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Jeon J, Park YS, Kim SH, Kong E, Kim J, Yang JM, Lee JY, Kim YM, Kim IB, Kim P. Deciphering perivascular macrophages and microglia in the retinal ganglion cell layers. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1368021. [PMID: 38596358 PMCID: PMC11002095 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1368021] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The classically defined two retinal microglia layers are distributed in inner and outer plexiform layers. Although there are some reports that retinal microglia are also superficially located around the ganglion cell layer (GCL) in contact with the vitreous, there has been a lack of detailed descriptions and not fully understood yet. Methods: We visualized the microglial layers by using CX3CR1-GFP (C57BL6) transgenic mice with both healthy and disease conditions including NaIO3-induced retinal degeneration models and IRBP-induced auto-immune uveitis models. Result: We found the GCL microglia has two subsets; peripheral (pph) microglia located on the retinal parenchyma and BAM (CNS Border Associated Macrophage) which have a special stretched phenotype only located on the surface of large retinal veins. First, in the pph microglia subset, but not in BAM, Galectin-3 and LYVE1 are focally expressed. However, LYVE1 is specifically expressed in the amoeboid or transition forms, except the typical dendritic morphology in the pph microglia. Second, BAM is tightly attached to the surface of the retinal veins and has similar morphology patterns in both the healthy and disease conditions. CD86+ BAM has a longer process which vertically passes the proximal retinal veins. Our data helps decipher the basic anatomy and pathophysiology of the retinal microglia in the GCL. Discussion: Our data helps decipher the basic anatomy and pathophysiology of the retinal microglia in the GCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jehwi Jeon
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- KI for Health Science and Technology (KIHST), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Soo Park
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hoon Kim
- Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunji Kong
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jay Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee Myung Yang
- Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Yong Lee
- Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - You-Me Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Beom Kim
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Pilhan Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- KI for Health Science and Technology (KIHST), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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2
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Ruiz-Pastor MJ, Sánchez-Sáez X, Kutsyr O, Albertos-Arranz H, Sánchez-Castillo C, Ortuño-Lizarán I, Martínez-Gil N, Vidal-Gil L, Méndez L, Sánchez-Martín M, Maneu V, Lax P, Cuenca N. Prph2 knock-in mice recapitulate human central areolar choroidal dystrophy retinal degeneration and exhibit aberrant synaptic remodeling and microglial activation. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:711. [PMID: 37914688 PMCID: PMC10620171 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06243-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Central areolar choroidal dystrophy is an inherited disorder characterized by progressive choriocapillaris atrophy and retinal degeneration and is usually associated with mutations in the PRPH2 gene. We aimed to generate and characterize a mouse model with the p.Arg195Leu mutation previously described in patients. Heterozygous (Prph2WT/KI) and homozygous (Prph2KI/KI) mice were generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 system to introduce the p.Arg195Leu mutation. Retinal function was assessed by electroretinography and optomotor tests at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 20 months of age. The structural integrity of the retinas was evaluated at the same ages using optical coherence tomography. Immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy images of the retina were also analyzed. Genetic sequencing confirmed that both Prph2WT/KI and Prph2KI/KI mice presented the p.Arg195Leu mutation. A progressive loss of retinal function was found in both mutant groups, with significantly reduced visual acuity from 3 months of age in Prph2KI/KI mice and from 6 months of age in Prph2WT/KI mice. Decreased amplitudes in the electroretinography responses were observed from 1 month of age in Prph2KI/KI mice and from 6 months of age in Prph2WT/KI mice. Morphological analysis of the retinas correlated with functional findings, showing a progressive decrease in retinal thickness of mutant mice, with earlier and more severe changes in the homozygous mutant mice. We corroborated the alteration of the outer segment structure, and we found changes in the synaptic connectivity in the outer plexiform layer as well as gliosis and signs of microglial activation. The new Prph2WT/KI and Prph2KI/KI murine models show a pattern of retinal degeneration similar to that described in human patients with central areolar choroidal dystrophy and appear to be good models to study the mechanisms involved in the onset and progression of the disease, as well as to test the efficacy of new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xavier Sánchez-Sáez
- Physiology, Genetics, and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Oksana Kutsyr
- Optics, Pharmacology, and Anatomy, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Lorena Vidal-Gil
- Physiology, Genetics, and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Lucía Méndez
- Transgenic Facility and Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Manuel Sánchez-Martín
- Transgenic Facility and Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Victoria Maneu
- Optics, Pharmacology, and Anatomy, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
- Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
| | - Pedro Lax
- Physiology, Genetics, and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain.
- Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain.
| | - Nicolás Cuenca
- Physiology, Genetics, and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain.
- Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain.
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3
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Lee Q, Chan WC, Qu X, Sun Y, Abdelkarim H, Le J, Saqib U, Sun MY, Kruse K, Banerjee A, Hitchinson B, Geyer M, Huang F, Guaiquil V, Mutso AA, Sanders M, Rosenblatt MI, Maienschein-Cline M, Lawrence MS, Gaponenko V, Malik AB, Komarova YA. End binding-3 inhibitor activates regenerative program in age-related macular degeneration. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101223. [PMID: 37794584 PMCID: PMC10591057 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101223] [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: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), characterized by leaky neovessels emanating from the choroid, is a main cause of blindness. As current treatments for wet AMD require regular intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) biologics, there is a need for the development of less invasive treatments. Here, we designed an allosteric inhibitor of end binding-3 (EB3) protein, termed EBIN, which reduces the effects of environmental stresses on endothelial cells by limiting pathological calcium signaling. Delivery of EBIN via eye drops in mouse and non-human primate (NHP) models of wet AMD prevents both neovascular leakage and choroidal neovascularization. EBIN reverses the epigenetic changes induced by environmental stresses, allowing an activation of a regenerative program within metabolic-active endothelial cells comprising choroidal neovascularization (CNV) lesions. These results suggest the therapeutic potential of EBIN in preventing the degenerative processes underlying wet AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quinn Lee
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Wan Ching Chan
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Xinyan Qu
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | | | - Jonathan Le
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Uzma Saqib
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Mitchell Y Sun
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Kevin Kruse
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Avik Banerjee
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ben Hitchinson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Melissa Geyer
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Fei Huang
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Victor Guaiquil
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Amelia A Mutso
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | | | - Mark I Rosenblatt
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | | | | | - Vadim Gaponenko
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Asrar B Malik
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Yulia A Komarova
- Department of Pharmacology and The Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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4
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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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5
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Zhang Y, Park YS, Kim IB. A Distinct Microglial Cell Population Expressing Both CD86 and CD206 Constitutes a Dominant Type and Executes Phagocytosis in Two Mouse Models of Retinal Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14236. [PMID: 37762541 PMCID: PMC10532260 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglial cells are the key regulators of inflammation during retinal degeneration (RD) and are conventionally classified as M1 or M2. However, whether the M1/M2 classification exactly reflects the functional classification of microglial cells in the retina remains debatable. We examined the spatiotemporal changes of microglial cells in the blue-LED and NaIO3-induced RD mice models using M1/M2 markers and functional genes. TUNEL assay was performed to detect photoreceptor cell death, and microglial cells were labeled with anti-IBA1, P2RY12, CD86, and CD206 antibodies. FACS was used to isolate microglial cells with anti-CD206 and CD86 antibodies, and qRT-PCR was performed to evaluate Il-10, Il-6, Trem-2, Apoe, and Lyz2 expression. TUNEL-positive cells were detected in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) from 24 h to 72 h post-RD induction. At 24 h, P2RY12 was decreased and CD86 was increased, and CD86/CD206 double-labeled cells occupied the dominant population at 72 h. And CD86/CD206 double-labeled cells showed a significant increase in Apoe, Trem2, and Lyz2 levels but not in those of Il-6 and Il-10. Our results demonstrate that microglial cells in active RD cannot be classified as M1 or M2, and the majority of microglia express both CD86 and CD206, which are involved in phagocytosis rather than inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (Y.Z.); (Y.S.P.)
- Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Soo Park
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (Y.Z.); (Y.S.P.)
- Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Beom Kim
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (Y.Z.); (Y.S.P.)
- Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Catholic Institute for Applied Anatomy, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
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6
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Tan Y, Huang J, Li D, Zou C, Liu D, Qin B. Single-cell RNA sequencing in dissecting microenvironment of age-related macular degeneration: Challenges and perspectives. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 90:102030. [PMID: 37549871 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102030] [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: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in individuals over the age of 50 years, yet its etiology and pathogenesis largely remain uncovered. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies are recently developed and have a number of advantages over conventional bulk RNA sequencing techniques in uncovering the heterogeneity of complex microenvironments containing numerous cell types and cell communications during various biological processes. In this review, we summarize the latest discovered cellular components and regulatory mechanisms during AMD development revealed by scRNA-seq. In addition, we discuss the main challenges and future directions in exploring the pathophysiology of AMD equipped with single-cell technologies. Our review underscores the importance of multimodal single-cell platforms (such as single-cell spatiotemporal multi-omics and single-cell exosome omics) as new approaches for basic and clinical AMD research in identifying biomarker, characterizing cellular responses to drug treatment and environmental stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Tan
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianguo Huang
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Deshuang Li
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chang Zou
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Aier Ophthalmic Technology Institute, Shenzhen, China; School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Kong Hong, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China.
| | - Dongcheng Liu
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Aier Ophthalmic Technology Institute, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Bo Qin
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Aier Ophthalmic Technology Institute, Shenzhen, China; Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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7
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Pan L, Cho KS, Wei X, Xu F, Lennikov A, Hu G, Tang J, Guo S, Chen J, Kriukov E, Kyle R, Elzaridi F, Jiang S, Dromel PA, Young M, Baranov P, Do CW, Williams RW, Chen J, Lu L, Chen DF. IGFBPL1 is a master driver of microglia homeostasis and resolution of neuroinflammation in glaucoma and brain tauopathy. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112889. [PMID: 37527036 PMCID: PMC10528709 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia shift toward an inflammatory phenotype during aging that is thought to exacerbate age-related neurodegeneration. The molecular and cellular signals that resolve neuroinflammation post-injury are largely undefined. Here, we exploit systems genetics methods based on the extended BXD murine reference family and identify IGFBPL1 as an upstream cis-regulator of microglia-specific genes to switch off inflammation. IGFBPL1 is expressed by mouse and human microglia, and higher levels of its expression resolve lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation by resetting the transcriptome signature back to a homeostatic state via IGF1R signaling. Conversely, IGFBPL1 deficiency or selective deletion of IGF1R in microglia shifts these cells to an inflammatory landscape and induces early manifestation of brain tauopathy and retinal neurodegeneration. Therapeutic administration of IGFBPL1 drives pro-homeostatic microglia and prevents glaucomatous neurodegeneration and vision loss in mice. These results identify IGFBPL1 as a master driver of the counter-inflammatory microglial modulator that presents an endogenous resolution of neuroinflammation to prevent neurodegeneration in eye and brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Pan
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Kin-Sang Cho
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Xin Wei
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Fuyi Xu
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, China
| | - Anton Lennikov
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Guangan Hu
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jing Tang
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Shuai Guo
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Julie Chen
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Emil Kriukov
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Robert Kyle
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Farris Elzaridi
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Shuhong Jiang
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Pierre A Dromel
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Michael Young
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Petr Baranov
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Chi-Wai Do
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Robert W Williams
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Jianzhu Chen
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
| | - Dong Feng Chen
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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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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Benhar I, Ding J, Yan W, Whitney IE, Jacobi A, Sud M, Burgin G, Shekhar K, Tran NM, Wang C, He Z, Sanes JR, Regev A. Temporal single-cell atlas of non-neuronal retinal cells reveals dynamic, coordinated multicellular responses to central nervous system injury. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:700-713. [PMID: 36807640 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01437-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Non-neuronal cells are key to the complex cellular interplay that follows central nervous system insult. To understand this interplay, we generated a single-cell atlas of immune, glial and retinal pigment epithelial cells from adult mouse retina before and at multiple time points after axonal transection. We identified rare subsets in naive retina, including interferon (IFN)-response glia and border-associated macrophages, and delineated injury-induced changes in cell composition, expression programs and interactions. Computational analysis charted a three-phase multicellular inflammatory cascade after injury. In the early phase, retinal macroglia and microglia were reactivated, providing chemotactic signals concurrent with infiltration of CCR2+ monocytes from the circulation. These cells differentiated into macrophages in the intermediate phase, while an IFN-response program, likely driven by microglia-derived type I IFN, was activated across resident glia. The late phase indicated inflammatory resolution. Our findings provide a framework to decipher cellular circuitry, spatial relationships and molecular interactions following tissue injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inbal Benhar
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Systems Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Jiarui Ding
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Computer Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wenjun Yan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Irene E Whitney
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Anne Jacobi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Malika Sud
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Grace Burgin
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Karthik Shekhar
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas M Tran
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chen Wang
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zhigang He
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua R Sanes
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Aviv Regev
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA.
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10
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Hata M, Hata M, Andriessen EM, Juneau R, Pilon F, Crespo-Garcia S, Diaz-Marin R, Guber V, Binet F, Fournier F, Buscarlet M, Grou C, Calderon V, Heckel E, Melichar HJ, Joyal JS, Wilson AM, Sapieha P. Early-life peripheral infections reprogram retinal microglia and aggravate neovascular age-related macular degeneration in later life. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:159757. [PMID: 36787231 PMCID: PMC9927938 DOI: 10.1172/jci159757] [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: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathological neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD) drives the principal cause of blindness in the elderly. While there is a robust genetic association between genes of innate immunity and AMD, genome-to-phenome relationships are low, suggesting a critical contribution of environmental triggers of disease. Possible insight comes from the observation that a past history of infection with pathogens such as Chlamydia pneumoniae, or other systemic inflammation, can predispose to nvAMD in later life. Using a mouse model of nvAMD with prior C. pneumoniae infection, endotoxin exposure, and genetic ablation of distinct immune cell populations, we demonstrated that peripheral infections elicited epigenetic reprogramming that led to a persistent memory state in retinal CX3CR1+ mononuclear phagocytes (MNPs). The immune imprinting persisted long after the initial inflammation had subsided and ultimately exacerbated choroidal neovascularization in a model of nvAMD. Single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (scATAC-seq) identified activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) as a central mediator of retina-resident MNP reprogramming following peripheral inflammation. ATF3 polarized MNPs toward a reparative phenotype biased toward production of proangiogenic factors in response to subsequent injury. Therefore, a past history of bacterial endotoxin-induced inflammation can lead to immunological reprograming within CNS-resident MNPs and aggravate pathological angiogenesis in the aging retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Hata
- Department of Ophthalmology,,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, and
| | | | - Elisabeth M.M.A. Andriessen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Sergio Crespo-Garcia
- Department of Ophthalmology,,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, and
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Caroline Grou
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Virginie Calderon
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Emilie Heckel
- Department of Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, and Pharmacology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ste-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Heather J. Melichar
- Department of Medicine, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean-Sebastien Joyal
- Department of Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, and Pharmacology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ste-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Przemyslaw Sapieha
- Department of Ophthalmology,,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, and,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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11
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Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenesis Underlying Inherited Retinal Dystrophies. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020271. [PMID: 36830640 PMCID: PMC9953031 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are congenital retinal degenerative diseases that have various inheritance patterns, including dominant, recessive, X-linked, and mitochondrial. These diseases are most often the result of defects in rod and/or cone photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium function, development, or both. The genes associated with these diseases, when mutated, produce altered protein products that have downstream effects in pathways critical to vision, including phototransduction, the visual cycle, photoreceptor development, cellular respiration, and retinal homeostasis. The aim of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive review of the underlying molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis of IRDs by delving into many of the genes associated with IRD development, their protein products, and the pathways interrupted by genetic mutation.
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12
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Kumari A, Borooah S. The Role of Microglia in Inherited Retinal Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1415:197-205. [PMID: 37440034 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-27681-1_29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a leading cause of irreversible visual loss in the developed world. The primary driver of pathology in IRDs is pathogenic genetic variant. However, there is increasing evidence, from recent studies, for a role of the immune system in disease mechanism, particularly retinal microglia. Microglia are the primary immune cells in the retina and actively contribute to disease pathogenesis when activated locally by phagocytosing photoreceptors, inducing inflammation and signaling infiltration of circulating monocytes. In this article, we discuss the evidence for the contribution of retinal microglia to IRD pathogenesis reported so far using mice model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asha Kumari
- Jacobs Retina Center, Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Shyamanga Borooah
- Jacobs Retina Center, Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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13
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Ronning KE, Karlen SJ, Burns ME. Structural and functional distinctions of co-resident microglia and monocyte-derived macrophages after retinal degeneration. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:299. [PMID: 36510226 PMCID: PMC9743742 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02652-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both resident microglia and invading peripheral immune cells can respond to injury and degeneration in the central nervous system. However, after dead and dying neurons have been cleared and homeostasis is re-established, it is unknown whether resident immune cells fully resume normal functions and to what degree the peripheral immune cells take up residence. METHODS Using flow cytometry, in vivo retinal imaging, immunohistochemistry, and single-cell mRNA sequencing, we assess resident microglia and monocyte-derived macrophages in the retina during and after the loss of photoreceptors in the Arr1-/- mouse model of inducible degeneration. RESULTS We find that photoreceptor loss results in a small, sustained increase in mononuclear phagocytes and, after degeneration wanes, these cells re-establish a spatial mosaic reminiscent of healthy retinas. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the population remained unusually heterogeneous, with several subpopulations expressing gene patterns consistent with mildly activated phenotypes. Roughly a third of "new resident" cells expressed markers traditionally associated with both microglial and monocytic lineages, making their etiology ambiguous. Using an inducible Cre-based fluorescent lineage tracing paradigm to confirm the origins of new resident immune cells, we found approximately equal numbers of microglia and monocyte-derived macrophages after degeneration had subsided. In vivo retinal imaging and immunohistochemical analysis showed that both subpopulations remained functionally responsive to sites of local damage, though on average the monocyte-derived cells had less morphological complexity, expressed higher levels of MHCII, and had less migratory activity than the native resident population. CONCLUSIONS Monocytic cells that infiltrate the retina during degeneration differentiate into monocyte-derived macrophages that can remain in the retina long-term. These monocyte-derived macrophages adopt ramified morphologies and microglia-like gene expression. However, they remain distinguishable in morphology and gene expression from resident microglia and appear to differ functionally, showing less responsiveness to subsequent retinal injuries. These findings support the idea that persistent changes in the local immune population that occur in response to cell loss in aging and progressive retinal diseases may include the establishment of subpopulations of bone marrow-derived cells whose ability to respond to subsequent insults wanes over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitryn E Ronning
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, 1544 Newton Court, Davis, CA, 95618, USA
| | - Sarah J Karlen
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Marie E Burns
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, 1544 Newton Court, Davis, CA, 95618, USA. .,Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA. .,Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
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14
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Liu Z, Shi H, Xu J, Yang Q, Ma Q, Mao X, Xu Z, Zhou Y, Da Q, Cai Y, Fulton DJ, Dong Z, Sodhi A, Caldwell RB, Huo Y. Single-cell transcriptome analyses reveal microglia types associated with proliferative retinopathy. JCI Insight 2022; 7:160940. [PMID: 36264636 PMCID: PMC9746914 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.160940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathological angiogenesis is a major cause of irreversible blindness in individuals of all age groups with proliferative retinopathy (PR). Mononuclear phagocytes (MPs) within neovascular areas contribute to aberrant retinal angiogenesis. Due to their cellular heterogeneity, defining the roles of MP subsets in PR onset and progression has been challenging. Here, we aimed to investigate the heterogeneity of microglia associated with neovascularization and to characterize the transcriptional profiles and metabolic pathways of proangiogenic microglia in a mouse model of oxygen-induced PR (OIR). Using transcriptional single-cell sorting, we comprehensively mapped all microglia populations in retinas of room air (RA) and OIR mice. We have unveiled several unique types of PR-associated microglia (PRAM) and identified markers, signaling pathways, and regulons associated with these cells. Among these microglia subpopulations, we found a highly proliferative microglia subset with high self-renewal capacity and a hypermetabolic microglia subset that expresses high levels of activating microglia markers, glycolytic enzymes, and proangiogenic Igf1. IHC staining shows that these PRAM were spatially located within or around neovascular tufts. These unique types of microglia have the potential to promote retinal angiogenesis, which may have important implications for future treatment of PR and other pathological ocular angiogenesis-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiping Liu
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huidong Shi
- Georgia Cancer Center and,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jiean Xu
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Qiuhua Yang
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Qian Ma
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Xiaoxiao Mao
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Zhimin Xu
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Yaqi Zhou
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Qingen Da
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yongfeng Cai
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - David J.R. Fulton
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Zheng Dong
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA.,Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Akrit Sodhi
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ruth B. Caldwell
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA.,James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Yuqing Huo
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA.,James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
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15
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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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16
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Hasanaj E, Alavi A, Gupta A, Póczos B, Bar-Joseph Z. Multiset multicover methods for discriminative marker selection. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2022; 2:100332. [PMID: 36452867 PMCID: PMC9701606 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2022.100332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Markers are increasingly being used for several high-throughput data analysis and experimental design tasks. Examples include the use of markers for assigning cell types in scRNA-seq studies, for deconvolving bulk gene expression data, and for selecting marker proteins in single-cell spatial proteomics studies. Most marker selection methods focus on differential expression (DE) analysis. Although such methods work well for data with a few non-overlapping marker sets, they are not appropriate for large atlas-size datasets where several cell types and tissues are considered. To address this, we define the phenotype cover (PC) problem for marker selection and present algorithms that can improve the discriminative power of marker sets. Analysis of these sets on several marker-selection tasks suggests that these methods can lead to solutions that accurately distinguish different phenotypes in the data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Euxhen Hasanaj
- Machine Learning Department, School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Amir Alavi
- Computational Biology Department, School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Anupam Gupta
- Computer Science Department, School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Barnabás Póczos
- Machine Learning Department, School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Ziv Bar-Joseph
- Machine Learning Department, School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Computational Biology Department, School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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17
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Heloterä H, Kaarniranta K. A Linkage between Angiogenesis and Inflammation in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Cells 2022; 11:cells11213453. [PMID: 36359849 PMCID: PMC9654543 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment in the aging population with a limited understanding of its pathogenesis and the number of patients are all the time increasing. AMD is classified into two main forms: dry and neovascular AMD (nAMD). Dry AMD is the most prevalent form (80–90%) of AMD cases. Neovascular AMD (10–20% of AMD cases) is treated with monthly or more sparsely given intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors, but unfortunately, not all patients respond to the current treatments. A clinical hallmark of nAMD is choroidal neovascularization. The progression of AMD is initially characterized by atrophic alterations in the retinal pigment epithelium, as well as the formation of lysosomal lipofuscin and extracellular drusen deposits. Cellular damage caused by chronic oxidative stress, protein aggregation and inflammatory processes may lead to advanced geographic atrophy and/or choroidal neovascularization and fibrosis. Currently, it is not fully known why different AMD phenotypes develop. In this review, we connect angiogenesis and inflammatory regulators in the development of nAMD and discuss therapy challenges and hopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Heloterä
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
- Correspondence:
| | - Kai Kaarniranta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kuopio University Hospital, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
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18
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Rutigliani C, Tribble JR, Hagström A, Lardner E, Jóhannesson G, Stålhammar G, Williams PA. Widespread retina and optic nerve neuroinflammation in enucleated eyes from glaucoma patients. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2022; 10:118. [PMID: 35986368 PMCID: PMC9392254 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01427-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is recognized as a key component of neurodegenerative disease. In glaucoma, a common neurodegenerative disease and the leading cause of irreversible blindness, the evidence for neuroinflammation in patients is lacking. Animal models have demonstrated significant pro-inflammatory activation of resident glia in the retina, as well as influx of blood-derived monocytes and pro-inflammatory factors. Confirmation of this in human donor tissue has been challenging due to a lack of well-preserved and well-characterized post-mortem tissue. To address this we utilize archived, wax embedded eyes fixed immediately following enucleation from living glaucoma patients. We compared glaucoma to control eyes (enucleated for uveal melanoma where the tumor did not impact the central retina or optic nerve). We performed immunolabelling for neurodegenerative and glial markers (CD45, CD163, IBA1, GFAP, Vimentin) which were quantified by high-resolution light microscopy and image analysis in FIJI. Glaucoma eyes demonstrated significant neural loss consistent with advanced neurodegeneration. IBA1 and GFAP were significantly increased in the retina and optic nerve head of the glaucomatous eyes indicating that significant neuroinflammation had occurred which support findings in animal models. Inflammation is a treatable symptom of many diseases and as such, identification of earlier inflammatory processes in glaucoma could be important for potential future treatment options.
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19
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Voigt AP, Mullin NK, Mulfaul K, Lozano LP, Wiley LA, Flamme-Wiese MJ, Boese EA, Han IC, Scheetz TE, Stone EM, Tucker BA, Mullins RF. Choroidal endothelial and macrophage gene expression in atrophic and neovascular macular degeneration. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:2406-2423. [PMID: 35181781 PMCID: PMC9307320 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The human choroid is a heterogeneous, highly vascular connective tissue that dysfunctions in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In this study, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing on 21 human choroids, 11 of which were derived from donors with early atrophic or neovascular AMD. Using this large donor cohort, we identified new gene expression signatures and immunohistochemically characterized discrete populations of resident macrophages, monocytes/inflammatory macrophages and dendritic cells. These three immune populations demonstrated unique expression patterns for AMD genetic risk factors, with dendritic cells possessing the highest expression of the neovascular AMD-associated MMP9 gene. Additionally, we performed trajectory analysis to model transcriptomic changes across the choroidal vasculature, and we identified expression signatures for endothelial cells from choroidal arterioles and venules. Finally, we performed differential expression analysis between control, early atrophic AMD, and neovascular AMD samples, and we observed that early atrophic AMD samples had high expression of SPARCL1, a gene that has been shown to increase in response to endothelial damage. Likewise, neovascular endothelial cells harbored gene expression changes consistent with endothelial cell damage and demonstrated increased expression of the sialomucins CD34 and ENCM, which were also observed at the protein level within neovascular membranes. Overall, this study characterizes the molecular features of new populations of choroidal endothelial cells and mononuclear phagocytes in a large cohort of AMD and control human donors.
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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, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Nathaniel K Mullin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Kelly Mulfaul
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Lola P Lozano
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Luke A Wiley
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Miles J Flamme-Wiese
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Erin A Boese
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Ian C Han
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Todd E Scheetz
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Edwin M Stone
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Budd A Tucker
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Robert F Mullins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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20
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Zhou H, Yang X, Liao C, Chen H, Wu Y, Xie B, Ma F, Zhang W. The Development of Mechanical Allodynia in Diabetic Rats Revealed by Single-Cell RNA-Seq. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:856299. [PMID: 35668789 PMCID: PMC9165721 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.856299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanical allodynia (MA) is the main reason that patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) seek medical advice. It severely debilitates the quality of life. Investigating hyperglycemia-induced changes in neural transcription could provide fundamental insights into the complex pathogenesis of painful DPN (PDPN). Gene expression profiles of physiological dorsal root ganglia (DRG) have been studied. However, the transcriptomic changes in DRG neurons in PDPN remain largely unexplored. In this study, by single-cell RNA sequencing on dissociated rat DRG, we identified five physiological neuron types and a novel neuron type MAAC (Fxyd7+/Atp1b1+) in PDPN. The novel neuron type originated from peptidergic neuron cluster and was characterized by highly expressing genes related to neurofilament and cytoskeleton. Based on the inferred gene regulatory networks, we found that activated transcription factors Hobx7 and Larp1 in MAAC could enhance Atp1b1 expression. Moreover, we constructed the cellular communication network of MAAC and revealed its receptor-ligand pairs for transmitting signals with other cells. Our molecular investigation at single-cell resolution advances the understanding of the dynamic peripheral neuron changes and underlying molecular mechanisms during the development of PDPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ninth People Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaosheng Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ninth People Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenlong Liao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ninth People Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongjin Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ninth People Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiwei Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ninth People Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Binran Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ninth People Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fukai Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ninth People Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - WenChuan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ninth People Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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21
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Sanin DE, Ge Y, Marinkovic E, Kabat AM, Castoldi A, Caputa G, Grzes KM, Curtis JD, Thompson EA, Willenborg S, Dichtl S, Reinhardt S, Dahl A, Pearce EL, Eming SA, Gerbaulet A, Roers A, Murray PJ, Pearce EJ. A common framework of monocyte-derived macrophage activation. Sci Immunol 2022; 7:eabl7482. [PMID: 35427180 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abl7482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Macrophages populate every organ during homeostasis and disease, displaying features of tissue imprinting and heterogeneous activation. The disconnected picture of macrophage biology that has emerged from these observations is a barrier for integration across models or with in vitro macrophage activation paradigms. We set out to contextualize macrophage heterogeneity across mouse tissues and inflammatory conditions, specifically aiming to define a common framework of macrophage activation. We built a predictive model with which we mapped the activation of macrophages across 12 tissues and 25 biological conditions, finding a notable commonality and finite number of transcriptional profiles, in particular among infiltrating macrophages, which we modeled as defined stages along four conserved activation paths. These activation paths include a "phagocytic" regulatory path, an "inflammatory" cytokine-producing path, an "oxidative stress" antimicrobial path, or a "remodeling" extracellular matrix deposition path. We verified this model with adoptive cell transfer experiments and identified transient RELMɑ expression as a feature of monocyte-derived macrophage tissue engraftment. We propose that this integrative approach of macrophage classification allows the establishment of a common predictive framework of monocyte-derived macrophage activation in inflammation and homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Sanin
- Department of Immunometabolism, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108 Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Oncology, Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Yan Ge
- Institute for Immunology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Emilija Marinkovic
- Institute for Immunology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Agnieszka M Kabat
- Department of Immunometabolism, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108 Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Oncology, Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Angela Castoldi
- Department of Immunometabolism, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - George Caputa
- Department of Immunometabolism, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katarzyna M Grzes
- Department of Immunometabolism, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108 Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Oncology, Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Jonathan D Curtis
- Department of Oncology, Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Thompson
- Department of Oncology, Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Sebastian Willenborg
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cologne, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Stefanie Dichtl
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Susanne Reinhardt
- DRESDEN-concept Genome Center, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Dahl
- DRESDEN-concept Genome Center, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Erika L Pearce
- Department of Immunometabolism, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108 Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Oncology, Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Sabine A Eming
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cologne, Kerpenerstr. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Zoology, Developmental Biology Unit, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexander Gerbaulet
- Institute for Immunology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Axel Roers
- Institute for Immunology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Peter J Murray
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Edward J Pearce
- Department of Immunometabolism, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108 Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Oncology, Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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22
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Kaur G, Singh NK. The Role of Inflammation in Retinal Neurodegeneration and Degenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010386. [PMID: 35008812 PMCID: PMC8745623 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal neurodegeneration is predominantly reported as the apoptosis or impaired function of the photoreceptors. Retinal degeneration is a major causative factor of irreversible vision loss leading to blindness. In recent years, retinal degenerative diseases have been investigated and many genes and genetic defects have been elucidated by many of the causative factors. An enormous amount of research has been performed to determine the pathogenesis of retinal degenerative conditions and to formulate the treatment modalities that are the critical requirements in this current scenario. Encouraging results have been obtained using gene therapy. We provide a narrative review of the various studies performed to date on the role of inflammation in human retinal degenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, inherited retinal dystrophies, retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt macular dystrophy, and Leber congenital amaurosis. In addition, we have highlighted the pivotal role of various inflammatory mechanisms in the progress of retinal degeneration. This review also offers an assessment of various therapeutic approaches, including gene-therapies and stem-cell-based therapies, for degenerative retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetika Kaur
- Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Nikhlesh K. Singh
- Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Correspondence:
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23
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Kwon J, Suessmilch M, McColl A, Cavanagh J, Morris BJ. Distinct trans-placental effects of maternal immune activation by TLR3 and TLR7 agonists: implications for schizophrenia risk. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23841. [PMID: 34903784 PMCID: PMC8668921 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03216-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to infection in utero predisposes towards psychiatric diseases such as autism, depression and schizophrenia in later life. The mechanisms involved are typically studied by administering mimetics of double-stranded (ds) virus or bacterial infection to pregnant rats or mice. The effect of single-stranded (ss) virus mimetics has been largely ignored, despite evidence linking prenatal ss virus exposure with psychiatric disease. Understanding the effects of gestational ss virus exposure has become even more important with recent events. In this study, in pregnant mice, we compare directly the effects, on the maternal blood, placenta and the embryonic brain, of maternal administration of ds-virus mimetic poly I:C (to activate Toll-like receptor 3, TLR3) and ss-virus mimetic resiquimod (to activate TLR7/8). We find that, 4 h after the administration, both poly I:C and resiquimod elevated the levels of IL-6, TNFα, and chemokines including CCL2 and CCL5, in maternal plasma. Both agents also increased placental mRNA levels of IL-6 and IL-10, but only resiquimod increased placental TNFα mRNA. In foetal brain, poly I:C produced no detectable immune-response-related increases, whereas pronounced increases in cytokine (e.g. Il-6, Tnfα) and chemokine (e.g. Ccl2, Ccl5) expression were observed with maternal resiquimod administration. The data show substantial differences between the effect of maternal exposure to a TLR7/8 activator as compared to a TLR3 activator. There are significant implications for future modelling of diseases where maternal ss virus exposure contributes to environmental disease risk in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaedeok Kwon
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
- Institute of Inflammation and Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Maria Suessmilch
- Institute of Inflammation and Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Alison McColl
- Institute of Inflammation and Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jonathan Cavanagh
- Institute of Inflammation and Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Brian J Morris
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
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24
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Maes ME, Wögenstein GM, Colombo G, Casado-Polanco R, Siegert S. Optimizing AAV2/6 microglial targeting identified enhanced efficiency in the photoreceptor degenerative environment. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 23:210-224. [PMID: 34703843 PMCID: PMC8516996 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.09.006] [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] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are widely used to deliver genetic material in vivo to distinct cell types such as neurons or glial cells, allowing for targeted manipulation. Transduction of microglia is mostly excluded from this strategy, likely due to the cells’ heterogeneous state upon environmental changes, which makes AAV design challenging. Here, we established the retina as a model system for microglial AAV validation and optimization. First, we show that AAV2/6 transduced microglia in both synaptic layers, where layer preference corresponds to the intravitreal or subretinal delivery method. Surprisingly, we observed significantly enhanced microglial transduction during photoreceptor degeneration. Thus, we modified the AAV6 capsid to reduce heparin binding by introducing four point mutations (K531E, R576Q, K493S, and K459S), resulting in increased microglial transduction in the outer plexiform layer. Finally, to improve microglial-specific transduction, we validated a Cre-dependent transgene delivery cassette for use in combination with the Cx3cr1CreERT2 mouse line. Together, our results provide a foundation for future studies optimizing AAV-mediated microglia transduction and highlight that environmental conditions influence microglial transduction efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E Maes
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | | | - Gloria Colombo
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | | | - Sandra Siegert
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
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25
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Varin J, Morival C, Maillard N, Adjali O, Cronin T. Risk Mitigation of Immunogenicity: A Key to Personalized Retinal Gene Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12818. [PMID: 34884622 PMCID: PMC8658027 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy (GT) for ocular disorders has advanced the most among adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated therapies, with one product already approved in the market. The bank of retinal gene mutations carefully compiled over 30 years, the small retinal surface that does not require high clinical vector stocks, and the relatively immune-privileged environment of the eye explain such success. However, adverse effects due to AAV-delivery, though rare in the retina have led to the interruption of clinical trials. Risk mitigation, as the key to safe and efficient GT, has become the focus of 'bedside-back-to-bench' studies. Herein, we overview the inflammatory adverse events described in retinal GT trials and analyze which components of the retinal immunological environment might be the most involved in these immune responses, with a focus on the innate immune system composed of microglial surveillance. We consider the factors that can influence inflammation in the retina after GT such as viral sensors in the retinal tissue and CpG content in promoters or transgene sequences. Finally, we consider options to reduce the immunological risk, including dose, modified capsids or exclusion criteria for clinical trials. A better understanding and mitigation of immune risk factors inducing host immunity in AAV-mediated retinal GT is the key to achieving safe and efficient GT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Oumeya Adjali
- CHU de Nantes, INSERM UMR1089, Translational Gene Therapy for Genetic Diseases, Université de Nantes, F-44200 Nantes, France; (J.V.); (C.M.); (N.M.)
| | - Therese Cronin
- CHU de Nantes, INSERM UMR1089, Translational Gene Therapy for Genetic Diseases, Université de Nantes, F-44200 Nantes, France; (J.V.); (C.M.); (N.M.)
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26
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Miller EB, Karlen SJ, Ronning KE, Burns ME. Tracking distinct microglia subpopulations with photoconvertible Dendra2 in vivo. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:235. [PMID: 34654439 PMCID: PMC8520240 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02285-x] [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: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The ability to track individual immune cells within the central nervous system has revolutionized our understanding of the roles that microglia and monocytes play in synaptic maintenance, plasticity, and neurodegenerative diseases. However, distinguishing between similar subpopulations of mobile immune cells over time during episodes of neuronal death and tissue remodeling has proven to be challenging. Methods We recombineered a photoconvertible fluorescent protein (Dendra2; D2) downstream of the Cx3cr1 promoter commonly used to drive expression of fluorescent markers in microglia and monocytes. Like the popular Cx3cr1–GFP line (Cx3cr1+/GFP), naïve microglia in Cx3cr1–Dendra2 mice (Cx3cr1+/D2) fluoresce green and can be noninvasively imaged in vivo throughout the CNS. In addition, individual D2-expressing cells can be photoconverted, resulting in red fluorescence, and tracked unambiguously within a field of green non-photoconverted cells for several days in vivo. Results Dendra2-expressing retinal microglia were noninvasively photoconverted in both ex vivo and in vivo conditions. Local in vivo D2 photoconversion was sufficiently robust to quantify cell subpopulations by flow cytometry, and the protein was stable enough to survive tissue processing for immunohistochemistry. Simultaneous in vivo fluorescence imaging of Dendra2 and light scattering measurements (Optical Coherence Tomography, OCT) were used to assess responses of individual microglial cells to localized neuronal damage and to identify the infiltration of monocytes from the vasculature in response to large scale neurodegeneration. Conclusions The ability to noninvasively and unambiguously track D2-expressing microglia and monocytes in vivo through space and time makes the Cx3cr1–Dendra2 mouse model a powerful new tool for disentangling the roles of distinct immune cell subpopulations in neuroinflammation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-021-02285-x. New mouse for tracking microglia and all mononuclear phagocytes both ex and in vivo within the CNS over time. Dendra2 protein is stable enough to survive tissue processing for immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry quantification. Simultaneous fluorescence imaging of Dendra2 and light scattering measurements can be used to assess the immune response to retinal damage. Chronic in vivo imaging reveals mixed populations of microglia and monocytes during retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric B Miller
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, 1544 Newton Court, Davis, CA, 95618, USA
| | - Sarah J Karlen
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Kaitryn E Ronning
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, 1544 Newton Court, Davis, CA, 95618, USA
| | - Marie E Burns
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, 1544 Newton Court, Davis, CA, 95618, USA. .,Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA. .,Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
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27
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Nouailles G, Wyler E, Pennitz P, Postmus D, Vladimirova D, Kazmierski J, Pott F, Dietert K, Muelleder M, Farztdinov V, Obermayer B, Wienhold SM, Andreotti S, Hoefler T, Sawitzki B, Drosten C, Sander LE, Suttorp N, Ralser M, Beule D, Gruber AD, Goffinet C, Landthaler M, Trimpert J, Witzenrath M. Temporal omics analysis in Syrian hamsters unravel cellular effector responses to moderate COVID-19. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4869. [PMID: 34381043 PMCID: PMC8357947 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25030-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In COVID-19, immune responses are key in determining disease severity. However, cellular mechanisms at the onset of inflammatory lung injury in SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly involving endothelial cells, remain ill-defined. Using Syrian hamsters as a model for moderate COVID-19, we conduct a detailed longitudinal analysis of systemic and pulmonary cellular responses, and corroborate it with datasets from COVID-19 patients. Monocyte-derived macrophages in lungs exert the earliest and strongest transcriptional response to infection, including induction of pro-inflammatory genes, while epithelial cells show weak alterations. Without evidence for productive infection, endothelial cells react, depending on cell subtypes, by strong and early expression of anti-viral, pro-inflammatory, and T cell recruiting genes. Recruitment of cytotoxic T cells as well as emergence of IgM antibodies precede viral clearance at day 5 post infection. Investigating SARS-CoV-2 infected Syrian hamsters thus identifies cell type-specific effector functions, providing detailed insights into pathomechanisms of COVID-19 and informing therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geraldine Nouailles
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Division of Pulmonary Inflammation, Berlin, Germany.
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany.
| | - Emanuel Wyler
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology (BIMSB), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany.
| | - Peter Pennitz
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Division of Pulmonary Inflammation, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dylan Postmus
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Julia Kazmierski
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fabian Pott
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristina Dietert
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Muelleder
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Core Facility - High-Throughput Mass Spectrometry, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vadim Farztdinov
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Core Facility - High-Throughput Mass Spectrometry, Berlin, Germany
| | - Benedikt Obermayer
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Core Unit Bioinformatics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sandra-Maria Wienhold
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Division of Pulmonary Inflammation, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sandro Andreotti
- Bioinformatics Solution Center, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Hoefler
- Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Birgit Sawitzki
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Drosten
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Leif E Sander
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Norbert Suttorp
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Ralser
- The Francis Crick Institute, Molecular Biology of Metabolism Laboratory, London, UK
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Biochemistry, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dieter Beule
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Core Unit Bioinformatics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Achim D Gruber
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine Goffinet
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Landthaler
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology (BIMSB), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- IRI Life Sciences, Institute for Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jakob Trimpert
- Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Martin Witzenrath
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Division of Pulmonary Inflammation, Berlin, Germany.
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Berlin, Germany.
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Berlin, Germany.
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28
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Technological advancements to study cellular signaling pathways in inherited retinal degenerative diseases. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2021; 60:102-110. [PMID: 34388439 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Inherited retinal degenerative diseases (IRDs) are rare neurodegenerative disorders with mutations in hundreds of genes leading to vision loss, primarily owing to photoreceptor cell death. This genetic diversity is impeding development of effective treatment options. Gene-based therapies have resulted in the first FDA-approved drug (Luxturna) for RPE65-specific IRD. Although currently explored in clinical trials, genomic medicines are mutation-dependent, hence suitable only for patients harboring a specific mutation. Better understanding of the pathways leading to photoreceptor degeneration may help to determine common targets and develop mutation-independent therapies for larger groups of patients with IRDs. In this review, we discuss the key pathways involved in photoreceptor cell death studied by transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics techniques to identify potential therapeutic targets in IRDs.
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29
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Proinflammatory Pathways Are Activated in the Human Q344X Rhodopsin Knock-In Mouse Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11081163. [PMID: 34439829 PMCID: PMC8393353 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081163] [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: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a hereditary disease of the retina that results in complete blindness. Currently, there are very few treatments for the disease and those that exist work only for the recessively inherited forms. To better understand the pathogenesis of RP, multiple mouse models have been generated bearing mutations found in human patients including the human Q344X rhodopsin knock-in mouse. In recent years, the immune system was shown to play an increasingly important role in RP degeneration. By way of electroretinography, optical coherence tomography, funduscopy, fluorescein angiography, and fluorescent immunohistochemistry, we show degenerative and vascular phenotypes, microglial activation, photoreceptor phagocytosis, and upregulation of proinflammatory pathway proteins in the retinas of the human Q344X rhodopsin knock-in mouse. We also show that an FDA-approved pharmacological agent indicated for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is able to halt activation of pro-inflammatory signaling in cultured retinal cells, setting the stage for pre-clinical trials using these mice to inhibit proinflammatory signaling in an attempt to preserve vision. We conclude from this work that pro- and autoinflammatory upregulation likely act to enhance the progression of the degenerative phenotype of rhodopsin Q344X-mediated RP and that inhibition of these pathways may lead to longer-lasting vision in not only the Q344X rhodopsin knock-in mice, but humans as well.
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Fague L, Liu YA, Marsh-Armstrong N. The basic science of optic nerve regeneration. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1276. [PMID: 34532413 PMCID: PMC8421956 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-5351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Diverse insults to the optic nerve result in partial to total vision loss as the axons of retinal ganglion cells are destroyed. In glaucoma, axons are injured at the optic nerve head; in other optic neuropathies, axons can be damaged along the entire visual pathway. In all cases, as mammals cannot regenerate injured central nervous system cells, once the axons are lost, vision loss is irreversible. However, much has been learned about how retinal ganglion cells respond to axon injuries, and many of these crucial discoveries offer hope for future regenerative therapies. Here we review the current understanding regarding the temporal progression of axonal degeneration. We summarize known survival and regenerative mechanisms in mammals, including specific signaling pathways, key transcription factors, and reprogramming genes. We cover mechanisms intrinsic to retinal ganglion cells as well as their interactions with myeloid and glial cell populations in the retina and optic nerve that affect survival and regeneration. Finally, we highlight some non-mammalian species that are able to regenerate their retinal ganglion cell axons after injury, as understanding these successful regenerative responses may be essential to the rational design of future clinical interventions to regrow the optic nerve. In the end, a combination of many different molecular and cellular interventions will likely be the only way to achieve functional recovery of vision and restore quality of life to millions of patients around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Fague
- UC Davis Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Yin Allison Liu
- UC Davis Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas Marsh-Armstrong
- UC Davis Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
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Rojo Arias JE, Jászai J. Gene expression profile of the murine ischemic retina and its response to Aflibercept (VEGF-Trap). Sci Rep 2021; 11:15313. [PMID: 34321516 PMCID: PMC8319207 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94500-1] [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: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemic retinal dystrophies are leading causes of acquired vision loss. Although the dysregulated expression of the hypoxia-responsive VEGF-A is a major driver of ischemic retinopathies, implication of additional VEGF-family members in their pathogenesis has led to the development of multivalent anti-angiogenic tools. Designed as a decoy receptor for all ligands of VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, Aflibercept is a potent anti-angiogenic agent. Notwithstanding, the molecular mechanisms mediating Aflibercept's efficacy remain only partially understood. Here, we used the oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mouse as a model system of pathological retinal vascularization to investigate the transcriptional response of the murine retina to hypoxia and of the OIR retina to Aflibercept. While OIR severely impaired transcriptional changes normally ensuing during retinal development, analysis of gene expression patterns hinted at alterations in leukocyte recruitment during the recovery phase of the OIR protocol. Moreover, the levels of Angiopoietin-2, a major player in the progression of diabetic retinopathy, were elevated in OIR tissues and consistently downregulated by Aflibercept. Notably, GO term, KEGG pathway enrichment, and expression dynamics analyses revealed that, beyond regulating angiogenic processes, Aflibercept also modulated inflammation and supported synaptic transmission. Altogether, our findings delineate novel mechanisms potentially underlying Aflibercept's efficacy against ischemic retinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Eduardo Rojo Arias
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Saxony, Germany ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Present Address: Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - József Jászai
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Saxony, Germany
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Inhibition of Epigenetic Modifiers LSD1 and HDAC1 Blocks Rod Photoreceptor Death in Mouse Models of Retinitis Pigmentosa. J Neurosci 2021; 41:6775-6792. [PMID: 34193554 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3102-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifiers are increasingly being investigated as potential therapeutics to modify and overcome disease phenotypes. Diseases of the nervous system present a particular problem as neurons are postmitotic and demonstrate relatively stable gene expression patterns and chromatin organization. We have explored the ability of epigenetic modifiers to prevent degeneration of rod photoreceptors in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), using rd10 mice of both sexes. The histone modification eraser enzymes lysine demethylase 1 (LSD1) and histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) are known to have dramatic effects on the development of rod photoreceptors. In the RP mouse model, inhibitors of these enzymes blocked rod degeneration, preserved vision, and affected the expression of multiple genes including maintenance of rod-specific transcripts and downregulation of those involved in inflammation, gliosis, and cell death. The neuroprotective activity of LSD1 inhibitors includes two pathways. First, through targeting histone modifications, they increase accessibility of chromatin and upregulate neuroprotective genes, such as from the Wnt pathway. We propose that this process is going in rod photoreceptors. Second, through nonhistone targets, they inhibit transcription of inflammatory genes and inflammation. This process is going in microglia, and lack of inflammation keeps rod photoreceptors alive.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Retinal degenerations are a leading cause of vision loss. RP is genetically very heterogeneous, and the multiple pathways leading to cell death are one reason for the slow progress in identifying suitable treatments for patients. Here we demonstrate that inhibition of LSD1and HDAC1 in a mouse model of RP leads to preservation of rod photoreceptors and visual function, retaining of expression of rod-specific genes, and with decreased inflammation, cell death, and Müller cell gliosis. We propose that these epigenetic inhibitors cause more open and accessible chromatin, allowing expression of neuroprotective genes. A second mechanism that allows rod photoreceptor survival is suppression of inflammation by epigenetic inhibitors in microglia. Manipulation of epigenetic modifiers is a new strategy to fight neurodegeneration in RP.
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Terauchi R, Kohno H, Watanabe S, Saito S, Watanabe A, Nakano T. Minocycline decreases CCR2-positive monocytes in the retina and ameliorates photoreceptor degeneration in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0239108. [PMID: 33886548 PMCID: PMC8062037 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal inflammation accelerates photoreceptor cell death caused by retinal degeneration. Minocycline, a semisynthetic broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic, has been previously reported to rescue photoreceptor cell death in retinal degeneration. We examined the effect of minocycline on retinal photoreceptor degeneration using c-mer proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase (Mertk)−/−Cx3cr1GFP/+Ccr2RFP/+ mice, which enabled the observation of CX3CR1-green fluorescent protein (GFP)- and CCR2-red fluorescent protein (RFP)-positive macrophages by fluorescence. Retinas of Mertk−/−Cx3cr1GFP/+Ccr2RFP/+ mice showed photoreceptor degeneration and accumulation of GFP- and RFP-positive macrophages in the outer retina and subretinal space at 6 weeks of age. Mertk−/−Cx3cr1GFP/+Ccr2RFP/+ mice were intraperitoneally administered minocycline. The number of CCR2-RFP positive cells significantly decreased after minocycline treatment. Furthermore, minocycline administration resulted in partial reversal of the thinning of the outer nuclear layer and decreased the number of apoptotic cells, as assessed by the TUNEL assay, in Mertk−/−Cx3cr1GFP/+Ccr2RFP/+ mice. In conclusion, we found that minocycline ameliorated photoreceptor cell death in an inherited photoreceptor degeneration model due to Mertk gene deficiency and has an inhibitory effect on CCR2 positive macrophages, which is likely to be a neuroprotective mechanism of minocycline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Terauchi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideo Kohno
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Sumiko Watanabe
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Saburo Saito
- Department of Molecular Immunology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Watanabe
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tadashi Nakano
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Attilio PJ, Snapper DM, Rusnak M, Isaac A, Soltis AR, Wilkerson MD, Dalgard CL, Symes AJ. Transcriptomic Analysis of Mouse Brain After Traumatic Brain Injury Reveals That the Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Candesartan Acts Through Novel Pathways. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:636259. [PMID: 33828448 PMCID: PMC8019829 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.636259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in complex pathological reactions, where the initial lesion is followed by secondary inflammation and edema. Our laboratory and others have reported that angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) have efficacy in improving recovery from traumatic brain injury in mice. Treatment of mice with a subhypotensive dose of the ARB candesartan results in improved functional recovery, and reduced pathology (lesion volume, inflammation and gliosis). In order to gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms through which candesartan improves recovery after controlled cortical impact injury (CCI), we performed transcriptomic profiling on brain regions after injury and drug treatment. We examined RNA expression in the ipsilateral hippocampus, thalamus and hypothalamus at 3 or 29 days post injury (dpi) treated with either candesartan (0.1 mg/kg) or vehicle. RNA was isolated and analyzed by bulk mRNA-seq. Gene expression in injured and/or candesartan treated brain region was compared to that in sham vehicle treated mice in the same brain region to identify genes that were differentially expressed (DEGs) between groups. The most DEGs were expressed in the hippocampus at 3 dpi, and the number of DEGs reduced with distance and time from the lesion. Among pathways that were differentially expressed at 3 dpi after CCI, candesartan treatment altered genes involved in angiogenesis, interferon signaling, extracellular matrix regulation including integrins and chromosome maintenance and DNA replication. At 29 dpi, candesartan treatment reduced the expression of genes involved in the inflammatory response. Some changes in gene expression were confirmed in a separate cohort of animals by qPCR. Fewer DEGs were found in the thalamus, and only one in the hypothalamus at 3 dpi. Additionally, in the hippocampi of sham injured mice, 3 days of candesartan treatment led to the differential expression of 384 genes showing that candesartan in the absence of injury had a powerful impact on gene expression specifically in the hippocampus. Our results suggest that candesartan has broad actions in the brain after injury and affects different processes at acute and chronic times after injury. These data should assist in elucidating the beneficial effect of candesartan on recovery from TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Attilio
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Dustin M. Snapper
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Milan Rusnak
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Akira Isaac
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Anthony R. Soltis
- The American Genome Center, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Matthew D. Wilkerson
- The American Genome Center, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Clifton L. Dalgard
- The American Genome Center, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Aviva J. Symes
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Aggio-Bruce R, Chu-Tan JA, Wooff Y, Cioanca AV, Schumann U, Natoli R. Inhibition of microRNA-155 Protects Retinal Function Through Attenuation of Inflammation in Retinal Degeneration. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:835-854. [PMID: 33037565 PMCID: PMC7843561 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02158-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Although extensively investigated in inflammatory conditions, the role of pro-inflammatory microRNAs (miRNAs), miR-155 and miR-146a, has not been well-studied in retinal degenerative diseases. We therefore aimed to explore the role and regulation of these miRNA in the degenerating retina, with a focus on miR-155. C57BL/6J mice were subjected to photo-oxidative damage for up to 5 days to induce focal retinal degeneration. MiR-155 expression was quantified by qRT-PCR in whole retina, serum, and small-medium extracellular vesicles (s-mEVs), and a PrimeFlow™ assay was used to identify localisation of miR-155 in retinal cells. Constitutive miR-155 knockout (KO) mice and miR-155 and miR-146a inhibitors were utilised to determine the role of these miRNA in the degenerating retina. Electroretinography was employed as a measure of retinal function, while histological quantification of TUNEL+ and IBA1+ positive cells was used to quantify photoreceptor cell death and infiltrating immune cells, respectively. Upregulation of miR-155 was detected in retinal tissue, serum and s-mEVs in response to photo-oxidative damage, localising to the nucleus of a subset of retinal ganglion cells and glial cells and in the cytoplasm of photoreceptors. Inhibition of miR-155 showed increased function from negative controls and a less pathological pattern of IBA1+ cell localisation and morphology at 5 days photo-oxidative damage. While neither dim-reared nor damaged miR-155 KO animals showed retinal histological difference from controls, following photo-oxidative damage, miR-155 KO mice showed increased a-wave relative to controls. We therefore consider miR-155 to be associated with the inflammatory response of the retina in response to photoreceptor-specific degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riemke Aggio-Bruce
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Garran Road, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
- The Australian National University Medical School, Mills Road, Australian Capital Territory, Acton, 2601 Australia
| | - Joshua A. Chu-Tan
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Garran Road, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
- The Australian National University Medical School, Mills Road, Australian Capital Territory, Acton, 2601 Australia
| | - Yvette Wooff
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Garran Road, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
- The Australian National University Medical School, Mills Road, Australian Capital Territory, Acton, 2601 Australia
| | - Adrian V. Cioanca
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Garran Road, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
| | - Ulrike Schumann
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Garran Road, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
| | - Riccardo Natoli
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Garran Road, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
- The Australian National University Medical School, Mills Road, Australian Capital Territory, Acton, 2601 Australia
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Tribble JR, Kokkali E, Otmani A, Plastino F, Lardner E, Vohra R, Kolko M, André H, Morgan JE, Williams PA. When Is a Control Not a Control? Reactive Microglia Occur Throughout the Control Contralateral Pathway of Retinal Ganglion Cell Projections in Experimental Glaucoma. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:22. [PMID: 33510961 PMCID: PMC7804521 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.1.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Animal models show retinal ganglion cell (RGC) injuries that replicate features of glaucoma and the contralateral eye is commonly used as an internal control. There is significant crossover of RGC axons from the ipsilateral to the contralateral side at the level of the optic chiasm, which may confound findings when damage is restricted to one eye. The effect of unilateral glaucoma on neuroinflammatory damage to the contralateral pathway of RGC projections has largely been unexplored. Methods Ocular hypertensive glaucoma was induced unilaterally or bilaterally in the rat and RGC neurodegenerative events were assessed. Neuroinflammation was quantified in the retina, optic nerve head, optic nerve, lateral geniculate nucleus, and superior colliculus by high-resolution imaging, and in the retina by flow cytometry and protein arrays. Results After ocular hypertensive stress, peripheral monocytes enter the retina and microglia become reactive. This effect is more marked in animals with bilateral ocular hypertensive glaucoma. In rats where glaucoma was induced unilaterally, there was significant microglia activation in the contralateral (control) eye. Microglial activation extended into the optic nerve and terminal visual thalami, where it was similar across hemispheres in unilateral ocular hypertension. Conclusions These data suggest that caution is warranted when using the contralateral eye as a control and in comparing visual thalami in unilateral models of glaucoma. Translational Relevance The use of a contralateral eye as a control may confound the discovery of human-relevant mechanism and treatments in animal models. We also identify neuroinflammatory protein responses that warrant further investigation as potential disease-modifiable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R. Tribble
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eirini Kokkali
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Amin Otmani
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Flavia Plastino
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emma Lardner
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rupali Vohra
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pathobiological Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Miriam Kolko
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Helder André
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - James E. Morgan
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Pete A. Williams
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Kutsyr O, Sánchez-Sáez X, Martínez-Gil N, de Juan E, Lax P, Maneu V, Cuenca N. Gradual Increase in Environmental Light Intensity Induces Oxidative Stress and Inflammation and Accelerates Retinal Neurodegeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:1. [PMID: 32744596 PMCID: PMC7441298 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.10.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a blinding neurodegenerative disease of the retina that can be affected by many factors. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of different environmental light intensities in rd10 mice retina. Methods C57BL/6J and rd10 mice were bred and housed under three different environmental light intensities: scotopic (5 lux), mesopic (50 lux), and photopic (300 lux). Visual function was studied using electroretinography and optomotor testing. The structural and morphological integrity of the retinas was evaluated by optical coherence tomography imaging and immunohistochemistry. Additionally, inflammatory processes and oxidative stress markers were analyzed by flow cytometry and western blotting. Results When the environmental light intensity was higher, retinal function decreased in rd10 mice and was accompanied by light-dependent photoreceptor loss, followed by morphological alterations, and synaptic connectivity loss. Moreover, light-dependent retinal degeneration was accompanied by an increased number of inflammatory cells, which became more activated and phagocytic, and by an exacerbated reactive gliosis. Furthermore, light-dependent increment in oxidative stress markers in rd10 mice retina pointed to a possible mechanism for light-induced photoreceptor degeneration. Conclusions An increase in rd10 mice housing light intensity accelerates retinal degeneration, activating cell death, oxidative stress pathways, and inflammatory cells. Lighting intensity is a key factor in the progression of retinal degeneration, and standardized lighting conditions are advisable for proper analysis and interpretation of experimental results from RP animal models, and specifically from rd10 mice. Also, it can be hypothesized that light protection could be an option to slow down retinal degeneration in some cases of RP.
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Single-cell RNA sequencing in vision research: Insights into human retinal health and disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 83:100934. [PMID: 33383180 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Gene expression provides valuable insight into cell function. As such, vision researchers have frequently employed gene expression studies to better understand retinal physiology and disease. With the advent of single-cell RNA sequencing, expression experiments provide an unparalleled resolution of information. Instead of studying aggregated gene expression across all cells in a heterogenous tissue, single-cell technology maps RNA to an individual cell, which facilitates grouping of retinal and choroidal cell types for further study. Single-cell RNA sequencing has been quickly adopted by both basic and translational vision researchers, and single-cell level gene expression has been studied in the visual systems of animal models, retinal organoids, and primary human retina, RPE, and choroid. These experiments have generated detailed atlases of gene expression and identified new retinal cell types. Likewise, single-cell RNA sequencing investigations have characterized how gene expression changes in the setting of many retinal diseases, including how choroidal endothelial cells are altered in age-related macular degeneration. In addition, this technology has allowed vision researchers to discover drivers of retinal development and model rare retinal diseases with induced pluripotent stem cells. In this review, we will overview the growing number of single-cell RNA sequencing studies in the field of vision research. We will summarize experimental considerations for designing single-cell RNA sequencing experiments and highlight important advancements in retinal, RPE, choroidal, and retinal organoid biology driven by this technology. Finally, we generalize these findings to genes involved in retinal degeneration and outline the future of single-cell expression experiments in studying retinal disease.
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Vijayasarathy C, Zeng Y, Brooks MJ, Fariss RN, Sieving PA. Genetic Rescue of X-Linked Retinoschisis Mouse ( Rs1-/y) Retina Induces Quiescence of the Retinal Microglial Inflammatory State Following AAV8- RS1 Gene Transfer and Identifies Gene Networks Underlying Retinal Recovery. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 32:667-681. [PMID: 33019822 PMCID: PMC8312029 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To understand RS1 gene interaction networks in the X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) mouse retina (Rs1-/y), we analyzed the transcriptome by RNA sequencing before and after in vivo expression of exogenous retinoschisin (RS1) gene delivered by AAV8. RS1 is a secreted cell adhesion protein that is critical for maintaining structural lamination and synaptic integrity of the neural retina. RS1 loss-of-function mutations cause XLRS disease in young boys and men, with splitting ("schisis") of retinal layers and synaptic dysfunction that cause progressive vision loss with age. Analysis of differential gene expression profiles and pathway enrichment analysis of Rs1-KO (Rs1-/y) retina identified cell surface receptor signaling and positive regulation of cell adhesion as potential RS1 gene interaction networks. Most importantly, it also showed massive dysregulation of immune response genes at early age, with characteristics of a microglia-driven proinflammatory state. Delivery of AAV8-RS1 primed the Rs1-KO retina toward structural and functional recovery. The disease transcriptome transitioned toward a recovery phase with upregulation of genes implicated in wound healing, anatomical structure (camera type eye) development, metabolic pathways, and collagen IV networks that provide mechanical stability to basement membrane. AAV8-RS1 expression also attenuated the microglia gene signatures to low levels toward immune quiescence. This study is among the first to identify RS1 gene interaction networks that underlie retinal structural and functional recovery after RS1 gene therapy. Significantly, it also shows that providing wild-type RS1 gene function caused the retina immune status to transition from a degenerative inflammatory phenotype toward immune quiescence, even though the transgene is not directly linked to microglia function. This study indicates that inhibition of microglial proinflammatory responses is an integral part of therapeutic rescue in XLRS gene therapy, and gene therapy might realize its full potential if delivered before microglia activation and photoreceptor cell death. Clinical Trials. gov Identifier NTC 02317887.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yong Zeng
- Section for Translational Research in Retinal and Macular Degeneration
| | | | - Robert N Fariss
- Biological Imaging Core, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Paul A Sieving
- Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Ocular Regenerative Therapy, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
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Tang Y, Xiao Z, Pan L, Zhuang D, Cho KS, Robert K, Chen X, Shu L, Tang G, Wu J, Sun X, Chen DF. Therapeutic Targeting of Retinal Immune Microenvironment With CSF-1 Receptor Antibody Promotes Visual Function Recovery After Ischemic Optic Neuropathy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:585918. [PMID: 33281816 PMCID: PMC7691249 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.585918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal ischemia/reperfusion injury (RI) is a common cause of irreversible visual impairment and blindness in elderly and critical unmet medical need. While no effective treatment is available for RI, microglial activation and local immune responses in the retina are thought to play important roles in the pathophysiology of neurodegeneration. While survival and activation of microglia depend critically on colony-stimulating factor receptor (CSF-1R) signaling, it remains unclear if targeting the retinal immune microenvironments by CSF-1RAb after RI is sufficient to rescue vision and present a potentially effective therapy. Here we used rodent models of RI and showed that retinal ischemia induced by acute elevation of intraocular pressure triggered an early activation of microglia and macrophages in the retina within 12 h. This was followed by lymphocyte infiltration and increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Intravitreal injection of CSF-1R neutralizing antibody (CSF-1RAb) after RI significantly blocked microglial activation and the subsequent T cell recruitment. This also led to improved retinal ganglion cell survival and function measured by cell quantification and electroretinogram positive scotopic threshold responses, as well as increased visual acuity and contrast sensitivity as assessed by optomotor reflex-based assays, when compared to the isotype-treated control group. Moreover, the administration of CSF-1RAb efficiently attenuated inflammatory responses and activation of human microglia in culture, suggesting a therapeutic target with human relevance. These results, together with the existing clinical safety profiles, support that CSF-1RAb may present a promising therapeutic avenue for RI, a currently untreatable condition, by targeting microglia and the immune microenvironment in the retina to facilitate neural survival and visual function recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhen Tang
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zebin Xiao
- Department of Radiology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Pan
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Dongli Zhuang
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kin-Sang Cho
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kyle Robert
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Xiaoxiao Chen
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lian Shu
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangxian Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, 1st Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jihong Wu
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinghuai Sun
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong F. Chen
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Yang KY, Ku M, Lui KO. Single-cell transcriptomics uncover distinct innate and adaptive cell subsets during tissue homeostasis and regeneration. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 108:1593-1602. [PMID: 33070367 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.6mr0720-131r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, immune cell-mediated tissue repair and regeneration has been an emerging paradigm of regenerative medicine. Immune cells form an essential part of the wound as induction of inflammation is a necessary step to elicit tissue healing. Rapid progress in transcriptomic analyses by high-throughput next-generation sequencing has been developed to study gene regulatory network and establish molecular signatures of immune cells that could potentially predict their functional roles in tissue repair and regeneration. However, the identification of cellular heterogeneity especially on the rare cell subsets has been limited in transcriptomic analyses of bulk cell populations. Therefore, genome-wide, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) has offered an unprecedented approach to unravel cellular diversity and to study novel immune cell populations involved in tissue repair and regeneration through unsupervised sampling of individual cells without the need to rely on prior knowledge about cell-specific markers. The analysis of gene expression patterns at a single-cell resolution also holds promises to uncover the mechanisms and therefore the development of therapeutic strategy promoting immunoregenerative medicine. In this review, we will discuss how scRNA-Seq facilitates the characterization of immune cells, including macrophages, innate lymphoid cells and T and B lymphocytes, discovery of immune cell heterogeneity, identification of novel subsets, and tracking of developmental trajectories of distinct immune cells during tissue homeostasis, repair, and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Y Yang
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Manching Ku
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kathy O Lui
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Sectoral activation of glia in an inducible mouse model of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16967. [PMID: 33046772 PMCID: PMC7552392 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73749-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of blinding disorders caused by diverse mutations, including in rhodopsin (RHO). Effective therapies have yet to be discovered. The I307N Rho mouse is a light-inducible model of autosomal dominant RP. Our purpose was to describe the glial response in this mouse model to educate future experimentation. I307N Rho mice were exposed to 20,000 lx of light for thirty minutes to induce retinal degeneration. Immunofluorescence staining of cross-sections and flat-mounts was performed to visualize the response of microglia and Müller glia. Histology was correlated with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging (SD-OCT). Microglia dendrites extended between photoreceptors within two hours of induction, withdrew their dendrites between twelve hours and one day, appeared ameboid by three days, and assumed a ramified morphology by one month. Glial activation was more robust in the inferior retina and modulated across the boundary of light damage. SD-OCT hyper-reflectivity overlapped with activated microglia. Finally, microglia transiently adhered to the RPE before which RPE cells appeared dysmorphic. Our data demonstrate the spatial and temporal pattern of glial activation in the I307N Rho mouse, and correlate these patterns with SD-OCT images, assisting in interpretation of SD-OCT images in preclinical models and in human RP.
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Fadl BR, Brodie SA, Malasky M, Boland JF, Kelly MC, Kelley MW, Boger E, Fariss R, Swaroop A, Campello L. An optimized protocol for retina single-cell RNA sequencing. Mol Vis 2020; 26:705-717. [PMID: 33088174 PMCID: PMC7553720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is a powerful technique used to explore gene expression at the single cell level. However, appropriate preparation of samples is essential to obtain the most information out of this transformative technology. Generating high-quality single-cell suspensions from the retina is critical to preserve the native expression profile that will ensure meaningful transcriptome data analysis. Methods We modified the conditions for rapid and optimal dissociation of retina sample preparation. We also included additional filtering steps in data analysis for retinal scRNA-seq. Results We report a gentle method for dissociation of the mouse retina that minimizes cell death and preserves cell morphology. This protocol also results in detection of higher transcriptional complexity. In addition, the modified computational pipeline leads to better-quality single-cell RNA-sequencing data in retina samples. We also demonstrate the advantages and limitations of using fresh versus frozen retinas to prepare cell or nuclei suspensions for scRNA-seq. Conclusions We provide a simple yet robust and reproducible protocol for retinal scRNA-seq analysis, especially for comparative studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin R. Fadl
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Seth A. Brodie
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health & NCI-Frederick, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick, MD
| | - Michael Malasky
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health & NCI-Frederick, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick, MD
| | - Joseph F. Boland
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health & NCI-Frederick, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick, MD
| | - Michael C. Kelly
- Single Cell Analysis Facility, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory, Bethesda, MD
| | - Matthew W. Kelley
- Laboratory of Cochlear Development, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Erich Boger
- Genomics and Computational Biology Core, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Robert Fariss
- Biological Imaging Core, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Laura Campello
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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Van Hove I, De Groef L, Boeckx B, Modave E, Hu TT, Beets K, Etienne I, Van Bergen T, Lambrechts D, Moons L, Feyen JHM, Porcu M. Single-cell transcriptome analysis of the Akimba mouse retina reveals cell-type-specific insights into the pathobiology of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetologia 2020; 63:2235-2248. [PMID: 32734440 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-020-05218-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes and a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness. Despite recent advances, our understanding of its pathophysiology remains incomplete. The aim of this study was to provide deeper insight into the complex network of molecular and cellular changes that underlie diabetic retinopathy by systematically mapping the transcriptional changes that occur in the different cellular compartments of the degenerating diabetic mouse retina. METHODS Single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on retinal tissue from 12-week-old wild-type and Akimba (Ins2Akita×Vegfa+/-) mice, which are known to replicate features of clinical diabetic retinopathy. This resulted in transcriptome data for 9474 retinal cells, which could be annotated to eight distinct retinal cell types. Using STRING analysis, we studied differentially expressed gene networks in neuronal, glial and immune cell compartments to create a comprehensive view on the pathological changes that occur in the Akimba retina. Using subclustering analysis, we further characterised macroglial and inflammatory cell subpopulations. Prominent findings were confirmed at the protein level using immunohistochemistry, western blotting and ELISA. RESULTS At 12 weeks, the Akimba retina was found to display degeneration of rod photoreceptors and presence of inflammatory cells, identified by subclustering analysis as monocyte, macrophage and microglial populations. Analysis of differentially expressed genes in the rod, cone, bipolar cell and macroglial compartments indicated changes in cell metabolism and ribosomal gene expression, gliosis, activation of immune system pathways and redox and metal ion dyshomeostasis. Experiments at the protein level supported a metabolic shift from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation (glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase), activation of microglia/macrophages (isolectin-B4), metal ion and oxidative stress response (metallothionein and haem oxygenase-1) and reactive macroglia (glial fibrillary acidic protein and S100) in the Akimba retina, compared with wild-type mice. Our single-cell approach also indicates macroglial subpopulations with distinct fibrotic, inflammatory and gliotic profiles. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Our study identifies molecular pathways underlying inflammatory, metabolic and oxidative stress-mediated changes in the Akimba mouse model of diabetic retinopathy and distinguishes distinct functional subtypes of inflammatory and macroglial cells. DATA AVAILABILITY RNA-seq data have been deposited in the ArrayExpress database at EMBL-EBI ( www.ebi.ac.uk/arrayexpress ) under accession number E-MTAB-9061. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge Van Hove
- Oxurion NV, Gaston Geenslaan 1, B-3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lies De Groef
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 61, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bram Boeckx
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elodie Modave
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Karen Beets
- Oxurion NV, Gaston Geenslaan 1, B-3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | - Diether Lambrechts
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieve Moons
- Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration Research Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 61, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Michaël Porcu
- Oxurion NV, Gaston Geenslaan 1, B-3001, Leuven, Belgium.
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45
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Provenzano F, Pérez MJ, Deleidi M. Redefining Microglial Identity in Health and Disease at Single-Cell Resolution. Trends Mol Med 2020; 27:47-59. [PMID: 33008729 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Microglia have long been considered a homogenous cell population that uniformly responds to extrinsic factors. Here, we describe how the recent development of single-cell technologies has revealed the heterogeneity of both human and mouse microglia and identified distinct microglial states linked to specific developmental, aging, and disease stages. We discuss progress and future developments in data analysis, essential tools for the comprehension of big data derived from single-cell omics, and the necessity of integrating such data with functional studies to correlate genetic cues with the relevant biological functions of microglia. Defining the functional correlates of distinct microglia states is fundamental to dissecting the 'microglial etiology' of aging and complex neurological diseases and identifying novel therapeutic and diagnostic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Provenzano
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany; Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - María José Pérez
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany; Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michela Deleidi
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany; Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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46
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Newton F, Megaw R. Mechanisms of Photoreceptor Death in Retinitis Pigmentosa. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11101120. [PMID: 32987769 PMCID: PMC7598671 DOI: 10.3390/genes11101120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common cause of inherited blindness and is characterised by the progressive loss of retinal photoreceptors. However, RP is a highly heterogeneous disease and, while much progress has been made in developing gene replacement and gene editing treatments for RP, it is also necessary to develop treatments that are applicable to all causative mutations. Further understanding of the mechanisms leading to photoreceptor death is essential for the development of these treatments. Recent work has therefore focused on the role of apoptotic and non-apoptotic cell death pathways in RP and the various mechanisms that trigger these pathways in degenerating photoreceptors. In particular, several recent studies have begun to elucidate the role of microglia and innate immune response in the progression of RP. Here, we discuss some of the recent progress in understanding mechanisms of rod and cone photoreceptor death in RP and summarise recent clinical trials targeting these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fay Newton
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, University of Edinburgh, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK;
- Correspondence:
| | - Roly Megaw
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, University of Edinburgh, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK;
- Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh EH3 9HA, UK
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47
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Karlen SJ, Miller EB, Burns ME. Microglia Activation and Inflammation During the Death of Mammalian Photoreceptors. Annu Rev Vis Sci 2020; 6:149-169. [PMID: 32936734 PMCID: PMC10135402 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-vision-121219-081730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Photoreceptors are highly specialized sensory neurons with unique metabolic and physiological requirements. These requirements are partially met by Müller glia and cells of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which provide essential metabolites, phagocytose waste, and control the composition of the surrounding microenvironment. A third vital supporting cell type, the retinal microglia, can provide photoreceptors with neurotrophic support or exacerbate neuroinflammation and hasten neuronal cell death. Understanding the physiological requirements for photoreceptor homeostasis and the factors that drive microglia to best promote photoreceptor survival has important implications for the treatment and prevention of blinding degenerative diseases like retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J. Karlen
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Eric B. Miller
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Marie E. Burns
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
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48
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Pereiro X, Miltner AM, La Torre A, Vecino E. Effects of Adult Müller Cells and Their Conditioned Media on the Survival of Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Ganglion Cells. Cells 2020; 9:E1759. [PMID: 32708020 PMCID: PMC7465792 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal neurons, particularly retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), are susceptible to the degenerative damage caused by different inherited conditions and environmental insults, leading to irreversible vision loss and, ultimately, blindness. Numerous strategies are being tested in different models of degeneration to restore vision and, in recent years, stem cell technologies have offered novel avenues to obtain donor cells for replacement therapies. To date, stem cell-based transplantation in the retina has been attempted as treatment for photoreceptor degeneration, but the same tools could potentially be applied to other retinal cell types, including RGCs. However, RGC-like cells are not an abundant cell type in stem cell-derived cultures and, often, these cells degenerate over time in vitro. To overcome this limitation, we have taken advantage of the neuroprotective properties of Müller glia (one of the main glial cell types in the retina) and we have examined whether Müller glia and the factors they secrete could promote RGC-like cell survival in organoid cultures. Accordingly, stem cell-derived RGC-like cells were co-cultured with adult Müller cells or Müller cell-conditioned media was added to the cultures. Remarkably, RGC-like cell survival was substantially enhanced in both culture conditions, and we also observed a significant increase in their neurite length. Interestingly, Atoh7, a transcription factor required for RGC development, was up-regulated in stem cell-derived organoids exposed to conditioned media, suggesting that Müller cells may also enhance the survival of retinal progenitors and/or postmitotic precursor cells. In conclusion, Müller cells and the factors they release promote organoid-derived RGC-like cell survival, neuritogenesis, and possibly neuronal maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xandra Pereiro
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, 48940 Vizcaya, Spain;
| | - Adam M. Miltner
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (A.M.M.); (A.L.T.)
| | - Anna La Torre
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (A.M.M.); (A.L.T.)
| | - Elena Vecino
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, 48940 Vizcaya, Spain;
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Yu C, Roubeix C, Sennlaub F, Saban DR. Microglia versus Monocytes: Distinct Roles in Degenerative Diseases of the Retina. Trends Neurosci 2020; 43:433-449. [PMID: 32459994 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2020.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Unlike in the healthy mammalian retina, macrophages in retinal degenerative states are not solely comprised of microglia but may include monocyte-derived recruits. Recent studies have applied transgenics, lineage-tracing, and transcriptomics to help decipher the distinct roles of these two cell types in the diseasesettings of inherited retinal degenerations and age-related macular degeneration.Literature discussed here focuses on the ectopic presence of both macrophage types in the extracellular site surrounding the outer aspect ofphotoreceptor cells (i.e.,the subretinal space), which is crucially involved in the pathobiology. From these studies we propose a working model in which perturbed photoreceptor states cause microglial dominant migration to the subretinal space as a protective response, whereas the abundant presence ofmonocyte-derived cells there instead drives and accelerates pathology. The latter, we propose, is underpinned by specific genetic and nongenetic determinants that lead to a maladaptive macrophage state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Christophe Roubeix
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Florian Sennlaub
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, F-75012 Paris, France.
| | - Daniel R Saban
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Immunology, Duke University,Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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50
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Cisneros E, di Marco F, Rueda-Carrasco J, Lillo C, Pereyra G, Martín-Bermejo MJ, Vargas A, Sanchez R, Sandonís Á, Esteve P, Bovolenta P. Sfrp1 deficiency makes retinal photoreceptors prone to degeneration. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5115. [PMID: 32198470 PMCID: PMC7083943 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61970-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from impaired vision, a condition with multiple origins that often impinge upon the light sensing cells of the retina, the photoreceptors, affecting their integrity. The molecular components contributing to this integrity are however not yet fully understood. Here we have asked whether Secreted Frizzled Related Protein 1 (SFRP1) may be one of such factors. SFRP1 has a context-dependent function as modulator of Wnt signalling or of the proteolytic activity of A Disintegrin And Metalloproteases (ADAM) 10, a main regulator of neural cell-cell communication. We report that in Sfrp1−/− mice, the outer limiting membrane (OLM) is discontinuous and the photoreceptors disorganized and more prone to light-induced damage. Sfrp1 loss significantly enhances the effect of the Rpe65Leu450Leu genetic variant -present in the mouse genetic background- which confers sensitivity to light-induced stress. These alterations worsen with age, affect visual function and are associated to an increased proteolysis of Protocadherin 21 (PCDH21), localized at the photoreceptor outer segment, and N-cadherin, an OLM component. We thus propose that SFRP1 contributes to photoreceptor fitness with a mechanism that involves the maintenance of OLM integrity. These conclusions are discussed in view of the broader implication of SFRP1 in neurodegeneration and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Cisneros
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Biología Celular y Patología, Universidad de Salamanca, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León and IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain.,Centro Universitario Internacional de Madrid (CUNIMAD), Dept. de Biología de Sistemas, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fabiana di Marco
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Concepción Lillo
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Patología, Universidad de Salamanca, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León and IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain
| | | | | | - Alba Vargas
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Sanchez
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - África Sandonís
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Esteve
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Paola Bovolenta
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.
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