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Schloesser L, Klose SM, Mauschitz MM, Abdullah Z, Finger RP. The role of immune modulators in age-related macular degeneration. Surv Ophthalmol 2024; 69:851-869. [PMID: 39097172 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2024.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
We provide an overview of the expanding literature on the role of cytokines and immune mediators in pathophysiology of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although many immunological mediators have been linked to AMD pathophysiology, the broader mechanistic picture remains unclear with substantial variations in the levels of evidence supporting these mediators. Therefore, we reviewed the literature considering the varying levels of supporting evidence. A Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) term-based literature research was conducted in September, 2023, consisting of the MeSH terms "cytokine" and "Age-related macular degeneration" connected by the operator "AND". After screening the publications by title, abstract, and full text, a total of 146 publications were included. The proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β (especially in basic research studies), IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, TNF-α, and MCP-1 are the most extensively characterised cytokines/chemokines, highlighting the role of local inflammasome activation and altered macrophage function in the AMD pathophysiology. Among the antiinflammatory mediators IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β were found to be the most extensively characterised, with IL-4 driving and IL-10 and TGF-β suppressing disease progression. Despite the extensive literature on this topic, a profound understanding of AMD pathophysiology has not yet been achieved. Therefore, further studies are needed to identify potential therapeutic targets, followed by clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Schloesser
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Sara M Klose
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Zeinab Abdullah
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Robert P Finger
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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2
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Cheng S, Zhang S, Huang M, Liu Y, Zou X, Chen X, Zhang Z. Treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs: progress from mechanisms to clinical applications. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1411278. [PMID: 39099595 PMCID: PMC11294244 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1411278] [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: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nARMD) is an important cause of visual impairment and blindness in the elderly, with choroidal neovascularization in the macula as the main pathological feature. The onset of nARMD is closely related to factors including age, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important factor contributing to nARMD as well as choroidal neovascularization and retinal leakage formation. At present, anti-VEGF therapy is the only treatment that improves vision and halts disease progression in most patients, making anti-VEGF drugs a landmark development for nARMD treatment. Although intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF drugs has become the first-line treatment for nARMD, this treatment has many shortcomings including repeated injections, poor or no response in some patients, and complications such as retinal fibrosis. As a result, several new anti-VEGF drugs are being developed. This review provides a discussion of these new anti-VEGF drugs for the treatment of nARMD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Xiaoming Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Zuhai Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
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3
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Gill K, Yoo HS, Chakravarthy H, Granville DJ, Matsubara JA. Exploring the role of granzyme B in subretinal fibrosis of age-related macular degeneration. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1421175. [PMID: 39091492 PMCID: PMC11291352 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1421175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a prevalent and progressive degenerative disease of the macula, is the leading cause of blindness in elderly individuals in developed countries. The advanced stages include neovascular AMD (nAMD), characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV), leading to subretinal fibrosis and permanent vision loss. Despite the efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy in stabilizing or improving vision in nAMD, the development of subretinal fibrosis following CNV remains a significant concern. In this review, we explore multifaceted aspects of subretinal fibrosis in nAMD, focusing on its clinical manifestations, risk factors, and underlying pathophysiology. We also outline the potential sources of myofibroblast precursors and inflammatory mechanisms underlying their recruitment and transdifferentiation. Special attention is given to the potential role of mast cells in CNV and subretinal fibrosis, with a focus on putative mast cell mediators, tryptase and granzyme B. We summarize our findings on the role of GzmB in CNV and speculate how GzmB may be involved in the pathological transition from CNV to subretinal fibrosis in nAMD. Finally, we discuss the advantages and drawbacks of animal models of subretinal fibrosis and pinpoint potential therapeutic targets for subretinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karanvir Gill
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hyung-Suk Yoo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Harshini Chakravarthy
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - David J. Granville
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Joanne A. Matsubara
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
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4
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Ruprecht NA, Singhal S, Sens D, Singhal SK. Translating genetic findings to epigenetics: identifying the mechanisms associated with aging after high-radiation exposure on earth and in space. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1333222. [PMID: 38584916 PMCID: PMC10995328 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1333222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Exposure to radiation is a health concern within and beyond the Earth's atmosphere for aircrew and astronauts in their respective austere environments. The biological effects of radiation exposure from a multiomics standpoint are relatively unexplored and stand to shed light on tailored monitoring and treatment for those in these career fields. To establish a reference variable for genetic damage, biological age seems to be closely associated with the effect of radiation. Following a genetic-based study, this study explores the epigenetic landscape of radiation exposure along with its associative effects on aging processes. Methods We imported the results of the genetics-based study that was a secondary analysis of five publicly available datasets (noted as Data1). The overlap of these genes with new data involving methylation data from two datasets (noted as Data2) following similar secondary analysis procedures is the basis of this study. We performed the standard statistical analysis on these datasets along with supervised and unsupervised learning to create preranked gene lists used for functional analysis in Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). Results There were 664 genes of interest from Data1 and 577 genes from Data2. There were 40 statistically significant methylation probes within 500 base pairs of the gene's transcription start site and 10 probes within 100 base pairs, which are discussed in depth. IPA yielded 21 significant pathways involving metabolism, cellular development, cell death, and diseases. Compared to gold standards for gestational age, we observed relatively low error and standard deviation using newly identified biomarkers. Conclusion We have identified 17 methylated genes that exhibited particular interest and potential in future studies. This study suggests that there are common trends in oxidative stress, cell development, and metabolism that indicate an association between aging processes and the effects of ionizing radiation exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A. Ruprecht
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Sonalika Singhal
- Department of Pathology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Donald Sens
- Department of Pathology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Sandeep K. Singhal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
- Department of Pathology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
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Heo JI, Ryu J. Exosomal noncoding RNA: A potential therapy for retinal vascular diseases. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102128. [PMID: 38356865 PMCID: PMC10865410 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that can contain DNA, RNA, proteins, and metabolites. They are secreted by cells and play a regulatory role in various biological responses by mediating cell-to-cell communication. Moreover, exosomes are of interest in developing therapies for retinal vascular disorders because they can deliver various substances to cellular targets. According to recent research, exosomes can be used as a strategy for managing retinal vascular diseases, and they are being investigated for therapeutic purposes in eye conditions, including glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, retinal ischemia, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. However, the role of exosomal noncoding RNA in retinal vascular diseases is not fully understood. Here, we reviewed the latest research on the biological role of exosomal noncoding RNA in treating retinal vascular diseases. Research has shown that noncoding RNAs, including microRNAs, circular RNAs, and long noncoding RNAs play a significant role in the regulation of retinal vascular diseases. Furthermore, through exosome engineering, the expression of relevant noncoding RNAs in exosomes can be controlled to regulate retinal vascular diseases. Therefore, this review suggests that exosomal noncoding RNA could be considered as a biomarker for diagnosis and as a therapeutic target for treating retinal vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Ik Heo
- Vessel-Organ Interaction Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Juhee Ryu
- Vessel-Organ Interaction Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
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6
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Voigt AP, Mullin NK, Navratil EM, Flamme-Wiese MJ, Lin LC, Scheetz TE, Han IC, Stone EM, Tucker BA, Mullins RF. Gene Expression Within a Human Choroidal Neovascular Membrane Using Spatial Transcriptomics. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:40. [PMID: 37878301 PMCID: PMC10615143 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.13.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Macular neovascularization is a relatively common and potentially visually devastating complication of age-related macular degeneration. In macular neovascularization, pathologic angiogenesis can originate from either the choroid or the retina, but we have limited understanding of how different cell types become dysregulated in this dynamic process. Methods To study how gene expression is altered in focal areas of pathology, we performed spatial RNA sequencing on a human donor eye with macular neovascularization as well as a healthy control donor. We performed differential expression to identify genes enriched within the area of macular neovascularization and used deconvolution algorithms to predict the originating cell type of these dysregulated genes. Results Within the area of neovascularization, endothelial cells demonstrated increased expression of genes related to Rho family GTPase signaling and integrin signaling. Likewise, VEGF and TGFB1 were identified as potential upstream regulators that could drive the observed gene expression changes produced by endothelial and retinal pigment epithelium cells in the macular neovascularization donor. These spatial gene expression profiles were compared to previous single-cell gene expression experiments in human age-related macular degeneration as well as a model of laser-induced neovascularization in mice. As a secondary aim, we investigated regional gene expression patterns within the macular neural retina and between the macular and peripheral choroid. Conclusions Overall, this study spatially analyzes gene expression across the retina, retinal pigment epithelium, and choroid in health and describes a set of candidate molecules that become dysregulated in macular neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P. Voigt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Nathaniel K. Mullin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Emma M. Navratil
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Miles J. Flamme-Wiese
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Li-Chun Lin
- University of Iowa Neuroscience Institute, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Todd E. Scheetz
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Ian C. Han
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Edwin M. Stone
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Budd A. Tucker
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - Robert F. Mullins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
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7
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Muniyandi A, Hartman GD, Song Y, Mijit M, Kelley MR, Corson TW. Beyond VEGF: Targeting Inflammation and Other Pathways for Treatment of Retinal Disease. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2023; 386:15-25. [PMID: 37142441 PMCID: PMC10289243 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neovascular eye diseases include conditions such as retinopathy of prematurity, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Together, they are a major cause of vision loss and blindness worldwide. The current therapeutic mainstay for these diseases is intravitreal injections of biologics targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling. Lack of universal response to these anti-VEGF agents coupled with the challenging delivery method underscore a need for new therapeutic targets and agents. In particular, proteins that mediate both inflammatory and proangiogenic signaling are appealing targets for new therapeutic development. Here, we review agents currently in clinical trials and highlight some promising targets in preclinical and early clinical development, focusing on the redox-regulatory transcriptional activator APE1/Ref-1, the bioactive lipid modulator soluble epoxide hydrolase, the transcription factor RUNX1, and others. Small molecules targeting each of these proteins show promise for blocking neovascularization and inflammation. The affected signaling pathways illustrate the potential of new antiangiogenic strategies for posterior ocular disease. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Discovery and therapeutic targeting of new angiogenesis mediators is necessary to improve treatment of blinding eye diseases like retinopathy of prematurity, diabetic retinopathy, and neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Novel targets undergoing evaluation and drug discovery work include proteins important for both angiogenesis and inflammation signaling, including APE1/Ref-1, soluble epoxide hydrolase, RUNX1, and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anbukkarasi Muniyandi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute (A.M., G.D.H., Y.S., M.R.K., T.W.C.), Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research (M.M., M.R.K.), Stark Neurosciences Research Institute (G.D.H., T.W.C.), Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.R.K., T.W.C.) and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (M.R.K., T.W.C.), and Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center (M.R.K., T.W.C.), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Gabriella D Hartman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute (A.M., G.D.H., Y.S., M.R.K., T.W.C.), Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research (M.M., M.R.K.), Stark Neurosciences Research Institute (G.D.H., T.W.C.), Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.R.K., T.W.C.) and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (M.R.K., T.W.C.), and Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center (M.R.K., T.W.C.), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Yang Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute (A.M., G.D.H., Y.S., M.R.K., T.W.C.), Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research (M.M., M.R.K.), Stark Neurosciences Research Institute (G.D.H., T.W.C.), Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.R.K., T.W.C.) and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (M.R.K., T.W.C.), and Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center (M.R.K., T.W.C.), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Mahmut Mijit
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute (A.M., G.D.H., Y.S., M.R.K., T.W.C.), Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research (M.M., M.R.K.), Stark Neurosciences Research Institute (G.D.H., T.W.C.), Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.R.K., T.W.C.) and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (M.R.K., T.W.C.), and Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center (M.R.K., T.W.C.), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Mark R Kelley
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute (A.M., G.D.H., Y.S., M.R.K., T.W.C.), Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research (M.M., M.R.K.), Stark Neurosciences Research Institute (G.D.H., T.W.C.), Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.R.K., T.W.C.) and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (M.R.K., T.W.C.), and Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center (M.R.K., T.W.C.), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Timothy W Corson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute (A.M., G.D.H., Y.S., M.R.K., T.W.C.), Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research (M.M., M.R.K.), Stark Neurosciences Research Institute (G.D.H., T.W.C.), Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.R.K., T.W.C.) and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (M.R.K., T.W.C.), and Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center (M.R.K., T.W.C.), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
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8
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Voigt AP, Mullin NK, Navratil EM, Flamme-Wiese MJ, Lin LC, Scheetz TE, Han IC, Stone EM, Tucker BA, Mullins RF. GENE EXPRESSION WITHIN A HUMAN CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULAR MEMBRANE USING SPATIAL TRANSCRIPTOMICS. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.16.544770. [PMID: 37398429 PMCID: PMC10312719 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.16.544770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Macular neovascularization is a relatively common and potentially visually devastating complication of age-related macular degeneration. In macular neovascularization, pathologic angiogenesis can originate from either the choroid or the retina, but we have limited understanding of how different cell types become dysregulated in this dynamic process. In this study, we performed spatial RNA sequencing on a human donor eye with macular neovascularization as well as a healthy control donor. We identified genes enriched within the area of macular neovascularization and used deconvolution algorithms to predict the originating cell type of these dysregulated genes. Within the area of neovascularization, endothelial cells were predicted to increase expression of genes related to Rho family GTPase signaling and integrin signaling. Likewise, VEGF and TGFB1 were identified as potential upstream regulators that could drive the observed gene expression changes produced by endothelial and retinal pigment epithelium cells in the macular neovascularization donor. These spatial gene expression profiles were compared to previous single-cell gene expression experiments in human age-related macular degeneration as well as a model of laser-induced neovascularization in mice. As a secondary aim, we also investigated spatial gene expression patterns within the macular neural retina and between the macular and peripheral choroid. We recapitulated previously described regional-specific gene expression patterns across both tissues. Overall, this study spatially analyzes gene expression across the retina, retinal pigment epithelium, and choroid in health and describes a set of candidate molecules that become dysregulated in macular neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P. Voigt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242
| | - Nathaniel K. Mullin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242
| | - Emma M. Navratil
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242
| | - Miles J. Flamme-Wiese
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242
| | - Li-Chun Lin
- University of Iowa Neuroscience Institute, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242
| | - Todd E. Scheetz
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242
| | - Ian C. Han
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242
| | - Edwin M. Stone
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242
| | - Budd A. Tucker
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242
| | - Robert F. Mullins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242
- Institute for Vision Research, the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242
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9
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Du Y, Yan B. Ocular immune privilege and retinal pigment epithelial cells. J Leukoc Biol 2023; 113:288-304. [PMID: 36805720 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiac016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The ocular tissue microenvironment is immune-privileged and uses multiple immunosuppressive mechanisms to prevent the induction of inflammation. The retinal pigment epithelium plays an essential role in ocular immune privilege. In addition to serving as a blood barrier separating the fenestrated choriocapillaris from the retina, the retinal pigment epithelium is a source of immunosuppressive cytokines and membrane-bound negative regulators that modulate the activity of immune cells within the retina. This article reviews the current understanding of how retinal pigment epithelium cells mediate immune regulation, focusing on the changes under pathologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiang Du
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Jining Medical University, No. 133, Hehua Road, Taibaihu New District, Jining, Shandong 272067, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Yan
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Jining Medical University, No. 133, Hehua Road, Taibaihu New District, Jining, Shandong 272067, People's Republic of China
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10
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Arrigo A, Aragona E, Bandello F. The Role of Inflammation in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Updates and Possible Therapeutic Approaches. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2023; 12:158-167. [PMID: 36650098 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0000000000000570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common retinal disease characterized by complex pathogenesis and extremely heterogeneous characteristics. Both in "dry" and "wet" AMD forms, the inflammation has a central role to promote the degenerative process and to stimulate the onset of complications. AMD is characterized by several proinflammatory stimuli, cells and mediators involved, and metabolic pathways. Nowadays, inflammatory biomarkers may be unveiled and analyzed by means of several techniques, including laboratory approaches, histology, immunohistochemistry, and noninvasive multimodal retinal imaging. These methodologies allowed to perform remarkable steps forward for understanding the role of inflammation in AMD pathogenesis, also offering new opportunities to optimize the diagnostic workup of the patients and to develop new treatments. The main goal of the present paper is to provide an updated scenario of the current knowledge regarding the role of inflammation in "dry" and "wet" AMD and to discuss new possible therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Arrigo
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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11
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Khachigian LM, Liew G, Teo KYC, Wong TY, Mitchell P. Emerging therapeutic strategies for unmet need in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. J Transl Med 2023; 21:133. [PMID: 36810060 PMCID: PMC9942398 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-03937-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a major cause of visual impairment and blindness. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents, such as ranibizumab, bevacizumab, aflibercept, brolucizumab and faricimab have revolutionized the clinical management of nAMD. However, there remains an unmet clinical need for new and improved therapies for nAMD, since many patients do not respond optimally, may lose response over time or exhibit sub-optimal durability, impacting on real world effectiveness. Evidence is emerging that targeting VEGF-A alone, as most agents have done until recently, may be insufficient and agents that target multiple pathways (e.g., aflibercept, faricimab and others in development) may be more efficacious. This article reviews issues and limitations that have arisen from the use of existing anti-VEGF agents, and argues that the future may lie in multi-targeted therapies including alternative agents and modalities that target both the VEGF ligand/receptor system as well as other pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levon M. Khachigian
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Vascular Biology and Translational Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Gerald Liew
- grid.476921.fCentre for Vision Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Kelvin Y. C. Teo
- grid.419272.b0000 0000 9960 1711Singapore National Eye Centre and Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore ,grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tien Y. Wong
- grid.419272.b0000 0000 9960 1711Singapore National Eye Centre and Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore ,grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore ,grid.12527.330000 0001 0662 3178Tsinghua Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Paul Mitchell
- grid.476921.fCentre for Vision Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
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12
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Muniyandi A, Martin M, Sishtla K, Motolani A, Sun M, Jensen NR, Qi X, Boulton ME, Prabhu L, Lu T, Corson TW. PRMT5 is a therapeutic target in choroidal neovascularization. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1747. [PMID: 36720900 PMCID: PMC9889383 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28215-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Ocular neovascular diseases including neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD) are widespread causes of blindness. Patients' non-responsiveness to currently used biologics that target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) poses an unmet need for novel therapies. Here, we identify protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) as a novel therapeutic target for nvAMD. PRMT5 is a well-known epigenetic enzyme. We previously showed that PRMT5 methylates and activates a proangiogenic and proinflammatory transcription factor, the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), which has a master role in tumor progression, notably in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and colorectal cancer. We identified a potent and specific small molecule inhibitor of PRMT5, PR5-LL-CM01, that dampens the methylation and activation of NF-κB. Here for the first time, we assessed the antiangiogenic activity of PR5-LL-CM01 in ocular cells. Immunostaining of human nvAMD sections revealed that PRMT5 is highly expressed in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroid where neovascularization occurs, while mouse eyes with laser induced choroidal neovascularization (L-CNV) showed PRMT5 is overexpressed in the retinal ganglion cell layer and in the RPE/choroid. Importantly, inhibition of PRMT5 by PR5-LL-CM01 or shRNA knockdown of PRMT5 in human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived choroidal endothelial cells (iCEC2) reduced NF-κB activity and the expression of its target genes, such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and VEGF-A. In addition to inhibiting angiogenic properties of proliferation and tube formation, PR5-LL-CM01 blocked cell cycle progression at G1/S-phase in a dose-dependent manner in these cells. Thus, we provide the first evidence that inhibition of PRMT5 impedes angiogenesis in ocular endothelial cells, suggesting PRMT5 as a potential therapeutic target to ameliorate ocular neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anbukkarasi Muniyandi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Matthew Martin
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Kamakshi Sishtla
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Aishat Motolani
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Mengyao Sun
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Nathan R Jensen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Xiaoping Qi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Michael E Boulton
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Lakshmi Prabhu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Tao Lu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Timothy W Corson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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13
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Noh M, Kim Y, Zhang H, Kim H, Bae CR, Lee S, Kwon YG. Oral administration of CU06-1004 attenuates vascular permeability and stabilizes neovascularization in retinal vascular diseases. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 939:175427. [PMID: 36509133 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175427] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Retinal vascular diseases are the leading cause of blindness worldwide. These diseases have common disease mechanisms including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling, hypoxia, and inflammation. Treatment of these diseases with laser therapy, anti-VEGF injections and/or steroids has significantly improved clinical outcomes. However, these strategies do not address the underlying cause of the pathology and may have harmful side effects. Pathological processes that damage retinal vessels result in vascular occlusion and impairment of the barrier properties of retinal endothelial cells, leading to excessive vascular leakage. Therefore, a new therapeutic approach is needed for the treatment of retinal vascular disease. We were able to confirm that oral administration of CU06-1004, an endothelial dysfunction blocker, inhibited retinal vascular leakage induced by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang2). Interestingly, oral administration of CU06-1004 prevented excessive vascular leakage in the diabetic retinopathy model. In addition, CU06-1004 inhibited angiogenesis and confirmed vascular stabilization in the oxygen-induced retinopathy model and laser-induced CNV model. Taken together, CU06-1004 could be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of retinal vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minyoung Noh
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeomyeong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Haiying Zhang
- R&D Department, Curacle Co. Ltd, Seoul, 06694, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyejeong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Cho-Rong Bae
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunghye Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Guen Kwon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Choroidal Neovascular Membranes in Retinal and Choroidal Tumors: Origins, Mechanisms, and Effects. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021064. [PMID: 36674579 PMCID: PMC9865148 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Choroidal neovascularizations are historically associated with exudative macular degeneration, nonetheless, they have been observed in nevus, melanoma, osteoma, and hemangioma involving the choroid and retina. This review aimed to elucidate the possible origins of neovascular membranes by examining in vivo and in vitro models compared to real clinical cases. Among the several potential mechanisms examined, particular attention was paid to histologic alterations and molecular cascades. Physical or biochemical resistance to vascular invasion from the choroid offered by Bruch's membrane, the role of fibroblast growth factor 2 and vascular endothelial growth factor, resident or recruited stem-like/progenitor cells, and other angiogenic promoters were taken into account. Even if the exact mechanisms are still partially obscure, experimental models are progressively enhancing our understanding of neovascularization etiology. Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) over melanoma, osteoma, and other tumors is not rare and is not contraindicative of malignancy as previously believed. In addition, CNV may represent a late complication of either benign or malignant choroidal tumors, stressing the importance of a long follow-up.
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15
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da Silva RA, Roda VMDP, Akamine PS, da Silva DS, Siqueira PV, Matsuda M, Hamassaki DE. Blockade of the TGF-β pathway by galunisertib inhibits the glial-mesenchymal transition in Müller glial cells. Exp Eye Res 2023; 226:109336. [PMID: 36455675 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109336] [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: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Aging increases the risks for developing fibrocontractile membranes on the retina, which causes significant macular distortion, as in the idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM). Retinal Müller glial cells are components of these membranes and may play a key role in the iERM pathogenesis. The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) induces Müller cell transdifferentiation into myofibroblast, reducing glial cell markers (glutamine synthetase, GS, and glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP) and increasing α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Our aim was to investigate the effect of the TGF-β inhibitor galunisertib (LY2157299) on the glial-mesenchymal transition and contraction of Müller cells. MIO-M1 human Müller cells were treated with TGF-β1 (10 ng/mL), galunisertib (5, 10 and 20 μM) and TGF-β1+galunisertib for 24h and 48h. Galunisertib cytotoxicity was analyzed by MTT and trypan blue, and TGF-β1 blockade by phospho-SMAD3 immunofluorescence. Caspase-3 (cell death indicator), GS, GFAP and α-SMA expression was examined by immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and qPCR analysis. Cell contractility was determined by collagen gel contraction assay with Müller cells incorporated. Galunisertib did not show cytotoxicity at the concentrations evaluated and maintained the Müller cells phenotype, ensuring the GS expression. Galunisertib inhibited the TGF-β1 pathway by decreasing phospho-SMAD3 immunoreactivity, attenuated the α-SMA expression, and prevented the contraction of Müller cells in collagen gel. Although more studies are needed, in vitro assays suggest that galunisertib may be a potential candidate to attenuate the formation of fibrocontractile membranes and prevent retinal detachment and consequent loss of vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael André da Silva
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Moraes de Paiva Roda
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Priscilla Sayami Akamine
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniela Simões da Silva
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Paula Veloso Siqueira
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Monique Matsuda
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Laboratory of Investigation in Ophthalmology (LIM-33), Division of Ophthalmology, University of São Paulo Faculty of Medicine, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Dânia Emi Hamassaki
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Dos Santos FM, Ciordia S, Mesquita J, de Sousa JPC, Paradela A, Tomaz CT, Passarinha LAP. Vitreous humor proteome: unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying proliferative and neovascular vitreoretinal diseases. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 80:22. [PMID: 36585968 PMCID: PMC11072707 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04670-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) are among the leading causes of blindness. Due to the multifactorial nature of these vitreoretinal diseases, omics approaches are essential for a deeper understanding of the pathophysiologic processes underlying the evolution to a proliferative or neovascular etiology, in which patients suffer from an abrupt loss of vision. For many years, it was thought that the function of the vitreous was merely structural, supporting and protecting the surrounding ocular tissues. Proteomics studies proved that vitreous is more complex and biologically active than initially thought, and its changes reflect the physiological and pathological state of the eye. The vitreous is the scenario of a complex interplay between inflammation, fibrosis, oxidative stress, neurodegeneration, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Vitreous proteome not only reflects the pathological events that occur in the retina, but the changes in the vitreous itself play a central role in the onset and progression of vitreoretinal diseases. Therefore, this review offers an overview of the studies on the vitreous proteome that could help to elucidate some of the pathological mechanisms underlying proliferative and/or neovascular vitreoretinal diseases and to find new potential pharmaceutical targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fátima Milhano Dos Santos
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, 6201-001, Covilhã, Portugal.
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Unidad de Proteomica, Calle Darwin 3, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Sergio Ciordia
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Unidad de Proteomica, Calle Darwin 3, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joana Mesquita
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, 6201-001, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Castro de Sousa
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, 6201-001, Covilhã, Portugal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar de Leiria, 2410-197, Leiria, Portugal
| | - Alberto Paradela
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Unidad de Proteomica, Calle Darwin 3, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cândida Teixeira Tomaz
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, 6201-001, Covilhã, Portugal
- C4-UBI, Cloud Computing Competence Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-501, Covilhã, Portugal
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6201-001, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Luís António Paulino Passarinha
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS-UBI), Universidade da Beira Interior, 6201-001, Covilhã, Portugal.
- Associate Laboratory i4HB, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Universidade NOVA, 2819-516, Caparica, Portugal.
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal.
- Pharmaco-Toxicology Laboratory, UBIMedical, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-000, Covilhã, Portugal.
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17
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Kubo E, Shibata S, Shibata T, Sasaki H, Singh DP. Role of Decorin in the Lens and Ocular Diseases. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010074. [PMID: 36611867 PMCID: PMC9818407 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Decorin is an archetypal member of the small leucine-rich proteoglycan gene family and is involved in various biological functions and many signaling networks, interacting with extra-cellular matrix (ECM) components, growth factors, and receptor tyrosine kinases. Decorin also modulates the growth factors, cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. It has been reported to be involved in many ischemic and fibrotic eye diseases, such as congenital stromal dystrophy of the cornea, anterior subcapsular fibrosis of the lens, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, et al. Furthermore, recent evidence supports its role in secondary posterior capsule opacification (PCO) after cataract surgery. The expression of decorin mRNA in lens epithelial cells in vitro was found to decrease upon transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-2 addition and increase upon fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 addition. Wound healing of the injured lens in mice transgenic for lens-specific human decorin was promoted by inhibiting myofibroblastic changes. Decorin may be associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition and PCO development in the lens. Gene therapy and decorin administration have the potential to serve as excellent therapeutic approaches for modifying impaired wound healing, PCO, and other eye diseases related to fibrosis and angiogenesis. In this review, we present findings regarding the roles of decorin in the lens and ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eri Kubo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kanazawa Medical University, Kanazawa 920-0293, Ishikawa, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-76-286-2211 (ext. 3412); Fax: +81-76-286-1010
| | - Shinsuke Shibata
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kanazawa Medical University, Kanazawa 920-0293, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Teppei Shibata
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kanazawa Medical University, Kanazawa 920-0293, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sasaki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kanazawa Medical University, Kanazawa 920-0293, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Dhirendra P. Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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18
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Murenu E, Gerhardt MJ, Biel M, Michalakis S. More than meets the eye: The role of microglia in healthy and diseased retina. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1006897. [PMID: 36524119 PMCID: PMC9745050 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1006897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are the main resident immune cells of the nervous system and as such they are involved in multiple roles ranging from tissue homeostasis to response to insults and circuit refinement. While most knowledge about microglia comes from brain studies, some mechanisms have been confirmed for microglia cells in the retina, the light-sensing compartment of the eye responsible for initial processing of visual information. However, several key pieces of this puzzle are still unaccounted for, as the characterization of retinal microglia has long been hindered by the reduced population size within the retina as well as the previous lack of technologies enabling single-cell analyses. Accumulating evidence indicates that the same cell type may harbor a high degree of transcriptional, morphological and functional differences depending on its location within the central nervous system. Thus, studying the roles and signatures adopted specifically by microglia in the retina has become increasingly important. Here, we review the current understanding of retinal microglia cells in physiology and in disease, with particular emphasis on newly discovered mechanisms and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Murenu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany,*Correspondence: Elisa Murenu, ; ; Stylianos Michalakis,
| | | | - Martin Biel
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Stylianos Michalakis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany,*Correspondence: Elisa Murenu, ; ; Stylianos Michalakis,
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19
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Peavey J, Parmar VM, Malek G. Nuclear Receptor Atlases of Choroidal Tissues Reveal Candidate Receptors Associated with Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Cells 2022; 11:2386. [PMID: 35954227 PMCID: PMC9367936 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The choroid is a vulnerable tissue site in the eye, impacted in several blinding diseases including age related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the leading cause of central vision loss in the aging population. Choroidal thinning and choriocapillary dropout are features of the early form of AMD, and endothelial dysfunction and vascular changes are primary characteristics of the neovascular clinical sub-type of AMD. Given the importance, the choroidal endothelium and outer vasculature play in supporting visual function, a better understanding of baseline choroidal signaling pathways engaged in tissue and cellular homeostasis is needed. Nuclear receptors are a large family of transcription factors responsible for maintaining various cellular processes during development, aging and disease. Herein we developed a comprehensive nuclear receptor atlas of human choroidal endothelial cells and freshly isolated choroidal tissue by examining the expression levels of all members of this transcription family using quantitative real time PCR. Given the close relationship between the choroid and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), this data was cross-referenced with the expression profile of nuclear receptors in human RPE cells, to discover potential overlap versus cell-specific nuclear receptor expression. Finally, to identify candidate receptors that may participate in the pathobiology of AMD, we cataloged nuclear receptor expression in a murine model of wet AMD, from which we discovered a subset of nuclear receptors differentially regulated following neovascularization. Overall, these databases serve as useful resources establishing the influence of nuclear receptor signaling pathways on the outer vascular tissue of the eye, while providing a list of receptors, for more focused investigations in the future, to determine their suitability as potential therapeutic targets for diseases, in which the choroid is affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Peavey
- Duke Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (J.P.); (V.M.P.)
| | - Vipul M. Parmar
- Duke Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (J.P.); (V.M.P.)
| | - Goldis Malek
- Duke Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (J.P.); (V.M.P.)
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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20
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Hachana S, Larrivée B. TGF-β Superfamily Signaling in the Eye: Implications for Ocular Pathologies. Cells 2022; 11:2336. [PMID: 35954181 PMCID: PMC9367584 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The TGF-β signaling pathway plays a crucial role in several key aspects of development and tissue homeostasis. TGF-β ligands and their mediators have been shown to be important regulators of ocular physiology and their dysregulation has been described in several eye pathologies. TGF-β signaling participates in regulating several key developmental processes in the eye, including angiogenesis and neurogenesis. Inadequate TGF-β signaling has been associated with defective angiogenesis, vascular barrier function, unfavorable inflammatory responses, and tissue fibrosis. In addition, experimental models of corneal neovascularization, diabetic retinopathy, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, glaucoma, or corneal injury suggest that aberrant TGF-β signaling may contribute to the pathological features of these conditions, showing the potential of modulating TGF-β signaling to treat eye diseases. This review highlights the key roles of TGF-β family members in ocular physiology and in eye diseases, and reviews approaches targeting the TGF-β signaling as potential treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumaya Hachana
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Bruno Larrivée
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
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21
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Shen T, Wu Y, Cai W, Jin H, Yu D, Yang Q, Zhu W, Yu J. LncRNA Meg3 knockdown reduces corneal neovascularization and VEGF-induced vascular endothelial angiogenesis via SDF-1/CXCR4 and Smad2/3 pathway. Exp Eye Res 2022; 222:109166. [PMID: 35820465 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109166] [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: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The crucial effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced vascular angiogenesis has been well known in corneal neovascularization (CNV). This research aimed to determine the underlying value and mechanism of Meg3 on CNV in vivo and in vitro. In an alkali-burned mouse model, length and area of new vessels were increased along with thinning of corneal epithelium, accompanied by the overexpression of Meg3. Notably, subconjunctival injection of shMeg3 suppressed the degree of injury in cornea, causing expression of the angiogenesis markers--VEGF-A and CD31 decreased. In VEGF-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), knockdown of Meg3 antagonized the enhancement of viability, proliferation, wound healing ability and angiogenesis by VEGF. The proteins expression of VEGF-A, CD31, SDF-1/CXCR4 as well as phosphoraylation-Smad2/3 pathways, which were related to angiogenesis, were reduced with Meg3 deficiency. Overall, knockdown of Meg3 alleviated formation of neovascularization in alkali-burned corneas and reduced VEGF-induced angiogenesis by inhibiting SDF-1/CXCR4 and Smad2/3 signaling in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenting Cai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huizi Jin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Donghui Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Changshu NO. 2 People's Hospital, Changshu, China.
| | - Jing Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The Third People's Hospital of Bengbu, Bengbu, China.
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22
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Wu A, Lu R, Lee E. Tissue engineering in age-related macular degeneration: a mini-review. J Biol Eng 2022; 16:11. [PMID: 35578246 PMCID: PMC9109377 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-022-00291-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive, degenerative disease of the macula, leading to severe visual loss in the elderly population. There are two types of AMD: non-exudative ('dry') AMD and exudative ('wet') AMD. Non-exudative AMD is characterized by drusen formation and macular atrophy, while the blood vessels are not leaky. Exudative AMD is a more advanced form of the disease, featured with abnormal blood vessel growth and vascular leakage. Even though anti-angiogenic therapies have been effective in treating wet AMD by normalizing blood vessels, there is no treatment available to prevent or treat dry AMD. Currently, the mechanisms of drusen formation and macular atrophy in the dry AMD are poorly understood, in part because the currently available in vivo models of AMD could not decouple and isolate the complex biological and biophysical factors in the macular region for a detailed mechanism study, including the complement system, angiogenesis factors, extracellular matrix, etc. In the present review article, we describe the biological background of AMD and the key cells and structures in AMD, including retinal epithelium, photoreceptor, Bruch's membrane, and choriocapillaris. We also discuss pre-clinical animal models of AMD and in vivo tissue-engineered approaches, including cell suspension injection and organoid-derived cell sheet transplantation. We also discuss in vitro tissue-engineered models for AMD research. Specifically, we evaluate and compare currently available two- and three-dimensional AMD tissue-engineered models that mimic key anatomical players in AMD progression, including pathophysiological characteristics in Bruch's membrane, photoreceptor, and choriocapillaris. Finally, we discuss the limitation of current AMD models and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Wu
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Renhao Lu
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Esak Lee
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
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23
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Wang JH, Chuang YF, Chen J, Singh V, Lin FL, Wilson R, Tu L, Ma C, Wong RCB, Wang PY, Zhong J, Hewitt AW, van Wijngaarden P, Dusting GJ, Liu GS. An Integrative Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals MicroRNA-143 as Potential Therapeutics to Attenuate Retinal Angiogenesis. Nucleic Acid Ther 2022; 32:251-266. [PMID: 35363088 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2021.0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal neovascularization is a severe complication of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are master regulators of gene expression that play an important role in retinal neovascularization. In this study, we show that miR-143-3p is significantly downregulated in the retina of a rat model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) by miRNA-sequencing. Intravitreal injection of synthetic miR-143 mimics significantly ameliorate retinal neovascularization in OIR rats. miR-143 is identified to be highly expressed in the neural retina particularly in the ganglion cell layer and retinal vasculature. In miR-143 treated cells, the functional evaluation showed a decrease in cell migration and delayed endothelial vessel-like tube remodeling. The multiomics analysis suggests that miR-143 negatively impacts endothelial cell activity through regulating cell-matrix adhesion and mediating hypoxia-inducible factor-1 signaling. We predict hub genes regulated by miR-143 that may be involved in mediating endothelial cell function by cytoHubba. We also demonstrate that the retinal neovascular membranes in patients with PDR principally consist of endothelial cells by CIBERSORTx. We then identify 2 hub genes, thrombospondin 1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor, direct targets of miR-143, that significantly altered in the PDR patients. These findings suggest that miR-143 appears to be essential for limiting endothelial cell-matrix adhesion, thus suppressing retinal neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Hui Wang
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yu-Fan Chuang
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Jinying Chen
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.,Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Vikrant Singh
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Fan-Li Lin
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Richard Wilson
- Central Science Laboratory, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Leilei Tu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chenkai Ma
- Molecular Diagnostics Solutions, CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Raymond C B Wong
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Jingxiang Zhong
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Alex W Hewitt
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Peter van Wijngaarden
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dusting
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Guei-Sheung Liu
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.,Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan, China
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24
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Liu ZW, Zhang YM, Zhang LY, Zhou T, Li YY, Zhou GC, Miao ZM, Shang M, He JP, Ding N, Liu YQ. Duality of Interactions Between TGF-β and TNF-α During Tumor Formation. Front Immunol 2022; 12:810286. [PMID: 35069596 PMCID: PMC8766837 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.810286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is essential for the formation and development of tumors. Cytokines in the microenvironment may affect the growth, metastasis and prognosis of tumors, and play different roles in different stages of tumors, of which transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) are critical. The two have synergistic and antagonistic effect on tumor regulation. The inhibition of TGF-β can promote the formation rate of tumor, while TGF-β can promote the malignancy of tumor. TNF-α was initially determined to be a natural immune serum mediator that can induce tumor hemorrhagic necrosis, it has a wide range of biological activities and can be used clinically as a target to immune diseases as well as tumors. However, there are few reports on the interaction between the two in the tumor microenvironment. This paper combs the biological effect of the two in different aspects of different tumors. We summarized the changes and clinical medication rules of the two in different tissue cells, hoping to provide a new idea for the clinical application of the two cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Wei Liu
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and Universities, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yi-Ming Zhang
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and Universities, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Li-Ying Zhang
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and Universities, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China.,Gansu Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, The First People's Hospital of Lanzhou City, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ting Zhou
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and Universities, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yang-Yang Li
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and Universities, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Gu-Cheng Zhou
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and Universities, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Miao
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and Universities, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ming Shang
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and Universities, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jin-Peng He
- Key Laboratory of Space Radiobiology of Gansu Province & Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Nan- Ding
- Key Laboratory of Space Radiobiology of Gansu Province & Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine of Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yong-Qi Liu
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and Universities, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Dunhuang Medicine and Transformation at Provincial and Ministerial Level, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
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25
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Mahaling B, Low SWY, Beck M, Kumar D, Ahmed S, Connor TB, Ahmad B, Chaurasia SS. Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) in Retinal Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052591. [PMID: 35269741 PMCID: PMC8910759 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are endogenous danger molecules released from the extracellular and intracellular space of damaged tissue or dead cells. Recent evidence indicates that DAMPs are associated with the sterile inflammation caused by aging, increased ocular pressure, high glucose, oxidative stress, ischemia, mechanical trauma, stress, or environmental conditions, in retinal diseases. DAMPs activate the innate immune system, suggesting their role to be protective, but may promote pathological inflammation and angiogenesis in response to the chronic insult or injury. DAMPs are recognized by specialized innate immune receptors, such as receptors for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the NOD-like receptor family (NLRs), and purine receptor 7 (P2X7), in systemic diseases. However, studies describing the role of DAMPs in retinal disorders are meager. Here, we extensively reviewed the role of DAMPs in retinal disorders, including endophthalmitis, uveitis, glaucoma, ocular cancer, ischemic retinopathies, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and inherited retinal disorders. Finally, we discussed DAMPs as biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and therapeutic agents for retinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binapani Mahaling
- Ocular Immunology and Angiogenesis Lab, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Froedtert and MCW Eye Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; (B.M.); (S.W.Y.L.); (M.B.); (D.K.); (S.A.); (T.B.C.); (B.A.)
| | - Shermaine W. Y. Low
- Ocular Immunology and Angiogenesis Lab, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Froedtert and MCW Eye Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; (B.M.); (S.W.Y.L.); (M.B.); (D.K.); (S.A.); (T.B.C.); (B.A.)
| | - Molly Beck
- Ocular Immunology and Angiogenesis Lab, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Froedtert and MCW Eye Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; (B.M.); (S.W.Y.L.); (M.B.); (D.K.); (S.A.); (T.B.C.); (B.A.)
| | - Devesh Kumar
- Ocular Immunology and Angiogenesis Lab, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Froedtert and MCW Eye Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; (B.M.); (S.W.Y.L.); (M.B.); (D.K.); (S.A.); (T.B.C.); (B.A.)
| | - Simrah Ahmed
- Ocular Immunology and Angiogenesis Lab, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Froedtert and MCW Eye Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; (B.M.); (S.W.Y.L.); (M.B.); (D.K.); (S.A.); (T.B.C.); (B.A.)
| | - Thomas B. Connor
- Ocular Immunology and Angiogenesis Lab, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Froedtert and MCW Eye Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; (B.M.); (S.W.Y.L.); (M.B.); (D.K.); (S.A.); (T.B.C.); (B.A.)
- Vitreoretinal Surgery, Froedtert and MCW Eye Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Baseer Ahmad
- Ocular Immunology and Angiogenesis Lab, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Froedtert and MCW Eye Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; (B.M.); (S.W.Y.L.); (M.B.); (D.K.); (S.A.); (T.B.C.); (B.A.)
- Vitreoretinal Surgery, Froedtert and MCW Eye Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Shyam S. Chaurasia
- Ocular Immunology and Angiogenesis Lab, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Froedtert and MCW Eye Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; (B.M.); (S.W.Y.L.); (M.B.); (D.K.); (S.A.); (T.B.C.); (B.A.)
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-414-955-2050
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26
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Wang SK, Cepko CL. Targeting Microglia to Treat Degenerative Eye Diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:843558. [PMID: 35251042 PMCID: PMC8891158 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.843558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia have been implicated in many degenerative eye disorders, including retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, uveitis, and retinal detachment. While the exact roles of microglia in these conditions are still being discovered, evidence from animal models suggests that they can modulate the course of disease. In this review, we highlight current strategies to target microglia in the eye and their potential as treatments for both rare and common ocular disorders. These approaches include depleting microglia with chemicals or radiation, reprogramming microglia using homeostatic signals or other small molecules, and inhibiting the downstream effects of microglia such as by blocking cytokine activity or phagocytosis. Finally, we describe areas of future research needed to fully exploit the therapeutic value of microglia in eye diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean K. Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Constance L. Cepko
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Constance L. Cepko,
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27
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Brandli A, Khong FL, Kong RCK, Kelly DJ, Fletcher EL. Transcriptomic analysis of choroidal neovascularization reveals dysregulation of immune and fibrosis pathways that are attenuated by a novel anti-fibrotic treatment. Sci Rep 2022; 12:859. [PMID: 35039609 PMCID: PMC8764037 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-04845-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neovascular AMD (nAMD) leads to vision loss and is a leading cause of visual impairment in the industrialised world. Current treatments that target blood vessel growth have not been able to treat subretinal fibrosis and nAMD patients continue to lose vision. The molecular mechanisms involved in the development of fibrotic lesions in nAMD are not well understood. The aim of this study was to further understand subretinal fibrosis in the laser photocoagulation model of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) by studying the whole transcriptome of the RPE/choroid following CNV and the application of an anti-fibrotic following CNV. Seven days after laser induced CNV, RPE and choroid tissue was separated and underwent RNAseq. Differential expression analysis and pathway analysis revealed an over representation of immune signalling and fibrotic associated pathways in CNV compared to control RPE/choroid tissue. Comparisons between the mouse CNV model to human CNV revealed an overlap in upregulated expression for immune genes (Ccl2, Ccl8 and Cxcl9) and extracellular matrix remodeling genes (Comp, Lrcc15, Fndc1 and Thbs2). Comparisons between the CNV model and other fibrosis models showed an overlap of over 60% of genes upregulated in either lung or kidney mouse models of fibrosis. Treatment of CNV using a novel cinnamoyl anthranilate anti-fibrotic (OCX063) in the laser induced CNV model was selected as this class of drugs have previously been shown to target fibrosis. CNV lesion leakage and fibrosis was found to be reduced using OCX063 and gene expression of genes within the TGF-beta signalling pathway. Our findings show the presence of fibrosis gene expression pathways present in the laser induced CNV mouse model and that anti-fibrotic treatments offer the potential to reduce subretinal fibrosis in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Brandli
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Grattan St, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Fay L Khong
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
- Occurx Pty Ltd, 31 Queen St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Roy C K Kong
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
- Occurx Pty Ltd, 31 Queen St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Darren J Kelly
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
| | - Erica L Fletcher
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Grattan St, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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28
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Decorin Concentrations in Aqueous Humor of Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11121421. [PMID: 34947953 PMCID: PMC8707400 DOI: 10.3390/life11121421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication of diabetes in the retina. Chronic hyperglycemia damages retinal microvasculature embedded into the extracellular matrix (ECM), causing fluid leakage and ischemic retinal neovascularization. Current treatment strategies include intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or steroidal injections, laser photocoagulation, or vitrectomy in severe cases. However, treatment may require multiple modalities or repeat treatments due to variable response. Though DR management has achieved great success, improved, long-lasting, and predictable treatments are needed, including new biomarkers and therapeutic approaches. Small-leucine rich proteoglycans, such as decorin, constitute an integral component of retinal endothelial ECM. Therefore, any damage to microvasculature can trigger its antifibrotic and antiangiogenic response against retinal vascular pathologies, including DR. We conducted a cross-sectional study to examine the association between aqueous humor (AH) decorin levels, if any, and severity of DR. A total of 82 subjects (26 control, 56 DR) were recruited. AH was collected and decorin concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Decorin was significantly increased in the AH of DR subjects compared to controls (p = 0.0034). AH decorin levels were increased in severe DR groups in ETDRS and Gloucestershire classifications. Decorin concentrations also displayed a significant association with visual acuity (LogMAR) measurements. In conclusion, aqueous humor decorin concentrations were found elevated in DR subjects, possibly due to a compensatory response to the retinal microvascular changes during hyperglycemia.
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29
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Wang Z, Huang Y, Chu F, Liao K, Cui Z, Chen J, Tang S. Integrated Analysis of DNA methylation and transcriptome profile to identify key features of age-related macular degeneration. Bioengineered 2021; 12:7061-7078. [PMID: 34569899 PMCID: PMC8806579 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1976502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common vision-threatening disease. The current study sought to integrate DNA methylation with transcriptome profile to explore key features in AMD. Gene expression data were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO, accession ID: GSE135092) and DNA methylation data were obtained from the ArrayExpress repository (E-MTAB-7183). A total of 456 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 4827 intragenic differentially methylated CpGs (DMCs) were identified between AMD and controls. DEGs and DMCs were intersected and 19 epigenetically induced (EI) genes and 15 epigenetically suppressed (ES) genes were identified. Immune cell infiltration analysis was performed to estimate the abundance of different types of immune cell in each sample. Enrichment scores of inflammatory response and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) signaling via nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κb) were positively correlated with abundance of activated memory CD4 T cells and M1 macrophages. Subsequently, two significant random forest classifiers were constructed based on DNA methylation and transcriptome data. SMAD2 and NGFR were selected as key genes through functional epigenetic modules (FEM) analysis. Expression level of SMAD2, NGFR and their integrating proteins was validated in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and TNFα co-treated retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in vitro. The findings of the current study showed that local inflammation and systemic inflammatory host response play key roles in pathogenesis of AMD. SMAD2 and NGFR provide new insight in understanding the molecular mechanism and are potential therapeutic targets for development of AMD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Wang
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, China
| | - Yinhua Huang
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, China
| | - Feixue Chu
- Hangzhou Xihu Zhijiang Eye Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kai Liao
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, China
| | | | - Jiansu Chen
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Ophthalmology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shibo Tang
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, China.,Cas Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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30
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Hsiao CC, Chang YC, Hsiao YT, Chen PH, Hsieh MC, Wu WC, Kao YH. Triamcinolone acetonide modulates TGF‑β2‑induced angiogenic and tissue‑remodeling effects in cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cells. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:802. [PMID: 34523693 PMCID: PMC8456346 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), due to its ability to stimulate the overproduction of pro-angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Although intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (TA) is clinically useful in the treatment of PVR and PDR, its molecular mechanism has yet to be fully elucidated. The present study investigated whether TA treatment altered TGF-β2-driven biological effects on the behavior of cultured human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, in order to determine which signaling pathway may be essential for the pharmacological action of TA. The R-50 human RPE cell line was treated with TA in the presence of TGF-β2, followed by analyses of cell viability and contraction using cell viability and collagen gel contraction assays. VEGF mRNA expression and protein production were measured using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and ELISA, respectively. The phosphorylation status of signaling mediators and the protein expression of type I collagen (COL1A1), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and ECM-remodeling enzymes, including MMP-2 and MMP-9, were analyzed using western blotting. The gelatinolytic activity of MMPs was detected using gelatin zymography. TA treatment exhibited no prominent cytotoxicity but markedly antagonized TGF-β2-induced cytostatic effects on RPE cell viability and TGF-β2-enhanced contractility in collagen gels. In the context of TGF-β2-related signaling, TA significantly attenuated TGF-β2-elicited Smad2, extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation. Moreover, TA markedly mitigated TGF-β2-induced VEGF upregulation through ablation of p38 signaling activity. TA also partially attenuated TGF-β2-elicted expression of COL1A1, α-SMA, MMP-2, and MMP-9, but only suppressed TGF-β2-induced MMP-9 gelatinolytic activity. Mechanistically, the MEK/ERK signaling pathway may have a critical role in the TGF-β2-induced upregulation of COL1A1, α-SMA and MMP-9. In conclusion, TA may be considered a useful therapeutic agent for treating TGF-β2-associated intraocular angiogenesis and tissue remodeling, the underlying mechanism of which may involve the ERK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Cheng Hsiao
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yo-Chen Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yu-Ting Hsiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Po-Han Chen
- Department of Medical Research, E‑Da Hospital, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ming-Chu Hsieh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80761, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wen-Chuan Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404332, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ying-Hsien Kao
- Department of Medical Research, E‑Da Hospital, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Schlecht A, Vallon M, Wagner N, Ergün S, Braunger BM. TGFβ-Neurotrophin Interactions in Heart, Retina, and Brain. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11091360. [PMID: 34572573 PMCID: PMC8464756 DOI: 10.3390/biom11091360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic insults to the heart and brain, i.e., myocardial and cerebral infarction, respectively, are amongst the leading causes of death worldwide. While there are therapeutic options to allow reperfusion of ischemic myocardial and brain tissue by reopening obstructed vessels, mitigating primary tissue damage, post-infarction inflammation and tissue remodeling can lead to secondary tissue damage. Similarly, ischemia in retinal tissue is the driving force in the progression of neovascular eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy (DR) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which eventually lead to functional blindness, if left untreated. Intriguingly, the easily observable retinal blood vessels can be used as a window to the heart and brain to allow judgement of microvascular damages in diseases such as diabetes or hypertension. The complex neuronal and endocrine interactions between heart, retina and brain have also been appreciated in myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and retinal diseases. To describe the intimate relationship between the individual tissues, we use the terms heart-brain and brain-retina axis in this review and focus on the role of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and neurotrophins in regulation of these axes under physiologic and pathologic conditions. Moreover, we particularly discuss their roles in inflammation and repair following ischemic/neovascular insults. As there is evidence that TGFβ signaling has the potential to regulate expression of neurotrophins, it is tempting to speculate, and is discussed here, that cross-talk between TGFβ and neurotrophin signaling protects cells from harmful and/or damaging events in the heart, retina, and brain.
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Xie X, Liang J, Huang R, Luo C, Yang J, Xing H, Zhou L, Qiao H, Ergu E, Chen H. Molecular pathways underlying tissue injuries in the bladder with ketamine cystitis. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21703. [PMID: 34105799 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ketamine cystitis (KC) is a chronic bladder inflammation leading to urinary urgency, frequency, and pain. The pathogenesis of KC is complicated and involves multiple tissue injuries in the bladder. Recent studies indicated that urothelium disruption, lamina propria fibrosis and inflammation, microvascular injury, neuropathological alterations, and bladder smooth muscle (BSM) abnormalities all contribute to the pathogenesis of KC. Ketamine has been shown to induce these tissue injuries by regulating different signaling pathways. Ketamine can stimulate antiproliferative factor, adenosine triphosphate, and oxidative stress to disrupt urothelium. Lamina propria fibrosis and inflammation are associated with the activation of cyclooxygenase-2, nitric oxide synthase, immunoglobulin E, and transforming growth factor β1. Ketamine contributes to microvascular injury via the N-methyl-D aspartic receptor (NMDAR), and multiple inflammatory and angiogenic factors such as tumor necrosis factor α and vascular endothelial growth factor. For BSM abnormalities, ketamine can depress the protein kinase B, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, Cav1.2, and muscarinic receptor signaling. Elevated purinergic signaling also plays a role in BSM abnormalities. In addition, ketamine affects neuropathological alterations in the bladder by regulating NMDAR- and brain-derived neurotrophic factor-dependent signaling. Inflammatory cells also contribute to neuropathological changes via the secretion of chemical mediators. Clarifying the role and function of these signaling underlying tissue injuries in the bladder with KC can contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease and to the design of effective treatments for KC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Xie
- Public Center of Experimental Technology and The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jiayu Liang
- Public Center of Experimental Technology and The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Run Huang
- Public Center of Experimental Technology and The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Chuang Luo
- Public Center of Experimental Technology and The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jiali Yang
- Public Center of Experimental Technology and The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Hongming Xing
- Public Center of Experimental Technology and The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Le Zhou
- Public Center of Experimental Technology and The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Han Qiao
- Public Center of Experimental Technology and The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Erti Ergu
- Public Center of Experimental Technology and The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Huan Chen
- Public Center of Experimental Technology and The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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Small Leucine-Rich Proteoglycans (SLRPs) in the Retina. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147293. [PMID: 34298915 PMCID: PMC8305803 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and diabetic retinopathy (DR) are the leading causes of visual impairment worldwide. There is a critical need to understand the structural and cellular components that play a vital role in the pathophysiology of retinal diseases. One potential component is the family of structural proteins called small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs). SLRPs are crucial in many fundamental biological processes involved in the maintenance of retinal homeostasis. They are present within the extracellular matrix (ECM) of connective and vascular tissues and contribute to tissue organization and modulation of cell growth. They play a vital role in cell–matrix interactions in many upstream signaling pathways involved in fibrillogenesis and angiogenesis. In this comprehensive review, we describe the expression patterns and function of SLRPs in the retina, including Biglycan and Decorin from class I; Fibromodulin, Lumican, and a Proline/arginine-rich end leucine-rich repeat protein (PRELP) from class II; Opticin and Osteoglycin/Mimecan from class III; and Chondroadherin (CHAD), Tsukushi and Nyctalopin from class IV.
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Wu D, Kanda A, Liu Y, Noda K, Murata M, Ishida S. Involvement of Müller Glial Autoinduction of TGF-β in Diabetic Fibrovascular Proliferation Via Glial-Mesenchymal Transition. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:29. [PMID: 33369638 PMCID: PMC7774059 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.14.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Müller glial–mesenchymal transition (GMT) is reported as the fibrogenic mechanism promoted by TGF-β–SNAIL axis in Müller cells transdifferentiated into myofibroblasts. Here we show the multifaceted involvement of TGF-β in diabetic fibrovascular proliferation via Müller GMT and VEGF-A production. Methods Surgically excised fibrovascular tissues from the eyes of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy were processed for immunofluorescence analyses of TGF-β downstream molecules. Human Müller glial cells were used to evaluate changes in gene and protein expression with real-time quantitative PCR and ELISA, respectively. Immunoblot analyses were performed to detect TGF-β signal activation. Results Müller glial cells in patient fibrovascular tissues were immunopositive for GMT-related molecular markers, including SNAIL and smooth muscle protein 22, together with colocalization of VEGF-A and TGF-β receptors. In vitro administration of TGF-β1/2 upregulated TGFB1 and TGFB2, both of which were suppressed by inhibitors for nuclear factor-κB, glycogen synthase kinase-3, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Of the various profibrotic cytokines, TGF-β1/2 application exclusively induced Müller glial VEGFA mRNA expression, which was decreased by pretreatment with small interfering RNA for SMAD2 and inhibitors for p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Supporting these findings, TGF-β1/2 stimulation to Müller cells increased the phosphorylation of these intracellular signaling molecules, all of which were also activated in Müller glial cells in patient fibrovascular tissues. Conclusions This study underscored the significance of Müller glial autoinduction of TGF-β as a pathogenic cue to facilitate diabetic fibrovascular proliferation via TGF-β–driven GMT and VEGF-A–driven angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Laboratory of Ocular Cell Biology and Visual Science, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Atsuhiro Kanda
- Laboratory of Ocular Cell Biology and Visual Science, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ye Liu
- Laboratory of Ocular Cell Biology and Visual Science, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kousuke Noda
- Laboratory of Ocular Cell Biology and Visual Science, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Miyuki Murata
- Laboratory of Ocular Cell Biology and Visual Science, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Susumu Ishida
- Laboratory of Ocular Cell Biology and Visual Science, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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Jia J, Qiu D, Lu C, Wang W, Li N, Han Y, Tong P, Sun X, Wu M, Dai J. Transcriptome Analysis of Choroid and Retina From Tree Shrew With Choroidal Neovascularization Reveals Key Signaling Moieties. Front Genet 2021; 12:654955. [PMID: 34040635 PMCID: PMC8141912 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.654955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathological neovascularization in choroid, a leading cause of blindness, is a characteristic of many fundus diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. The present study aimed to elucidate the key signaling pathways in choroidal neovascularization (CNV) by analyzing the mRNA profiles of choroid and retina in tree shrews with CNV. We induced choroidal angiogenesis by laser photocoagulation in 15 tree shrews and obtained mRNA profiles of their choroids and retinas by high-throughput transcriptome sequencing. Hierarchical cluster analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, CD31 immunohistochemistry (IHC), and reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were performed. After laser photocoagulation, we obtained a total of 350 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the choroid, including 59 genes in Module-FASN (“ME-FASN”) module and 28 genes in Module-RPL (“ME-RPL”) module. A total of 69 DEGs in retina, including 20 genes in Module-SLC (“ME-SLC”) module. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that DEGs in choroid were mainly involved in membrane transport; DEGs in “ME-RPL” were prominent in pathways associated with IgA production, antigen presentation, and cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) signaling. DEGs in “ME-FASN” were involved in fatty acid metabolism and PPAR signaling pathway, while DEGs in “ME-SLC” were involved in GABAergic synapse, neuroactive life receptor interaction, cholinergic synapse, and retrograde endocannabinoid signaling pathway. PPI network analysis demonstrated that the ribosomal protein family genes (RPL31, RPL7, RPL26L1, and RPL19) are key factors of “ME-RPL,” acyl-CoA superfamily genes (ACACA, ACAT1, ACAA2, and ACACB) and FASN are key factors of “ME-FASN” and superfamily of solid carrier genes (SLC17A6, SLC32A1, SLC12A5, and SLC6A1) and complement genes (C4A, C3, and C2) are key factors of “ME-SLC.” In conclusion, the present study discovered the important signal transductions (fatty acid metabolic pathway and CAMs signaling) and genes (ribosomal protein family and the complement system) in tree shrew CNV. We consider that our findings hold implications in unraveling molecular mechanisms that underlie occurrence and development of CNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Jia
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China.,Scientific Research Laboratory Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Dandan Qiu
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China.,Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Caixia Lu
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Wenguang Wang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Na Li
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Yuanyuan Han
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Pinfen Tong
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaomei Sun
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Min Wu
- Yunnan Eye Institute, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan, Kunming, China
| | - Jiejie Dai
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
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Manian KV, Galloway CA, Dalvi S, Emanuel AA, Mereness JA, Black W, Winschel L, Soto C, Li Y, Song Y, DeMaria W, Kumar A, Slukvin I, Schwartz MP, Murphy WL, Anand-Apte B, Chung M, Benoit DSW, Singh R. 3D iPSC modeling of the retinal pigment epithelium-choriocapillaris complex identifies factors involved in the pathology of macular degeneration. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:846-862.e8. [PMID: 33784497 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-choriocapillaris (CC) complex in the eye is compromised in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and related macular dystrophies (MDs), yet in vitro models of RPE-CC complex that enable investigation of AMD/MD pathophysiology are lacking. By incorporating iPSC-derived cells into a hydrogel-based extracellular matrix, we developed a 3D RPE-CC model that recapitulates key features of both healthy and AMD/MD eyes and provides modular control over RPE and CC layers. Using this 3D RPE-CC model, we demonstrated that both RPE- and mesenchyme-secreted factors are necessary for the formation of fenestrated CC-like vasculature. Our data show that choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and CC atrophy occur in the absence of endothelial cell dysfunction and are not necessarily secondary to drusen deposits underneath RPE cells, and CC atrophy and/or CNV can be initiated systemically by patient serum or locally by mutant RPE-secreted factors. Finally, we identify FGF2 and matrix metalloproteinases as potential therapeutic targets for AMD/MDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kannan V Manian
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
| | - Chad A Galloway
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
| | - Sonal Dalvi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
| | - Anthony A Emanuel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
| | - Jared A Mereness
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Robert B. Goergen Hall, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA; Department of Orthopedics and Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; Center for Oral Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
| | - Whitney Black
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
| | - Lauren Winschel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
| | - Celia Soto
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
| | - Yiming Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Robert B. Goergen Hall, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Yuanhui Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Robert B. Goergen Hall, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - William DeMaria
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Robert B. Goergen Hall, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Akhilesh Kumar
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Igor Slukvin
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Michael P Schwartz
- NSF Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology, Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - William L Murphy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Bela Anand-Apte
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute and Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Mina Chung
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
| | - Danielle S W Benoit
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Robert B. Goergen Hall, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA; Department of Orthopedics and Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; Center for Oral Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642 USA; UR Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; Materials Science Program, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Rochester, NY 14620, USA
| | - Ruchira Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; Department of Orthopedics and Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; UR Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Rochester, NY 14620, USA.
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Network Pharmacology Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Shuang Di Shou Zhen Tablets Treating Nonexudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6657521. [PMID: 33815556 PMCID: PMC8012120 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6657521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Objective To analyze the pharmacological mechanism of the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD) based on a network pharmacological approach of Shuang Di Shou Zhen Tablets (SDSZT) and to provide a new reference for the current lack of effective treatment of dry AMD. Methods The main chemical constituents and their targets of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, Ligustrum lucidum, Mori Fructus, Paeonia albiflora, Rhizoma Dioscoreae, Alisma orientale, Schisandra chinensis, Radix Polygoni Multiflori Preparata, Ophiopogon japonicus, and Radix Rehmanniae were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database (TCMID). The active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine were screened according to Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME), the gene names of the targets of each active ingredient were obtained from the Uniprot database, the main targets of dry AMD were obtained from GeneCards and DisGeNET database, and the protein interaction analysis was performed on the String database. The Metascape database was used to analyze the “drug-component-target” and the biological processes and networks involved, and then, Cytoscape 3.8.1 was used to construct the “ SDSZT component-dry AMD target-pathway” network. Results The main active ingredients of SDSZT for dry AMD treatment are quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, β-glutamine, β-carotene, etc. And, the core targets are RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT1), prostaglandin G/H synthase 1 (PTGS1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), transcription factor AP-1 (JUN), apoptosis regulator Bcl-2 (BCL2), caspase-3 (CASP3), phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit gamma isoform (PIK3CG), androgen receptor (AR), apoptosis regulator BAX (BAX), etc. The biological pathways for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration by SDSZT mainly act on pathways in cancer, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, and TNF signaling pathway, and the main function of SDSZT is to regulate intracellular cytokine receptor binding. Conclusion This study initially reveals the multiconstituent, multitarget, and multipathway mechanism of action of SDSZT in the treatment of dry AMD and provides the basis for the clinical application of SDSZT.
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Exacerbation of AMD Phenotype in Lasered CNV Murine Model by Dysbiotic Oral Pathogens. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10020309. [PMID: 33670526 PMCID: PMC7922506 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10020309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence underscores an association between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and periodontal disease (PD), yet the biological basis of this linkage and the specific role of oral dysbiosis caused by PD in AMD pathophysiology remains unclear. Furthermore, a simple reproducible model that emulates characteristics of both AMD and PD has been lacking. Hence, we established a novel AMD+PD murine model to decipher the potential role of oral infection (ligature-enhanced) with the keystone periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis, in the progression of neovasculogenesis in a laser-induced choroidal-neovascularization (Li-CNV) mouse retina. By a combination of fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography, we documented inflammatory drusen-like lesions, reduced retinal thickness, and increased vascular leakage in AMD+PD mice retinae. H&E further confirmed a significant reduction of retinal thickness and subretinal drusen-like deposits. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed significant induction of choroidal/retinal vasculogenesis in AMD+PD mice. qPCR identified increased expression of oxidative-stress, angiogenesis, pro-inflammatory mediators, whereas antioxidants and anti-inflammatory genes in AMD+PD mice retinae were notably decreased. Through qPCR, we detected Pg and its fimbrial 16s-RrNA gene expression in the AMD+PD mice retinae. To sum-up, this is the first in vivo study signifying a role of periodontal infection in augmentation of AMD phenotype, with the aid of a pioneering AMD+PD murine model established in our laboratory.
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Pirfenidone Alleviates Choroidal Neovascular Fibrosis through TGF- β/Smad Signaling Pathway. J Ophthalmol 2021; 2021:8846708. [PMID: 33628482 PMCID: PMC7889376 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8846708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays a major role in CNV. However, the mechanism is unclear. This study investigates the effect of Pirfenidone (PFD) on TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway on the development of choroidal neovascular fibrosis in choroidal neovascularization (CNV) mouse model. C57BL/6J male mice (aged from 6 to 8 weeks) received intravitreal injections of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)/PFD solution on 14 days after laser injury. Mice were anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection of 4% pentobarbital (0.05 mg/g body weight). Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Fundus Fluorescein angiography (FFA), and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) were used to assess CNV formation. The fibrosis area was monitored by staining the collagen type I (Col-I). Western blotting was used to analyze the expression of TGF-β2, Smad 2/3, phosphorylated Smad 2/3 (p-Smad 2/3), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Terminal deoxynucleotidy1 transferase dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) assay was performed on cryosections of mouse eyes to detect apoptosis. Our data showed PFD inhibited areas of fibrosis during day 21 to day 28. We also found that the levels of TGF-β2 protein expressions increasingly reached the peak till the 3rd week during the CNV development. The protein levels of Smad 2/3, p-Smad 2/3, and α-SMA also increased significantly in CNV mice, but this response was profoundly suppressed by the TGF-β inhibitor PFD. The results of this study suggest that TGF-β2 represents a target to prevent or treat choroidal neovascular fibrosis, and PFD may provide an alternative to traditional methods for Wet Age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) treatment.
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Du H, Jiang D, Song G, Cao C, Zhang D, Yu P, Lai C, Guo X, Zong X, Jin X. Wound Healing Activity of Phage-Sisplayed TGF-β1 Model Peptide in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats. Int J Pept Res Ther 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10152-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Tan W, Zou J, Yoshida S, Jiang B, Zhou Y. The Role of Inflammation in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Int J Biol Sci 2020; 16:2989-3001. [PMID: 33061811 PMCID: PMC7545698 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.49890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a blinding eye disease which incidence gradually increases with age. Inflammation participates in AMD pathogenesis, including choroidal neovascularization and geographic atrophy. It is also a kind of self-protective regulation from injury for the eyes. In this review, we described inflammation in AMD pathogenesis, summarized the roles played by inflammation-related cytokines, including pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, as well as leukocytes (macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes) in the innate or adaptive immunity in AMD. Possible clinical applications such as potential diagnostic biomarkers and anti-inflammatory therapies were also discussed. This review overviews the inflammation as a target of novel effective therapies in treating AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Tan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.,Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Jingling Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.,Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Shigeo Yoshida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Bing Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.,Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Yedi Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.,Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
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Beguier F, Housset M, Roubeix C, Augustin S, Zagar Y, Nous C, Mathis T, Eandi C, Benchaboune M, Drame-Maigné A, Carpentier W, Chardonnet S, Touhami S, Blot G, Conart JB, Charles-Messance H, Potey A, Girmens JF, Paques M, Blond F, Leveillard T, Koertvely E, Roger JE, Sahel JA, Sapieha P, Delarasse C, Guillonneau X, Sennlaub F. The 10q26 Risk Haplotype of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Aggravates Subretinal Inflammation by Impairing Monocyte Elimination. Immunity 2020; 53:429-441.e8. [PMID: 32814029 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2020.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A minor haplotype of the 10q26 locus conveys the strongest genetic risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Here, we examined the mechanisms underlying this susceptibility. We found that monocytes from homozygous carriers of the 10q26 AMD-risk haplotype expressed high amounts of the serine peptidase HTRA1, and HTRA1 located to mononuclear phagocytes (MPs) in eyes of non-carriers with AMD. HTRA1 induced the persistence of monocytes in the subretinal space and exacerbated pathogenic inflammation by hydrolyzing thrombospondin 1 (TSP1), which separated the two CD47-binding sites within TSP1 that are necessary for efficient CD47 activation. This HTRA1-induced inhibition of CD47 signaling induced the expression of pro-inflammatory osteopontin (OPN). OPN expression increased in early monocyte-derived macrophages in 10q26 risk carriers. In models of subretinal inflammation and AMD, OPN deletion or pharmacological inhibition reversed HTRA1-induced pathogenic MP persistence. Our findings argue for the therapeutic potential of CD47 agonists and OPN inhibitors for the treatment of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Beguier
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Michael Housset
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Christophe Roubeix
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Sebastien Augustin
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Yvrick Zagar
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Caroline Nous
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Thibaud Mathis
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Chiara Eandi
- University of Torino, Department of Surgical Science, Torino, Italy
| | - Mustapha Benchaboune
- CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, 28 rue de Charenton, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Adèle Drame-Maigné
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Wassila Carpentier
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Solenne Chardonnet
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, UMS 37 PASS, Plateforme Post-génomique de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, P3S, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Sara Touhami
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Blot
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Jean Baptiste Conart
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Hugo Charles-Messance
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Anaïs Potey
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Jean-François Girmens
- CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, 28 rue de Charenton, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Michel Paques
- CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, 28 rue de Charenton, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Fréderic Blond
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Thierry Leveillard
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Elod Koertvely
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, 124 Grenzacherstrasse, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jerome E Roger
- Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, CERTO-Retina France, CNRS, Univ Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405 Orsay
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France; CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, 28 rue de Charenton, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Przemyslaw Sapieha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Cécile Delarasse
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Xavier Guillonneau
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Florian Sennlaub
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012 Paris, France.
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Yang F, Sun Y, Bai Y, Li S, Huang L, Li X. Asthma Promotes Choroidal Neovascularization via the Transforming Growth Factor beta1/Smad Signaling Pathway in a Mouse Model. Ophthalmic Res 2020; 65:14-29. [PMID: 32781454 DOI: 10.1159/000510778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The association between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and asthma is controversial. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), which plays a critical role in asthma, has been extensively studied with regard to its function in choroidal neovascularization (CNV). In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of TGF-β and the possible mechanism of CNV formation complicated with asthma and to explore the effect of a TGF-β inhibitor on CNV development in asthma mouse models. METHODS Laser-induced CNV and ovalbumin-induced asthma mouse models were divided into five groups: control group, acute asthma group, chronic asthma group, inhibitor-treated acute asthma group, and inhibitor-treated chronic asthma group. The gene expression patterns of angiogenic cytokines, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors and inflammasomes in the control group, acute asthma group and chronic asthma group were detected using a QuantiGene Plex 6.0 Reagent System. Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and histology of CNV lesions stained with haematoxylin-eosin (HE) were performed to evaluate CNV formation. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting were used to assess TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and VEGF expression and Smad2/3, AKT, p38 MAPK, and ERK1/2 signal transduction and phosphorylation in retinal and choroidal tissue from each group. RESULTS In this study, we verified that laser treatment led to more CNV and vascular leakage in asthmatic mice than that in control mice. The changes were particularly notable in the chronic asthma group. The respective TGF-β1, VEGF, and phosphorylated Smad2/3 (p-Smad2/3) mRNA and protein levels in retinal and choroidal tissue were significantly upregulated in both the acute and chronic asthma groups. After injection of a TGF-β inhibitor, a distinct decline in VEGF, TGF-β1, and p-Smad2/3 protein and mRNA levels was observed, and the mean CNV area also decreased. CONCLUSION We provide new evidence that asthma could be a risk factor for CNV development via the TGF-β1/Smad signalling pathway. A TGF-β inhibitor can be applied as a useful, adjunctive therapeutic strategy for preventing CNV formation in asthmatic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yaoyao Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yujing Bai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital Affiliated Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lvzhen Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxin Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
- Eye Institute of Xiamen University & Xiamen Eye Centre of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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Inducers of the endothelial cell barrier identified through chemogenomic screening in genome-edited hPSC-endothelial cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:19854-19865. [PMID: 32759214 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1911532117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-retina barrier and blood-brain barrier (BRB/BBB) are selective and semipermeable and are critical for supporting and protecting central nervous system (CNS)-resident cells. Endothelial cells (ECs) within the BRB/BBB are tightly coupled, express high levels of Claudin-5 (CLDN5), a junctional protein that stabilizes ECs, and are important for proper neuronal function. To identify novel CLDN5 regulators (and ultimately EC stabilizers), we generated a CLDN5-P2A-GFP stable cell line from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), directed their differentiation to ECs (CLDN5-GFP hPSC-ECs), and performed flow cytometry-based chemogenomic library screening to measure GFP expression as a surrogate reporter of barrier integrity. Using this approach, we identified 62 unique compounds that activated CLDN5-GFP. Among them were TGF-β pathway inhibitors, including RepSox. When applied to hPSC-ECs, primary brain ECs, and retinal ECs, RepSox strongly elevated barrier resistance (transendothelial electrical resistance), reduced paracellular permeability (fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran), and prevented vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA)-induced barrier breakdown in vitro. RepSox also altered vascular patterning in the mouse retina during development when delivered exogenously. To determine the mechanism of action of RepSox, we performed kinome-, transcriptome-, and proteome-profiling and discovered that RepSox inhibited TGF-β, VEGFA, and inflammatory gene networks. In addition, RepSox not only activated vascular-stabilizing and barrier-establishing Notch and Wnt pathways, but also induced expression of important tight junctions and transporters. Taken together, our data suggest that inhibiting multiple pathways by selected individual small molecules, such as RepSox, may be an effective strategy for the development of better BRB/BBB models and novel EC barrier-inducing therapeutics.
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Alves CH, Fernandes R, Santiago AR, Ambrósio AF. Microglia Contribution to the Regulation of the Retinal and Choroidal Vasculature in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051217. [PMID: 32423062 PMCID: PMC7290930 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The retina is a highly metabolically active tissue with high-level consumption of nutrients and oxygen. This high metabolic demand requires a properly developed and maintained vascular system. The retina is nourished by two systems: the central retinal artery that supplies the inner retina and the choriocapillaris that supplies the outer retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Pathological neovascularization, characterized by endothelial cell proliferation and new vessel formation, is a common hallmark in several retinal degenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A limited number of studies have suggested that microglia, the resident immune cells of the retina, have an important role not only in the pathology but also in the formation and physiology of the retinal vascular system. Here, we review the current knowledge on microglial interaction with the retinal vascular system under physiological and pathological conditions. To do so, we first highlight the role of microglial cells in the formation and maintenance of the retinal vasculature system. Thereafter, we discuss the molecular signaling mechanisms through which microglial cells contribute to the alterations in retinal and choroidal vasculatures and to the neovascularization in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Henrique Alves
- Retinal Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation Lab, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.H.A.); (R.F.); (A.R.S.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rosa Fernandes
- Retinal Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation Lab, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.H.A.); (R.F.); (A.R.S.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Raquel Santiago
- Retinal Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation Lab, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.H.A.); (R.F.); (A.R.S.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Francisco Ambrósio
- Retinal Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation Lab, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.H.A.); (R.F.); (A.R.S.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-239-480093
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Bao Y, Huang L, Huang X, Gao C, Chen Y, Wu L, Zhu S, Song Y. Pirfenidone ameliorates the formation of choroidal neovascularization in mice. Mol Med Rep 2020; 21:2162-2170. [PMID: 32323767 PMCID: PMC7115199 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation and development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is accompanied by inflammation and fibrosis. Existing treatments are expensive and can cause irreversible complications. Pirfenidone (PFD) exerts anti‑inflammatory and anti‑fibrotic effects; however, its applications in the eye remain unclear. Male C57BL/6J mice (aged 6‑8 weeks) were used to explore whether PFD can inhibit the formation of laser‑induced CNV. The localization of transforming growth factor β2 (TGFβ2) was determined through immunofluorescent staining. After laser photocoagulation, the vehicle and PFD groups were intravitreally injected with 1 µl PBS and 1 µl 0.5% PFD, respectively. At day 7 after intravitreal injection, the expression of TGFβ2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was assessed. Fundus fluorescein angiography was performed to investigate the extent of fluorescence leakage, and the CNV areas were analyzed using a choroidal flat mount. The results demonstrated that, on day 7 after photocoagulation, the expression of TGFβ2 and VEGF was reduced in the experimental group. In addition, fluorescein angiography showed that the leakage area of CNV was significantly smaller in the PFD injection group than those observed in the control and vehicle groups. Moreover, the areas of CNV in the PFD injection group were smaller compared with those reported in the other two injection groups. Histopathological and TUNEL analyses performed on day 28 revealed that there were no notable abnormalities on the layers of the neural retina of PFD‑treated mice. In conclusion, intravitreal injection of PFD inhibited the formation of CNV in mice, likely via the downregulation of VEGF and TGFβ2, which did not cause damage to the mouse retina after 28 days of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueqi Bao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Lili Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Xiaobo Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Chuang Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Liucheng Wu
- Laboratory Animal Center of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Shunxing Zhu
- Laboratory Animal Center of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Yu Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
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Jorba G, Aguirre-Plans J, Junet V, Segú-Vergés C, Ruiz JL, Pujol A, Fernández-Fuentes N, Mas JM, Oliva B. In-silico simulated prototype-patients using TPMS technology to study a potential adverse effect of sacubitril and valsartan. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228926. [PMID: 32053711 PMCID: PMC7018085 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Unveiling the mechanism of action of a drug is key to understand the benefits and adverse reactions of a medication in an organism. However, in complex diseases such as heart diseases there is not a unique mechanism of action but a wide range of different responses depending on the patient. Exploring this collection of mechanisms is one of the clues for a future personalized medicine. The Therapeutic Performance Mapping System (TPMS) is a Systems Biology approach that generates multiple models of the mechanism of action of a drug. Each molecular mechanism generated could be associated to particular individuals, here defined as prototype-patients, hence the generation of models using TPMS technology may be used for detecting adverse effects to specific patients. TPMS operates by (1) modelling the responses in humans with an accurate description of a protein network and (2) applying a Multilayer Perceptron-like and sampling strategy to find all plausible solutions. In the present study, TPMS is applied to explore the diversity of mechanisms of action of the drug combination sacubitril/valsartan. We use TPMS to generate a wide range of models explaining the relationship between sacubitril/valsartan and heart failure (the indication), as well as evaluating their association with macular degeneration (a potential adverse effect). Among the models generated, we identify a set of mechanisms of action associated to a better response in terms of heart failure treatment, which could also be associated to macular degeneration development. Finally, a set of 30 potential biomarkers are proposed to identify mechanisms (or prototype-patients) more prone of suffering macular degeneration when presenting good heart failure response. All prototype-patients models generated are completely theoretical and therefore they do not necessarily involve clinical effects in real patients. Data and accession to software are available at http://sbi.upf.edu/data/tpms/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillem Jorba
- Anaxomics Biotech SL, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Structural Bioinformatics Group, Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics, Department of Experimental and Health Science, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Joaquim Aguirre-Plans
- Structural Bioinformatics Group, Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics, Department of Experimental and Health Science, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Valentin Junet
- Anaxomics Biotech SL, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | | | - Albert Pujol
- Anaxomics Biotech SL, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Narcís Fernández-Fuentes
- Department of Biosciences, U Science Tech, Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de Catalunya, Vic, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Baldo Oliva
- Structural Bioinformatics Group, Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics, Department of Experimental and Health Science, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Cao Q, Deji QZ, Liu YJ, Ye W, Zhaba WD, Jiang Q, Yan F. The role of mechanical stretch and TGF-β2 in epithelial-mesenchymal transition of retinal pigment epithelial cells. Int J Ophthalmol 2019; 12:1832-1838. [PMID: 31850164 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2019.12.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To explore the effects and mechanisms of mechanical stress and transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-β2) on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cultured human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. METHODS Human RPE cells were inoculated on BioFex 6-well plates and RPE cells received 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 mild stretch injuries delivered 3h apart after 24h of culture. The device of mechanical stress parameters were set to sine wave, frequency 1 Hz, stretch strength 20%. For treatment with TGF-β2, when the inoculated RPE cells in 6-well plates were around 60% confluent, serum was reduced to 0 for 12h and recombinant human TGF-β2 (0, 1, 5, 10 ng/mL) was added for 48h. α-SMA, Vimentin and N-Cadherin, fibronectin proteins expressions were detected by Western blotting, confocal cell immunofluorescence and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Then we detected the change of miRNA-29b and ascertained the changes of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-serine threonine protein kinase (PI3K/Akt) pathway after RPE cells were stretched by the device of mechanical stress and induced by TGF-β2 by Western blotting, confocal cell immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR. RESULTS Mechanical stress induce EMT and activate the PI3K/Akt pathway in ways that lead to the EMT process. TGF-β2 induce RPE cells EMT and in a certain range and TGF-β2 decrease the miRNA-29b expression in RPE cells, and the inhibitory effect is more obvious with the increase of TGF-β2 concentration. CONCLUSION Our findings are crucial steps in determining the critical roles of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and miRNA-29b in pathogenesis of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) which may be a potential target for preventing or treating PVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Cao
- Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu Province, China.,The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qu-Zhen Deji
- Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ya-Jun Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei Ye
- School of Second Military Medical University, Department of Ophthalmology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wang-Dui Zhaba
- Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qin Jiang
- Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu Province, China.,The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Feng Yan
- Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu Province, China
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Yeo NJY, Chan EJJ, Cheung C. Choroidal Neovascularization: Mechanisms of Endothelial Dysfunction. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1363. [PMID: 31849644 PMCID: PMC6895252 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Many conditions affecting the heart, brain, and even the eyes have their origins in blood vessel pathology, underscoring the role of vascular regulation. In age-related macular degeneration (AMD), there is excessive growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye (choroidal neovascularization), eventually leading to vision loss due to detachment of retinal pigmented epithelium. As the advanced stage of this disease involves loss of retinal pigmented epithelium, much less attention has been given to early vascular events such as endothelial dysfunction. Although current gold standard therapy using inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have achieved initial successes, some drawbacks include the lack of long-term restoration of visual acuity, as well as a subset of the patients being refractory to existing treatment, alluding us and others to hypothesize upon VEGF-independent mechanisms. Against this backdrop, we present here a nonexhaustive review on the vascular underpinnings of AMD, implications with genetic and systemic factors, experimental models for studying choroidal neovascularization, and interestingly, on both endothelial-centric pathways and noncell autonomous mechanisms. We hope to shed light on future research directions in improving vascular function in ocular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Jia Ying Yeo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ebenezer Jia Jun Chan
- Division of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Christine Cheung
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.,Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
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50
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Kou X, Sun Y, Li S, Bian W, Liu Z, Zhang D, Jiang J. Pharmacology Study of the Multiple Angiogenesis Inhibitor RC28-E on Anti-Fibrosis in a Chemically Induced Lung Injury Model. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9110644. [PMID: 31652997 PMCID: PMC6920960 DOI: 10.3390/biom9110644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Disease-related injury in any organ triggers a complex cascade of cellular and molecular responses that culminate in tissue fibrosis, inflammation, and angiogenesis simultaneously. Multiple cell angiogenesis is an essential part of the tissue damage response, which is involved in fibrosis development. RC28-E is a novel recombinant dual decoy receptor lgG1 Fc-fusion protein that can block vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) simultaneously. This protein has stepped into clinical trials (NCT03777254) for the treatment of pathological neovascularization-related diseases. Here, we report on the role of RC28-E during anti-fibrosis and its potential multitarget function in regulating fibrosis. Methods: A bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis C57BL/6 mouse model was established. Hematoxylin and eosin staining (HE) and Masson staining (Masson’s) were performed to evaluate the pulmonary fibrosis based on the scoring from, Ashcroft score. Fibrosis related factors and inflammatory cytokines including HYP, α-SMA, procollagen, ICAM, IL-6, IL-1, and TNF-α were also determined at the protein and mRNA levels to characterize the fibrosis. Both mRNA and protein levels of VEGF, FGF, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis, respectively. Pulmonary fibrosis and related cytokines were re-evaluated in vivo after 3 doses of RC28-E (5 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg, and 50 mg/kg, ip. Tiw × 9) in comparison with a mono-target antagonist treatment (VEGF or FGF blocking). RC28-E attenuated the activation of TGF-β induced fibroblasts in vitro. Expression levels of α-SMA and collagen I, as well as proliferation and migration, were determined with the human skin fibroblast cell line Detroit 551 and primary murine pulmonary fibroblast cells. The mechanism of RC28-E via the TGF-β/Smad pathway was also investigated. Results: RC28-E exhibits significant anti-fibrosis effects on Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in vivo. Moreover, TGF-β induced fibroblast activation in vitro via the inhibition of the TGF-β downstream Smad pathway, thus providing potential therapeutics for clinical disease-related fibrosis-like IPF as well as chemotherapy-induced fibrosis in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangying Kou
- Department of Pharmacology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 256603, China.
| | - Yeying Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 256603, China.
| | - Shenjun Li
- RemeGen Co., Ltd., Yantai 264006, China.
| | - Weihua Bian
- Department of Pharmacology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 256603, China.
| | - Zhihao Liu
- RemeGen Co., Ltd., Yantai 264006, China.
| | - Daolai Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 256603, China.
| | - Jing Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 256603, China.
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