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Stoddart PR, Begeng JM, Tong W, Ibbotson MR, Kameneva T. Nanoparticle-based optical interfaces for retinal neuromodulation: a review. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1360870. [PMID: 38572073 PMCID: PMC10987880 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1360870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Degeneration of photoreceptors in the retina is a leading cause of blindness, but commonly leaves the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and/or bipolar cells extant. Consequently, these cells are an attractive target for the invasive electrical implants colloquially known as "bionic eyes." However, after more than two decades of concerted effort, interfaces based on conventional electrical stimulation approaches have delivered limited efficacy, primarily due to the current spread in retinal tissue, which precludes high-acuity vision. The ideal prosthetic solution would be less invasive, provide single-cell resolution and an ability to differentiate between different cell types. Nanoparticle-mediated approaches can address some of these requirements, with particular attention being directed at light-sensitive nanoparticles that can be accessed via the intrinsic optics of the eye. Here we survey the available known nanoparticle-based optical transduction mechanisms that can be exploited for neuromodulation. We review the rapid progress in the field, together with outstanding challenges that must be addressed to translate these techniques to clinical practice. In particular, successful translation will likely require efficient delivery of nanoparticles to stable and precisely defined locations in the retinal tissues. Therefore, we also emphasize the current literature relating to the pharmacokinetics of nanoparticles in the eye. While considerable challenges remain to be overcome, progress to date shows great potential for nanoparticle-based interfaces to revolutionize the field of visual prostheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R. Stoddart
- School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - James M. Begeng
- School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wei Tong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael R. Ibbotson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tatiana Kameneva
- School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
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2
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Wood EH, Kreymerman A, Kowal T, Buickians D, Sun Y, Muscat S, Mercola M, Moshfeghi DM, Goldberg JL. Cellular and subcellular optogenetic approaches towards neuroprotection and vision restoration. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 96:101153. [PMID: 36503723 PMCID: PMC10247900 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101153] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Optogenetics is defined as the combination of genetic and optical methods to induce or inhibit well-defined events in isolated cells, tissues, or animals. While optogenetics within ophthalmology has been primarily applied towards treating inherited retinal disease, there are a myriad of other applications that hold great promise for a variety of eye diseases including cellular regeneration, modulation of mitochondria and metabolism, regulation of intraocular pressure, and pain control. Supported by primary data from the authors' work with in vitro and in vivo applications, we introduce a novel approach to metabolic regulation, Opsins to Restore Cellular ATP (ORCA). We review the fundamental constructs for ophthalmic optogenetics, present current therapeutic approaches and clinical trials, and discuss the future of subcellular and signaling pathway applications for neuroprotection and vision restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward H Wood
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Alexander Kreymerman
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Tia Kowal
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - David Buickians
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Yang Sun
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Stephanie Muscat
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Mark Mercola
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Darius M Moshfeghi
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
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Cehajic-Kapetanovic J, Singh MS, Zrenner E, MacLaren RE. Bioengineering strategies for restoring vision. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:387-404. [PMID: 35102278 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-021-00836-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Late-stage retinal degenerative disease involving photoreceptor loss can be treated by optogenetic therapy, cell transplantation and retinal prostheses. These approaches aim to restore light sensitivity to the retina as well as visual perception by integrating neuronal responses for transmission to the cortex. In age-related macular degeneration, some cell-based therapies also aim to restore photoreceptor-supporting tissue to prevent complete photoreceptor loss. In the earlier stages of degeneration, gene-replacement therapy could attenuate retinal-disease progression and reverse loss of function. And gene-editing strategies aim to correct the underlying genetic defects. In this Review, we highlight the most promising gene therapies, cell therapies and retinal prostheses for the treatment of retinal disease, discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each treatment strategy and the factors influencing whether functional tissue is reconstructed and repaired or replaced with an electronic device, and summarize upcoming technologies for enhancing the restoration of vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmina Cehajic-Kapetanovic
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.
| | | | - Eberhart Zrenner
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Center for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
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4
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Babino D, Benster T, Laprell L, Van Gelder RN. Assessment of Murine Retinal Acuity Ex Vivo Using Multielectrode Array Recordings. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:4. [PMID: 36598460 PMCID: PMC9832724 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.1.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Visual acuity, measured by resolution of optotypes on a standard eye chart, is a critical clinical test for function of the visual system in humans. Behavioral tests in animals can be used to estimate visual acuity. However, such tests may be limited in the study of mutants or after synthetic vision restoration techniques. Because the total response of the retina to a visual scene is encoded in spiking patterns of retinal ganglion cells, it should be possible to estimate visual acuity in vitro from the retina by analyzing retinal ganglion cell output in response to test stimuli. Methods We created a method, EyeCandy, that combines a visual stimulus-generating engine with analysis of multielectrode array retinal recordings via a machine learning approach to measure murine retinal acuity in vitro. Visual stimuli included static checkerboards, drifting gratings, and letter optotypes. Results In retinas from wild-type C57Bl/6 mice, retinal acuity measurement for a drifting grating was 0.4 cycles per degree. In contrast, retinas from adult rd1 mice with outer retinal degeneration showed no detectable acuity. A comparison of acuities among different regions of the retina revealed substantial variation, with the inferior-nasal quadrant having highest RA. Letter classification accuracy of a projected Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy eye chart reached 99% accuracy for logMAR 3.0 letters. EyeCandy measured a restored RA of 0.05 and 0.08 cycles per degree for static and dynamic stimuli respectively from the retina of the rd1 mouse treated with the azobenzene photoswitch BENAQ. Conclusions Machine learning may be used to estimate retinal acuity. Translational Relevance The use of ex vivo retinal acuity measurement may allow determination of effects of mutations, drugs, injury, or other manipulations on retinal visual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darwin Babino
- Departments of Ophthalmology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tyler Benster
- Departments of Ophthalmology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Neurosciences Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Laura Laprell
- Departments of Ophthalmology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Russell N. Van Gelder
- Departments of Ophthalmology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Biological Structure, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Roger and Angie Karalis Johnson Retina Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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Belkacem AN, Jamil N, Khalid S, Alnajjar F. On closed-loop brain stimulation systems for improving the quality of life of patients with neurological disorders. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1085173. [PMID: 37033911 PMCID: PMC10076878 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1085173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging brain technologies have significantly transformed human life in recent decades. For instance, the closed-loop brain-computer interface (BCI) is an advanced software-hardware system that interprets electrical signals from neurons, allowing communication with and control of the environment. The system then transmits these signals as controlled commands and provides feedback to the brain to execute specific tasks. This paper analyzes and presents the latest research on closed-loop BCI that utilizes electric/magnetic stimulation, optogenetic, and sonogenetic techniques. These techniques have demonstrated great potential in improving the quality of life for patients suffering from neurodegenerative or psychiatric diseases. We provide a comprehensive and systematic review of research on the modalities of closed-loop BCI in recent decades. To achieve this, the authors used a set of defined criteria to shortlist studies from well-known research databases into categories of brain stimulation techniques. These categories include deep brain stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct-current stimulation, transcranial alternating-current stimulation, and optogenetics. These techniques have been useful in treating a wide range of disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, dementia, and depression. In total, 76 studies were shortlisted and analyzed to illustrate how closed-loop BCI can considerably improve, enhance, and restore specific brain functions. The analysis revealed that literature in the area has not adequately covered closed-loop BCI in the context of cognitive neural prosthetics and implanted neural devices. However, the authors demonstrate that the applications of closed-loop BCI are highly beneficial, and the technology is continually evolving to improve the lives of individuals with various ailments, including those with sensory-motor issues or cognitive deficiencies. By utilizing emerging techniques of stimulation, closed-loop BCI can safely improve patients' cognitive and affective skills, resulting in better healthcare outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelkader Nasreddine Belkacem
- Department of Computer and Network Engineering, College of Information Technology, UAE University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Abdelkader Nasreddine Belkacem
| | - Nuraini Jamil
- Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, College of Information Technology, UAE University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sumayya Khalid
- Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, College of Information Technology, UAE University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fady Alnajjar
- Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, College of Information Technology, UAE University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Center for Brain Science, RIKEN, Saitama, Japan
- Fady Alnajjar
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Nikonov S, Dolgova N, Sudharsan R, Tochitsky I, Iwabe S, Guzman JM, Van Gelder RN, Kramer RH, Aguirre GD, Beltran WA. Photochemical Restoration of Light Sensitivity in the Degenerated Canine Retina. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122711. [PMID: 36559205 PMCID: PMC9783220 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Photopharmacological compounds such as azobenzene-based photoswitches have been shown to control the conductivity of ionic channels in a light-dependent manner and are considered a potential strategy to restore vision in patients with end-stage photoreceptor degeneration. Here, we report the effects of DENAQ, a second-generation azobenzene-based photoswitch on retinal ganglion cells (RGC) in canine retinas using multi-electrode array (MEA) recordings (from nine degenerated and six WT retinas). DENAQ treatment conferred increased light sensitivity to RGCs in degenerated canine retinas. RGC light responses were observed in degenerated retinas following ex vivo application of 1 mM DENAQ (n = 6) or after in vivo DENAQ injection (n = 3, 150 μL, 3-10 mM) using 455 nm light at intensities as low as 0.2 mW/cm2. The number of light-sensitive cells and the per cell response amplitude increased with light intensity up to the maximum tested intensity of 85 mW/cm2. Application of DENAQ to degenerated retinas with partially preserved cone function caused appearance of DENAQ-driven responses both in cone-driven and previously non-responsive RGCs, and disappearance of cone-driven responses. Repeated stimulation slowed activation and accelerated recovery of the DENAQ-driven responses. The latter is likely responsible for the delayed appearance of a response to 4 Hz flicker stimulation. Limited aqueous solubility of DENAQ results in focal drug aggregates associated with ocular toxicity. While this limits the therapeutic potential of DENAQ, more potent third-generation photoswitches may be more promising, especially when delivered in a slow-release formulation that prevents drug aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei Nikonov
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Natalia Dolgova
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Raghavi Sudharsan
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ivan Tochitsky
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 90095, USA
| | - Simone Iwabe
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jose-Manuel Guzman
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Russell N. Van Gelder
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pathology, and Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Richard H. Kramer
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 90095, USA
| | - Gustavo D. Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - William A. Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Correspondence:
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Gao L, Kraus Y, Stegner A, Wein T, Heise C, von Brunn L, Fajardo-Ruiz E, Thorn-Seshold J, Thorn-Seshold O. Self-reporting styrylthiazolium photopharmaceuticals: mitochondrial localisation as well as SAR drive biological activity. Org Biomol Chem 2022; 20:7787-7794. [PMID: 36172848 DOI: 10.1039/d2ob00347c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Novel photoswitches offering features complementary to the well-established azobenzenes are increasingly driving high-precision research in cellular photopharmacology. Styrylthiazolium (StyTz) and styrylbenzothiazolium (StyBtz) are cellularly untested E/Z-isomerisation photoswitches which are nearly isosteric to azobenzenes, but have distinct properties: including ca. 60 nm red-shifted π → π* absorption, self-reporting fluorescence, Z → E relaxation on typical biological timescales, and decent solubility (positive charge). We tested StyTz and StyBtz for their potential as photopharmaceutical scaffolds, by applying them to photocontrol microtubule dynamics. They light-specifically disrupt microtubule network architecture and block cell proliferation: yet, testing lead compound StyBtz2 for its molecular mechanism of action showed that it did not inhibit microtubule dynamics. Using its self-reporting fluorescence, we tracked its localisation in live cells and observed accumulation of E-StyBtz2 into mitochondria; during prolonged illumination, it was released into the cytosol, and blebbing and cell death were observed. We interpret this as light-dependent rupturing of mitochondria on acute timescales. We conclude that StyTz/StyBtz can be interesting photopharmaceutical scaffolds for addressing mitochondrial, rather than cytosolic, targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, 5-13 Butenandtstrasse, München 81377, Germany.
| | - Yvonne Kraus
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, 5-13 Butenandtstrasse, München 81377, Germany.
| | - Andrea Stegner
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, 5-13 Butenandtstrasse, München 81377, Germany.
| | - Thomas Wein
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, 5-13 Butenandtstrasse, München 81377, Germany.
| | - Constanze Heise
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, 5-13 Butenandtstrasse, München 81377, Germany.
| | - Leonie von Brunn
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, 5-13 Butenandtstrasse, München 81377, Germany.
| | - Elena Fajardo-Ruiz
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, 5-13 Butenandtstrasse, München 81377, Germany.
| | - Julia Thorn-Seshold
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, 5-13 Butenandtstrasse, München 81377, Germany.
| | - Oliver Thorn-Seshold
- Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, 5-13 Butenandtstrasse, München 81377, Germany.
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8
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Berry MH, Holt A, Broichhagen J, Donthamsetti P, Flannery JG, Isacoff EY. Photopharmacology for vision restoration. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 65:102259. [PMID: 35749908 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Blinding diseases that are caused by degeneration of rod and cone photoreceptor cells often spare the rest of the retinal circuit, from bipolar cells, which are directly innervated by photoreceptor cells, to the output ganglion cells that project axons to the brain. A strategy for restoring vision is to introduce light sensitivity to the surviving cells of the retina. One approach is optogenetics, in which surviving cells are virally transfected with a gene encoding a signaling protein that becomes sensitive to light by binding to the biologically available chromophore retinal, the same chromophore that is used by the opsin photo-detectors of rods and cones. A second approach uses photopharmacology, in which a synthetic photoswitch associates with a native or engineered ion channel or receptor. We review these approaches and look ahead to the next generation of advances that could reconstitute core aspects of natural vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael H Berry
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Amy Holt
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | | | - Prashant Donthamsetti
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - John G Flannery
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA; Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA; Vision Science, Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Ehud Y Isacoff
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA; Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA; MBIB Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
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9
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Peña JS, Vazquez M. Harnessing the Neuroprotective Behaviors of Müller Glia for Retinal Repair. FRONT BIOSCI-LANDMRK 2022; 27:169. [PMID: 35748245 PMCID: PMC9639582 DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2706169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Progressive and irreversible vision loss in mature and aging adults creates a health and economic burden, worldwide. Despite the advancements of many contemporary therapies to restore vision, few approaches have considered the innate benefits of gliosis, the endogenous processes of retinal repair that precede vision loss. Retinal gliosis is fundamentally driven by Müller glia (MG) and is characterized by three primary cellular mechanisms: hypertrophy, proliferation, and migration. In early stages of gliosis, these processes have neuroprotective potential to halt the progression of disease and encourage synaptic activity among neurons. Later stages, however, can lead to glial scarring, which is a hallmark of disease progression and blindness. As a result, the neuroprotective abilities of MG have remained incompletely explored and poorly integrated into current treatment regimens. Bioengineering studies of the intrinsic behaviors of MG hold promise to exploit glial reparative ability, while repressing neuro-disruptive MG responses. In particular, recent in vitro systems have become primary models to analyze individual gliotic processes and provide a stepping stone for in vivo strategies. This review highlights recent studies of MG gliosis seeking to harness MG neuroprotective ability for regeneration using contemporary biotechnologies. We emphasize the importance of studying gliosis as a reparative mechanism, rather than disregarding it as an unfortunate clinical prognosis in diseased retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan S. Peña
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State
University of New Jersey, Piscataway (08854), New Jersey, USA
| | - Maribel Vazquez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State
University of New Jersey, Piscataway (08854), New Jersey, USA
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10
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Narcisse D, Mustafi SM, Carlson M, Kim S, Batabyal S, Wright W, Mohanty SK. Monitoring Visual Cortical Activities During Progressive Retinal Degeneration Using Functional Bioluminescence Imaging. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:750684. [PMID: 34690687 PMCID: PMC8530108 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.750684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse models of inherited retinal degenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa are characterized by degeneration of photoreceptors, which hinders the generation of signal to be transmitted to the visual cortex. By monitoring Ca2+-bioluminescence neural activity, we quantified changes in visual cortical activities in response to visual stimuli in RD10 mice during progression of retinal degeneration, which correlated with progressive deteriorations of electro-retinography signal from the eyes. The number of active neurons in the visual cortex, the intensity of Ca2+-bioluminescence response, and neural activation parameter showed progressive deterioration during aging. Further, we correlated the thinning of retina as measured by Optical Coherence Tomography with the decrease in visual cortical activities as retinal degeneration progressed. The present study establishes Ca2+-bioluminescence monitoring as a longitudinal imaging modality to characterize activities in visual cortex of retinal degenerative disease models and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sanghoon Kim
- Nanoscope Technologies LLC, Bedford, TX, United States
| | | | - Weldon Wright
- Nanoscope Technologies LLC, Bedford, TX, United States
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11
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Cao KJ, Lyons EF, Smith BE, Denlinger BL, Ma H, Shirian JD, Kramer RH. Cyclodextrin‐Assisted Delivery of Azobenzene Photoswitches for Uniform and Long‐Term Restoration of Light Responses in Degenerated Retinas of Blind Mice. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202100127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J. Cao
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology University of California Berkeley Berkeley CA 94720‐3200 USA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute University of California Berkeley Berkeley CA 94720‐3370 USA
| | - Elijah F. Lyons
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology University of California Berkeley Berkeley CA 94720‐3200 USA
| | - Benjamin E. Smith
- Vision Sciences Graduate Program University of California Berkeley Berkeley CA 94720‐2020 USA
| | - Bristol L. Denlinger
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology University of California Berkeley Berkeley CA 94720‐3200 USA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute University of California Berkeley Berkeley CA 94720‐3370 USA
| | - Hong Ma
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology University of California Berkeley Berkeley CA 94720‐3200 USA
| | - Jonathan D. Shirian
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology University of California Berkeley Berkeley CA 94720‐3200 USA
| | - Richard H. Kramer
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology University of California Berkeley Berkeley CA 94720‐3200 USA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute University of California Berkeley Berkeley CA 94720‐3370 USA
- Vision Sciences Graduate Program University of California Berkeley Berkeley CA 94720‐2020 USA
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12
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Targeted Cancer Therapy Using Compounds Activated by Light. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133237. [PMID: 34209493 PMCID: PMC8269035 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer chemotherapy is affected by a modest selectivity and toxic side effects of pharmacological interventions. Among novel approaches to overcome this limitation and to bring to therapy more potent and selective agents is the use of light for selective activation of anticancer compounds. In this review, we focus on the anticancer applications of two light-activated approaches still in the experimental phase: photoremovable protecting groups ("photocages") and photoswitches. We describe the structural considerations behind the development of novel compounds and the plethora of assays used to confirm whether the photochemical and pharmacological properties are meeting the stringent criteria for an efficient in vivo light-dependent activation. Despite its immense potential, light activation brings many challenges, and the complexity of the task is very demanding. Currently, we are still deeply in the phase of pharmacological tools, but the vivid research and rapid development bring the light of hope for potential clinical use.
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13
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Lindner M, Gilhooley MJ, Peirson SN, Hughes S, Hankins MW. The functional characteristics of optogenetic gene therapy for vision restoration. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:1597-1613. [PMID: 32728765 PMCID: PMC7904736 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03597-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Optogenetic strategies to restore vision in patients blind from end-stage retinal degenerations aim to render remaining retinal neurons light-sensitive. We present an innovative combination of multi-electrode array recordings together with a complex pattern-generating light source as a toolset to determine the extent to which neural retinal responses to complex light stimuli can be restored following viral delivery of red-shifted channelrhodopsin in the retinally degenerated mouse. Our data indicate that retinal output level spatiotemporal response characteristics achieved by optogenetic gene therapy closely parallel those observed for normal mice but equally reveal important limitations, some of which could be mitigated using bipolar-cell targeted gene-delivery approaches. As clinical trials are commencing, these data provide important new information on the capacity and limitations of channelrhodopsin-based gene therapies. The toolset we established enables comparing optogenetic constructs and stem-cell-based techniques, thereby providing an efficient and sensitive starting point to identify future approaches for vision restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Lindner
- The Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Department of Neurophysiology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Michael J Gilhooley
- The Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Department of Neuroophthalmology, Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Stuart N Peirson
- The Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Steven Hughes
- The Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mark W Hankins
- The Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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14
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Fletcher EL. Advances in understanding the mechanisms of retinal degenerations. Clin Exp Optom 2020; 103:723-732. [PMID: 33090561 DOI: 10.1111/cxo.13146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptor death is an important contributor to irreversible vision loss worldwide. In this review, I outline our work examining the role that purines, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), have in normal retinal function and in retinal disease. Our work shows that the actions of ATP, mediated by P2X receptors, are expressed in various retinal layers including photoreceptor terminals, and when stimulated by excessive levels of ATP is associated with rapid death of neurons. Treatment with a compound that blocks the action of P2X and some P2Y receptors reduces photoreceptor death in a mouse model of retinal degeneration. Our observations not only provide a means for developing a potential treatment for reducing photoreceptor death, but also provides a novel way of studying the neural plasticity effects that develop in the inner retina following photoreceptor death. There are a range of inner retinal changes that could influence the effectiveness of retinal prostheses. Indeed, using an ATP-induced degeneration model, we established that the amount of electrical stimulation required to elicit a response in the visual cortex was affected by the level of glial scarring. However, changes in P2X7 receptor expression by OFF ganglion cells during retinal degeneration can also be exploited by photoswitches to restore light sensitivity to degenerated retinae. Finally, our work has also considered how P2X7 expression by innate immune cells, and its role as a scavenger receptor, contributes to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Our results show that loss of P2X7 function is associated with thickening of Bruch's membrane as well as increased risk of advanced disease in people with AMD. Overall, our work over the last 20 years highlights the importance of purinergic signalling in normal retinal function and retinal disease and suggest that developing therapies that target P2X7 function could be of benefit for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica L Fletcher
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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15
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Lam PY, Thawani AR, Balderas E, White AJP, Chaudhuri D, Fuchter MJ, Peterson RT. TRPswitch-A Step-Function Chemo-optogenetic Ligand for the Vertebrate TRPA1 Channel. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:17457-17468. [PMID: 32966062 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c06811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chemo-optogenetics has produced powerful tools for optical control of cell activity, but current tools suffer from a variety of limitations including low unitary conductance, the need to modify the target channel, or the inability to control both on and off switching. Using a zebrafish behavior-based screening strategy, we discovered "TRPswitch", a photoswitchable nonelectrophilic ligand scaffold for the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel. TRPA1 exhibits high unitary channel conductance, making it an ideal target for chemo-optogenetic tool development. Key molecular determinants for the activity of TRPswitch were elucidated and allowed for replacement of the TRPswitch azobenzene with a next-generation azoheteroarene. The TRPswitch compounds enable reversible, repeatable, and nearly quantitative light-induced activation and deactivation of the vertebrate TRPA1 channel with violet and green light, respectively. The utility of TRPswitch compounds was demonstrated in larval zebrafish hearts exogenously expressing zebrafish Trpa1b, where the heartbeat could be controlled using TRPswitch and light. Therefore, TRPA1/TRPswitch represents a novel step-function chemo-optogenetic system with a unique combination of high conductance, high efficiency, activity against an unmodified vertebrate channel, and capacity for bidirectional optical switching. This chemo-optogenetic system will be particularly applicable in systems where a large depolarization current is needed or sustained channel activation is desirable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pui-Ying Lam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Aditya R Thawani
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, White City Campus, Wood Lane, London W12 OBZ, United Kingdom
| | - Enrique Balderas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Andrew J P White
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, White City Campus, Wood Lane, London W12 OBZ, United Kingdom
| | - Dipayan Chaudhuri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Matthew J Fuchter
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, White City Campus, Wood Lane, London W12 OBZ, United Kingdom
| | - Randall T Peterson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
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16
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Fuchter MJ. On the Promise of Photopharmacology Using Photoswitches: A Medicinal Chemist's Perspective. J Med Chem 2020; 63:11436-11447. [PMID: 32511922 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Photopharmacology is a growing area of endeavor that employs photoswitchable ligands to allow for light-dependent pharmacological activity. By coupling light to therapeutic action, improved spatial and temporal selectivity can be achieved and subsequently harnessed for new concepts in therapy. Tremendous progress has already been made, with photopharmacological agents now reported against a wide array of target classes and light-dependent results demonstrated in a range of live cell and animal models. Several challenges remain, however, especially in order for photopharmacology to truly impact the clinical management of disease. This Perspective aims to summarize these challenges, particularly with attention to the medicinal chemistry that will be unavoidably required for the further translation of these agents/approaches. By clearly defining challenges for drug hunters, it is hoped that further research into the medicinal chemistry of photopharmacological agents will be stimulated, ultimately enabling full realization of the huge potential for this exciting field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Fuchter
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, White City Campus, Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
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17
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Paoletti P, Ellis-Davies GCR, Mourot A. Optical control of neuronal ion channels and receptors. Nat Rev Neurosci 2020; 20:514-532. [PMID: 31289380 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-019-0197-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Light-controllable tools provide powerful means to manipulate and interrogate brain function with relatively low invasiveness and high spatiotemporal precision. Although optogenetic approaches permit neuronal excitation or inhibition at the network level, other technologies, such as optopharmacology (also known as photopharmacology) have emerged that provide molecular-level control by endowing light sensitivity to endogenous biomolecules. In this Review, we discuss the challenges and opportunities of photocontrolling native neuronal signalling pathways, focusing on ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors. We describe existing strategies for rendering receptors and channels light sensitive and provide an overview of the neuroscientific insights gained from such approaches. At the crossroads of chemistry, protein engineering and neuroscience, optopharmacology offers great potential for understanding the molecular basis of brain function and behaviour, with promises for future therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Paoletti
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France.
| | | | - Alexandre Mourot
- Neuroscience Paris Seine-Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS-IBPS), CNRS, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.
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18
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Berizzi AE, Goudet C. Strategies and considerations of G-protein-coupled receptor photopharmacology. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2020; 88:143-172. [PMID: 32416866 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2019.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) pharmacology tends to be complex and at times poorly understood. This has led to the development of GPCR-targeting agents that often demonstrate poor pharmacokinetic properties and poor selectivity for their target receptors. One approach that is emerging as a means of addressing these limitations is the use of molecules whose activity can be controlled by light. Photopharmacology involves the incorporation of a photoswitch into the structure of a given compound, cage or linker and following irradiation with light, undergoes a structural rearrangement, which changes its biological activity. The use of light-regulated ligands offers the opportunity to modulate and understand GPCR signaling in a more spatiotemporal manner than classical pharmacological approaches. In this chapter we will discuss some of the advancements that have been made in photopharmacology, particularly in developing photoswitchable ligands that target class A GPCRs, e.g., muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, class B GPCRs, e.g., glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor, and class C GPCRs, e.g., metabotrobic glutamate receptors. Given the intricacy of GPCR pharmacology, this chapter will also discuss some of the challenges the field faces when designing photopharmacological tools. Furthermore, it will propose that it is with a full appreciation of the spectrum of pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties of photoswitchable ligands that research will be better placed to develop ligands with a reduced risk of failure during preclinical progression. This will likely enable photopharmacological approaches to continue to find novel applications and offer new perspectives in understanding (patho)physiology to ultimately inform future GPCR drug discovery efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice E Berizzi
- IGF, CNRS, INSERM, Univ. de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | - Cyril Goudet
- IGF, CNRS, INSERM, Univ. de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
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19
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Peptide drugs for photopharmacology: how much of a safety advantage can be gained by photocontrol? FUTURE DRUG DISCOVERY 2020. [DOI: 10.4155/fdd-2019-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To verify whether photocontrol of biological activity could augment safety of a chemotherapeutic agent. Materials & methods: LD50 values for gramicidin S and photoisomeric forms of its photoswitchable diarylethene-containing analogs were determined using mice. The results were compared with data obtained from cell viability measurements taken for the same compounds. Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Elimination (ADME) tests using a murine cancer model were conducted to get insight into the underlying reasons for the observed in vivo toxicity. Results: While in vitro cytotoxicity values of the photoisomers differed substantially, the differences in the observed LD50 values were less pronounced due to unfavorable pharmacokinetic parameters. Conclusion: Despite unfavorable pharmacokinetic properties as in the representative case studied here, there is an overall advantage to be gained in the safety profile of a chemotherapeutic agent via photocontrol. Nevertheless, optimization of the pharmacokinetic parameters of photoisomers is an important issue to be addressed during the development of photopharmacological drugs.
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20
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Arens-Arad T, Farah N, Lender R, Moshkovitz A, Flores T, Palanker D, Mandel Y. Cortical Interactions between Prosthetic and Natural Vision. Curr Biol 2019; 30:176-182.e2. [PMID: 31883811 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Outer retinal degenerative diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), are among the leading causes of incurable blindness in the Western world [1]. Retinal prostheses have been shown to restore some useful vision by electrically stimulating the remaining retinal neurons [2]. In contrast to inherited retinal degenerative diseases (e.g., RP), typically leading to a complete loss of the visual field, in AMD patients the disease is localized to the macula, leaving the peripheral vision intact. Implanting a retinal prosthesis in the central macula in AMD patients [3, 4] leads to an intriguing situation where the patient's central retina is stimulated electrically, whereas the peripheral healthy retina responds to natural light stimulation. An important question is whether the visual cortex responds to these two concurrent stimuli similarly to the interaction between two adjacent natural light stimuli projected onto healthy retina. Here, we investigated the cortical interactions between prosthetic and natural vision based on visually evoked potentials (VEPs) recorded in rats implanted with photovoltaic subretinal implants. Using this model, where prosthetic and natural vision information are combined in the visual cortex, we observed striking similarities in the interactions of natural and prosthetic vision, including similar effect of background illumination, linear summation of non-patterned stimuli, and lateral inhibition with spatial patterns [5], which increased with target contrast. These results support the idea of combined prosthetic and natural vision in restoration of sight for AMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Arens-Arad
- Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Optometry and Vision Science, Bar-Ilan University, Max ve-Anna Webb St, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; Bar-Ilan Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials (BINA), Bar-Ilan University, Max ve-Anna Webb St, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Nairouz Farah
- Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Optometry and Vision Science, Bar-Ilan University, Max ve-Anna Webb St, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; Bar-Ilan Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials (BINA), Bar-Ilan University, Max ve-Anna Webb St, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Rivkah Lender
- Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Optometry and Vision Science, Bar-Ilan University, Max ve-Anna Webb St, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; Bar-Ilan Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials (BINA), Bar-Ilan University, Max ve-Anna Webb St, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Avital Moshkovitz
- Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Optometry and Vision Science, Bar-Ilan University, Max ve-Anna Webb St, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; Bar-Ilan Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials (BINA), Bar-Ilan University, Max ve-Anna Webb St, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Thomas Flores
- Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory, Stanford University, 452 Lomita Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Daniel Palanker
- Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory, Stanford University, 452 Lomita Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Ophthalmology, Stanford University, 452 Lomita Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yossi Mandel
- Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Optometry and Vision Science, Bar-Ilan University, Max ve-Anna Webb St, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; Bar-Ilan Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials (BINA), Bar-Ilan University, Max ve-Anna Webb St, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel.
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21
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Bolger M, Groynom R, Bogie K, Lavik E. Reporter Scaffolds for Clinically Relevant Cell Transplantation Studies. Ann Biomed Eng 2019; 48:1982-1990. [PMID: 31686310 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-019-02393-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
There are a number of cell therapies that are either in clinical trials or moving toward clinical trials, particularly for diseases of the retina. One of the challenges with cell therapies is tracking the status of cells over time. Genetic manipulation can facilitate this, but it can limit the clinical application of the cells. There are a host of fluorophores that have been developed to assess the status of cells, but these molecules tend to be cleared rapidly from cells. There are preclinical strategies that use degradable scaffolds, and we hypothesized that these scaffolds could be used to track the state of cells during preclinical studies. In this work, we explored whether fluorophores could be delivered from simple scaffolds fabricated under extremely harsh conditions, be active upon release, and report on the cells growing on the scaffolds over time. We encapsulated CellROX® Green Reagent, and pHrodo™ Red AM in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds, showed that they could be delivered over weeks and were still active upon release and taken up by cells. These experiments provide the foundation for using scaffolds to deliver molecules to report on cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kath Bogie
- Louis Stokes Cleveland VA, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Erin Lavik
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, 21250, USA.
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22
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Photopharmacologic Vision Restoration Reduces Pathological Rhythmic Field Potentials in Blind Mouse Retina. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13561. [PMID: 31537864 PMCID: PMC6753071 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49999-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Photopharmacology has yielded compounds that have potential to restore impaired visual responses resulting from outer retinal degeneration diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa. Here we evaluate two photoswitchable azobenzene ion channel blockers, DAQ and DAA for vision restoration. DAQ exerts its effect primarily on RGCs, whereas DAA induces light-dependent spiking primarily through amacrine cell activation. Degeneration-induced local field potentials remain a major challenge common to all vision restoration approaches. These 5–10 Hz rhythmic potentials increase the background firing rate of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and overlay the stimulated response, thereby reducing signal-to-noise ratio. Along with the bipolar cell-selective photoswitch DAD and second-generation RGC-targeting photoswitch PhENAQ, we investigated the effects of DAA and DAQ on rhythmic local field potentials (LFPs) occurring in the degenerating retina. We found that photoswitches targeting neurons upstream of RGCs, DAA (amacrine cells) and DAD (bipolar cells) suppress the frequency of LFPs, while DAQ and PhENAQ (RGCs) had negligible effects on frequency or spectral power of LFPs. Taken together, these results demonstrate remarkable diversity of cell-type specificity of photoswitchable channel blockers in the retina and suggest that specific compounds may counter rhythmic LFPs to produce superior signal-to-noise characteristics in vision restoration.
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23
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Morstein J, Trauner D. New players in phototherapy: photopharmacology and bio-integrated optoelectronics. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2019; 50:145-151. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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24
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Berry MH, Holt A, Salari A, Veit J, Visel M, Levitz J, Aghi K, Gaub BM, Sivyer B, Flannery JG, Isacoff EY. Restoration of high-sensitivity and adapting vision with a cone opsin. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1221. [PMID: 30874546 PMCID: PMC6420663 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09124-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited and age-related retinal degenerative diseases cause progressive loss of rod and cone photoreceptors, leading to blindness, but spare downstream retinal neurons, which can be targeted for optogenetic therapy. However, optogenetic approaches have been limited by either low light sensitivity or slow kinetics, and lack adaptation to changes in ambient light, and not been shown to restore object vision. We find that the vertebrate medium wavelength cone opsin (MW-opsin) overcomes these limitations and supports vision in dim light. MW-opsin enables an otherwise blind retinitis pigmenotosa mouse to discriminate temporal and spatial light patterns displayed on a standard LCD computer tablet, displays adaption to changes in ambient light, and restores open-field novel object exploration under incidental room light. By contrast, rhodopsin, which is similar in sensitivity but slower in light response and has greater rundown, fails these tests. Thus, MW-opsin provides the speed, sensitivity and adaptation needed to restore patterned vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael H Berry
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Amy Holt
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Autoosa Salari
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Julia Veit
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Meike Visel
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Joshua Levitz
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10024, USA
| | - Krisha Aghi
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Benjamin M Gaub
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Department of Biosystems Science Engineering, ETH Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, Basel, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Sivyer
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - John G Flannery
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- School of Optometry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Ehud Y Isacoff
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
- Bioscience Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
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25
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A light in the dark: state of the art and perspectives in optogenetics and optopharmacology for restoring vision. Future Med Chem 2019; 11:463-487. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2018-0315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, innovative therapeutic strategies against inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) have emerged. In particular, chemical- and opto-genetics approaches or a combination of them have been identified for modulating neuronal/optical activity in order to restore vision in blinding diseases. The ‘chemical-genetics approach’ (optopharmacology) uses small molecules (exogenous photoswitches) for restoring light sensitivity by activating ion channels. The ‘opto-genetics approach’ employs light-activated photosensitive proteins (exogenous opsins), introduced by viral vectors in injured tissues, to restore light response. These approaches offer control of neuronal activities with spatial precision and limited invasiveness, although with some drawbacks. Currently, a combined therapeutic strategy (optogenetic pharmacology) is emerging. This review describes the state of the art and provides an overview of the future perspectives in vision restoration.
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Chakravarthy H, Devanathan V. Molecular Mechanisms Mediating Diabetic Retinal Neurodegeneration: Potential Research Avenues and Therapeutic Targets. J Mol Neurosci 2018; 66:445-461. [PMID: 30293228 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-018-1188-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a devastating complication of diabetes with a prevalence rate of 35%, and no effective treatment options. Since the most visible clinical features of DR are microvascular irregularities, therapeutic interventions often attempt to reduce microvascular injury, but only after permanent retinal damage has ensued. However, recent data suggests that diabetes initially affects retinal neurons, leading to neurodegeneration as an early occurrence in DR, before onset of the more noticeable vascular abnormalities. In this review, we delineate the sequence of initiating events leading to retinal degeneration in DR, considering neuronal dysfunction as a primary event. Key molecular mechanisms and potential biomarkers associated with retinal neuronal degeneration in diabetes are discussed. In addition to glial reactivity and inflammation in the diabetic retina, the contribution of neurotrophic factors, cell adhesion molecules, apoptosis markers, and G protein signaling to neurodegenerative pathways warrants further investigation. These studies could complement recent developments in innovative treatment strategies for diabetic retinopathy, such as targeting retinal neuroprotection, promoting neuronal regeneration, and attempts to re-program other retinal cell types into functional neurons. Indeed, several ongoing clinical trials are currently attempting treatment of retinal neurodegeneration by means of such novel therapeutic avenues. The aim of this article is to highlight the crucial role of neurodegeneration in early retinopathy progression, and to review the molecular basis of neuronal dysfunction as a first step toward developing early therapeutic interventions that can prevent permanent retinal damage in diabetes. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02471651, NCT01492400.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshini Chakravarthy
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Transit campus: C/o. Sree Rama Engineering College Campus, Karakambadi Road, Mangalam, Tirupati, 517507, India
| | - Vasudharani Devanathan
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Transit campus: C/o. Sree Rama Engineering College Campus, Karakambadi Road, Mangalam, Tirupati, 517507, India.
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28
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Angueyra JM, Kindt KS. Leveraging Zebrafish to Study Retinal Degenerations. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:110. [PMID: 30283779 PMCID: PMC6156122 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerations are a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by death of photoreceptors and progressive loss of vision. Retinal degenerations are a major cause of blindness in developed countries (Bourne et al., 2017; De Bode, 2017) and currently have no cure. In this review, we will briefly review the latest advances in therapies for retinal degenerations, highlighting the current barriers to study and develop therapies that promote photoreceptor regeneration in mammals. In light of these barriers, we present zebrafish as a powerful model to study photoreceptor regeneration and their integration into retinal circuits after regeneration. We outline why zebrafish is well suited for these analyses and summarize the powerful tools available in zebrafish that could be used to further uncover the mechanisms underlying photoreceptor regeneration and rewiring. In particular, we highlight that it is critical to understand how rewiring occurs after regeneration and how it differs from development. Insights derived from photoreceptor regeneration and rewiring in zebrafish may provide leverage to develop therapeutic targets to treat retinal degenerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M. Angueyra
- Retinal Neurophysiology Section, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Katie S. Kindt
- Section on Sensory Cell Development and Function, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Reversible, Spatial and Temporal Control over Protein Activity Using Light. Trends Biochem Sci 2018; 43:567-575. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Hüll
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, New York 10003-6699, United States
| | - Johannes Morstein
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, New York 10003-6699, United States
| | - Dirk Trauner
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, New York 10003-6699, United States
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Tochitsky I, Kienzler MA, Isacoff E, Kramer RH. Restoring Vision to the Blind with Chemical Photoswitches. Chem Rev 2018; 118:10748-10773. [PMID: 29874052 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.7b00723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Degenerative retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affect millions of people around the world and lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated. A number of therapeutic strategies have been developed over the years to treat these diseases or restore vision to already blind patients. In this Review, we describe the development and translational application of light-sensitive chemical photoswitches to restore visual function to the blind retina and compare the translational potential of photoswitches with other vision-restoring therapies. This therapeutic strategy is enabled by an efficient fusion of chemical synthesis, chemical biology, and molecular biology and is broadly applicable to other biological systems. We hope this Review will be of interest to chemists as well as neuroscientists and clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Tochitsky
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center , Boston Children's Hospital , Boston , Massachusetts 02115 , United States.,Department of Neurobiology , Harvard Medical School , Boston , Massachusetts 02115 , United States
| | - Michael A Kienzler
- Department of Chemistry , University of Maine , Orono , Maine 04469 , United States
| | - Ehud Isacoff
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology , University of California , Berkeley , California 94720 , United States.,Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute , University of California , Berkeley , California 94720 , United States.,Bioscience Division , Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory , Berkeley , California 94720 , United States
| | - Richard H Kramer
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology , University of California , Berkeley , California 94720 , United States.,Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute , University of California , Berkeley , California 94720 , United States
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Benfenati F, Lanzani G. New technologies for developing second generation retinal prostheses. Lab Anim (NY) 2018; 47:71-75. [PMID: 29483694 DOI: 10.1038/s41684-018-0003-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Inherited or age-dependent retinal dystrophies such as Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and macular degeneration (MD) are among the most prevalent causes of blindness. Despite enormous efforts, no established pharmacological treatment to prevent or cure photoreceptor degeneration has been identified. Given the relative survival of the inner retina, attempts have been made to restore vision with optogenetics or with retinal neuroprostheses to allow light-dependent stimulation of the inner retinal network. While microelectrode and photovoltaic devices based on inorganic technologies have been proposed and in many cases implanted in RP patients, a new generation of prosthetics based on organic molecules, such as organic photoswitches and conjugated polymers, is demonstrating an unexpected potential for visual rescue and intimate interactions with functioning tissue. Organic devices are starting a new era of tissue electronics, in which light-sensitive molecules and live tissues integrate and tightly interact, producing a new ecosystem of organic prosthetics and intelligent biotic/abiotic interfaces. In addition to the retina, the applications of these interfaces might be extended in the future to other biomedical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
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Van Gelder RN. Toward the Miracle of Retinal Reanimation. Ophthalmology 2017; 124:1723-1725. [PMID: 29157422 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2017.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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