage of glial cells. FINDINGS The neuronal leakage is prevalent after AAV-GFAP-mediated delivery of Neurod1, Math5, Ascl1, and Neurog2. The transgene-dependent leakage cannot be corrected after lowering the AAV doses, using alterative AAV serotypes or injection routes. Importantly, we report the development of two new AAV-based tools that can significantly reduce neuronal leakage. Using the new AAV-based tools, we provide evidence that Neurod1 gene transfer fails to convert lineage traced glial cells into neurons. INTERPRETATION Stringent fate mapping techniques independently of an AAV-based expression system are the golden standard for tracing the fate of glia cells during neuronal reprogramming. The newly developed AAV-based systems are invaluable tools for glia-to-neuron reprogramming in vivo. FUNDING The work in Chen lab was supported by National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants R01 EY024986 and R01 EY028921, an unrestricted challenge grant from Research to Prevent Blindness, the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary Foundation, and The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Family Foundation for Vision Research. The work in Zhang lab was supported by NIH (R01 NS127375 and R01 NS117065) and The Decherd Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Lei-Lei Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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Yuan Y, Kong W, Liu XM, Shi GH. Gene Therapy Activates Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cell Proliferation for Age-related Macular Degeneration in a Mouse Model. Curr Med Sci 2023; 43:384-392. [PMID: 36944806 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-022-2684-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative retinal disease. The degeneration or death of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells is implicated in the pathogenesis of AMD. This study aimed to activate the proliferation of RPE cells in vivo by using an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector encoding β-catenin to treat AMD in a mouse model. METHODS Mice were intravitreally injected with AAV2/8-Y733F-VMD2-β-catenin for 2 or 4 weeks, and β-catenin expression was measured using immunofluorescence staining, real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and Western blotting. The function of β-catenin was determined using retinal flat mounts and laser-induced damage models. Finally, the safety of AAV2/8-Y733F-VMD2-β-catenin was evaluated by multiple intravitreal injections. RESULTS AAV2/8-Y733F-VMD2-β-catenin induced the expression of β-catenin in RPE cells. It activated the proliferation of RPE cells and increased cyclin D1 expression. It was beneficial to the recovery of laser-induced damage by activating the proliferation of RPE cells. Furthermore, it could induce apoptosis of RPE cells by increasing the expression of Trp53, Bax and caspase3 while decreasing the expression of Bcl-2. CONCLUSION AAV2/8-Y733F-VMD2-β-catenin increased β-catenin expression in RPE cells, activated RPE cell proliferation, and helped mice heal from laser-induced eye injury. Furthermore, it could induce the apoptosis of RPE cells. Therefore, it may be a safe approach for AMD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Yuan
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, 215000, China.
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Suzhou, 215000, China.
| | - Wen Kong
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, 215000, China
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, 215000, China
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Guo-Hua Shi
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, 215000, China
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Suzhou, 215000, China
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Fujii Y, Arima M, Murakami Y, Sonoda KH. Rhodopsin-positive cell production by intravitreal injection of small molecule compounds in mouse models of retinal degeneration. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282174. [PMID: 36821627 PMCID: PMC9949636 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to verify whether the intravitreal injection of small molecule compounds alone can create photoreceptor cells in mouse models of retinal degeneration. Primary cultured mouse Müller cells were stimulated in vitro with combinations of candidate compounds and the rhodopsin expression was measured on day 7 using polymerase chain reaction and immunostaining. We used 6-week-old N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-treated and 4-week-old rd10 mice as representative in vivo models of retinal degeneration. The optimal combination of compounds selected via in vitro screening was injected into the vitreous and the changes in rhodopsin expression were investigated on day 7 using polymerase chain reaction and immunostaining. The origin of rhodopsin-positive cells was also analyzed via lineage tracing and the recovery of retinal function was assessed using electroretinography. The in vitro mRNA expression of rhodopsin in Müller cells increased 30-fold, and 25% of the Müller cells expressed rhodopsin protein 7 days after stimulation with a combination of 4 compounds: transforming growth factor-β inhibitor, bone morphogenetic protein inhibitor, glycogen synthase kinase 3 inhibitor, and γ-secretase inhibitor. The in vivo rhodopsin mRNA expression and the number of rhodopsin-positive cells in the outer retina were significantly increased on day 7 after the intravitreal injection of these 4 compounds in both N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-treated and rd10 mice. Lineage tracing in td-Tomato mice treated with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea suggested that the rhodopsin-positive cells originated from endogenous Müller cells, accompanied with the recovery of the rhodopsin-derived scotopic function. It was suggested that rhodopsin-positive cells generated by compound stimulation contributes to the recovery of retinal function impaired by degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuya Fujii
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Arima
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan,Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan,* E-mail:
| | - Yusuke Murakami
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Koh-Hei Sonoda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Spitsbergen JB, Webster SE, Linn CL. Functional Changes in the Adult Mouse Retina using an Alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Agonist after Blast Exposure. Neuroscience 2023; 512:1-15. [PMID: 36572172 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Currently, there is a lack of treatments for retinal neurotrauma. To address this issue, this study uses an alpha7 nAChR agonist, PNU-282987, to determine it effects on functional activity in the retina shortly after a traumatic blast exposure. The objectives of this research include: (1) examination of the cellular and functional damage associated with ocular blast exposure, and (2) evaluation of structural and functional changes that occur post PNU-282987 treatment. Significant ocular blast damage was induced in adult mice after exposure to a single blast of 35 psi to the left eye. Blast-exposed transgenic mice expressing tdTomato Müller glia were treated daily with eyedrops containing PNU-282987 for 4 weeks following the blast exposure. Antibody staining studies in these transgenic mice was conducted to examine lineage tracing and electroretinograms (ERGs) were obtained to examine functional changes. Blast exposure caused a significant loss of cells in all retinal layers after 4 weeks. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated tdTomato-positive labeled photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells in blast-exposed mice treated with PNU-282987. ERG recordings were taken from control animals, from blast-damaged animals and from animals exposed to blast followed by 4 weeks of PNU-282987 treatment. Scotopic ERG recordings from blast-exposed mice had significantly decreased amplitudes of a-wave, b-wave, oscillatory potentials and flicker frequencies, which were prevented after PNU-282987 treatment. In photopic experiments, the PhNR response was reduced significantly after blast exposure but the decrease was prevented after treatment with PNU-282987. These are the first experiments that demonstrate preservation of retinal function after blast exposure using an alpha7 nAChR agonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake B Spitsbergen
- Western Michigan University, Department of Biological Sciences, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA
| | - Sarah E Webster
- Western Michigan University, Department of Biological Sciences, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA
| | - Cindy L Linn
- Western Michigan University, Department of Biological Sciences, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA.
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Agarwal D, Do H, Mazo KW, Chopra M, Wahlin KJ. Restoring vision and rebuilding the retina by Müller glial cell reprogramming. Stem Cell Res 2023; 66:103006. [PMID: 36563542 PMCID: PMC10783479 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2022.103006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Müller glia are non-neuronal support cells that play a vital role in the homeostasis of the eye. Their radial-oriented processes span the width of the retina and respond to injury through a cellular response that can be detrimental or protective depending on the context. In some species, protective responses include the expression of stem cell-like genes which help to fuel new neuron formation and even restoration of vision. In many lower vertebrates including fish and amphibians, this response is well documented, however, in mammals it is severely limited. The remarkable plasticity of cellular reprogramming in lower vertebrates has inspired studies in mammals for repairing the retina and restoring sight, and recent studies suggest that mammals are also capable of regeneration, albeit to a lesser degree. Endogenous regeneration, whereby new retinal neurons are created from existing support cells, offers an exciting alternative approach to existing tissue transplant, gene therapy, and neural prosthetic approaches being explored in parallel. This review will highlight the role of Müller glia during retinal injury and repair. In the end, prospects for advancing retinal regeneration research will be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devansh Agarwal
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, United States
| | - Hope Do
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, United States
| | - Kevin W Mazo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, United States
| | - Manan Chopra
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, United States
| | - Karl J Wahlin
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, United States.
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Konar G, Flickinger Z, Sharma S, Vallone K, Lyon C, Doshier C, Lyon W, Patton JG. Damage-induced senescent immune cells regulate regeneration of the zebrafish retina. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.16.524296. [PMID: 36711649 PMCID: PMC9882244 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.16.524296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish spontaneously regenerate their retina in response to damage through the action of Müller glia. Even though Müller glia (MG) are conserved in higher vertebrates, the capacity to regenerate retinal damage is lost. Recent work has focused on the regulation of inflammation during tissue regeneration with precise temporal roles for macrophages and microglia. Senescent cells that have withdrawn from the cell cycle have mostly been implicated in aging, but are still metabolically active, releasing proinflammatory signaling molecules as part of the Senescence Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP). Here, we discover that in response to retinal damage, a subset of cells expressing markers of microglia/macrophages also express markers of senescence. These cells display a temporal pattern of appearance and clearance during retina regeneration. Premature removal of senescent cells by senolytic treatment led to a decrease in proliferation and incomplete repair of the ganglion cell layer after NMDA damage. Our results demonstrate a role for modulation of senescent cell responses to balance inflammation, regeneration, plasticity, and repair as opposed to fibrosis and scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shivani Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN, USA
| | - Kyle Vallone
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN, USA
| | - Charles Lyon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN, USA
| | - Claire Doshier
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN, USA
| | - William Lyon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN, USA
| | - James G. Patton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN, USA
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John MC, Quinn J, Hu ML, Cehajic-Kapetanovic J, Xue K. Gene-agnostic therapeutic approaches for inherited retinal degenerations. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 15:1068185. [PMID: 36710928 PMCID: PMC9881597 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1068185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are associated with mutations in over 250 genes and represent a major cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. While gene augmentation or gene editing therapies could address the underlying genetic mutations in a small subset of patients, their utility remains limited by the great genetic heterogeneity of IRDs and the costs of developing individualised therapies. Gene-agnostic therapeutic approaches target common pathogenic pathways that drive retinal degeneration or provide functional rescue of vision independent of the genetic cause, thus offering potential clinical benefits to all IRD patients. Here, we review the key gene-agnostic approaches, including retinal cell reprogramming and replacement, neurotrophic support, immune modulation and optogenetics. The relative benefits and limitations of these strategies and the timing of clinical interventions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly C. John
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Joel Quinn
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Monica L. Hu
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jasmina Cehajic-Kapetanovic
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kanmin Xue
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Lu J, Xu H, Song K, Lin Z, Cao L, Lu B, Chen Y, Zhang S. Sox11b regulates the migration and fate determination of Müller glia-derived progenitors during retina regeneration in zebrafish. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:445-450. [PMID: 35900444 PMCID: PMC9396499 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.346550] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor Sox11 plays important roles in retinal neurogenesis during vertebrate eye development. However, its function in retina regeneration remains elusive. Here we report that Sox11b, a zebrafish Sox11 homolog, regulates the migration and fate determination of Müller glia-derived progenitors (MGPCs) in an adult zebrafish model of mechanical retinal injury. Following a stab injury, the expression of Sox11b was induced in proliferating MGPCs in the retina. Sox11b knockdown did not affect MGPC formation at 4 days post-injury, although the nuclear morphology and subsequent radial migration of MGPCs were altered. At 7 days post-injury, Sox11b knockdown resulted in an increased proportion of MGPCs in the inner retina and a decreased proportion of MGPCs in the outer nuclear layer, compared with controls. Furthermore, Sox11b knockdown led to reduced photoreceptor regeneration, while it increased the numbers of newborn amacrines and retinal ganglion cells. Finally, quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that Sox11b regulated the expression of Notch signaling components in the retina, and Notch inhibition partially recapitulated the Sox11b knockdown phenotype, indicating that Notch signaling functions downstream of Sox11b. Our findings imply that Sox11b plays key roles in MGPC migration and fate determination during retina regeneration in zebrafish, which may have critical implications for future explorations of retinal repair in mammals.
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40
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Cheng X, Gao H, Tao Z, Yin Z, Cha Z, Huang X, Zhang Y, Zeng Y, He J, Ge L, A L, Xu H, Peng GH. Repopulated retinal microglia promote Müller glia reprogramming and preserve visual function in retinal degenerative mice. Theranostics 2023; 13:1698-1715. [PMID: 37056562 PMCID: PMC10086209 DOI: 10.7150/thno.79538] [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: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Müller glia (MG) play a key role in maintaining homeostasis of the retinal microenvironment. In zebrafish, MG reprogram into retinal progenitors and repair the injured retina, while this MG regenerative capability is suppressed in mammals. It has been revealed that microglia in zebrafish contribute to MG reprogramming, whereas those in mammals are over-activated during retinal injury or degeneration, causing chronic inflammation, acceleration of photoreceptor apoptosis, and gliosis of MG. Therefore, how to modulate the phenotype of microglia to enhance MG reprogramming rather than gliosis is critical. Methods: PLX3397, a colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor, was applied to deplete microglia in the retinas of retinal degeneration 10 (rd10) mice, and withdrawal of PLX3397 was used to induce the repopulated microglia (Rep-MiG). The protective roles of the Rep-MiG on the degenerative retina were assessed using a light/dark transition test, and scotopic electroretinogram recordings. Immunofluorescence, western blot, transcriptomic sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis were performed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of microglia on MG reprogramming. Results: Following PLX3397 withdrawal, Rep-MiG replenished the entire retina with a ramified morphology and significantly improved the retinal outer nuclear layer structure, the electroretinography response, and the visual behavior of rd10 mice. Coincidentally, MG were activated, de-differentiated, and showed properties of retina progenitors in a spatial correlation with Rep-MiG. Morphological and transcriptomic analyses revealed Rep-MiG significantly enhanced protease inhibitor activity and suppressed extracellular matrix (ECM) levels during retinal degeneration. Conclusions: It suggested that Rep-MiG with the homeostasis characteristic stimulated the progenitor cell-like properties of MG, probably through regulating ECM remodeling, which protected photoreceptors and improved visual function of rd10 mice. It might be a potential protocol to reprogram MG and delay mammal retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, First medical center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Hui Gao
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zui Tao
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zhiyuan Yin
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zhe Cha
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xiaona Huang
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yikui Zhang
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Yuxiao Zeng
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Juncai He
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Lingling Ge
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Luodan A
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Haiwei Xu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China
- ✉ Corresponding authors: Haiwei Xu () and Guang-Hua Peng ()
| | - Guang-Hua Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology, First medical center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- Lab of Visual Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- ✉ Corresponding authors: Haiwei Xu () and Guang-Hua Peng ()
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Leinonen H, Fu Z, Bull E. Neural and Müller glial adaptation of the retina to photoreceptor degeneration. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:701-707. [DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.354511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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42
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Develop an efficient and specific AAV-based labeling system for Muller glia in mice. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22410. [PMID: 36575359 PMCID: PMC9794687 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-27013-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Reprogramming Müller glia (MG) into functional cells is considered a promising therapeutic strategy to treat ocular diseases and vision loss. However, current AAV-based system for MG-tracing was reported to have high leakage in recent studies. Here, we focused on reducing the leakage of AAV-based labeling systems and found that different AAV serotypes showed a range of efficiency and specificity in labeling MG, leading us to optimize a human GFAP-Cre reporter system packaged in the AAV9 serotype with the woodchuck hepatitis virus post-transcriptional regulatory element (WPRE) removed. The leakage ratio of the AAV9-hGFAP-Cre-ΔWPRE decreased by an approximate 40-fold compared with the AAV9-hGFAP-Cre-WPRE labeling system. In addition, we validated the specificity of the AAV-ΔWPRE system for tracing MG reprogramming under Ptbp1-suppression and observed strict non-MG-conversion, similar to previous studies using genetic lineage tracking mouse models. Thus, the AAV9-hGFAP-Cre-ΔWPRE system showed high efficiency and specificity for MG labeling, providing a promising tool for tracing cell fate in vivo.
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43
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Todd L, Jenkins W, Finkbeiner C, Hooper MJ, Donaldson PC, Pavlou M, Wohlschlegel J, Ingram N, Rieke F, Reh TA. Reprogramming Müller glia to regenerate ganglion-like cells in adult mouse retina with developmental transcription factors. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq7219. [PMID: 36417510 PMCID: PMC9683702 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq7219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Many neurodegenerative diseases cause degeneration of specific types of neurons. For example, glaucoma leads to death of retinal ganglion cells, leaving other neurons intact. Neurons are not regenerated in the adult mammalian central nervous system. However, in nonmammalian vertebrates, glial cells spontaneously reprogram into neural progenitors and replace neurons after injury. We have recently developed strategies to stimulate regeneration of functional neurons in the adult mouse retina by overexpressing the proneural factor Ascl1 in Müller glia. Here, we test additional transcription factors (TFs) for their ability to direct regeneration to particular types of retinal neurons. We engineered mice to express different combinations of TFs in Müller glia, including Ascl1, Pou4f2, Islet1, and Atoh1. Using immunohistochemistry, single-cell RNA sequencing, single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing, and electrophysiology, we find that retinal ganglion-like cells can be regenerated in the damaged adult mouse retina in vivo with targeted overexpression of developmental retinal ganglion cell TFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levi Todd
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Wesley Jenkins
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Connor Finkbeiner
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Marcus J. Hooper
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Phoebe C. Donaldson
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Marina Pavlou
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Juliette Wohlschlegel
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Norianne Ingram
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 91895, USA
| | - Fred Rieke
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 91895, USA
| | - Thomas A. Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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44
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Chen ZR, Guo JY, He L, Liu S, Xu JY, Yang ZJ, Su W, Liu K, Gong SS, Wang GP. Co-transduction of dual-adeno-associated virus vectors in the neonatal and adult mouse utricles. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1020803. [PMID: 36340687 PMCID: PMC9629838 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1020803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene transfer is an efficient method of gene over-expression in the vestibular end organs. However, AAV has limited usefulness for delivering a large gene, or multiple genes, due to its small packaging capacity (< 5 kb). Co-transduction of dual-AAV vectors can be used to increase the packaging capacity for gene delivery to various organs and tissues. However, its usefulness has not been well validated in the vestibular sensory epithelium. In the present study, we characterized the co-transduction of dual-AAV vectors in mouse utricles following inoculation of two AAV-serotype inner ear (AAV-ie) vectors via canalostomy. Firstly, co-transduction efficiencies were compared between dual-AAV-ie vectors using two different promoters: cytomegalovirus (CMV) and CMV early enhancer/chicken β-actin (CAG). In the group of dual AAV-ie-CAG vectors, the co-transduction rates for striolar hair cells (HCs), extrastriolar HCs, striolar supporting cells (SCs), and extrastriolar SCs were 23.14 ± 2.25%, 27.05 ± 2.10%, 57.65 ± 7.21%, and 60.33 ± 5.69%, respectively. The co-transduction rates in the group of dual AAV-ie-CMV vectors were comparable to those in the dual AAV-ie-CAG group. Next, we examined the co-transduction of dual-AAV-ie-CAG vectors in the utricles of neonatal mice and damaged adult mice. In the neonatal mice, co-transduction rates were 52.88 ± 3.11% and 44.93 ± 2.06% in the striolar and extrastriolar HCs, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in adult mice. In the Pou4f3+/DTR mice, following diphtheria toxin administration, which eliminated most HCs and spared the SCs, the co-transduction rate of SCs was not significantly different to that of normal utricles. Transgene expression persisted for up to 3 months in the adult mice. Furthermore, sequential administration of two AAV-ie-CAG vectors at an interval of 1 week resulted in a higher co-transduction rate in HCs than concurrent delivery. The auditory brainstem responses and swim tests did not reveal any disruption of auditory or vestibular function after co-transduction with dual-AAV-ie vectors. In conclusion, dual-AAV-ie vectors allow efficient co-transduction in the vestibular sensory epithelium and facilitate the delivery of large or multiple genes for vestibular gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Rui Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Clinical Center for Hearing Loss, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Ying Guo
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Clinical Center for Hearing Loss, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lu He
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Clinical Center for Hearing Loss, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Clinical Center for Hearing Loss, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun-Yi Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Clinical Center for Hearing Loss, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zi-Jing Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Clinical Center for Hearing Loss, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Su
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Clinical Center for Hearing Loss, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Clinical Center for Hearing Loss, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shu-Sheng Gong
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Clinical Center for Hearing Loss, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guo-Peng Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Clinical Center for Hearing Loss, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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45
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Xu D, Zhong LT, Cheng HY, Wang ZQ, Chen XM, Feng AY, Chen WY, Chen G, Xu Y. Overexpressing NeuroD1 reprograms Müller cells into various types of retinal neurons. Neural Regen Res 2022; 18:1124-1131. [PMID: 36255002 PMCID: PMC9827787 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.355818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The onset of retinal degenerative disease is often associated with neuronal loss. Therefore, how to regenerate new neurons to restore vision is an important issue. NeuroD1 is a neural transcription factor with the ability to reprogram brain astrocytes into neurons in vivo. Here, we demonstrate that in adult mice, NeuroD1 can reprogram Müller cells, the principal glial cell type in the retina, to become retinal neurons. Most strikingly, ectopic expression of NeuroD1 using two different viral vectors converted Müller cells into different cell types. Specifically, AAV7m8 GFAP681::GFP-ND1 converted Müller cells into inner retinal neurons, including amacrine cells and ganglion cells. In contrast, AAV9 GFAP104::ND1-GFP converted Müller cells into outer retinal neurons such as photoreceptors and horizontal cells, with higher conversion efficiency. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Müller cell conversion induced by AAV9 GFAP104::ND1-GFP displayed clear dose- and time-dependence. These results indicate that Müller cells in adult mice are highly plastic and can be reprogrammed into various subtypes of retinal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Xu
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Li-Ting Zhong
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hai-Yang Cheng
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zeng-Qiang Wang
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiong-Min Chen
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ai-Ying Feng
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wei-Yi Chen
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Gong Chen
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China,Correspondence to: Ying Xu, ; Gong Chen, .
| | - Ying Xu
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China,Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China,Correspondence to: Ying Xu, ; Gong Chen, .
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46
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Fitzpatrick MJ, Kerschensteiner D. Homeostatic plasticity in the retina. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 94:101131. [PMID: 36244950 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Vision begins in the retina, whose intricate neural circuits extract salient features of the environment from the light entering our eyes. Neurodegenerative diseases of the retina (e.g., inherited retinal degenerations, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma) impair vision and cause blindness in a growing number of people worldwide. Increasing evidence indicates that homeostatic plasticity (i.e., the drive of a neural system to stabilize its function) can, in principle, preserve retinal function in the face of major perturbations, including neurodegeneration. Here, we review the circumstances and events that trigger homeostatic plasticity in the retina during development, sensory experience, and disease. We discuss the diverse mechanisms that cooperate to compensate and the set points and outcomes that homeostatic retinal plasticity stabilizes. Finally, we summarize the opportunities and challenges for unlocking the therapeutic potential of homeostatic plasticity. Homeostatic plasticity is fundamental to understanding retinal development and function and could be an important tool in the fight to preserve and restore vision.
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47
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Le N, Appel H, Pannullo N, Hoang T, Blackshaw S. Ectopic insert-dependent neuronal expression of GFAP promoter-driven AAV constructs in adult mouse retina. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:914386. [PMID: 36200040 PMCID: PMC9527291 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.914386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct reprogramming of retinal Müller glia is a promising avenue for replacing photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells lost to retinal dystrophies. However, questions have recently been raised about the accuracy of studies claiming efficient glia-to-neuron reprogramming in retina that were conducted using GFAP mini promoter-driven adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. In this study, we have addressed these questions using GFAP mini promoter-driven AAV constructs to simultaneously overexpress the mCherry reporter and candidate transcription factors predicted to induce glia-to-neuron conversion, in combination with prospective genetic labeling of retinal Müller glia using inducible Cre-dependent GFP reporters. We find that, while control GFAP-mCherry constructs express faithfully in Müller glia, 5 out of 7 transcription factor overexpression constructs tested are predominantly expressed in amacrine and retinal ganglion cells. These findings demonstrate strong insert-dependent effects on AAV-based GFAP mini promoter specificity that preclude its use in inferring cell lineage relationships when studying glia-to-neuron conversion in retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyet Le
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Haley Appel
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nicole Pannullo
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Thanh Hoang
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Seth Blackshaw,
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48
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Petridou E, Godinho L. Cellular and Molecular Determinants of Retinal Cell Fate. Annu Rev Vis Sci 2022; 8:79-99. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-vision-100820-103154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The vertebrate retina is regarded as a simple part of the central nervous system (CNS) and thus amenable to investigations of the determinants of cell fate. Its five neuronal cell classes and one glial cell class all derive from a common pool of progenitors. Here we review how each cell class is generated. Retinal progenitors progress through different competence states, in each of which they generate only a small repertoire of cell classes. The intrinsic state of the progenitor is determined by the complement of transcription factors it expresses. Thus, although progenitors are multipotent, there is a bias in the types of fates they generate during any particular time window. Overlying these competence states are stochastic mechanisms that influence fate decisions. These mechanisms are determined by a weighted set of probabilities based on the abundance of a cell class in the retina. Deterministic mechanisms also operate, especially late in development, when preprogrammed progenitors solely generate specific fates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Petridou
- Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany;,
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Leanne Godinho
- Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany;,
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49
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Iribarne M, Hyde DR. Different inflammation responses modulate Müller glia proliferation in the acute or chronically damaged zebrafish retina. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:892271. [PMID: 36120571 PMCID: PMC9472244 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.892271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike mammals, zebrafish regenerate in response to retinal damage. Because microglia are activated by retinal damage, we investigated their role during regeneration following either acute or chronic damage. At three weeks post-fertilization (wpf), both wild-type fish exhibiting NMDA-induced acute ganglion and amacrine cell death and gold rush (gosh) mutant fish possessing chronic cone photoreceptor degeneration displayed reactive microglia/macrophages and Müller glia proliferation. Dexamethasone-treated retinas, to inhibit the immune response, lacked reactive microglia/macrophages and possessed fewer PCNA-positive cells, while LPS treatment increased microglia/macrophages and PCNA-labeled cells. NMDA-injured retinas upregulated expression of il-1β and tnfα pro-inflammatory cytokine genes, followed by increased expression of il-10 and arg1 anti-inflammatory/remodeling cytokine genes. A transient early TNFα pro-inflammatory microglia/macrophage population was visualized in NMDA-damaged retinas. In contrast, gosh mutant retinas exhibited a slight increase of pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression concurrently with a greater increased anti-inflammatory/remodeling cytokine gene expression. Few TNFα pro-inflammatory microglia/macrophages were observed in the gosh retina. Understanding why acute and chronic damage results in different inflammation profiles and their effects on regulating zebrafish retinal regeneration would provide important clues toward improving therapeutic strategies for repairing injured mammalian tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Iribarne
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
- Center for Zebrafish Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
- Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | - David R. Hyde
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
- Center for Zebrafish Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
- Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
- *Correspondence: David R. Hyde,
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50
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Sun N, Wang J, Dou X, Wang Y, Yang Y, Xiao D, Zhao P, Li J, Wang S, Gu P, Ji J. A chiral microenvironment promotes retinal progenitor cell proliferation by activating the Akt and ERK pathways. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:5938-5946. [PMID: 36043429 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm00886f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Retinal progenitor cell (RPC) transplantation has been proposed as a potential strategy for the treatment of retinal degeneration, which is a leading cause of vision loss. However, a major obstacle is the poor proliferation of RPCs. Accumulating evidence suggests that the chiral features of the extracellular microenvironment are closely related to cell proliferation. Inspired by this, L/D-phenylalanine-derived molecules (LP and DP) are employed to construct a biomimetic chiral microenvironment for enhancing RPC proliferation. LP and DP self-assemble into left-handed and right-handed helical fibrous networks, respectively. It is found that DP nanofibrous films show an excellent ability in promoting RPC proliferation via the activation of the Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways. In addition, both LP and DP nanofibrous films have the advantage of attenuating inflammation, and LP films can maintain the stem potential of RPCs. Thus, the promotion of RPC proliferation using a bioinspired chiral fibrous microenvironment is a promising strategy for RPC-based therapies for retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jiajing Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Xiaoqiu Dou
- State Key Lab of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao tong University, Dongchuan Road 800, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Yiqi Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Yuan Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Dong Xiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Peiquan Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Shuting Wang
- State Key Lab of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao tong University, Dongchuan Road 800, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Ping Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Jing Ji
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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