1
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Lozano B LL, Cervantes A LA. Development of experimental treatments for patients with retinitis pigmentosa. ARCHIVOS DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE OFTALMOLOGIA 2023; 98:646-655. [PMID: 37640142 DOI: 10.1016/j.oftale.2023.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited diseases that lead to degeneration of the retina and decreased vision. The World Health Organization reports around 1,300 million people affected by some type of visual impairment worldwide. The prevalence is 1 in every 4000 inhabitants and it is the first cause of blindness of genetic origin, frequent in men with a percentage of 60% and 40% in women. There is a lack of information on this pathology in the world, mainly on the existing treatments for this disease, so this bibliographic review aims to update the existing or under-study treatments and inform the limitations of each of these therapies. This review of scientific literature was carried out by consulting databases such as PubMed and Web of science, the search will be limited to articles from the years 2018-2022. There are several types of therapy in studies: gene therapy, transcorneal electrical stimulation, use of neuroprotectors, optogenic therapy, stem cell transplants and oligonucleotide therapy, which will be discussed in this article, both their benefits and the existing barriers in each treatment experimental. In conclusion, each of these therapies promises a viable treatment in the future for selective groups of people with retinitis pigmentosa, however, some therapies have shown benefit at the beginning of the disease, losing their efficacy in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- L L Lozano B
- Universidad Católica de Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador.
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2
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Moran AL, Fehilly JD, Floss Jones D, Collery R, Kennedy BN. Regulation of the rhythmic diversity of daily photoreceptor outer segment phagocytosis in vivo. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22556. [PMID: 36165194 PMCID: PMC9828801 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200990rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Outer segment phagocytosis (OSP) is a highly-regulated, biological process wherein photoreceptor outer segment (OS) tips are cyclically phagocytosed by the adjacent retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. Often an overlooked retinal process, rhythmic OSP ensures the maintenance of healthy photoreceptors and vision. Daily, the photoreceptors renew OS at their base and the most distal, and likely oldest, OS tips, are phagocytosed by the RPE, preventing the accumulation of photo-oxidative compounds by breaking down phagocytosed OS tips and recycling useful components to the photoreceptors. Light changes often coincide with an escalation of OSP and within hours the phagosomes formed in each RPE cell are resolved. In the last two decades, individual molecular regulators were elucidated. Some of the molecular machinery used by RPE cells for OSP is highly similar to mechanisms used by other phagocytic cells for the clearance of apoptotic cells. Consequently, in the RPE, many molecular regulators of retinal phagocytosis have been elucidated. However, there is still a knowledge gap regarding the key regulators of physiological OSP in vivo between endogenous photoreceptors and the RPE. Understanding the regulation of OSP is of significant clinical interest as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and inherited retinal diseases (IRD) are linked with altered OSP. Here, we review the in vivo timing of OSP peaks in selected species and focus on the reported in vivo environmental and molecular regulators of OSP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailis L. Moran
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical ScienceUniversity College DublinDublinIreland,UCD Conway InstituteUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - John D. Fehilly
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical ScienceUniversity College DublinDublinIreland,UCD Conway InstituteUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Daniel Floss Jones
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical ScienceUniversity College DublinDublinIreland,UCD Conway InstituteUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Ross Collery
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and AnatomyMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsinUSA,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual SciencesMedical College of Wisconsin Eye InstituteMilwaukeeWisconsinUSA
| | - Breandán N. Kennedy
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical ScienceUniversity College DublinDublinIreland,UCD Conway InstituteUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
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3
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Francia S, Shmal D, Di Marco S, Chiaravalli G, Maya-Vetencourt JF, Mantero G, Michetti C, Cupini S, Manfredi G, DiFrancesco ML, Rocchi A, Perotto S, Attanasio M, Sacco R, Bisti S, Mete M, Pertile G, Lanzani G, Colombo E, Benfenati F. Light-induced charge generation in polymeric nanoparticles restores vision in advanced-stage retinitis pigmentosa rats. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3677. [PMID: 35760799 PMCID: PMC9237035 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31368-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal dystrophies such as Retinitis pigmentosa are among the most prevalent causes of inherited legal blindness, for which treatments are in demand. Retinal prostheses have been developed to stimulate the inner retinal network that, initially spared by degeneration, deteriorates in the late stages of the disease. We recently reported that conjugated polymer nanoparticles persistently rescue visual activities after a single subretinal injection in the Royal College of Surgeons rat model of Retinitis pigmentosa. Here we demonstrate that conjugated polymer nanoparticles can reinstate physiological signals at the cortical level and visually driven activities when microinjected in 10-months-old Royal College of Surgeons rats bearing fully light-insensitive retinas. The extent of visual restoration positively correlates with the nanoparticle density and hybrid contacts with second-order retinal neurons. The results establish the functional role of organic photovoltaic nanoparticles in restoring visual activities in fully degenerate retinas with intense inner retina rewiring, a stage of the disease in which patients are subjected to prosthetic interventions. Retinal dystrophies such as Retinitis pigmentosa are among the most prevalent causes of inherited incurable legal blindness. Here the authors demonstrate that conjugated polymer nanoparticles reinstate visual functions in aged rats with fully degenerated and rewired retinas.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Francia
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - D Shmal
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - S Di Marco
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - G Chiaravalli
- Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milano, Italy
| | - J F Maya-Vetencourt
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Mantero
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - C Michetti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - S Cupini
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - G Manfredi
- Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milano, Italy.,Novavido s.r.l., Bologna, Italy
| | - M L DiFrancesco
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - A Rocchi
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - S Perotto
- Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milano, Italy
| | - M Attanasio
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS Sacrocuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - R Sacco
- Department of Mathematics, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - S Bisti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - M Mete
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS Sacrocuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - G Pertile
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS Sacrocuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - G Lanzani
- Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milano, Italy. .,Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - E Colombo
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - F Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy. .,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.
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4
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Moran AL, Carter SP, Kaylor JJ, Jiang Z, Broekman S, Dillon ET, Gómez Sánchez A, Minhas SK, van Wijk E, Radu RA, Travis GH, Carey M, Blacque OE, Kennedy BN. Dawn and dusk peaks of outer segment phagocytosis, and visual cycle function require Rab28. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22309. [PMID: 35471581 PMCID: PMC9322422 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101897r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RAB28 is a farnesylated, ciliary G-protein. Patient variants in RAB28 are causative of autosomal recessive cone-rod dystrophy (CRD), an inherited human blindness. In rodent and zebrafish models, the absence of Rab28 results in diminished dawn, photoreceptor, outer segment phagocytosis (OSP). Here, we demonstrate that Rab28 is also required for dusk peaks of OSP, but not for basal OSP levels. This study further elucidated the molecular mechanisms by which Rab28 controls OSP and inherited blindness. Proteomic profiling identified factors whose expression in the eye or whose expression at dawn and dusk peaks of OSP is dysregulated by loss of Rab28. Notably, transgenic overexpression of Rab28, solely in zebrafish cones, rescues the OSP defect in rab28 KO fish, suggesting rab28 gene replacement in cone photoreceptors is sufficient to regulate Rab28-OSP. Rab28 loss also perturbs function of the visual cycle as retinoid levels of 11-cRAL, 11cRP, and atRP are significantly reduced in larval and adult rab28 KO retinae (p < .05). These data give further understanding on the molecular mechanisms of RAB28-associated CRD, highlighting roles of Rab28 in both peaks of OSP, in vitamin A metabolism and in retinoid recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailís L. Moran
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical ScienceUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
- UCD Conway InstituteUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Stephen P. Carter
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical ScienceUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
- UCD Conway InstituteUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Joanna J. Kaylor
- Department of OphthalmologyDavid Geffen School of MedicineUCLA Stein Eye InstituteUniversity of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Zhichun Jiang
- Department of OphthalmologyDavid Geffen School of MedicineUCLA Stein Eye InstituteUniversity of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Sanne Broekman
- Department of OtorhinolaryngologyRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and BehaviorNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | | | - Alicia Gómez Sánchez
- UCD Conway InstituteUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
- Ocupharm Diagnostic Group ResearchFaculty of Optic and OptometryUniversidad Complutense de MadridMadridSpain
| | - Sajal K. Minhas
- UCD School of Mathematics & StatisticsUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Erwin van Wijk
- Department of OtorhinolaryngologyRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and BehaviorNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Roxana A. Radu
- Department of OphthalmologyDavid Geffen School of MedicineUCLA Stein Eye InstituteUniversity of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Gabriel H. Travis
- Department of OphthalmologyDavid Geffen School of MedicineUCLA Stein Eye InstituteUniversity of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Biological ChemistryUniversity of CaliforniaLos Angeles School of MedicineLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Michelle Carey
- UCD School of Mathematics & StatisticsUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Oliver E. Blacque
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical ScienceUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
- UCD Conway InstituteUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Breandán N. Kennedy
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical ScienceUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
- UCD Conway InstituteUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
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5
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Benfenati F, Lanzani G. Reply to: Questions about the role of P3HT nanoparticles in retinal stimulation. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 16:1333-1336. [PMID: 34887531 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-021-01043-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
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6
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Tan B, Barathi VA, Lin E, Ho C, Gan A, Yao X, Chan A, Wong DWK, Chua J, Tan GS, Schmetterer L. Longitudinal Structural and Microvascular Observation in RCS Rat Eyes Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:54. [PMID: 32579681 PMCID: PMC7415900 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.6.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the change of retinal thickness and ocular microvasculature in a rat model of retinitis pigmentosa using swept source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) Methods Three-weeks-old Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats (n = 8) and age-matched control rats (n = 14) were imaged by a prototype SS-OCTA system. Follow-up measurements occurred every three weeks on six RCS rats until week 18, and cross-sectional measurements were conducted on control rats. Thicknesses of different retinal layers and the total retina were measured. The enface angiograms from superficial vascular plexiform (SVP) and deep capillary plexiform (DCP) were analyzed, and the image sharpness was also extracted from the choroidal angiograms. Immunohistochemical analysis was done in the RCS rats after week 18, as well as in three-week-old RCS rats and age-matched controls. Results In RCS rats, the thicknesses of the ganglion cell complex, the nuclear layer, the debris/photoreceptor layer and the total retina decreased over the weeks (P < 0.001). The SVP metrics remained unchanged whereas the DCP metrics decreased significantly over the weeks (P < 0.001). The immunohistochemical analysis confirmed our OCTA findings of capillary dropout in the DCP. The choroidal plexus appeared indistinct initially due to scattering of light at the intact retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and became more visible after week nine probably due to RPE degeneration. Loss of choriocapillaris was visualized at week 18. In control rats, no vascular change was detected, but nuclear layers, photoreceptor layers and total retina showed slight thinning with age (P < 0.001). Conclusions Photoreceptor degeneration in RCS rats was associated with the loss of capillaries in DCP, but not in SVP. The OCTA imaging allows for the characterization of structural and angiographic changes in rodent models.
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7
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Sher I, Moverman D, Ketter-Katz H, Moisseiev E, Rotenstreich Y. In vivo retinal imaging in translational regenerative research. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1096. [PMID: 33145315 PMCID: PMC7575995 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-4355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Regenerative translational studies must include a longitudinal assessment of the changes in retinal structure and function that occur as part of the natural history of the disease and those that result from the studied intervention. Traditionally, retinal structural changes have been evaluated by histological analysis which necessitates sacrificing the animals. In this review, we describe key imaging approaches such as fundus imaging, optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT-angiography, adaptive optics (AO), and confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO) that enable noninvasive, non-contact, and fast in vivo imaging of the posterior segment. These imaging technologies substantially reduce the number of animals needed and enable progression analysis and longitudinal follow-up in individual animals for accurate assessment of disease natural history, effects of interventions and acute changes. We also describe the benefits and limitations of each technology, as well as outline possible future directions that can be taken in translational retinal imaging studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifat Sher
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Daniel Moverman
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Hadas Ketter-Katz
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Elad Moisseiev
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Ophthalmology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Ygal Rotenstreich
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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8
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Lin B, McLelland BT, Aramant RB, Thomas BB, Nistor G, Keirstead HS, Seiler MJ. Retina Organoid Transplants Develop Photoreceptors and Improve Visual Function in RCS Rats With RPE Dysfunction. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:34. [PMID: 32945842 PMCID: PMC7509771 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.11.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To study if human embryonic stem cell-derived photoreceptors could survive and function without the support of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) after transplantation into Royal College of Surgeons rats, a rat model of retinal degeneration caused by RPE dysfunction. Methods CSC14 human embryonic stem cells were differentiated into primordial eye structures called retinal organoids. Retinal organoids were analyzed by quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence and compared with human fetal retina. Retinal organoid sheets (30-70 day of differentiation) were transplanted into immunodeficient RCS rats, aged 44 to 56 days. The development of transplant organoids in vivo in relation to the host was examined by optical coherence tomography. Visual function was assessed by optokinetic testing, electroretinogram, and superior colliculus electrophysiologic recording. Cryostat sections were analyzed for various retinal, synaptic, and donor markers. Results Retinal organoids showed similar gene expression to human fetal retina transplanted rats demonstrated significant improvement in visual function compared with RCS nonsurgery and sham surgery controls by ERGs at 2 months after surgery (but not later), optokinetic testing (up to 6 months after surgery) and electrophysiologic superior colliculus recordings (6-8 months after surgery). The transplanted organoids survived more than 7 months; developed photoreceptors with inner and outer segments, and other retinal cells; and were well-integrated within the host. Conclusions This study, to our knowledge, is the first to show that transplanted photoreceptors survive and function even with host's dysfunctional RPE. Our findings suggest that transplantation of organoid sheets from stem cells may be a promising approach/therapeutic for blinding diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Lin
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California at Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Bryce T. McLelland
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California at Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Robert B. Aramant
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California at Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Biju B. Thomas
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Gabriel Nistor
- AIVITA Biomedical Inc., Irvine, California, United States
| | | | - Magdalene J. Seiler
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California at Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States
- Ophthalmology, University of California at Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States
- Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California at Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States
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9
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Maya-Vetencourt JF, Manfredi G, Mete M, Colombo E, Bramini M, Di Marco S, Shmal D, Mantero G, Dipalo M, Rocchi A, DiFrancesco ML, Papaleo ED, Russo A, Barsotti J, Eleftheriou C, Di Maria F, Cossu V, Piazza F, Emionite L, Ticconi F, Marini C, Sambuceti G, Pertile G, Lanzani G, Benfenati F. Subretinally injected semiconducting polymer nanoparticles rescue vision in a rat model of retinal dystrophy. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 15:698-708. [PMID: 32601447 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-020-0696-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies and late-stage age-related macular degeneration, for which treatments remain limited, are among the most prevalent causes of legal blindness. Retinal prostheses have been developed to stimulate the inner retinal network; however, lack of sensitivity and resolution, and the need for wiring or external cameras, have limited their application. Here we show that conjugated polymer nanoparticles (P3HT NPs) mediate light-evoked stimulation of retinal neurons and persistently rescue visual functions when subretinally injected in a rat model of retinitis pigmentosa. P3HT NPs spread out over the entire subretinal space and promote light-dependent activation of spared inner retinal neurons, recovering subcortical, cortical and behavioural visual responses in the absence of trophic effects or retinal inflammation. By conferring sustained light sensitivity to degenerate retinas after a single injection, and with the potential for high spatial resolution, P3HT NPs provide a new avenue in retinal prosthetics with potential applications not only in retinitis pigmentosa, but also in age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Fernando Maya-Vetencourt
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Manfredi
- Centre for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Mete
- Ophthalmology Department, IRCCS Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Colombo
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mattia Bramini
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Stefano Di Marco
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Dmytro Shmal
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giulia Mantero
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michele Dipalo
- Plasmon Nanotechnologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Rocchi
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mattia L DiFrancesco
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ermanno D Papaleo
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Angela Russo
- Ophthalmology Department, IRCCS Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar, Italy
| | - Jonathan Barsotti
- Centre for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Cyril Eleftheriou
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology, Weil Medical College of Cornell University, White Plains, NY, USA
| | - Francesca Di Maria
- CNR Institute of Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity (ISOF), Bologna, Italy
| | - Vanessa Cossu
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Health Science, Nuclear Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | - Flavia Ticconi
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Health Science, Nuclear Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Oncohematology, Nuclear Medicine Unit, Faenza Hospital, Faenza, Italy
| | - Cecilia Marini
- CNR Institute of Bioimages and Molecular Physiology, Milan (Genoa Section), Genoa, Italy
| | - Gianmario Sambuceti
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Health Science, Nuclear Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Grazia Pertile
- Ophthalmology Department, IRCCS Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Centre for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Centre for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy.
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.
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10
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Gawęcki M. Laser treatment in retinitis pigmentosa-a review. Lasers Med Sci 2020; 35:1663-1670. [PMID: 32435907 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-020-03036-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a common inherited retinal disease for which effective treatment is not yet known. This review sought to analyze the available medical literature covering the efficacy of different forms of laser treatment for RP in laboratory and clinical trials. The PubMed database was searched using the following phrases: "laser photocoagulation", "subthreshold laser", "nanolaser", "micropulse laser", "retinitis pigmentosa", "rod-cone dystrophy", and "retinal dystrophy". Results were stratified as clinical or experimental studies. Six studies involving animal models and three studies involving human subjects that examined laser treatment in RP were found. Laboratory studies on rodents favored classic laser photocoagulation as the most effective therapy for slowing the progression of proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase MER-related RP. Two clinical studies on humans suggested transient but robust functional benefits of subthreshold micropulse laser treatment in RP. The available material is too scarce to define laser treatment as a standard procedure to treat RP in humans. Nondamaging retinal laser therapy should be tested more intensively in clinical trials as there is no proven negative side effect of that treatment and the theoretical background, especially the chaperone and reparative roles of heat shock proteins elicited during the procedure, supports this form of RP management.
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Kang S, Lorach H, Bhuckory MB, Quan Y, Dalal R, Palanker D. Retinal Laser Therapy Preserves Photoreceptors in a Rodent Model of MERTK-Related Retinitis Pigmentosa. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2019; 8:19. [PMID: 31402999 PMCID: PMC6685484 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.8.4.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose We investigated the effects of various retinal laser therapies on preservation of the photoreceptors in an animal model of Mer tyrosine kinase receptor (MERTK)-related retinitis pigmentosa (RP). These modalities included photocoagulation with various pattern densities, selective RPE therapy (SRT), and nondamaging retinal therapy (NRT). Methods Laser treatments were performed on right eyes of RCS rats, using one of three laser modalities. For photocoagulation, six pattern densities (spot spacings of 0.5, 1, 1.5, 3, 4, and 5 spot diameters) were delivered in 19-day-old animals, prior to the onset of photoreceptor degeneration, to determine the optimal treatment density for the best preservation of photoreceptors. The left eye was used as control. Rats were monitored for 6 months after treatment using electroretinography, optical coherence tomography, and histology. Results Photocoagulation resulted in long-term preservation of photoreceptors, manifested morphologically and functionally, with the extent of the benefit dependent on the laser pattern density. Eyes treated with a 1.5 spot size spacing showed the best morphologic and functional preservation during the 6-month follow-up. SRT-treated eyes exhibited short-term morphologic preservation, but no functional benefit. NRT-treated eyes did not show any observable preservation benefit from the treatment. Conclusions In a rodent model of MERTK-related RP, pattern photocoagulation of about 15% of the photoreceptors (1.5 spot diameter spacing) provides long-term preservation of photoreceptors in the treatment area. Translational Relevance Availability of retinal lasers in ophthalmic practice enables rapid translation of our study to clinical testing and may help preserve the sight in patients with photoreceptor degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungbum Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Henri Lorach
- Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory, Stanford University, CA, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Mohajeet B Bhuckory
- Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory, Stanford University, CA, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Yi Quan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Roopa Dalal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Palanker
- Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory, Stanford University, CA, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, CA, USA
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Bubis E, Sher I, Skaat A, Sharvit-Ginon I, Szalapak AM, Moroz I, Kalter-Leibovici O, Rotenstreich Y. Blue Autofluorescence Fundus Imaging for Monitoring Retinal Degeneration in Royal College of Surgeons Rats. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2019; 8:26. [PMID: 30834174 PMCID: PMC6396687 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.8.1.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Development of a method for noninvasive longitudinal follow-up of retinal degeneration in the whole retina for Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats, a commonly used model of retinitis pigmentosa associated with mutations in the MER-proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase (MERTK) gene. Methods Pigmented RCS rats at postnatal (p) days p28 to p84 were subjected to a biweekly spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), blue laser fundus autofluorescence (BL-FAF) imaging, and multicolor fundus imaging. Wild-type (WT; Long Evans) rats were tested as control. Results Hyperautofluorescence developed throughout the fundus at p42, concomitant with a significant increase in SD-OCT thickness and reflectivity of the debris zone (DZ) layer as well as thinning of the photoreceptor outer nuclear layer (ONL). From p56 to p84, discrete hypofluorescent lesions surrounded by hyperfluorescent flecks were demonstrated around the optic disc that gradually spread throughout the retina. The hypofluorescent lesions were associated with loss of ONL and gradual thinning of the DZ layer. No hypofluorescent BL-FAF lesions were observed in WT rats. Conclusions This study suggests that BL-FAF imaging may present a new method for noninvasive longitudinal follow-up of retinal degeneration in nearly the whole retina in RCS rats. Translational Relevance A clinical test was developed that may be implemented in translational studies in the RCS rat model of MERTK-associated retinitis pigmentosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ettel Bubis
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ifat Sher
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Alon Skaat
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Inbal Sharvit-Ginon
- Department of Psychology, Bar Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.,The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center at Sheba Medical Center, Israel
| | | | - Iris Moroz
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Ofra Kalter-Leibovici
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Unit of Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Ygal Rotenstreich
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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