1
|
Ding X, Li X, Fang R, Yue P, Jia Y, Li E, Hu Y, Zhou H, Song X. Targeting PYK2, entrectinib allays anterior subcapsular cataracts in mice by regulating TGFβ2 signaling pathway. Mol Med 2024; 30:163. [PMID: 39333897 PMCID: PMC11430177 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00921-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrosis cataract occurs in patients receiving cataract extraction. Still, no medication that can cure the disease exists in clinical. This study aims to investigate the effects and mechanisms of Entrectinib on fibrotic cataract in vitro and in vivo. METHODS The human lens cells line SRA 01/04 and C57BL/6J mice were applied in the study. Entrectinib was used in animals and cells. Cataract severity was assessed by slit lamp and Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. Expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, and collagen I were examined by real-time quantitative PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Cell proliferation was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8. Cell migration was measured by wound healing and transwell assays. Molecular docking, Drug Affinity Responsive Target Stability, and Cellular Thermal Shift Assay were applied to seek and certify the target of Entrectinib treating fibrosis cataract. RESULTS Entrectinib can ameliorate fibrotic cataract in vitro and in vivo. At the RNA and the protein levels, the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, collagen I, and fibronectin can be downgraded by Entrectinib, while E-cadherin can be upregulated. The migration and proliferation of cells were inhibited by Entrectinib. Mechanistically, Entrectinib obstructs TGFβ2/Smad and TGFβ2/non-Smad signaling pathways to hinder the fibrosis cataract by targeting PYK2 protein. CONCLUSIONS Targeting with PYK2, Entrectinib can block TGF-β2/Smad and TGF-β2/non-Smad signaling pathways, lessen the activation of EMT, and alleviate fibrosis cataract. Entrectinib may be a potential treatment for fibrosis cataract in clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuefei Ding
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
- Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xiaohe Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nan Kai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Rui Fang
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
- Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Peilin Yue
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
- Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yuxuan Jia
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
- Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Enjie Li
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
- Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yayue Hu
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nan Kai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Honggang Zhou
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nan Kai University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Xudong Song
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China.
- Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China.
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing, 100730, China.
- Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Lab, Beijing, 100730, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ding X, Yue P, Li X, Jia Y, Fang R, Li E, Wu X, Zhou H, Song X. Evaluation of nintedanib efficacy: Attenuating the lens fibrosis in vitro and vivo. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 136:112334. [PMID: 38815350 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112334] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Organ fibrosis is a huge challenge in clinic. There are no drugs for fibrotic cataracts treatments in clinic. Nintedanib is approved by the FDA for pulmonary fibrosis treatments. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of nintedanib on fibrotic cataracts. METHODS Drug efficacy was validated through TGFβ2-induced cell models and injury-induced anterior subcapsular cataract (ASC) mice. A slit lamp and the eosin staining technique were applied to access the degree of capsular fibrosis. The CCK-8 assay was used to evaluate the toxicity and anti-proliferation ability of the drug. The cell migration was determined by wound healing assay and transwell assay. The anti-epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and anti-fibrosis efficacy were evaluated by qRT-PCR, immunoblot, and immunofluorescence. The inhibition of nintedanib to signaling pathways was certified by immunoblot. RESULTS Nintedanib inhibited the migration and proliferation of TGFβ2-induced cell models. Nintedanib can also repress the EMT and fibrosis of the lens epithelial cells. The intracameral injection of nintedanib can also allay the anterior subcapsular opacification in ASC mice. The TGFβ2/ Smad and non-Smad signaling pathways can be blocked by nintedanib in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION Nintedanib alleviates fibrotic cataracts by suppressing the TGFβ2/ Smad and non-Smad signaling pathways. Nintedanib is a potential drug for lens fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuefei Ding
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing 100730, China; Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Peilin Yue
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing 100730, China; Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xiaohe Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nan Kai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuxuan Jia
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing 100730, China; Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Rui Fang
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing 100730, China; Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Enjie Li
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing 100730, China; Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xi Wu
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nan Kai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Honggang Zhou
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nan Kai University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Xudong Song
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing 100730, China; Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China; Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing 100730, China; Beijing Ophthalmology&Visual Sciences Key Lab, Beijing 100730, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ababneh H, Balogh E, Csiki DM, Lente G, Fenyvesi F, Tóth A, Jeney V. High glucose promotes osteogenic differentiation of human lens epithelial cells through hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) activation. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e31211. [PMID: 38304971 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31211] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Cataract, a leading cause of blindness, is characterised by lens opacification. Type 2 diabetes is associated with a two- to fivefold higher prevalence of cataracts. The risk of cataract formation increases with the duration of diabetes and the severity of hyperglycaemia. Hydroxyapatite deposition is present in cataractous lenses that could be the consequence of osteogenic differentiation and calcification of lens epithelial cells (LECs). We hypothesised that hyperglycaemia might promote the osteogenic differentiation of human LECs (HuLECs). Osteogenic medium (OM) containing excess phosphate and calcium with normal (1 g/L) or high (4.5 g/L) glucose was used to induce HuLEC calcification. High glucose accelerated and intensified OM-induced calcification of HuLECs, which was accompanied by hyperglycaemia-induced upregulation of the osteogenic markers Runx2, Sox9, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, as well as nuclear translocation of Runx2. High glucose-induced calcification was abolished in Runx2-deficient HuLECs. Additionally, high glucose stabilised the regulatory alpha subunits of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), triggered nuclear translocation of HIF-1α and increased the expression of HIF-1 target genes. Gene silencing of HIF-1α or HIF-2α attenuated hyperglycaemia-induced calcification of HuLECs, while hypoxia mimetics (desferrioxamine, CoCl2) enhanced calcification of HuLECs under normal glucose conditions. Overall, this study suggests that high glucose promotes HuLEC calcification via Runx2 and the activation of the HIF-1 signalling pathway. These findings may provide new insights into the pathogenesis of diabetic cataracts, shedding light on potential factors for intervention to treat this sight-threatening condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haneen Ababneh
- Research Centre for Molecular Medicine, MTA-DE Lendület Vascular Pathophysiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Molecular Cell and Immune Biology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Enikő Balogh
- Research Centre for Molecular Medicine, MTA-DE Lendület Vascular Pathophysiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Dávid Máté Csiki
- Research Centre for Molecular Medicine, MTA-DE Lendület Vascular Pathophysiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Molecular Cell and Immune Biology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gréta Lente
- Research Centre for Molecular Medicine, MTA-DE Lendület Vascular Pathophysiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Molecular Cell and Immune Biology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Fenyvesi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Andrea Tóth
- Research Centre for Molecular Medicine, MTA-DE Lendület Vascular Pathophysiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Viktória Jeney
- Research Centre for Molecular Medicine, MTA-DE Lendület Vascular Pathophysiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hou M, Luo F, Ding Y, Bao X, Chen X, Liu L, Wu M. Let-7c-3p suppresses lens epithelial-mesenchymal transition by inhibiting cadherin-11 expression in fibrotic cataract. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:743-759. [PMID: 37171723 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04758-4] [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: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Fibrotic cataract, including anterior subcapsular cataract (ASC) and posterior capsule opacification, always lead to visual impairment. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a well-known event that causes phenotypic alterations in lens epithelial cells (LECs) during lens fibrosis. Accumulating studies have demonstrated that microRNAs are important regulators of EMT and fibrosis. However, the evidence explaining how microRNAs modulate the behavior and alter the cellular phenotypes of the lens epithelium in fibrotic cataract is insufficient. In this study, we found that hsa-let-7c-3p is downregulated in LECs in human ASC in vivo as well as in TGFβ2-induced EMT in vitro, indicating that hsa-let-7c-3p may participate in modulating the profibrotic processes in the lens. We then demonstrated that overexpression of hsa-let-7c-3p markedly suppressed human LEC proliferation and migration and attenuated TGFβ2-induced EMT and injury-induced ASC in a mouse model. In addition, hsa-let-7c-3p mediated lens fibrosis by directly targeting the CDH11 gene, which encodes cadherin-11 protein, an important mediator in the EMT signaling pathway. It decreased cadherin-11 protein expression at the posttranscriptional level but not at the transcriptional level by binding to a specific site in the 3-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of CDH11 mRNA. Moreover, blockade of cadherin-11 expression with a specific short hairpin RNA reversed TGFβ2-induced EMT in LECs in vitro. Collectively, these data demonstrated that hsa-let-7c-3p plays a clear role in attenuating ASC development and may be a novel candidate therapeutic for halting fibrosis and maintaining vision.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Furong Luo
- Hainan Eye Hospital and Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Haikou, 570311, China
| | - Yujie Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Xuan Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Xiaoyun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Liangping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Mingxing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510623, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jiang F, Yang Y, Ni Y, Qin Y, Yuan F, Ju R, Wu M. Smurf1 Modulates Smad Signaling Pathway in Fibrotic Cataract Formation. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:18. [PMID: 38324299 PMCID: PMC10854413 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.2.18] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose TGF-β/BMP signaling pathway plays a significant role in fibrotic cataract. Smurf1, a ubiquitin protein ligase, regulates the TGF-β/BMP signaling pathway through the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). This study aims to investigate the role of Smurf1 in the progression of fibrotic cataract and its underlying mechanism. Methods We used a mouse model of injury-induced anterior subcapsular cataract (ASC) and administered the Smurf1 inhibitor A01 for in vivo investigations. RNA sequencing was performed to examine global gene expression changes. Protein levels were assessed by Simple Western analysis. The volume of subcapsular opacity was determined using whole-mount immunofluorescence of lens anterior capsules. Lentivirus was utilized to establish cell lines with Smurf1 knockdown or overexpression in SRA01/04. Lens epithelial cell (LEC) proliferation was evaluated by CCK8 and EdU assays. Cell cycle profile was determined by flow cytometry. LEC migration was measured using Transwell and wound healing assays. Results The mRNA levels of genes associated with cell proliferation, migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), TGF-β/BMP pathway, and UPS were upregulated in mouse ASC model. Smurf1 mRNA and protein levels were upregulated in lens capsules of patients and mice with ASC. Anterior chamber injection of A01 inhibited ASC formation and EMT. In vitro, Smurf1 knockdown reduced proliferation, migration and TGF-β2-induced EMT of LECs, concomitant with the upregulation of Smad1, Smad5, and pSmad1/5. Conversely, overexpression of Smurf1 showed opposite phenotypes. Conclusions Smurf1 regulates fibrotic cataract progression by influencing LEC proliferation, migration, and EMT through the modulation of the Smad signaling pathway, offering a novel target for the fibrotic cataract treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fanying Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanfan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingyan Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fa Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rong Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingxing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li Q, Wang Y, Shi L, Wang Q, Yang G, Deng L, Tian Y, Hua X, Yuan X. Arginase-1 promotes lens epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in different models of anterior subcapsular cataract. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:236. [PMID: 37723490 PMCID: PMC10506332 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01210-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arginase-1 (ARG1) promotes collagen synthesis and cell proliferation. ARG1 is highly expressed in various tumour cells. The mechanisms of ARG1 in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated cataracts were studied herein. METHODS C57BL/6 mice, a human lens epithelial cell line (HLEC-SRA01/04), and human lens capsule samples were used in this study. The right lens anterior capsule of the mouse eye was punctured through the central cornea with a 26-gauge hypodermic needle. Human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) were transfected with ARG1-targeted (siARG1) or negative control siRNA (siNC). For gene overexpression, HLECs were transfected with a plasmid bearing the ARG1 coding sequence or an empty vector. Medium containing 0.2% serum with or without transforming growth factor beta-2 (TGF-β2) was added for 6 or 24 h to detect mRNA or protein, respectively. The expression of related genes was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining. Transwell assays and wound healing assays were used to determine cell migration. Cell proliferation, superoxide levels, nitric oxide (NO) levels, and arginase activity were estimated using Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, a superoxide assay kit, an NO assay kit, and an arginase activity kit. RESULTS ARG1, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, and Ki67 expression increased after lens capsular injury, while zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) expression decreased. Fibronectin and collagen type I alpha1 chain (collagen 1A1) expression increased, and cell migration increased significantly in ARG1-overexpressing HLECs compared with those transfected with an empty vector after TGF-β2 treatment. These effects were reversed by ARG1 knockdown. The arginase-related pathway plays an important role in EMT. mRNAs of enzymes of the arginase-related pathway were highly expressed after ARG1 overexpression. ARG1 knockdown suppressed these expression changes. Numidargistat (CB-1158) dihydrochloride (CB-1158), an ARG1 inhibitor, suppressed TGF-β2-induced anterior subcapsular cataract (ASC) by reducing the proliferation of lens epithelial cells (LECs) and decreasing fibronectin, α-SMA, collagen 1A1, and vimentin expression. Compared with that in nonanterior subcapsular cataract (non-ASC) patients, the expression of ARG1, collagen 1A1, vimentin, fibronectin, and Ki67 was markedly increased in ASC patients. CONCLUSIONS ARG1 can regulate EMT in EMT-associated cataracts. Based on the pathogenesis of ASC, these findings are expected to provide new therapeutic strategies for patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingyu Li
- Department of Cataract, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuchuan Wang
- Department of Cataract, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Luoluo Shi
- Department of Cataract, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Heze Medical College, Heze, Shandong, China
| | - Guang Yang
- School of Microelectronics, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lin Deng
- Department of Cataract, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Ye Tian
- Department of Cataract, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Xia Hua
- Tianjin Aier Eye Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Xiaoyong Yuan
- Department of Cataract, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tsissios G, Theodoroudis-Rapp G, Chen W, Sallese A, Smucker B, Ernst L, Chen J, Xu Y, Ratvasky S, Wang H, Del Rio-Tsonis K. Characterizing the lens regeneration process in Pleurodeles waltl. Differentiation 2023; 132:15-23. [PMID: 37055300 PMCID: PMC10493237 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2023.02.003] [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: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aging and regeneration are heavily linked processes. While it is generally accepted that regenerative capacity declines with age, some vertebrates, such as newts, can bypass the deleterious effects of aging and successfully regenerate a lens throughout their lifetime. RESULTS Here, we used Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) to monitor the lens regeneration process of larvae, juvenile, and adult newts. While all three life stages were able to regenerate a lens through transdifferentiation of the dorsal iris pigment epithelial cells (iPECs), an age-related change in the kinetics of the regeneration process was observed. Consistent with these findings, iPECs from older animals exhibited a delay in cell cycle re-entry. Furthermore, it was observed that clearance of the extracellular matrix (ECM) was delayed in older organisms. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our results suggest that although lens regeneration capacity does not decline throughout the lifespan of newts, the intrinsic and extrinsic cellular changes associated with aging alter the kinetics of this process. By understanding how these changes affect lens regeneration in newts, we can gain important insights for restoring the age-related regeneration decline observed in most vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Tsissios
- Department of Biology Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA; Center for Visual Sciences at Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA; Cellular Molecular and Structural Biology Program, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | | | - Weihao Chen
- Center for Visual Sciences at Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA; Cellular Molecular and Structural Biology Program, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA; Department of Chemical, Paper and Biomedical Engineering, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Anthony Sallese
- Department of Biology Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA; Center for Visual Sciences at Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Byran Smucker
- Center for Visual Sciences at Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA; Department of Statistics, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Lake Ernst
- Department of Biology Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Junfan Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Yiqi Xu
- Department of Biology Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Sophia Ratvasky
- Department of Biology Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA; Center for Visual Sciences at Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA; Cellular Molecular and Structural Biology Program, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Hui Wang
- Center for Visual Sciences at Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA; Department of Chemical, Paper and Biomedical Engineering, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Katia Del Rio-Tsonis
- Department of Biology Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA; Center for Visual Sciences at Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA; Cellular Molecular and Structural Biology Program, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Liu Z, Huang S, Zheng Y, Zhou T, Hu L, Xiong L, Li DWC, Liu Y. The lens epithelium as a major determinant in the development, maintenance, and regeneration of the crystalline lens. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 92:101112. [PMID: 36055924 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The crystalline lens is a transparent and refractive biconvex structure formed by lens epithelial cells (LECs) and lens fibers. Lens opacity, also known as cataracts, is the leading cause of blindness in the world. LECs are the principal cells of lens throughout human life, exhibiting different physiological properties and functions. During the embryonic stage, LECs proliferate and differentiate into lens fibers, which form the crystalline lens. Genetics and environment are vital factors that influence normal lens development. During maturation, LECs help maintain lens homeostasis through material transport, synthesis and metabolism as well as mitosis and proliferation. If disturbed, this will result in loss of lens transparency. After cataract surgery, the repair potential of LECs is activated and the structure and transparency of the regenerative tissue depends on postoperative microenvironment. This review summarizes recent research advances on the role of LECs in lens development, homeostasis, and regeneration, with a particular focus on the role of cholesterol synthesis (eg., lanosterol synthase) in lens development and homeostasis maintenance, and how the regenerative potential of LECs can be harnessed to develop surgical strategies and improve the outcomes of cataract surgery (Fig. 1). These new insights suggest that LECs are a major determinant of the physiological and pathological state of the lens. Further studies on their molecular biology will offer possibility to explore new approaches for cataract prevention and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Shan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yingfeng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Tian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Leyi Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Lang Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - David Wan-Cheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, China; Research Unit of Ocular Development and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li X, Sun X, Li L, Luo Y, Chi Y, Zheng G. MDM2-mediated ubiquitination of LKB1 contributes to the development of diabetic cataract. Exp Cell Res 2022; 417:113191. [PMID: 35513074 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic cataract (DC) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lens epithelial cells (LECs) is a crucial event in the development of DC. Murine double minute 2 (MDM2) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that promotes EMT by regulating diverse targets. However, little is known about how MDM2 is involved in the pathogenesis of DC. We found the mRNA and protein levels of MDM2 were up-regulated in the lens of DC patients and rats. Thus, high glucose (HG)-induced human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) were constructed for further investigation. The results showed that the level of MDM2 was increased in HG-cultured HLECs, and the MDM2 knockdown alleviated HG-induced abnormal migration, EMT, and oxidative stress damage. Moreover, co-immunoprecipitation and ubiquitination assays demonstrated that MDM2 down-regulated LKB1 expression by ubiquitination degradation. LKB1 was found to be lower expressed in human and rat DC lenses, and HG-stimulated HLECs. Also, LKB1 overexpression mitigated HG-induced dysfunction of HLECs. Finally, our data showed that the changes related to EMT and oxidative stress induced by MDM2 knockdown were restored by down-regulation of LKB1. Together, MDM2 may involve in the pathogenesis of DC through down-regulating LKB1. MDM2 might be an effective therapeutical target of DC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaowei Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yao Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yingjie Chi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Guangying Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chowdhury A, Balogh E, Ababneh H, Tóth A, Jeney V. Activation of Nrf2/HO-1 Antioxidant Pathway by Heme Attenuates Calcification of Human Lens Epithelial Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15050493. [PMID: 35631320 PMCID: PMC9145770 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cataract, an opacification in the crystalline lens, is a leading cause of blindness. Deposition of hydroxyapatite occurs in a cataractous lens that could be the consequence of osteogenic differentiation of lens epithelial cells (LECs). Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) controls the transcription of a wide range of cytoprotective genes. Nrf2 upregulation attenuates cataract formation. Here we aimed to investigate the effect of Nrf2 system upregulation in LECs calcification. We induced osteogenic differentiation of human LECs (HuLECs) with increased phosphate and calcium-containing osteogenic medium (OM). OM-induced calcium and osteocalcin deposition in HuLECs. We used heme to activate Nrf2, which strongly upregulated the expression of Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Heme-mediated Nrf2 activation was dependent on the production of reactive oxygens species. Heme inhibited Ca deposition, and the OM-induced increase of osteogenic markers, RUNX2, alkaline phosphatase, and OCN. Anti-calcification effect of heme was lost when the transcriptional activity of Nrf2 or the enzyme activity of HO-1 was blocked with pharmacological inhibitors. Among products of HO-1 catalyzed heme degradation iron mimicked the anti-calcification effect of heme. We concluded that heme-induced upregulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 system inhibits HuLECs calcification through the liberation of heme iron.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arpan Chowdhury
- MTA-DE Lendület Vascular Pathophysiology Research Group, Research Centre for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (A.C.); (E.B.); (H.A.); (A.T.)
- Doctoral School of Molecular Cell and Immune Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Enikő Balogh
- MTA-DE Lendület Vascular Pathophysiology Research Group, Research Centre for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (A.C.); (E.B.); (H.A.); (A.T.)
| | - Haneen Ababneh
- MTA-DE Lendület Vascular Pathophysiology Research Group, Research Centre for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (A.C.); (E.B.); (H.A.); (A.T.)
- Doctoral School of Molecular Cell and Immune Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Andrea Tóth
- MTA-DE Lendület Vascular Pathophysiology Research Group, Research Centre for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (A.C.); (E.B.); (H.A.); (A.T.)
- Doctoral School of Molecular Cell and Immune Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Viktória Jeney
- MTA-DE Lendület Vascular Pathophysiology Research Group, Research Centre for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (A.C.); (E.B.); (H.A.); (A.T.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Paensuwan P, Ngoenkam J, Wangteeraprasert A, Pongcharoen S. Essential function of adaptor protein Nck1 in platelet-derived growth factor receptor signaling in human lens epithelial cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1063. [PMID: 35058548 PMCID: PMC8776929 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05183-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Binding of platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) to its cognate receptor (PDGFR) promotes lens epithelial cell (LEC) proliferation and migration. After cataract surgery, these LEC behaviors have been proposed as an influential cause of posterior capsule opacification (PCO). Stimulated PDFGR undergoes dimerization and tyrosine phosphorylation providing docking sites for a SH2-domain-containing noncatalytic region of tyrosine kinase (Nck). Nck is an adaptor protein acting as a linker of the proximal and downstream signaling events. However, the functions of Nck1 protein in LEC have not been investigated so far. We reported here a crucial role of Nck1 protein in regulating PDGFR-mediated LEC activation using LEC with a silenced expression of Nck1 protein. The knockdown of Nck1 suppressed PDGF-BB-stimulated LEC proliferation and migration and disrupted the cell cycle progression especially G1/S transition. LEC lacking Nck1 protein failed to exhibit actin polymerization and membrane protrusions. The downregulation of Nck1 protein in LEC impaired PDGFR‐induced phosphorylation of intracellular signaling proteins, including Erk1/2, Akt, CREB and ATF1, which resulted in inhibition of LEC responses. Therefore, these data suggest that the loss of Nck1 expression may disturb LEC activation and Nck1 may potentially be a drug target to prevent PCO and lens-related disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pussadee Paensuwan
- Department of Optometry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Tapho District, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand.
| | - Jatuporn Ngoenkam
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Tapho District, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand
| | - Apirath Wangteeraprasert
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University, Tapho District, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand
| | - Sutatip Pongcharoen
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University, Tapho District, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Khan H, Kharsa A. Massager-Induced Anterior Subcapsular Cataracts and Keratoconus in a Patient With Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia. Cureus 2021; 13:e19095. [PMID: 34858748 PMCID: PMC8614165 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) is a phenotypically heterogeneous disease associated with orthopedic abnormalities among other systemic manifestations. While the spectrum of ocular abnormalities in this disorder is yet to be fully reported, MED has been rarely associated in the literature with the development of cataracts and keratoconus. Here, we report a case of bilateral massager-induced anterior subcapsular cataracts and keratoconus in a 46-year-old female with MED. This case presentation aims to prevent similar occurrences of inappropriate massaging device use and highlight potential ocular findings in MED patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Humair Khan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA
| | - Ahmad Kharsa
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Immune responses to injury and their links to eye disease. Transl Res 2021; 236:52-71. [PMID: 34051364 PMCID: PMC8380715 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The eye is regarded as an immune privileged site. Since the presence of a vasculature would impair vision, the vasculature of the eye is located outside of the central light path. As a result, many regions of the eye evolved mechanisms to deliver immune cells to sites of dysgenesis, injury, or in response to the many age-related pathologies. While the purpose of these immune responses is reparative or protective, cytokines released by immune cells compromise visual acuity by inducing inflammation and fibrosis. The response to traumatic or pathological injury is distinct in different regions of the eye. Age-related diseases impact both the anterior and posterior segment and lead to reduced quality of life and blindness. Here we focus attention on the role that inflammation and fibrosis play in the progression of age-related pathologies of the cornea and the lens as well as in glaucoma, the formation of epiretinal membranes, and in proliferative vitreoretinopathy.
Collapse
Key Words
- 2ryERM
- A T-helper cell that expresses high levels of IL-17 which can suppress T-regulatory cell function
- A cytokine expressed early during inflammation that attracts neutrophils
- A cytokine expressed early during inflammation that attracts neutrophils, sometimes referred to as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1))
- A mouse model that lacks functional T and B cells and used to study the immune response
- A pigmented mouse strain used for research and known to mount a primarily Th1 response to infection
- A protein encoded by the ADGRE1 gene that, in mice, is expressed primarily on macrophages
- A strain of pigmented mice used in glaucoma research
- ACAID
- APCs
- ASC
- An albino mouse strain used for research and known to mount a primarily Th2 response to infection
- Antigen Presenting Cells, this class includes dendritic cells and monocytes
- BALB/c
- BM
- C57BL6
- CCL2
- CD45
- CNS
- CXCL1
- Central Nervous System
- Cluster of differentiation 45 antigen
- DAMPs
- DBA/2J
- EBM
- ECM
- EMT
- ERM
- Epithelial Basement Membrane
- F4/80
- FGF2
- HA =hyaluronic acid
- HSK
- HSP
- HSPGs
- HSV
- ICN
- IL-20
- IL6
- ILM
- IOP
- Inner (or internal) limiting membrane
- Interleukin 6
- Interleukin-20
- MAGP1
- MHC-II
- Major histocompatibility complex type II, a class of MHC proteins typically found only on APCs
- Microfibril-associated glycoprotein 1
- N-cad
- N-cadherin
- NEI
- NK
- National Eye Institute
- Natural killer T cells
- PCO
- PDGF
- PDR
- PVD
- PVR
- Platelet derived growth factor
- Posterior capsular opacification
- RGC
- RPE
- RRD
- Rag1-/-
- Retinal ganglion cells
- Retinal pigment epithelial cells
- SMAD
- Sons of Mothers Against Decapentaplegic, SMADs are a class of molecules that mediate TGF and bone morphogenetic protein signaling
- T-helper cell 1 response, proinflammatory adaptive response involving interferon gamma and associated with autoimmunity
- T-helper cell 2 response involving IgE and interleukins 4,5, and 13, also induces the anti-inflammatory interleukin 10 family cytokines
- T-regulatory cell
- TG
- TGF1
- TM
- TNF
- Th1
- Th17
- Th2
- Transforming growth factor 1
- Treg
- Tumor necrosis factor a cytokine produced during inflammation
- VEGF
- Vascular endothelial growth factor
- WHO
- World Health Organization
- anterior chamber immune deviation
- anterior subcapsular cataracts
- basement membrane
- damage-associated molecular patterns
- epiretinal membrane
- epiretinal membrane secondary to disease pathology
- epithelial-mesenchymal transition
- extracellular matrix
- fibroblast growth factor 2, also referred to as basic FGF
- heat shock protein
- heparan sulfate proteoglycans
- herpes simplex virus
- herpes stromal keratitis
- iERM
- idiopathic epiretinal membrane
- intraepithelial corneal nerves
- intraocular pressure
- mTOR
- mechanistic target of rapamycin, a protein kinase encoded by the MTOR genes that regulates a variety of signal transduction events including cell growth, autophagy and actin cytoskeleton
- posterior vitreous detachment
- proliferative diabetic retinopathy
- proliferative vitreoretinopathy
- rhegmatogenous (rupture, tear) retinal detachment
- trabecular meshwork
- trigeminal ganglion
- αSMA
- α−Smooth muscle actin, a class of actin expressed in mesenchymal cells
Collapse
|
14
|
Ranaei Pirmardan E, Barakat A, Zhang Y, Naseri M, Hafezi-Moghadam A. Diabetic cataract in the Nile grass rat: A longitudinal phenotypic study of pathology formation. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21593. [PMID: 33991133 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100353r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes is a major risk factor for cataract, the leading cause of blindness worldwide. There is an unmet need for a realistic model of diabetic cataract for mechanistic and longitudinal studies, as existing models do not reflect key aspects of the complex human disease. Here, we introduce and characterize diabetic cataract in the Nile grass rat (NGR, Arvicanthis niloticus), an established model of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes (T2D). We conducted a longitudinal study of cataract in over 88 NGRs in their non-diabetic, pre-diabetic, and diabetic stages of metabolism. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results distinguished the metabolic stages. Diverse cataract types were observed in the course of diabetes, including cortical, posterior subcapsular (PSC), and anterior subcapsular (ASC), all of which succeeded a characteristic dotted ring stage in all animals. The onset ages of diabetes and cataract were 44 ± 3 vs 29 ± 1 (P < .001) and 66 ± 5 vs 58 ± 6 (not significant) weeks in females and males, respectively. Histological analysis revealed fiber disorganization, vacuolar structures, and cellular proliferation and migration in cataractous lenses. The lens epithelial cells (LECs) in non-diabetic young NGRs expressed the stress marker GRP78, as did LECs and migrated cells in the lenses of diabetic animals. Elucidating mechanisms underlying LEC proliferation and migration will be clinically valuable in prevention and treatment of posterior capsule opacification, a dreaded complication of cataract surgery. Marked changes in N-cadherin expression emphasized a role for LEC integrity in cataractogenesis. Apoptotic cells were dispersed in the equatorial areas in early cataractogenesis. Our study reveals diverse cataract types that spontaneously develop in the diabetic NGR, and which uniquely mirror the cataract and its chronic course of development in individuals with diabetes. We provide mechanistic insights into early stages of diabetic cataract. These unique characteristics make NGR highly suited for mechanistic studies, especially in the context of metabolism, diabetes, and aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Ranaei Pirmardan
- Molecular Biomarkers Nano-Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aliaa Barakat
- Molecular Biomarkers Nano-Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yuanlin Zhang
- Molecular Biomarkers Nano-Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marzieh Naseri
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Hafezi-Moghadam
- Molecular Biomarkers Nano-Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Retinitis pigmentosa-associated anterior subcapsular cataract: morphological features and visual performance. Int Ophthalmol 2021; 41:3631-3639. [PMID: 34180018 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-021-01935-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the morphological features and surgical outcomes of retinitis pigmentosa (RP)-associated anterior subcapsular cataract (ASC). METHODS Consecutive RP-associated ASC cases were reviewed, and one hundred patients (171 eyes) were included. Anterior segment photographed images by slit-lamp microscope were reviewed. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was recorded. The cases were classified according to preoperative best BCVA, the area (central, midperipheral and peripheral) and the density (Grade 1, vacuolar/bubble-like; Grade 2, plaque-like/translucent; and Grade 3, fibrotic/opaque) of ASC; subgroup analysis of surgical outcomes was then performed. RESULTS The mean age was 52.1 ± 13.7 years, and the 41-50-year group had the best BCVA. 13.5% of eyes had BCVA better than 20/63, 30.4% were between 20/400 and 20/63, and 56.1% were worse than 20/400. The percentage of ASCs in the central, midperipheral and peripheral areas was 55.0%, 37.4% and 7.6%, respectively. Postoperative BCVA was improved in the central and midperipheral groups (P < 0.001) but was not in the peripheral group (P = 0.07). The percentage of ASCs in density of Grade 1, 2 and 3 was 11.1%, 38.6% and 50.3%, respectively. Grade 2 and 3 achieved improved postoperative BCVA (P < 0.001), but Grade 1 did not (P = 0.693). CONCLUSIONS Mostly, ASC is located at the center of the pupillary area and affected the residual vision of RP patients. The patients benefited from cataract removal except for those with ASC extended to peripheral area. Surgery was also recommended for RP with ASC developed to be plaque-like and even fibrotic.
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhou Y, Bennett TM, Shiels A. Mutation of the TRPM3 cation channel underlies progressive cataract development and lens calcification associated with pro-fibrotic and immune cell responses. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21288. [PMID: 33484482 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002037r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Transient-receptor-potential cation channel, subfamily M, member 3 (TRPM3) serves as a polymodal calcium sensor in diverse mammalian cell-types. Mutation of the human TRPM3 gene (TRPM3) has been linked with inherited forms of early-onset cataract with or without other eye abnormalities. Here, we have characterized the ocular phenotypes of germline "knock-in" mice that harbor a human cataract-associated isoleucine-to-methionine mutation (p.I65M) in TRPM3 (Trpm3-mutant) compared with germline "knock-out" mice that functionally lack TRPM3 (Trpm3-null). Despite strong expression of Trpm3 in lens epithelial cells, neither heterozygous (Trpm3+/- ) nor homozygous (Trpm3-/- ) Trpm3-null mice developed cataract; however, the latter exhibited a mild impairment of lens growth. In contrast, homozygous Trpm3-M/M mutants developed severe, progressive, anterior pyramid-like cataract with microphthalmia, whereas heterozygous Trpm3-I/M and hemizygous Trpm3-M/- mutants developed anterior pyramidal cataract with delayed onset and progression-consistent with a semi-dominant lens phenotype. Histochemical staining revealed abnormal accumulation of calcium phosphate-like deposits and collagen fibrils in Trpm3-mutant lenses and immunoblotting detected increased αII-spectrin cleavage products consistent with calpain hyper-activation. Immunofluorescent confocal microscopy of Trpm3-M/M mutant lenses revealed fiber cell membrane degeneration that was accompanied by accumulation of alpha-smooth muscle actin positive (α-SMA+ve) myofibroblast-like cells and macrosialin positive (CD68+ve) macrophage-like cells. Collectively, our mouse model data support an ocular disease association for TRPM3 in humans and suggest that (1) Trpm3 deficiency impaired lens growth but not lens transparency and (2) Trpm3 dysfunction resulted in progressive lens degeneration and calcification coupled with pro-fibrotic (α-SMA+ve) and immune (CD68+ve) cell responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuefang Zhou
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Thomas M Bennett
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Alan Shiels
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Walker JL, Menko AS. Immune cells in lens injury repair and fibrosis. Exp Eye Res 2021; 209:108664. [PMID: 34126081 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Immune cells, both tissue resident immune cells and those immune cells recruited in response to wounding or degenerative conditions, are essential to both the maintenance and restoration of homeostasis in most tissues. These cells are typically provided to tissues by their closely associated vasculatures. However, the lens, like many of the tissues in the eye, are considered immune privileged sites because they have no associated vasculature. Such absence of immune cells was thought to protect the lens from inflammatory responses that would bring with them the danger of causing vision impairing opacities. However, it has now been shown, as occurs in other immune privileged sites in the eye, that novel pathways exist by which immune cells come to associate with the lens to protect it, maintain its homeostasis, and function in its regenerative repair. Here we review the discoveries that have revealed there are both innate and adaptive immune system responses to lens, and that, like most other tissues, the lens harbors a population of resident immune cells, which are the sentinels of danger or injury to a tissue. While resident and recruited immune cells are essential elements of lens homeostasis and repair, they also become the agents of disease, particularly as progenitors of pro-fibrogenic myofibroblasts. There still remains much to learn about the function of lens-associated immune cells in protection, repair and disease, the knowledge of which will provide new tools for maintaining the core functions of the lens in the visual system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janice L Walker
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - A Sue Menko
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Clear vision is dependent on features that protect the anatomical integrity of the eye (cornea and sclera) and those that contribute to internal ocular homeostasis by conferring hemangiogenic (avascular tissues and antiangiogenic factors), lymphangiogenic (lack of draining lymphatics), and immunologic (tight junctions that form blood-ocular barriers, immunosuppressive cells, and modulators) privileges. The later examples are necessary components that enable the eye to maintain an immunosuppressive environment that responds to foreign invaders in a deviated manner, minimizing destructive inflammation that would impair vision. These conditions allowed for the observations made by Medawar, in 1948, of delayed rejection of allogenic tissue grafts in the anterior chamber of mouse eye and permit the sequestration of foreign invaders (eg, Toxoplasma gondii) within the retina of healthy individuals. Yet successful development of intraocular drugs (biologics and delivery devices) has been stymied by adverse ocular pathology, much of which is driven by immune pathways. The eye can be intolerant of foreign protein irrespective of delivery route, and endogenous ocular cells have remarkable plasticity when recruited to preserve visual function. This article provides a review of current understanding of ocular immunology and the potential role of immune mechanisms in pathology observed with intraocular drug delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sharmila Masli
- 12259Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Chen X, Yang W, Deng X, Ye S, Xiao W. Interleukin-6 promotes proliferative vitreoretinopathy by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition via the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway. Mol Vis 2020; 26:517-529. [PMID: 32818015 PMCID: PMC7406861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is elevated in intraocular fluid from eyes with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), but the exact role of the cytokine is still unclear. We investigated the function and mechanism of IL-6 in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell biology in vitro and in a mouse model in vivo. Methods After treatment with various concentrations of IL-6, RPE cell proliferation was assessed with cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were evaluated using western blotting and immunofluorescent staining. The activation of JAK1/STAT3 signaling was determined with western blotting. Moreover, the effects of blockade of IL-6/JAK1/STAT3 signaling were investigated using pharmacological inhibitor S3I-201. For in vivo studies, the PVR model was induced with intravitreal injection of dispase/collagenase in wild-type and IL-6 knockout mice. The severity of PVR was evaluated with histological analysis. The expression of IL-6, gp130, and EMT markers was assessed with quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting. Results IL-6 statistically significantly induced RPE cell proliferation and EMT in a dose-dependent manner in vitro, which was accompanied by rapid phosphorylation of JAK1 and STAT3. Blockade of the IL-6/JAK1/STAT3 pathway with S3I-201 apparently inhibited RPE proliferation and EMT. Furthermore, IL-6 and gp130 overexpression, and JAK1/STAT3 signaling hyperactivation were detected in the retinas of the wild-type mice at 1, 3, and 7 days after dispase/collagenase injection. Finally, we confirmed that IL-6 deficiency markedly alleviated mouse PVR development via inhibiting EMT. Conclusions These findings indicate that IL-6 promotes PVR by inducing RPE proliferation and EMT via the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway. We provided new evidence that therapeutic strategies to block IL-6 may be beneficial for PVR.
Collapse
|
20
|
Fișuș AD, Findl O. Capsular fibrosis: a review of prevention methods and management. Eye (Lond) 2019; 34:256-262. [PMID: 31804626 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-019-0723-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Opacification of the posterior capsule caused by residual lens epithelial cells (LEC) is still the most frequent long-term complication of cataract surgery. Beside the opacification of the visual axis with posterior capsule opacification (PCO), resulting in a decrease in visual function, fibrotic changes may also have a mechanical effect on intraocular lens (IOL) position such as axial shift, decentration, tilt and capsule striae. In this article, two types of capsular fibrosis are explored, on the one hand the anterior capsule fibrosis and on the other hand PCO. Results from clinical trials concerning their causes, natural course, incidence, influencing factors and possible methods of prophylaxis are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreea D Fișuș
- Department of Ophthamology, Vienna Institute for Research in Ocular Surgery - Karl Landsteiner Institute, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria.,George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu-Mureș, Târgu-Mureș, România
| | - Oliver Findl
- Department of Ophthamology, Vienna Institute for Research in Ocular Surgery - Karl Landsteiner Institute, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Li Y, Zhao Y, Wang Y. 2',3'-Cyclic-nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase contributes to epithelial-mesenchymal transition of lens epithelial cells through the notch signalling pathway. Cell Prolif 2019; 52:e12707. [PMID: 31617266 PMCID: PMC6869463 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Fibrosis is a complex process involved in multiple diseases that result in organ injury and failure. Cataract, one common form of ocular fibrosis, is a main cause of blindness worldwide, and surgery may be the only cure. In this regard, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lens epithelial cells (LECs) is the primary cause of anterior subcapsular cataract (ASC). This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which 2',3'‐cyclic‐nucleotide 3'‐phosphodiesterase (CNPase) regulates the function of EMT in LECs. Materials and Methods A mouse model of ASC was used to observe the expression of CNPase in the lens and correlate its expression changes with lens EMT. Furthermore, the effects of CNPase on cell migration and cell proliferation were evaluated by transwell migration, wound healing and EdU staining assays. Finally, Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to assess the mechanical properties potentially involved in the regulation of EMT by CNPase. Results The expression of CNPase was upregulated in LECs during the EMT process in mice with ASC. Notably, CNPase significantly promoted the proliferation, migration and EMT of LECs in vitro. Interestingly, the EMT‐promoting mechanism of CNPase may be achieved by targeting the Notch signalling pathway. Conclusions Considering the involvement of EMT in ASC, both CNPase and the Notch signalling pathway may be therapeutic targets for the treatment of cataracts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Technology Transfer Center, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Menko AS, Walker JL, Stepp MA. Fibrosis: Shared Lessons From the Lens and Cornea. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2019; 303:1689-1702. [PMID: 30768772 PMCID: PMC6697240 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Regenerative repair in response to wounding involves cell proliferation and migration. This is followed by the reestablishment of cell structure and organization and a dynamic process of remodeling and restoration of the injured cells' extracellular matrix microenvironment and the integration of the newly synthesized matrix into the surrounding tissue. Fibrosis in the lungs, liver, and heart can lead to loss of life and in the eye to loss of vision. Learning to control fibrosis and restore normal tissue function after injury repair remains a goal of research in this area. Here we use knowledge gained using the lens and the cornea to provide insight into how fibrosis develops and clues to how it can be controlled. The lens and cornea are less complex than other tissues that develop life‐threatening fibrosis, but they are well characterized and research using them as model systems to study fibrosis is leading toward an improved understanding of fibrosis. Here we summarize the current state of the literature and how it is leading to promising new treatments. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 The Authors. The Anatomical Record published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Anatomists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Sue Menko
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Janice L Walker
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mary Ann Stepp
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Lian Q, Zhao M, Li T, Wu K, Zhu D, Shang B, Mei T, Li W, Lin Y, Mao F, Liu Y, Liu C, Lu L, Zhao L. In vivo detecting mouse persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous by Spectralis Optical Coherence Tomography. Exp Eye Res 2019; 181:271-276. [PMID: 30817926 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
To identify imaging characteristics of mouse persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV) by Spectralis Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), as well as to assess and compare the sensitivity and precision of OCT with color photography (CP) and Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA) imaging in detecting mouse PHPV. Notch4-/- C57BL/6J mice (224 eyes) aged from 3 months to 7 months were examined in this study. CP, FFA and OCT imaging were utilized to examine vitreous cavity and retina of mouse eyes. Horizontal and radial OCT scan volume was centered on the optic nerve head. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed to validate PHPV. For color photography and FFA imaging, retrolental irregular fibrovascular membrane-like tissues were found in 33 eyes with/without blood vessels in vitreous cavity. Among them, 31 eyes were visualized with lateral and oblique linear hyperreflective opacities in vitreous cavity using Spectralis OCT. Position of PHPV in posterior segment of eyes was also measured via OCT. Mouse PHPV was validated by H&E staining. Typical hyperreflective opacities in vitreous cavity were detected in PHPV mouse using Spectralis OCT. Spectralis OCT imaging can effectively detect mouse PHPV as color photography and FFA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Lian
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minglei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tianzhong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Keling Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Deliang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bizhi Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingfang Mei
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weihua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fuxiang Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chujun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Lin Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ling Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Meng F, Li J, Yang X, Yuan X, Tang X. Role of Smad3 signaling in the epithelial‑mesenchymal transition of the lens epithelium following injury. Int J Mol Med 2018; 42:851-860. [PMID: 29750298 PMCID: PMC6034923 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is important in the development of posterior capsule opacification (PCO), and inhibition of the TGF-β pathway may represent a novel method of treating PCO. Drosophila protein, mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (Smad3) is a phosphorylated receptor-activated Smad required for the transmission of TGF-β signals. Smad3 knockout (KO) disturbs the activation of TGF-β signaling, thus inhibiting the onset of PCO. In the present study, lens epithelial cell (LEC) damage induced by extracapsular cataract extraction was simulated by puncture of the anterior capsule using a 26-gauge hypodermic needle. The effect of Smad3 in the trauma-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the lens epithelium in Smad3-KO and wild-type (WT) mice was then observed. The expression levels of EMT markers and extracellular matrix components were measured in the two groups by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining. Apoptosis was also detected in the punctured anterior capsule. The Smad3-KO mice exhibited lower expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin, lumican, osteopontin, fibronectin and collagen, compared with the WT mice. Additionally, the Smad3-KO mice exhibited a higher percentage of apoptotic cells than the WT mice. Smad3 signaling was associated with the induction of trauma-induced EMT, and Smad3 KO interfered with TGF-β signaling pathway activation, but did not completely inhibit the trauma-induced EMT in LECs. Therefore, Smad3 may be a target in the treatment of PCO and other fibrosis-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fanlan Meng
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300020, P.R. China
| | - Jun Li
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300020, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Yang
- The State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Genetics Laboratory of Development and Disease, Institute of Biotechnology, AMMS, Beijing 100071, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyong Yuan
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300020, P.R. China
| | - Xin Tang
- Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300020, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Chen B, Ma J, Li C, Wang Y. Long noncoding RNA KCNQ1OT1 promotes proliferation and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition by regulation of SMAD4 expression in lens epithelial cells. Mol Med Rep 2018; 18:16-24. [PMID: 29749509 PMCID: PMC6059665 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are associated with various diseases including cataracts. The role of lncRNA potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 1 opposite strand/antisense transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1) on lens epithelial cell (LEC) proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cataracts disease remains unclear. In the present study, KCNQ1OT1 and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (SMAD)4 expression levels were upregulated in human cataract lens posterior capsular samples and in transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2-treated SRA01/04 cells, as demonstrated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemical staining and western blot analyses. A further loss of function test revealed that suppression of KCNQ1OT1 inhibited the proliferation and EMT of TGF-β2-treated SRA01/04 cells. Additionally, the present study reported that increase and decrease of KCNQ1OT1 regulated SMAD4 expression, which indicated that SMAD4 may be a downstream gene of KCNQ1OT1. Finally, a constructed SMAD4 RNA interference experiment confirmed that the function of KCNQ1OT1 was to act on LEC proliferation and EMT, and this was achieved via the SMAD4 signaling pathway. The findings of the present study may provide a novel target for molecular therapy of cataracts disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Chen
- The Sixth Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth People's Hospital of Shenyang, Shenyang, Liaoning 110031, P.R. China
| | - Jian Ma
- Research Office, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning 110034, P.R. China
| | - Chunwei Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning 110024, P.R. China
| | - Yong Wang
- The Fourth Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning 110024, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zhang Z, Ibrahim M, Fu Y, Wu X, Ren F, Chen L. Application of laser scanning confocal microscopy in the soft tissue exquisite structure for 3D scan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BURNS AND TRAUMA 2018; 8:17-25. [PMID: 29755838 PMCID: PMC5943615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a new developing technology for printing individualized materials swiftly and precisely in the field of biological medicine (especially tissue-engineered materials). Prior to printing, it is necessary to scan the structure of the natural biological tissue, then construct the 3D printing digital model through optimizing the scanned data. By searching the literatures, magazines at home and abroad, this article reviewed the current status, main processes and matters needing attention of confocal laser scanning microscope (LSCM) in the application of soft tissue fine structure 3D scanning, empathizing the significance of LSCM in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoqiang Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityNo. 366, South of Jiangnan Road, Guangzhou 510280, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Mohamed Ibrahim
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical CenterBox 3181, Durham 27710, North Carolina, USA
| | - Yang Fu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University74 2nd Zhongshan Road, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Xujia Wu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University74 2nd Zhongshan Road, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Fei Ren
- Department of Oral Medicine, Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University at Haizhu SquareNo. 180, Taikang Road, Guangzhou 510280, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Burns, The 1st Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University58 2nd Zhongshan Road, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Logan CM, Bowen CJ, Menko AS. Induction of Immune Surveillance of the Dysmorphogenic Lens. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16235. [PMID: 29176738 PMCID: PMC5701161 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16456-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The lens has been considered to be an immune privileged site not susceptible to the immune processes normally associated with tissue injury and wound repair. However, as greater insight into the immune surveillance process is gained, we have reevaluated the concept of immune privilege. Our studies using an N-cadherin lens-specific conditional knockout mouse, N-cadΔlens, show that loss of this cell-cell junctional protein leads to lens degeneration, necrosis and fibrotic change, postnatally. The degeneration of this tissue induces an immune response resulting in immune cells populating the lens that contribute to the development of fibrosis. Additionally, we demonstrate that the lens is connected to the lymphatic system, with LYVE(+) labeling reaching the lens along the suspensory ligaments that connect the lens to the ciliary body, providing a potential mechanism for the immune circulation. Importantly, we observe that degeneration of the lens activates an immune response throughout the eye, including cornea, vitreous humor, and retina, suggesting a coordinated protective response in the visual system to defects of a component tissue. These studies demonstrate that lens degeneration induces an immune response that can contribute to the fibrosis that often accompanies lens dysgenesis, a consideration for understanding organ system response to injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin M Logan
- Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107, United States
| | - Caitlin J Bowen
- Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107, United States
| | - A Sue Menko
- Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Yu X, Zheng H, Chan MTV, Wu WKK. MicroRNAs: new players in cataract. Am J Transl Res 2017; 9:3896-3903. [PMID: 28979668 PMCID: PMC5622237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Cataract is the most common cause of blindness worldwide. Multiple factors such as aging, eye injury, diabetes mellitus, ultraviolet exposure, drug use and other ocular diseases are etiologically linked to cataractogenesis. Due to a rapid increase in aging population, age-related cataract has become the leading cause of blindness. Therefore, it is urgent to understand the molecular mechanism underlying cataractogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of endogenous, small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-translational level through binding with the 3'-untranslated regions of target mRNAs. Studies have shown that miRNAs play important roles in multiple cellular functions, including apoptosis, cell proliferation, senescence and stress response. Deregulated expression of miRNAs is also linked to the pathogenesis of many diseases, including ocular diseases. In our review, we focus on miRNAs that are involved in cataract development and discuss their potential applications as novel diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yu
- Department of Dermatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing 100042, China
| | - Heyi Zheng
- Department of Dermatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing 100042, China
| | - Matthew TV Chan
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong, China
| | - William Ka Kei Wu
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, LKS Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Qin Y, Zhu Y, Luo F, Chen C, Chen X, Wu M. Killing two birds with one stone: dual blockade of integrin and FGF signaling through targeting syndecan-4 in postoperative capsular opacification. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2920. [PMID: 28703800 PMCID: PMC5550862 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 06/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The most common complication after cataract surgery is postoperative capsular opacification, which includes anterior capsular opacification (ACO) and posterior capsular opacification (PCO). Increased adhesion of lens epithelial cells (LECs) to the intraocular lens material surface promotes ACO formation, whereas proliferation and migration of LECs to the posterior capsule lead to the development of PCO. Cell adhesion is mainly mediated by the binding of integrin to extracellular matrix proteins, while cell proliferation and migration are regulated by fibroblast growth factor (FGF). Syndecan-4 (SDC-4) is a co-receptor for both integrin and FGF signaling pathways. Therefore, SDC-4 may be an ideal therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of postoperative capsular opacification. However, how SDC-4 contributes to FGF-mediated proliferation, migration, and integrin-mediated adhesion of LECs is unclear. Here, we found that downregulation of SDC-4 inhibited FGF signaling through the blockade of ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt/mTOR activation, thus suppressing cell proliferation and migration. In addition, downregulation of SDC-4 suppressed integrin-mediated cell adhesion through inhibiting focal adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation. Moreover, SDC-4 knockout mice exhibited normal lens morphology, but had significantly reduced capsular opacification after injury. Finally, SDC-4 expression level was increased in the anterior capsule LECs of age-related cataract patients. Taken together, we for the first time characterized the key regulatory role of SDC-4 in FGF and integrin signaling in human LECs, and provided the basis for future pharmacological interventions of capsular opacification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingyan Qin
- State key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- State key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Furong Luo
- State key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Chuan Chen
- State key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Xiaoyun Chen
- State key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Mingxing Wu
- State key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
MicroRNA-26a and -26b inhibit lens fibrosis and cataract by negatively regulating Jagged-1/Notch signaling pathway. Cell Death Differ 2017. [PMID: 28622289 PMCID: PMC5520447 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2016.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a chronic process involving development and progression of multiple
diseases in various organs and is responsible for almost half of all known deaths.
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the vital process in organ fibrosis.
Lens is an elegant biological tool to investigate the fibrosis process because of its
unique biological properties. Using gain- and loss-of-function assays, and different
lens fibrosis models, here we demonstrated that microRNA (miR)-26a and miR-26b,
members of the miR-26 family have key roles in EMT and fibrosis. They can
significantly inhibit proliferation, migration, EMT of lens epithelial cells and lens
fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, we revealed that the
mechanisms of anti-EMT effects of miR-26a and -26b are via directly targeting
Jagged-1 and suppressing Jagged-1/Notch signaling. Furthermore, we provided
in vitro and in vivo evidence that Jagged-1/Notch signaling
is activated in TGFβ2-stimulated EMT, and blockade of Notch signaling
can reverse lens epithelial cells (LECs) EMT and lens fibrosis. Given the general
involvement of EMT in most fibrotic diseases, cancer metastasis and recurrence,
miR-26 family and Notch pathway may have therapeutic uses in treating fibrotic
diseases and cancers.
Collapse
|
31
|
MicroRNA-30a Regulation of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Diabetic Cataracts Through Targeting SNAI1. Sci Rep 2017; 7:1117. [PMID: 28442786 PMCID: PMC5430627 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01320-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a highly conserved and fundamental process in development, fibrosis, and metastasis. During the process, epithelial cells lose their morphology and transcriptional program, and transdifferentiate to mesenchymal cells. It has been reported that lens epithelial cells undergo EMT during cataract formation, and regulation of microRNAs on genes is associated with lens development. However, the molecular mechanisms of this regulation in diabetic cataract still need to be investigated. In the present study, the expression of E-cadherin was downregulated, while the expression of alpha-SMA and vimentin was upregulated in diabetic cataract tissues and the in vitro model, suggesting the involvement of EMT in diabetic cataract formation. Results of miRNA profiling demonstrated that miR-30a was markedly downregulated in diabetic cataract tissues. Overexpression of miR-30a-5p decreased SNAI1, a known modulator of EMT, and the expression of vimentin and alpha-SMA in our diabetic cataract model in vitro. It is concluded that EMT is involved in human diabetic cataract, and upregulation of miR-30a can repress EMT through its targeting of SNAI1 in lens epithelial cells, which make miR-30a a novel target of therapeutic intervention for human diabetic cataract.
Collapse
|
32
|
Abstract
The significant parallels between cell plasticity during embryonic development and carcinoma progression have helped us understand the importance of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human disease. Our expanding knowledge of EMT has led to a clarification of the EMT program as a set of multiple and dynamic transitional states between the epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes, as opposed to a process involving a single binary decision. EMT and its intermediate states have recently been identified as crucial drivers of organ fibrosis and tumor progression, although there is some need for caution when interpreting its contribution to metastatic colonization. Here, we discuss the current state-of-the-art and latest findings regarding the concept of cellular plasticity and heterogeneity in EMT. We raise some of the questions pending and identify the challenges faced in this fast-moving field.
Collapse
|
33
|
Park YM, Park BG, Lee IH, Lee JS. A Comparative Histopathological Study of Lens Capsule and Epithelial Cells in Various Types of Cataract. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN OPHTHALMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 2017. [DOI: 10.3341/jkos.2017.58.8.924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Young Min Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gyeongsang National University Changwon Hospital, Changwon, Korea
| | - Byung Gun Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - In Ho Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Jong Soo Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
De Stefano I, Giardullo P, Tanno B, Leonardi S, Pasquali E, Babini G, Saran A, Mancuso M. Nonlinear Radiation-Induced Cataract Using the RadiosensitivePtch1+/–Mouse Model. Radiat Res 2016; 186:315-21. [DOI: 10.1667/rr14440.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
35
|
Li J, Qin Y, Zhao FK, Wu D, He XF, Liu J, Zhao JY, Zhang JS. Anterior segment dysgenesis correlation with epithelial-mesenchymal transition in Smad4 knockout mice. Int J Ophthalmol 2016; 9:943-7. [PMID: 27500098 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2016.07.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To explore the molecular mechanisms in lens development and the pathogenesis of Peters anomaly in Smad4 defective mice. METHODS Le-Cre transgenic mouse line was employed to inactivate Smad4 in the surface ectoderm selectively. Pathological techniques were used to reveal the morphological changes of the anterior segment in Smad4 defective eye. Immunohistochemical staining was employed to observe the expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin and α-SMA in anterior segment of Smad4 defective mice and control mice at embryonic (E) day 16.5. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to detect the expression of Snail, Zeb1, Zeb2 and Twist2 in lens of Smad4 defective mice and control mice at E16.5. Statistical evaluations were performed using the unpaired Student's t-test (two-tailed) by SPSS 11.0 software. RESULTS Conditional deletion of Smad4 on eye surface ectoderm resulted in corneal dysplasia, iridocorneal angle closure, corneolenticular adhesions and cataract resembling Peters anomaly. Loss of Smad4 function inhibited E-cadherin expression in the lens epithelium cells and corneal epithelium cells in Smad4 defective eye. Expression of N-cadherin was up-regulated in corneal epithelium and corneal stroma. Both E-cadherin and N-cadherin were down-regulated at the future trabecular meshwork region in mutant eye. The qPCR results showed that the expression of Twist2 was increased significantly in the mutant lens (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Smad4 is essential to eye development and likely a candidate pathogenic gene to Peters anomaly by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Twist2 can be regulated by Smad4 and plays an essential role in lens development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Eye Hospital of China Medical University, Key Lens Research Laboratory of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110005, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yu Qin
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Eye Hospital of China Medical University, Key Lens Research Laboratory of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110005, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Fang-Kun Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Eye Hospital of China Medical University, Key Lens Research Laboratory of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110005, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Di Wu
- The Shenyang Fourth People's Hospital, Shenyang Eye Research Institute, Shenyang 110005, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xue-Fei He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ningbo No.2 Hospital, Ningbo 315010, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Eye Hospital of China Medical University, Key Lens Research Laboratory of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110005, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jiang-Yue Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Eye Hospital of China Medical University, Key Lens Research Laboratory of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110005, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jin-Song Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Eye Hospital of China Medical University, Key Lens Research Laboratory of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110005, Liaoning Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Tan X, Zhu Y, Chen C, Chen X, Qin Y, Qu B, Luo L, Lin H, Wu M, Chen W, Liu Y. Sprouty2 Suppresses Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Human Lens Epithelial Cells through Blockade of Smad2 and ERK1/2 Pathways. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159275. [PMID: 27415760 PMCID: PMC4944964 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lens epithelial cells (LECs) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of anterior subcapsular cataract (ASC) and capsule opacification. In mouse lens, Sprouty2 (Spry2) has a negative regulatory role on TGFβ signaling. However, the regulation of Spry2 during ASC development and how Spry2 modulates TGFβ signaling pathway in human LECs have not been characterized. Here, we demonstrate that Spry2 expression level is decreased in anterior capsule LECs of ASC patients. Spry2 negatively regulates TGFβ2-induced EMT and migration of LECs through inhibition of Smad2 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Also, blockade of Smad2 or ERK1/2 activation suppresses EMT caused by Spry2 downregulation. Collectively, our results for the first time show in human LECs that Spry2 has an inhibitory role in TGFβ signaling pathway. Our findings in human lens tissue and epithelial cells suggest that Spry2 may become a novel therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of ASC and capsule opacification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuhua Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoyun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingyan Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bo Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lixia Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Haotian Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingxing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Weirong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|