1
|
Schwakopf J, Romero CO, Lopez NN, Millar JC, Vetter ML, Bosco A. Schlemm's canal-selective Tie2/TEK knockdown induces sustained ocular hypertension in adult mice. Exp Eye Res 2024; 248:110114. [PMID: 39368692 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.110114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2024] [Revised: 09/19/2024] [Accepted: 10/01/2024] [Indexed: 10/07/2024]
Abstract
Deficient Angiopoietin-Tie2 signaling is linked to ocular hypertension in glaucoma. Receptor Tie2/TEK expression and signaling at Schlemm's canal (SC) is indispensable for canal integrity and homeostatic regulation of aqueous humor outflow (AHO) and intraocular pressure (IOP), as validated by conditional deletion of Tie2, its ligands (Angpt1, Angpt2 and Angpt3/4) or regulators (Tie1 and PTPRB/VE-PTP). However, these Tie2/TEK knockouts and conditional knockouts are global or endothelial, preventing separation of systemic and ocular vascular defects that impact retinal or renal integrity. To develop a more targeted model of ocular hypertension induced by selective knockdown of Tie2/TEK expressed in SC, we combined the use of viral vectors to target the canal, and two distinct gene-editing strategies to disrupt the Tie2 gene. Adeno-associated virus (AAV2) is known to transduce rodent SC when delivered into the anterior chamber by intracameral injection. First, delivery of Cre recombinase via AAV2.Cre into R26tdTomato/+ reporter mice confirmed preferential and stable transduction in SC endothelium. Next, to disrupt Tie2 expression in SC, we injected AAV2.Cre into homozygous floxed Tie2 (Tie2FL/FL) mice. This led to attenuated Tie2 protein expression along the SC inner wall, decreased SC area and reduced trabecular meshwork (TM) cellularity. Functionally, IOP was significantly and steadily elevated, whereas AHO facility was reduced. In contrast, hemizygous Tie2FL/+ mice responded to AAV2.Cre with inconsistent and low IOP elevation, corroborating the dose-dependency of ocular hypertension on Tie2 expression/activation. In a second model using CRISPR/SaCas9 genome editing, wild-type C57BL/6 J mice injected with AAV2.saCas9-sgTie2 showed similar selective SC transduction and comparable IOP elevation in course and magnitude to that induced by AAV2.Cre in Tie2FL/FL mice. Together, our findings, demonstrate that selective Tie2 knockdown in SC is a targeted strategy that reliably induces chronic ocular hypertension and reproduces glaucomatous damage to the conventional outflow pathway, providing novel models of SC-Tie2 signaling loss valuable for preclinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joon Schwakopf
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Cesar O Romero
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Navita N Lopez
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - J Cameron Millar
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Monica L Vetter
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Alejandra Bosco
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Park S, Raghunathan VK, Ramarapu R, Moshiri A, Yiu G, Casanova MI, Cosert K, McCorkell M, Leonard BC, Thomasy SM. Biomechanic, proteomic and miRNA transcriptional changes in the trabecular meshwork of primates injected with intravitreal triamcinolone. Vision Res 2024; 222:108456. [PMID: 38991466 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2024.108456] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Although biomechanical changes of the trabecular meshwork (TM) are important to the pathogenesis of glucocorticoids-induced ocular hypertension (GC-OHT), there is a knowledge gap in the underlying molecular mechanisms of the development of it. In this study, we performed intravitreal triamcinolone injection (IVTA) in one eye of 3 rhesus macaques. Following IVTA, we assessed TM stiffness using atomic force microscopy and investigated changes in proteomic and miRNA expression profiles. One of 3 macaques developed GC-OHT with a difference in intraocular pressure of 4.2 mmHg and a stiffer TM with a mean increase in elastic moduli of 0.60 kPa versus the non-injected control eye. In the IVTA-treated eyes, proteins associated with extracellular matrix remodeling, cytoskeletal rearrangement, and mitochondrial oxidoreductation were significantly upregulated. The significantly upregulated miR-29b and downregulated miR-335-5p post-IVTA supported the role of oxidative stress and mitophagy in the GC-mediated biomechanical changes in TM, respectively. The significant upregulation of miR-15/16 cluster post-IVTA may indicate a resultant TM cell apoptosis contributing to the increase in outflow resistance. Despite the small sample size, these results expand our knowledge of GC-mediated responses in the TM and furthermore, may help explain steroid responsiveness in clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sangwan Park
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | | | - Raneesh Ramarapu
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Ala Moshiri
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Glenn Yiu
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95817, USA
| | - M Isabel Casanova
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Krista Cosert
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Michelle McCorkell
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Brian C Leonard
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA; Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Sara M Thomasy
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA; Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95817, USA; California National Primate Research Center, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lamont HC, Wright AW, Devrie K, Okur KE, Jones M, Masood I, Hill LJ, Nazhat SN, Grover LM, Haj AJE, Metcalfe AD. Trabecular meshwork cell differentiation in response to collagen and TGFβ-2 spatial interactions. Acta Biomater 2024:S1742-7061(24)00490-2. [PMID: 39218278 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.08.046] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is currently the most prevalent cause of irreversible blindness globally. To date, there are few in vitro models that can faithfully recapitulate the complex architecture of the trabecular meshwork (TM) and the specialized trabecular meshwork cell (TMC) characteristics that are local to structurally opposing regions. This study aimed to investigate the parameters that govern TMC phenotype by adapting the extracellular matrix structure to mimic the juxtacanalicular tissue (JCT) region of the TM. Initially, TMC phenotypic characteristics were investigated within type I collagen matrices of controlled fiber density and anisotropy, generated through confined plastic compression (PC). Notably, PC-collagen presented biophysical cues that induced JCT cellular characteristics (elastin, α-β-Crystallin protein expression, cytoskeletal remodeling and increased mesenchymal and JCT-specific genetic markers). In parallel, a pathological mesenchymal phenotype associated with POAG was induced through localized transforming growth factor -beta 2 (TGFβ-2) exposure. This resulted in a profile of alternative mesenchymal states (fibroblast/smooth muscle or myofibroblast) displayed by the TMC in vitro. Overall, the study provides an advanced insight into the biophysical cues that modulate TMC fate, demonstrating the induction of a JCT-specific TMC phenotype and transient mesenchymal characteristics that reflect both healthy or pathological scenarios. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Glaucoma is the most prevalent cause of blindness, with a lack of efficacy within current drug candidates. Reliable trabecular meshwork (TM) in vitro models will be critical for enhancing the fields understanding of healthy and disease states for pre-clinical testing. To date, trabecular meshwork cells (TMCs) display heterogeneity throughout the hierarchical TM, however our understanding into recapitulating these phenotypes in vitro, remains elusive. This study hypothesizes the importance of specific matrix/growth factor spatial stimuli in governing TMC phenotype. By emulating certain biophysical/biochemical in vivo parameters, we introduce an advanced profile of distinct TMC phenotypic states, reflecting healthy and disease scenarios. A notion that has not be stated prior and a fundamental consideration for future TM 3D in vitro modelling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C Lamont
- Healthcare Technologies Institute, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Abigail W Wright
- Healthcare Technologies Institute, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Kate Devrie
- Department of Mining and Materials Engineering, McGill University, Canada
| | - Kerime E Okur
- Healthcare Technologies Institute, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Michael Jones
- Cell Guidance Systems Ltd, Maia Building, Babraham Bioscience Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Imran Masood
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Lisa J Hill
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Showan N Nazhat
- Department of Mining and Materials Engineering, McGill University, Canada
| | - Liam M Grover
- Healthcare Technologies Institute, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Alicia J El Haj
- Healthcare Technologies Institute, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Anthony D Metcalfe
- Healthcare Technologies Institute, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Buffault J, Reboussin É, Blond F, Guillonneau X, Bastelica P, Kessal K, Akkurt Arslan M, Melik-Parsadaniantz S, Réaux-le Goazigo A, Labbé A, Brignole-Baudouin F, Baudouin C. RNA-seq transcriptomic profiling of TGF-β2-exposed human trabecular meshwork explants: Advancing insights beyond conventional cell culture models. Exp Cell Res 2024; 442:114220. [PMID: 39214330 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114220] [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: 05/25/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), a leading cause of irreversible vision loss, is closely linked to increased intraocular pressure (IOP), with the trabecular meshwork (TM) playing a critical role in its regulation. The TM, located at the iridocorneal angle, acts as a sieve, filtering the aqueous humor from the eye into the collecting ducts, thus maintaining proper IOP levels. The transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-β2) signaling pathway has been implicated in the pathophysiology of primary open-angle glaucoma POAG particularly, in the dysfunction of the TM. This study utilizes human TM explants to closely mimic in vivo conditions, thereby minimizing transcriptional changes that could arise from cell culture enabling an exploration of the transcriptomic impacts of TGF-β2. Through bulk RNA sequencing and immunohistological analysis, we identified distinct gene expression patterns and morphological changes induced by TGF-β2 exposure (5 ng/ml for 48 h). Bulk RNA sequencing identified significant upregulation in genes linked to extracellular matrix (ECM) regulation and fibrotic signaling. Immunohistological analysis further elucidated the morphological alterations, including cytoskeletal rearrangements and ECM deposition, providing a visual confirmation of the transcriptomic data. Notably, the enrichment analysis unveils TGF-β2's influence on both bone morphogenic protein (BMP) and Wnt signaling pathways, suggesting a complex interplay of molecular mechanisms contributing to TM dysfunction in glaucoma. This characterization of the transcriptomic modifications on an explant model of TM obtained under the effect of this profibrotic cytokine involved in glaucoma is crucial in order to develop and test new molecules that can block their signaling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Buffault
- Department of Ophthalmology III, Quinze-Vingts National Ophthalmology Hospital, IHU Foresight, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, IHU Foresight, Institut de La Vision, Paris, France; Department of Ophthalmology, Ambroise Paré Hospital, APHP, Université de Paris Saclay, Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
| | - É Reboussin
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, IHU Foresight, Institut de La Vision, Paris, France
| | - F Blond
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, IHU Foresight, Institut de La Vision, Paris, France
| | - X Guillonneau
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, IHU Foresight, Institut de La Vision, Paris, France
| | - P Bastelica
- Department of Ophthalmology III, Quinze-Vingts National Ophthalmology Hospital, IHU Foresight, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, IHU Foresight, Institut de La Vision, Paris, France
| | - K Kessal
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, IHU Foresight, Institut de La Vision, Paris, France
| | - M Akkurt Arslan
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, IHU Foresight, Institut de La Vision, Paris, France
| | - S Melik-Parsadaniantz
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, IHU Foresight, Institut de La Vision, Paris, France
| | - A Réaux-le Goazigo
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, IHU Foresight, Institut de La Vision, Paris, France
| | - A Labbé
- Department of Ophthalmology III, Quinze-Vingts National Ophthalmology Hospital, IHU Foresight, Paris, France; Department of Ophthalmology, Ambroise Paré Hospital, APHP, Université de Paris Saclay, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - F Brignole-Baudouin
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, IHU Foresight, Institut de La Vision, Paris, France; Department of Biology, CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, IHU Foresight, Paris, France
| | - C Baudouin
- Department of Ophthalmology III, Quinze-Vingts National Ophthalmology Hospital, IHU Foresight, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, IHU Foresight, Institut de La Vision, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Balasubramanian R, Kizhatil K, Li T, Tolman N, Bhandari A, Clark G, Bupp-Chickering V, Kelly RA, Zhou S, Peregrin J, Simón M, Montgomery C, Stamer WD, Qian J, John SW. Transcriptomic profiling of Schlemm's canal cells reveals a lymphatic-biased identity and three major cell states. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.08.31.555823. [PMID: 37886472 PMCID: PMC10602040 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.31.555823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Schlemm's canal (SC) is central in intraocular pressure regulation but requires much characterization. It has distinct inner and outer walls, each composed of Schlemm's canal endothelial cells (SECs) with different morphologies and functions. Recent transcriptomic studies of the anterior segment added important knowledge, but were limited in power by SEC numbers or did not focus on SC. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of SC biology, we performed bulk RNA sequencing on C57BL/6J SC, blood vessel, and lymphatic endothelial cells from limbal tissue (~4500 SECs). We also analyzed mouse limbal tissues by single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (C57BL/6J and 129/Sj strains), successfully sequencing 903 individual SECs. Together, these datasets confirm that SC has molecular characteristics of both blood and lymphatic endothelia with a lymphatic phenotype predominating. SECs are enriched in pathways that regulate cell-cell junction formation pointing to the importance of junctions in determining SC fluid permeability. Importantly, and for the first time, our analyses characterize 3 molecular classes of SECs, molecularly distinguishing inner wall from outer wall SECs and discovering two inner wall cell states that likely result from local environmental differences. Further, and based on ligand and receptor expression patterns, we document key interactions between SECs and cells of the adjacent trabecular meshwork (TM) drainage tissue. Also, we present cell type expression for a collection of human glaucoma genes. These data provide a new molecular foundation that will enable the functional dissection of key homeostatic processes mediated by SECs as well as the development of new glaucoma therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Krishnakumar Kizhatil
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Taibo Li
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Nicholas Tolman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Aakriti Bhandari
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Graham Clark
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | | | | | - Sally Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, New York, NY
| | - John Peregrin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Marina Simón
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Christa Montgomery
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | | | - Jiang Qian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Simon W.M. John
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wu J, Wang C, Sun S, Ren T, Pan L, Liu H, Hou S, Wu S, Yan X, Zhang J, Zhao X, Liu W, Zhu S, Wei S, Zhang C, Jia X, Zhang Q, Yu Z, Zhuo Y, Zhao Q, Yang C, Wang N. Single-cell transcriptomic Atlas of aging macaque ocular outflow tissues. Protein Cell 2024; 15:594-611. [PMID: 38366188 PMCID: PMC11259549 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwad067] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The progressive degradation in the trabecular meshwork (TM) is related to age-related ocular diseases like primary open-angle glaucoma. However, the molecular basis and biological significance of the aging process in TM have not been fully elucidated. Here, we established a dynamic single-cell transcriptomic landscape of aged macaque TM, wherein we classified the outflow tissue into 12 cell subtypes and identified mitochondrial dysfunction as a prominent feature of TM aging. Furthermore, we divided TM cells into 13 clusters and performed an in-depth analysis on cluster 0, which had the highest aging score and the most significant changes in cell proportions between the two groups. Ultimately, we found that the APOE gene was an important differentially expressed gene in cluster 0 during the aging process, highlighting the close relationship between cell migration and extracellular matrix regulation, and TM function. Our work further demonstrated that silencing the APOE gene could increase migration and reduce apoptosis by releasing the inhibition on the PI3K-AKT pathway and downregulating the expression of extracellular matrix components, thereby increasing the aqueous outflow rate and maintaining intraocular pressure within the normal range. Our work provides valuable insights for future clinical diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wu
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Chaoye Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Shuhui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Tianmin Ren
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Lijie Pan
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Hongyi Liu
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Simeng Hou
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Shen Wu
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xuejing Yan
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jingxue Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xiaofang Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Center for Precision Neurosurgery and Oncology of Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Weihai Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Center for Precision Neurosurgery and Oncology of Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Sirui Zhu
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Shuwen Wei
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xu Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Ziyu Yu
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Yehong Zhuo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Chenlong Yang
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Center for Precision Neurosurgery and Oncology of Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ningli Wang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tian A, Baidouri H, Kim S, Li J, Cheng X, Li Y, Chen R, Raghunathan V. To be or not to be - Decoding the Trabecular Meshwork Cell Identity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.26.591346. [PMID: 38746421 PMCID: PMC11092480 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.26.591346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The trabecular meshwork within the conventional outflow apparatus is critical in maintaining intraocular pressure homeostasis. In vitro studies employing primary cell cultures of the human trabecular meshwork (hTM) have conventionally served as surrogates for investigating the pathobiology of TM dysfunction. Despite its abundant use, translation of outcomes from in vitro studies to ex vivo and/or in vivo studies remains a challenge. Given the cell heterogeneity, performing single-cell RNA sequencing comparing primary hTM cell cultures to hTM tissue may provide important insights on cellular identity and translatability, as such an approach has not been reported before. In this study, we assembled a total of 14 primary hTM in vitro samples across passages 1-4, including 4 samples from individuals diagnosed with glaucoma. This dataset offers a comprehensive transcriptomic resource of primary hTM in vitro scRNA-seq data to study global changes in gene expression in comparison to cells in tissue in situ. We have performed extensive preprocessing and quality control, allowing the research community to access and utilize this public resource.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Tian
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Hasna Baidouri
- University of Houston, College of Optomtery, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Sangbae Kim
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Jin Li
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Xuesen Cheng
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Yumei Li
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Rui Chen
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gu X, Chen X, Zhang X, Liu K, Li JJ, Lv W, Zeng L, Wu M, Zhou W, Wang W, Shi S, Deng Y, Li Y, Gao X, Ju R, Dubrac A, Liu X, Zhang F. Macrophage-induced integrin signaling promotes Schlemm's canal formation to prevent intraocular hypertension and glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113799. [PMID: 38367239 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113799] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Schlemm's canal (SC) functions to maintain proper intraocular pressure (IOP) by draining aqueous humor and has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for glaucoma, the second-leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. However, our current understanding of the mechanisms governing SC development and functionality remains limited. Here, we show that vitronectin (VTN) produced by limbal macrophages promotes SC formation and prevents intraocular hypertension by activating integrin αvβ3 signaling. Genetic inactivation of this signaling system inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT and FOXO1 and reduced β-catenin activity and FOXC2 expression, thereby causing impaired Prox1 expression and deteriorated SC morphogenesis. This ultimately led to increased IOP and glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Intriguingly, we found that aged SC displayed downregulated integrin β3 in association with dampened Prox1 expression. Conversely, FOXO1 inhibition rejuvenated the aged SC by inducing Prox1 expression and SC regrowth, highlighting a possible strategy by targeting VTN/integrin αvβ3 signaling to improve SC functionality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Keli 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
| | - Jing-Jing 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
| | - Wenyu Lv
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Lei Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Mingjuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Weibin Zhou
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Weifa Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Shunhua Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yicheng Deng
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yunhua 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
| | - Xinbo Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, 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 510060, China
| | - Alexandre Dubrac
- Centre de Recherche, CHU St. Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada; Département de Pathologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Xialin 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
| | - Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hamel AR, Yan W, Rouhana JM, Monovarfeshani A, Jiang X, Mehta PA, Advani J, Luo Y, Liang Q, Rajasundaram S, Shrivastava A, Duchinski K, Mantena S, Wang J, van Zyl T, Pasquale LR, Swaroop A, Gharahkhani P, Khawaja AP, MacGregor S, Chen R, Vitart V, Sanes JR, Wiggs JL, Segrè AV. Integrating genetic regulation and single-cell expression with GWAS prioritizes causal genes and cell types for glaucoma. Nat Commun 2024; 15:396. [PMID: 38195602 PMCID: PMC10776627 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44380-y] [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: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), characterized by retinal ganglion cell death, is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. However, its molecular and cellular causes are not well understood. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor, but many patients have normal IOP. Colocalization and Mendelian randomization analysis of >240 POAG and IOP genome-wide association study (GWAS) loci and overlapping expression and splicing quantitative trait loci (e/sQTLs) in 49 GTEx tissues and retina prioritizes causal genes for 60% of loci. These genes are enriched in pathways implicated in extracellular matrix organization, cell adhesion, and vascular development. Analysis of single-nucleus RNA-seq of glaucoma-relevant eye tissues reveals that the POAG and IOP colocalizing genes and genome-wide associations are enriched in specific cell types in the aqueous outflow pathways, retina, optic nerve head, peripapillary sclera, and choroid. This study nominates IOP-dependent and independent regulatory mechanisms, genes, and cell types that may contribute to POAG pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Hamel
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Wenjun Yan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - John M Rouhana
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Aboozar Monovarfeshani
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Xinyi Jiang
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Puja A Mehta
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jayshree Advani
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MA, USA
| | - Yuyang Luo
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Qingnan Liang
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Skanda Rajasundaram
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Arushi Shrivastava
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Katherine Duchinski
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Bioinformatics and Integrative Genomics (BIG) PhD Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sreekar Mantena
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard/MIT MD-PhD Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jiali Wang
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Tavé van Zyl
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Louis R Pasquale
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MA, USA
| | - Puya Gharahkhani
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4029, Australia
| | - Anthony P Khawaja
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Stuart MacGregor
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4029, Australia
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Veronique Vitart
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Joshua R Sanes
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Janey L Wiggs
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ayellet V Segrè
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Jia X, Wu J, Chen X, Hou S, Li Y, Zhao L, Zhu Y, Li Z, Deng C, Su W, Zhuo Y. Cell atlas of trabecular meshwork in glaucomatous non-human primates and DEGs related to tissue contract based on single-cell transcriptomics. iScience 2023; 26:108024. [PMID: 37867950 PMCID: PMC10589847 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
As the major channel of aqueous humor outflow, dysfunction of trabecular meshwork (TM) can lead to intraocular pressure elevating, which can trigger primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). In this study, we use single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technique to build an atlas and further explore the spontaneous POAG and healthy macaques cellular heterogeneity associated with the dysfunction of TM contraction. We built the TM atlas, which identified 14 different cell types. In Beam A, Beam B, Beam C, and smooth muscle cell (SMC) cell types, we first found multiple genes associated with TM contraction (e.g., TPM1, ACTC1, TNNT1), determining their differential expression in the POAG and healthy groups. In addition, the microstructural alterations in TM of POAG non-human primates were observed, which was compact and collapsed. Thus, our study indicated that TPM1 may be a key target for regulating TM structure, contraction function, and resistance of aqueous humor outflow.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xu Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Simeng Hou
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing, China
| | - Yangyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingting Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhidong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Caibin Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenru Su
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yehong Zhuo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Visual Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ahsanuddin S, Wu AY. Single-cell transcriptomics of the ocular anterior segment: a comprehensive review. Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:3334-3350. [PMID: 37138096 PMCID: PMC10156079 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02539-3] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Elucidating the cellular and genetic composition of ocular tissues is essential for uncovering the pathophysiology of ocular diseases. Since the introduction of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) in 2009, vision researchers have performed extensive single-cell analyses to better understand transcriptome complexity and heterogeneity of ocular structures. This technology has revolutionized our ability to identify rare cell populations and to make cross-species comparisons of gene expression in both steady state and disease conditions. Importantly, single-cell transcriptomic analyses have enabled the identification of cell-type specific gene markers and signalling pathways between ocular cell populations. While most scRNA-seq studies have been conducted on retinal tissues, large-scale transcriptomic atlases pertaining to the ocular anterior segment have also been constructed in the past three years. This timely review provides vision researchers with an overview of scRNA-seq experimental design, technical limitations, and clinical applications in a variety of anterior segment-related ocular pathologies. We review open-access anterior segment-related scRNA-seq datasets and illustrate how scRNA-seq can be an indispensable tool for the development of targeted therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Ahsanuddin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Albert Y Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Faralli JA, Filla MS, Peters DM. Role of integrins in the development of fibrosis in the trabecular meshwork. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2023; 3:1274797. [PMID: 38983065 PMCID: PMC11182094 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2023.1274797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a progressive and chronic disease exhibiting many of the features of fibrosis. The extracellular matrix (ECM) in the trabecular meshwork (TM) undergoes extensive remodeling and enhanced rigidity, resembling fibrotic changes. In addition, there are changes associated with myofibroblast activation and cell contractility that further drives tissue fibrosis and stiffening. This review discusses what is known about the integrins in the TM and their involvement in fibrotic processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Faralli
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Mark S Filla
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Donna M Peters
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Schmitt HM, Hake KM, Perkumas KM, Lê BM, Suarez MF, De Ieso ML, Rahman RS, Johnson WM, Gomez-Caraballo M, Ashley-Koch AE, Hauser MA, Stamer WD. Lysyl oxidase-like 1-antisense 1 (LOXL1-AS1) lncRNA differentially regulates gene and protein expression, signaling and morphology of human ocular cells. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:3053-3062. [PMID: 37540217 PMCID: PMC10586201 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG) is characterized by dysregulated extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis that disrupts conventional outflow function and increases intraocular pressure (IOP). Prolonged IOP elevation results in optic nerve head damage and vision loss. Uniquely, PEXG is a form of open angle glaucoma that has variable penetrance, is difficult to treat and does not respond well to common IOP-lowering pharmaceuticals. Therefore, understanding modulators of disease severity will aid in targeted therapies for PEXG. Genome-wide association studies have identified polymorphisms in the long non-coding RNA lysyl oxidase-like 1-antisense 1 (LOXL1-AS1) as a risk factor for PEXG. Risk alleles, oxidative stress and mechanical stretch all alter LOXL1-AS1 expression. As a long non-coding RNA, LOXL1-AS1 binds hnRNPL and regulates global gene expression. In this study, we focus on the role of LOXL1-AS1 in the ocular cells (trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal) that regulate IOP. We show that selective knockdown of LOXL1-AS1 leads to cell-type-specific changes in gene expression, ECM homeostasis, signaling and morphology. These results implicate LOXL1-AS1 as a modulator of cellular homeostasis, altering cell contractility and ECM turnover, both of which are well-known contributors to PEXG. These findings support LOXL1-AS1 as a key target for modifying the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Schmitt
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Kristyn M Hake
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | | | - Brandon M Lê
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Maria F Suarez
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | | | - Rashad S Rahman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - William M Johnson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | | | | | - Michael A Hauser
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - W Daniel Stamer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Madadi Y, Monavarfeshani A, Chen H, Stamer WD, Williams RW, Yousefi S. Artificial Intelligence Models for Cell Type and Subtype Identification Based on Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Data in Vision Science. IEEE/ACM TRANSACTIONS ON COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS 2023; 20:2837-2852. [PMID: 37294649 PMCID: PMC10631573 DOI: 10.1109/tcbb.2023.3284795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) provides a high throughput, quantitative and unbiased framework for scientists in many research fields to identify and characterize cell types within heterogeneous cell populations from various tissues. However, scRNA-seq based identification of discrete cell-types is still labor intensive and depends on prior molecular knowledge. Artificial intelligence has provided faster, more accurate, and user-friendly approaches for cell-type identification. In this review, we discuss recent advances in cell-type identification methods using artificial intelligence techniques based on single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing data in vision science. The main purpose of this review paper is to assist vision scientists not only to select suitable datasets for their problems, but also to be aware of the appropriate computational tools to perform their analysis. Developing novel methods for scRNA-seq data analysis remains to be addressed in future studies.
Collapse
|
15
|
Swamy VS, Batz ZA, McGaughey DM. PLAE Web App Enables Powerful Searching and Multiple Visualizations Across One Million Unified Single-Cell Ocular Transcriptomes. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:18. [PMID: 37747415 PMCID: PMC10578359 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.9.18] [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: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To create a high-performance reactive web application to query single-cell gene expression data across cell type, species, study, and other factors. Methods We updated the content and structure of the underlying data (single cell Eye in a Disk [scEiaD]) and wrote the web application PLAE (https://plae.nei.nih.gov) to visualize and explore the data. Results The new portal provides quick visualization of over a million individual cells from vertebrate eye and body transcriptomes encompassing four species, 60 cell types, six ocular tissues, and 23 body tissues across 35 publications. To demonstrate the value of this unified pan-eye dataset, we replicated known neurogenic and cone macula markers in addition to proposing six new cone human region markers. Conclusions The PLAE web application offers the eye community a powerful and quick means to test hypotheses related to gene expression across a highly diverse, community-derived database. Translational Relevance The PLAE resource enables any researcher or clinician to study and research gene expression patterning across a wide variety of curated ocular cell types with a responsive web app.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vinay S Swamy
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zachary A Batz
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David M McGaughey
- Bioinformatics Group, Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ujiie N, Norden PR, Fang R, Beckmann L, Cai Z, Kweon J, Liu T, Tan C, Kuhn MS, Stamer WD, Aoto K, Quaggin SE, Zhang HF, Kume T. Differential roles of FOXC2 in the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal in glaucomatous pathology. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201721. [PMID: 37414529 PMCID: PMC10326420 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Impaired development and maintenance of Schlemm's canal (SC) are associated with perturbed aqueous humor outflow and intraocular pressure. The angiopoietin (ANGPT)/TIE2 signaling pathway regulates SC development and maintenance, whereas the molecular mechanisms of crosstalk between SC and the neural crest (NC)-derived neighboring tissue, the trabecular meshwork (TM), are poorly understood. Here, we show NC-specific forkhead box (Fox)c2 deletion in mice results in impaired SC morphogenesis, loss of SC identity, and elevated intraocular pressure. Visible-light optical coherence tomography analysis further demonstrated functional impairment of the SC in response to changes in intraocular pressure in NC-Foxc2 -/- mice, suggesting altered TM biomechanics. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis identified that this phenotype is predominately characterized by transcriptional changes associated with extracellular matrix organization and stiffness in TM cell clusters, including increased matrix metalloproteinase expression, which can cleave the TIE2 ectodomain to produce soluble TIE2. Moreover, endothelial-specific Foxc2 deletion impaired SC morphogenesis because of reduced TIE2 expression, which was rescued by deleting the TIE2 phosphatase VE-PTP. Thus, Foxc2 is critical in maintaining SC identity and morphogenesis via TM-SC crosstalk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Ujiie
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Pieter R Norden
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Raymond Fang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Lisa Beckmann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Zhen Cai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Junghun Kweon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Ting Liu
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Can Tan
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Megan S Kuhn
- Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Kazushi Aoto
- Department of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Susan E Quaggin
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hao F Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tsutomu Kume
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Monavarfeshani A, Yan W, Pappas C, Odenigbo KA, He Z, Segrè AV, van Zyl T, Hageman GS, Sanes JR. Transcriptomic analysis of the ocular posterior segment completes a cell atlas of the human eye. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2306153120. [PMID: 37566633 PMCID: PMC10450437 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2306153120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the visual system extends through the brain, most vision loss originates from defects in the eye. Its central element is the neural retina, which senses light, processes visual signals, and transmits them to the rest of the brain through the optic nerve (ON). Surrounding the retina are numerous other structures, conventionally divided into anterior and posterior segments. Here, we used high-throughput single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) to classify and characterize cells in six extraretinal components of the posterior segment: ON, optic nerve head (ONH), peripheral sclera, peripapillary sclera (PPS), choroid, and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Defects in each of these tissues are associated with blinding diseases-for example, glaucoma (ONH and PPS), optic neuritis (ON), retinitis pigmentosa (RPE), and age-related macular degeneration (RPE and choroid). From ~151,000 single nuclei, we identified 37 transcriptomically distinct cell types, including multiple types of astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, fibroblasts, and vascular endothelial cells. Our analyses revealed a differential distribution of many cell types among distinct structures. Together with our previous analyses of the anterior segment and retina, the data presented here complete a "Version 1" cell atlas of the human eye. We used this atlas to map the expression of >180 genes associated with the risk of developing glaucoma, which is known to involve ocular tissues in both anterior and posterior segments as well as the neural retina. Similar methods can be used to investigate numerous additional ocular diseases, many of which are currently untreatable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aboozar Monavarfeshani
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115
| | - Wenjun Yan
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
| | - Christian Pappas
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT84132
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT84132
| | - Kenechukwu A. Odenigbo
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
| | - Zhigang He
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115
| | - Ayellet V. Segrè
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02142
| | - Tavé van Zyl
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT065101
| | - Gregory S. Hageman
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT84132
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT84132
| | - Joshua R. Sanes
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Aboobakar IF, Collantes ERA, Hauser MA, Stamer WD, Wiggs JL. Rare protective variants and glaucoma-relevant cell stressors modulate Angiopoietin-like 7 expression. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:2523-2531. [PMID: 37220876 PMCID: PMC10360392 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Rare missense and nonsense variants in the Angiopoietin-like 7 (ANGPTL7) gene confer protection from primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), though the functional mechanism remains uncharacterized. Interestingly, a larger variant effect size strongly correlates with in silico predictions of increased protein instability (r = -0.98), suggesting that protective variants lower ANGPTL7 protein levels. Here, we show that missense and nonsense variants cause aggregation of mutant ANGPTL7 protein in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and decreased levels of secreted protein in human trabecular meshwork (TM) cells; a lower secreted:intracellular protein ratio strongly correlates with variant effects on intraocular pressure (r = 0.81). Importantly, accumulation of mutant protein in the ER does not increase expression of ER stress proteins in TM cells (P > 0.05 for all variants tested). Cyclic mechanical stress, a glaucoma-relevant physiologic stressor, also significantly lowers ANGPTL7 expression in primary cultures of human Schlemm's canal (SC) cells (-2.4-fold-change, P = 0.01). Collectively, these data suggest that the protective effects of ANGPTL7 variants in POAG stem from lower levels of secreted protein, which may modulate responses to physiologic and pathologic ocular cell stressors. Downregulation of ANGPTL7 expression may therefore serve as a viable preventative and therapeutic strategy for this common, blinding disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inas F Aboobakar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Edward Ryan A Collantes
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Michael A Hauser
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - W Daniel Stamer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Janey L Wiggs
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sharif NA. Recently Approved Drugs for Lowering and Controlling Intraocular Pressure to Reduce Vision Loss in Ocular Hypertensive and Glaucoma Patients. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:791. [PMID: 37375739 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Serious vision loss occurs in patients affected by chronically raised intraocular pressure (IOP), a characteristic of many forms of glaucoma where damage to the optic nerve components causes progressive degeneration of retinal and brain neurons involved in visual perception. While many risk factors abound and have been validated for this glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON), the major one is ocular hypertension (OHT), which results from the accumulation of excess aqueous humor (AQH) fluid in the anterior chamber of the eye. Millions around the world suffer from this asymptomatic and progressive degenerative eye disease. Since clinical evidence has revealed a strong correlation between the reduction in elevated IOP/OHT and GON progression, many drugs, devices, and surgical techniques have been developed to lower and control IOP. The constant quest for new pharmaceuticals and other modalities with superior therapeutic indices has recently yielded health authority-approved novel drugs with unique pharmacological signatures and mechanism(s) of action and AQH drainage microdevices for effectively and durably treating OHT. A unique nitric oxide-donating conjugate of latanoprost, an FP-receptor prostaglandin (PG; latanoprostene bunod), new rho kinase inhibitors (ripasudil; netarsudil), a novel non-PG EP2-receptor-selective agonist (omidenepag isopropyl), and a form of FP-receptor PG in a slow-release intracameral implant (Durysta) represent the additions to the pharmaceutical toolchest to mitigate the ravages of OHT. Despite these advances, early diagnosis of OHT and glaucoma still lags behind and would benefit from further concerted effort and attention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Najam A Sharif
- Eye-APC Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmacy Sciences, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX 77004, USA
- Imperial College of Science and Technology, St. Mary's Campus, London SW7 2BX, UK
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Monavarfeshani A, Yan W, Pappas C, Odenigbo KA, He Z, Segrè AV, van Zyl T, Hageman GS, Sanes JR. Transcriptomic Analysis of the Ocular Posterior Segment Completes a Cell Atlas of the Human Eye. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.26.538447. [PMID: 37162855 PMCID: PMC10168356 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.26.538447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Although the visual system extends through the brain, most vision loss originates from defects in the eye. Its central element is the neural retina, which senses light, processes visual signals, and transmits them to the rest of the brain through the optic nerve (ON). Surrounding the retina are numerous other structures, conventionally divided into anterior and posterior segments. Here we used high-throughput single nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) to classify and characterize cells in the extraretinal components of the posterior segment: ON, optic nerve head (ONH), peripheral sclera, peripapillary sclera (PPS), choroid, and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Defects in each of these tissues are associated with blinding diseases - for example, glaucoma (ONH and PPS), optic neuritis (ON), retinitis pigmentosa (RPE), and age-related macular degeneration (RPE and choroid). From ∼151,000 single nuclei, we identified 37 transcriptomically distinct cell types, including multiple types of astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, fibroblasts, and vascular endothelial cells. Our analyses revealed a differential distribution of many cell types among distinct structures. Together with our previous analyses of the anterior segment and retina, the new data complete a "Version 1" cell atlas of the human eye. We used this atlas to map the expression of >180 genes associated with the risk of developing glaucoma, which is known to involve ocular tissues in both anterior and posterior segments as well as neural retina. Similar methods can be used to investigate numerous additional ocular diseases, many of which are currently untreatable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aboozar Monavarfeshani
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Equal contributions
| | - Wenjun Yan
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
- Equal contributions
| | - Christian Pappas
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Kenechukwu A. Odenigbo
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Zhigang He
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ayellet V. Segrè
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA
| | - Tavé van Zyl
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114
- Present address: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Gregory S. Hageman
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Joshua R. Sanes
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Vöcking O, Famulski JK. A temporal single cell transcriptome atlas of zebrafish anterior segment development. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5656. [PMID: 37024546 PMCID: PMC10079958 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32212-4] [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: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD), resulting in vision impairment, stems from maldevelopment of anterior segment (AS) tissues. Incidence of ASD has been linked to malfunction of periocular mesenchyme cells (POM). POM cells specify into anterior segment mesenchyme (ASM) cells which colonize and produce AS tissues. In this study we uncover ASM developmental trajectories associated with formation of the AS. Using a transgenic line of zebrafish that fluorescently labels the ASM throughout development, Tg[foxc1b:GFP], we isolated GFP+ ASM cells at several developmental timepoints (48-144 hpf) and performed single cell RNA sequencing. Clustering analysis indicates subdifferentiation of ASM as early as 48 hpf and subsequent diversification into corneal epithelium/endothelium/stroma, or annular ligament (AL) lineages. Tracking individual clusters reveals common developmental pathways, up to 72 hpf, for the AL and corneal endothelium/stroma and distinct pathways for corneal epithelium starting at 48 hpf. Spatiotemporal validation of over 80 genes found associated with AS development demonstrates a high degree of conservation with mammalian trabecular meshwork and corneal tissues. In addition, we characterize thirteen novel genes associated with annular ligament and seven with corneal development. Overall, the data provide a molecular verification of the long-standing hypothesis that POM derived ASM give rise to AS tissues and highlight the high degree of conservation between zebrafish and mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Vöcking
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA
| | - J K Famulski
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Sharif NA, Odani-Kawabata N, Lu F, Pinchuk L. FP and EP2 prostanoid receptor agonist drugs and aqueous humor outflow devices for treating ocular hypertension and glaucoma. Exp Eye Res 2023; 229:109415. [PMID: 36803996 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Prostaglandin (PG) receptors represent important druggable targets due to the many diverse actions of PGs in the body. From an ocular perspective, the discovery, development, and health agency approvals of prostaglandin F (FP) receptor agonists (FPAs) have revolutionized the medical treatment of ocular hypertension (OHT) and glaucoma. FPAs, such as latanoprost, travoprost, bimatoprost, and tafluprost, powerfully lower and control intraocular pressure (IOP), and became first-line therapeutics to treat this leading cause of blindness in the late 1990s to early 2000s. More recently, a latanoprost-nitric oxide (NO) donor conjugate, latanoprostene bunod, and a novel FP/EP3 receptor dual agonist, sepetaprost (ONO-9054 or DE-126), have also demonstrated robust IOP-reducing activity. Moreover, a selective non-PG prostanoid EP2 receptor agonist, omidenepag isopropyl (OMDI), was discovered, characterized, and has been approved in the United States, Japan and several other Asian countries for treating OHT/glaucoma. FPAs primarily enhance uveoscleral (UVSC) outflow of aqueous humor (AQH) to reduce IOP, but cause darkening of the iris and periorbital skin, uneven thickening and elongation of eyelashes, and deepening of the upper eyelid sulcus during chronic treatment. In contrast, OMDI lowers and controls IOP by activation of both the UVSC and trabecular meshwork outflow pathways, and it has a lower propensity to induce the aforementioned FPA-induced ocular side effects. Another means to address OHT is to physically promote the drainage of the AQH from the anterior chamber of the eye of patients with OHT/glaucoma. This has successfully been achieved by the recent approval and introduction of miniature devices into the anterior chamber by minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries. This review covers the three major aspects mentioned above to highlight the etiology of OHT/glaucoma, and the pharmacotherapeutics and devices that can be used to combat this blinding ocular disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Najam A Sharif
- Ophthalmology Innovation Center, Santen Inc., Emeryville, CA, USA; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; Eye-ACP Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA; Department of Pharmacy Sciences, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX, USA; Imperial College of Science and Technology, St. Mary's Campus, London, UK; Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.
| | | | - Fenghe Lu
- Product Development Division, Santen Inc., Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Leonard Pinchuk
- Ophthalmology Innovation Center, Santen Inc., Emeryville, CA, USA; Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Feng P, Wang W, Xu W, Cao Q, Zhu W. Application of a Magnetic Platform in α6 Integrin-Positive iPSC-TM Purification. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10040410. [PMID: 37106597 PMCID: PMC10135729 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10040410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has provided a new approach to regenerating decellularized trabecular meshwork (TM) in glaucoma. We have previously generated iPSC-derived TM (iPSC-TM) using a medium conditioned by TM cells and verified its function in tissue regeneration. Because of the heterogeneity of iPSCs and the isolated TM cells, iPSC-TM cells appear to be heterogeneous, which impedes our understanding of how the decellularized TM may be regenerated. Herein, we developed a protocol based on a magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) system or an immunopanning (IP) method for sorting integrin subunit alpha 6 (ITGA6)-positive iPSC-TM, an example of the iPSC-TM subpopulation. We first analyzed the purification efficiency of these two approaches by flow cytometry. In addition, we also determined cell viability by analyzing the morphologies of the purified cells. To conclude, the MACS-based purification could yield a higher ratio of ITGA6-positive iPSC-TM and maintain a relatively higher cell viability than the IP-based method, allowing for the preparation of any iPSC-TM subpopulation of interest and facilitating a better understanding of the regenerative mechanism of iPSC-based therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengchao Feng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Wenyan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Wenhua Xu
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Laboratory Technology Innovation, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Qilong Cao
- Qingdao Haier Biotech Co., Ltd., Qingdao 266109, China
- Correspondence: (Q.C.); (W.Z.)
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics-Capital Medical University, Beijing 100083, China
- Correspondence: (Q.C.); (W.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Yao X, Yang H, Han H, Kou X, Jiang Y, Luo M, Zhou Y, Wang J, Fan X, Wang X, Li MJ, Yan H. Genome-wide analysis of genetic pleiotropy and causal genes across three age-related ocular disorders. Hum Genet 2023; 142:507-522. [PMID: 36917350 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02542-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataract, and glaucoma are leading causes of blindness worldwide. Previous genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have revealed a variety of susceptible loci associated with age-related ocular disorders, yet the genetic pleiotropy and causal genes across these diseases remain poorly understood. By leveraging large-scale genetic and observational data from ocular disease GWASs and UK Biobank (UKBB), we found significant pairwise genetic correlations and consistent epidemiological associations among these ocular disorders. Cross-disease meta-analysis uncovered seven pleiotropic loci, three of which were replicated in an additional cohort. Integration of variants in pleiotropic loci and multiple single-cell omics data identified that Müller cells and astrocytes were likely trait-related cell types underlying ocular comorbidity. In addition, we comprehensively integrated eye-specific gene expression quantitative loci (eQTLs), epigenomic profiling, and 3D genome data to prioritize causal pleiotropic genes. We found that pleiotropic genes were essential in nerve development and eye pigmentation, and targetable by aflibercept and pilocarpine for the treatment of AMD and glaucoma. These findings will not only facilitate the mechanistic research of ocular comorbidities but also benefit the therapeutic optimization of age-related ocular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xueming Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Hongxi Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Han Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Xuejing Kou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Yuhan Jiang
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Menghan Luo
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Yao Zhou
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Xutong Fan
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.
| | - Mulin Jun Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China. .,Department of Bioinformatics, The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.
| | - Hua Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China. .,Laboratory of Molecular Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China. .,School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ing E, Lozano DC, Cepurna WO, Chan F, Yang YF, Morrison JC, Keller KE. A method describing the microdissection of trabecular meshwork tissue from Brown Norway rat eyes. Exp Eye Res 2023; 228:109367. [PMID: 36740159 PMCID: PMC9991013 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma is often associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), generally due to obstruction of aqueous humor outflow within the trabecular meshwork (TM). Despite many decades of research, the molecular cause of this obstruction remains elusive. To study IOP regulation, several in vitro models, such as perfusion of anterior segments or mechanical stretching of TM cells, have identified several IOP-responsive genes and proteins. While these studies have proved informative, they do not fully recapitulate the in vivo environment where IOP is subject to additional factors, such as circadian rhythms. Thus, rodent animal models are now commonly used to study IOP-responsive genes in vivo. Several single-cell RNAseq studies have been performed where angle tissue, containing cornea, iris, ciliary body tissue in addition to TM, is dissected. However, it is advantageous to physically separate TM from other tissues because the ratio of TM cells is relatively low compared to the other cell types. In this report, we describe a new technique for rat TM microdissection. Evaluating tissue post-dissection by histology and immunostaining clearly shows successful removal of the TM. In addition, TaqMan PCR primers targeting biomarkers of trabecular meshwork (Myoc, Mgp, Chi3l1) or ciliary body (Myh11, Des) genes showed little contamination of TM tissue by the ciliary body. Finally, pitfalls encountered during TM microdissection are discussed to enable others to successfully perform this microsurgical technique in the rat eye.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eliesa Ing
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Diana C Lozano
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - William O Cepurna
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Fountane Chan
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Yong-Feng Yang
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - John C Morrison
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Kate E Keller
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
The trabecular meshwork (TM) of the eye serves as an essential tissue in controlling aqueous humor (AH) outflow and intraocular pressure (IOP) homeostasis. However, dysfunctional TM cells and/or decreased TM cellularity is become a critical pathogenic cause for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Consequently, it is particularly valuable to investigate TM characteristics, which, in turn, facilitates the development of new treatments for POAG. Since 2006, the advancement in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provides a new tool to (1) model the TM in vitro and (2) regenerate degenerative TM in POAG. In this context, we first summarize the current approaches to induce the differentiation of TM-like cells from iPSCs and compare iPSC-derived TM models to the conventional in vitro TM models. The efficacy of iPSC-derived TM cells for TM regeneration in POAG models is also discussed. Through these approaches, iPSCs are becoming essential tools in glaucoma modeling and for developing personalized treatments for TM regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Beihang University & Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shen Wu
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital Eye Center, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ningli Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Beihang University & Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital Eye Center, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Markus H Kuehn
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Shinozaki Y, Saito K, Kashiwagi K, Koizumi S. Ocular P2 receptors and glaucoma. Neuropharmacology 2023; 222:109302. [PMID: 36341810 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an energy source currency in cells, is released or leaked to the extracellular space under both physiological and pathological conditions. Extracellular ATP functions as an intercellular signaling molecule through activation of purinergic P2 receptors. Ocular tissue and cells release ATP in response to physiological stimuli such as intraocular pressure (IOP), and P2 receptor activation regulates IOP elevation or reduction. Dysregulated purinergic signaling may cause abnormally elevated IOP, which is one of the major risk factors for glaucoma. Glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness worldwide, is characterized by progressive degeneration of optic nerves and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which are essential retinal neurons that transduce visual information to the brain. An elevation in IOP may stress RGCs and increase the risk for glaucoma pathogenesis. In the aqueous humor of human patients with glaucoma, the ATP level is significantly elevated. Such excess amount of ATP may directly cause RGC death via a specific subtype of P2 receptors. Dysregulated purinergic signaling may also trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and excitotoxicity via activating non-neuronal cell types such as glial cells. In this review, we discussed the physiological roles of extracellular nucleotides in the ocular tissue and their potential role in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. This article is part of the Special Issue on 'Purinergic Signaling: 50 years'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youichi Shinozaki
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan; Interdisciplinary Brain-Immune Research Center, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Kozo Saito
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Kenji Kashiwagi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Schuichi Koizumi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan; Interdisciplinary Brain-Immune Research Center, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
ANGPTL7, a therapeutic target for increased intraocular pressure and glaucoma. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1051. [PMID: 36192519 PMCID: PMC9529959 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03932-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness. Current glaucoma medications work by lowering intraocular pressure (IOP), a risk factor for glaucoma, but most treatments do not directly target the pathological changes leading to increased IOP, which can manifest as medication resistance as disease progresses. To identify physiological modulators of IOP, we performed genome- and exome-wide association analysis in >129,000 individuals with IOP measurements and extended these findings to an analysis of glaucoma risk. We report the identification and functional characterization of rare coding variants (including loss-of-function variants) in ANGPTL7 associated with reduction in IOP and glaucoma protection. We validated the human genetics findings in mice by establishing that Angptl7 knockout mice have lower (~2 mmHg) basal IOP compared to wild-type, with a trend towards lower IOP also in heterozygotes. Conversely, increasing murine Angptl7 levels via injection into mouse eyes increases the IOP. We also show that acute Angptl7 silencing in adult mice lowers the IOP (~2-4 mmHg), reproducing the observations in knockout mice. Collectively, our data suggest that ANGPTL7 is important for IOP homeostasis and is amenable to therapeutic modulation to help maintain a healthy IOP that can prevent onset or slow the progression of glaucoma.
Collapse
|
29
|
Kapiainen E, Elamaa H, Miinalainen I, Izzi V, Eklund L. Cooperation of Angiopoietin-2 and Angiopoietin-4 in Schlemm's Canal Maintenance. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:1. [PMID: 36190459 PMCID: PMC9547357 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.11.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Defects in the iridocorneal angle tissues, including the trabecular meshwork (TM) and Schlemm's canal (SC), impair aqueous humor flow and increase the intraocular pressure (IOP), eventually resulting in glaucoma. Activation of endothelial tyrosine kinase receptor Tie2 by angiopoietin-1 (Angpt1) has been demonstrated to be essential for SC formation, but roles of the other two Tie2 ligands, Angpt2 and Angpt4, have been controversial or not yet characterized, respectively. Methods Angpt4 expression was investigated using genetic cell fate mapping and reporter mice. Congenital deletion of Angpt2 and Angpt4 and tamoxifen-inducible deletion of Angpt1 in mice were used to study the effects of Angpt4 deletion alone and in combination with the other angiopoietins. SC morphology was examined with immunofluorescent staining. IOP measurements, electron microscopy, and histologic evaluation were used to study glaucomatous changes. Results Angpt4 was postnatally expressed in the TM. While Angpt4 deletion alone did not affect SC and Angpt4 deletion did not aggravate Angpt1 deletion phenotype, absence of Angpt4 combined with Angpt2 deletion had detrimental effects on SC morphology in adult mice. Consequently, Angpt2−/−;Angpt4−/− mice displayed glaucomatous changes in the eye. Mice with Angpt2 deletion alone showed only moderate SC defects, but Angpt2 was necessary for proper limbal vasculature development. Mechanistically, analysis of Tie2 phosphorylation suggested that Angpt2 and Angpt4 cooperate as agonistic Tie2 ligands in maintaining SC integrity. Conclusions Our results indicated an additive effect of Angpt4 in SC maintenance and Tie2 activation and a spatiotemporally regulated interplay between the angiopoietins in the mouse iridocorneal angle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmi Kapiainen
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Harri Elamaa
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Ilkka Miinalainen
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Valerio Izzi
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lauri Eklund
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Lou B, Zeng L, Gao X, Qian X, Li JJ, Gu X, Liu Z, Liu K, Chen X, Lin X, Zhang F. A single-cell transcriptomic atlas of the human ciliary body. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:528. [PMID: 36163311 PMCID: PMC9512889 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04559-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The ciliary body critically contributes to the ocular physiology with multiple responsibilities in the production of aqueous humor, vision accommodation and intraocular immunity. Comparatively little work, however, has revealed the single-cell molecular taxonomy of the human ciliary body required for studying these functionalities. In this study, we report a comprehensive atlas of the cellular and molecular components of human ciliary body as well as their interactions using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq). Cluster analysis of the transcriptome of 14,563 individual ciliary cells from the eyes of 3 human donors identified 14 distinct cell types, including the ciliary epithelium, smooth muscle, vascular endothelial cell, immune cell and other stromal cell populations. Cell-type discriminative gene markers were also revealed. Unique gene expression patterns essential for ciliary epithelium-mediated aqueous humor inflow and ciliary smooth muscle contractility were identified. Importantly, we discovered the transitional states that probably contribute to the transition of ciliary macrophage into retina microglia and verified no lymphatics in the ciliary body. Moreover, the utilization of CellPhoneDB allowed us to systemically infer cell–cell interactions among diverse ciliary cells including those that potentially participate in the pathogenesis of glaucoma and uveitis. Altogether, these new findings provide insights into the regulation of intraocular pressure, accommodation reflex and immune homeostasis under physiological and pathological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bingsheng Lou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Lei Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xinbo Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xiaobing Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jing Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xinyu Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Keli Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xiaofeng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
van Zyl T, Yan W, McAdams AM, Monavarfeshani A, Hageman GS, Sanes JR. Cell atlas of the human ocular anterior segment: Tissue-specific and shared cell types. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2200914119. [PMID: 35858321 PMCID: PMC9303934 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2200914119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The anterior segment of the eye consists of the cornea, iris, ciliary body, crystalline lens, and aqueous humor outflow pathways. Together, these tissues are essential for the proper functioning of the eye. Disorders of vision have been ascribed to defects in all of them; some disorders, including glaucoma and cataract, are among the most prevalent causes of blindness in the world. To characterize the cell types that compose these tissues, we generated an anterior segment cell atlas of the human eye using high-throughput single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNAseq). We profiled 195,248 nuclei from nondiseased anterior segment tissues of six human donors, identifying >60 cell types. Many of these cell types were discrete, whereas others, especially in the lens and cornea, formed continua corresponding to known developmental transitions that persist in adulthood. Having profiled each tissue separately, we performed an integrated analysis of the entire anterior segment, revealing that some cell types are unique to a single structure, whereas others are shared across tissues. The integrated cell atlas was then used to investigate cell type-specific expression patterns of more than 900 human ocular disease genes identified through either Mendelian inheritance patterns or genome-wide association studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tavé van Zyl
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Wenjun Yan
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Alexi M. McAdams
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Aboozar Monavarfeshani
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
- Boston Children’s Hospital, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Gregory S. Hageman
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132
| | - Joshua R. Sanes
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Sharif NA. Degeneration of retina-brain components and connections in glaucoma: Disease causation and treatment options for eyesight preservation. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 3:100037. [PMID: 36685768 PMCID: PMC9846481 DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2022.100037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Eyesight is the most important of our sensory systems for optimal daily activities and overall survival. Patients who experience visual impairment due to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) are often those afflicted with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) which slowly robs them of their vision unless treatment is administered soon after diagnosis. The hallmark features of POAG and other forms of glaucoma are damaged optic nerve, retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss and atrophied RGC axons connecting to various brain regions associated with receipt of visual input from the eyes and eventual decoding and perception of images in the visual cortex. Even though increased IOP is the major risk factor for POAG, the disease is caused by many injurious chemicals and events that progress slowly within all components of the eye-brain visual axis. Lowering of IOP mitigates the damage to some extent with existing drugs, surgical and device implantation therapeutic interventions. However, since multifactorial degenerative processes occur during aging and with glaucomatous optic neuropathy, different forms of neuroprotective, nutraceutical and electroceutical regenerative and revitalizing agents and processes are being considered to combat these eye-brain disorders. These aspects form the basis of this short review article.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Najam A. Sharif
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore,Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), Singapore,Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX, USA,Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College of Science and Technology, St. Mary's Campus, London, UK,Department of Pharmacy Sciences, School of School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA,Ophthalmology Innovation Center, Santen Incorporated, 6401 Hollis Street (Suite #125), Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA,Ophthalmology Innovation Center, Santen Incorporated, 6401 Hollis Street (Suite #125), Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Fuellen G, Jünemann A. Gene Expression Data for Investigating Glaucoma Treatment Options and Pharmacology in the Anterior Segment, State-of-the-Art and Future Directions. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:912043. [PMID: 35757536 PMCID: PMC9213806 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.912043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma treatment options as well as its etiology are far from understood. Gene expression (transcriptomics) data of the anterior segment of the eye can help by elucidating the molecular-mechanistic underpinnings, and we present an up-to-date description and discussion of what gene expression data are publicly available, and for which purposes these can be used. We feature the few resources covering all segments of the eye, and we then specifically focus on the anterior segment, and provide an extensive list of the Gene Expression Omnibus data that may be useful. We also feature single-cell data of relevance, particularly three datasets from tissues of relevance to aqueous humor outflow. We describe how the data have been used by researchers, by following up resource citations and data re-analyses. We discuss datasets and analyses pertaining to fibrosis following glaucoma surgery, and to glaucoma resulting from the use of steroids. We conclude by pointing out the current lack and underutilization of ocular gene expression data, and how the state of the art is expected to improve in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georg Fuellen
- Institute for Biostatistics and Informatics in Medicine and Aging Research, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Anselm Jünemann
- Institute for Biostatistics and Informatics in Medicine and Aging Research, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
- Department of General Ophthalmology and Pediatric Ophthalmology Service, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Mavlyutov TA, Myrah JJ, Chauhan AK, Liu Y, McDowell CM. Fibronectin extra domain A (FN-EDA) causes glaucomatous trabecular meshwork, retina, and optic nerve damage in mice. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:72. [PMID: 35619185 PMCID: PMC9137085 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00800-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor for the development and progression of primary open angle glaucoma and is due to trabecular meshwork (TM) damage. Here, we investigate the role of an endogenous Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) ligand, FN-EDA, in the development of glaucoma utilizing a transgenic mouse strain (B6.EDA+/+) that constitutively expresses only FN containing the EDA isoform. METHODS Eyes from C57BL6/J (wild-type), B6.EDA+/+ (constitutively active EDA), B6.EDA-/- (EDA null) mice were processed for electron microscopy and consecutive images of the entire length of the TM and Schlemm's canal (SC) from anterior to posterior were collected and montaged into a single image. ECM accumulation, basement membrane length, and size and number of giant vacuoles were quantified by ImageJ analysis. Tlr4 and Iba1 expression in the TM and ONH cells was conducted using RNAscope in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry protocols. IOP was measured using a rebound tonometer, ON damage assessed by PPD stain, and RGC loss quantified in RBPMS labeled retina flat mounts. RESULTS Ultrastructure analyses show the TM of B6.EDA+/+ mice have significantly increased accumulation of ECM between TM beams with few empty spaces compared to C57BL/6 J mice (p < 0.05). SC basement membrane is thicker and more continuous in B6.EDA+/+ mice compared to C57BL/6 J. No significant structural differences are detected in the TM of EDA null mice. Tlr4 and Iba1 expression is increased in the TM of B6.EDA+/+ mice compared to C57BL/6 J eyes (p < 0.05). IOP is significantly higher in B6.EDA+/+ mice compared to C57BL/6 J eyes (p < 0.001), and significant ON damage (p < 0.001) and RGC loss (p < 0.05) detected at 1 year of age. Tlr4 mRNA is expressed in mouse ONH cells, and is present in ganglion cell axons, microglia, and astrocytes. There is a significant increase in the area occupied by Iba-1 positive microglia cells in the ONH of B6.EDA+/+ mice compared to C57BL/6 J control eyes (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS B6.EDA+/+ mice have increased ECM accumulation in the TM, elevated IOP, enhanced proinflammatory changes in the ONH, loss of RGCs, and ONH damage. These data suggest B6.EDA+/+ mice recapitulate many aspects of glaucomatous damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timur A. Mavlyutov
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Justin J. Myrah
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Anil K. Chauhan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX USA
| | - Colleen M. McDowell
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Thomson BR, Quaggin SE. Preparation of a Single Cell Suspension from the Murine Iridocorneal Angle. Bio Protoc 2022; 12:e4426. [PMID: 35865116 PMCID: PMC9257837 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Single cell RNA sequencing is a powerful tool that can be used to identify distinct cell types and transcriptomic differences within complex tissues. It has proven to be especially useful in tissues of the eye, where investigators have identified novel cell types within the retina, anterior chamber, and iridocorneal angle and explored transcriptomic contribution to disease phenotypes in age-related macular degeneration. However, to obtain high quality results, the technique requires isolation of healthy single cells from the tissue of interest, seeking complete tissue digestion while minimizing stress and transcriptomic changes in the isolated cells prior to library preparation. Here, we present a protocol developed in our laboratory for isolation of live single cells from the murine iridocorneal angle, which includes Schlemm's canal and the trabecular meshwork, suitable for single cell RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, or other downstream analysis. Graphical abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin R. Thomson
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Susan E. Quaggin
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Wang Z, Wiggs JL, Aung T, Khawaja AP, Khor CC. The genetic basis for adult onset glaucoma: Recent advances and future directions. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 90:101066. [PMID: 35589495 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma, a diverse group of eye disorders that results in the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells, is the world's leading cause of irreversible blindness. Apart from age and ancestry, the major risk factor for glaucoma is increased intraocular pressure (IOP). In primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), the anterior chamber angle is open but there is resistance to aqueous outflow. In primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG), crowding of the anterior chamber angle due to anatomical alterations impede aqueous drainage through the angle. In exfoliation syndrome and exfoliation glaucoma, deposition of white flaky material throughout the anterior chamber directly interfere with aqueous outflow. Observational studies have established that there is a strong hereditable component for glaucoma onset and progression. Indeed, a succession of genome wide association studies (GWAS) that were centered upon single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) have yielded more than a hundred genetic markers associated with glaucoma risk. However, a shortcoming of GWAS studies is the difficulty in identifying the actual effector genes responsible for disease pathogenesis. Building on the foundation laid by GWAS studies, research groups have recently begun to perform whole exome-sequencing to evaluate the contribution of protein-changing, coding sequence genetic variants to glaucoma risk. The adoption of this technology in both large population-based studies as well as family studies are revealing the presence of novel, protein-changing genetic variants that could enrich our understanding of the pathogenesis of glaucoma. This review will cover recent advances in the genetics of primary open-angle glaucoma, primary angle-closure glaucoma and exfoliation glaucoma, which collectively make up the vast majority of all glaucoma cases in the world today. We will discuss how recent advances in research methodology have uncovered new risk genes, and how follow up biological investigations could be undertaken in order to define how the risk encoded by a genetic sequence variant comes into play in patients. We will also hypothesise how data arising from characterising these genetic variants could be utilized to predict glaucoma risk and the manner in which new therapeutic strategies might be informed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxun Wang
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.
| | - Janey L Wiggs
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tin Aung
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - Anthony P Khawaja
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chiea Chuen Khor
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Reciprocal Regulation between lncRNA ANRIL and p15 in Steroid-Induced Glaucoma. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091468. [PMID: 35563774 PMCID: PMC9101924 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Steroid-induced glaucoma (SIG) is the most common adverse steroid-related effect on the eyes. SIG patients can suffer from trabecular meshwork (TM) dysfunction, intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation, and irreversible vision loss. Previous studies have mainly focused on the role of extracellular matrix turnover in TM dysfunction; however, whether the cellular effects of TM cells are involved in the pathogenesis of SIG remains unclear. Here, we found that the induction of cellular senescence was associated with TM dysfunction, causing SIG in cultured cells and mouse models. Especially, we established the transcriptome landscape in the TM tissue of SIG mice via microarray screening and identified ANRIL as the most differentially expressed long non-coding RNA, with a 5.4-fold change. The expression level of ANRIL was closely related to ocular manifestations (IOP elevation, cup/disc ratio, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness). Furthermore, p15, the molecular target of ANRIL, was significantly upregulated in SIG and was correlated with ocular manifestations in an opposite direction to ANRIL. The reciprocal regulation between ANRIL and p15 was validated using luciferase reporter assay. Through depletion in cultured cells and a mouse model, ANRIL/p15 signaling was confirmed in cellular senescence via cyclin-dependent kinase activity and, subsequently, by phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein. ANRIL depletion imitated the SIG phenotype, most importantly IOP elevation. ANRIL depletion-induced IOP elevation in mice can be effectively suppressed by p15 depletion. Analyses of the single-cell atlas and transcriptome dynamics of human TM tissue showed that ANRIL/p15 expression is spatially enriched in human TM cells and is correlated with TM dysfunction. Moreover, ANRIL is colocalized with a GWAS risk variant (rs944800) of glaucoma, suggesting its potential role underlying genetic susceptibility of glaucoma. Together, our findings suggested that steroid treatment promoted cellular senescence, which caused TM dysfunction, IOP elevation, and irreversible vision loss. Molecular therapy targeting the ANRIL/p15 signal exerted a protective effect against steroid treatment and shed new light on glaucoma management.
Collapse
|
38
|
Yarishkin O, Phuong TTT, Vazquez-Chona F, Bertrand J, van Battenburg-Sherwood J, Redmon SN, Rudzitis CN, Lakk M, Baumann JM, Freichel M, Hwang EM, Overby D, Križaj D. Emergent Temporal Signaling in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells: Role of TRPV4-TRPM4 Interactions. Front Immunol 2022; 13:805076. [PMID: 35432302 PMCID: PMC9008486 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.805076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Trabecular meshwork (TM) cells are phagocytic cells that employ mechanotransduction to actively regulate intraocular pressure. Similar to macrophages, they express scavenger receptors and participate in antigen presentation within the immunosuppressive milieu of the anterior eye. Changes in pressure deform and compress the TM, altering their control of aqueous humor outflow but it is not known whether transducer activation shapes temporal signaling. The present study combines electrophysiology, histochemistry and functional imaging with gene silencing and heterologous expression to gain insight into Ca2+ signaling downstream from TRPV4 (Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4), a stretch-activated polymodal cation channel. Human TM cells respond to the TRPV4 agonist GSK1016790A with fluctuations in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and an increase in [Na+]i. [Ca2+]i oscillations coincided with monovalent cation current that was suppressed by BAPTA, Ruthenium Red and the TRPM4 (Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 4) channel inhibitor 9-phenanthrol. TM cells expressed TRPM4 mRNA, protein at the expected 130-150 kDa and showed punctate TRPM4 immunoreactivity at the membrane surface. Genetic silencing of TRPM4 antagonized TRPV4-evoked oscillatory signaling whereas TRPV4 and TRPM4 co-expression in HEK-293 cells reconstituted the oscillations. Membrane potential recordings suggested that TRPM4-dependent oscillations require release of Ca2+ from internal stores. 9-phenanthrol did not affect the outflow facility in mouse eyes and eyes from animals lacking TRPM4 had normal intraocular pressure. Collectively, our results show that TRPV4 activity initiates dynamic calcium signaling in TM cells by stimulating TRPM4 channels and intracellular Ca2+ release. It is possible that TRPV4-TRPM4 interactions downstream from the tensile and compressive impact of intraocular pressure contribute to homeostatic regulation and pathological remodeling within the conventional outflow pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Yarishkin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Tam T T Phuong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Felix Vazquez-Chona
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Jacques Bertrand
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sarah N Redmon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Christopher N Rudzitis
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States.,Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Monika Lakk
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Jackson M Baumann
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Marc Freichel
- Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eun-Mi Hwang
- Center for Functional Connectomics, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea
| | - Darryl Overby
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Križaj
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, United States.,Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States.,Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Sun D, Zhan Z, Zeng R, Liu X, Wang B, Yang F, Huang S, Li Y, Yang Z, Su Y, Lan Y. Long-term and potent IOP-lowering effect of IκBα-siRNA in a nonhuman primate model of chronic ocular hypertension. iScience 2022; 25:104149. [PMID: 35445186 PMCID: PMC9014385 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of irreversible blindness. It is acknowledged that lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) is the effective treatment to slow glaucoma disease progression. The main obstacle of existing drugs is that the effect of reducing IOP does not last long. Degradation of IκB stimulates the transcription of NF-κB, which could upregulate the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Whether a IκB-targeted gene therapy works in glaucoma is unclear. Here, we established a chronic ocular hypertension (COHT) model in rhesus monkey by laser photocoagulation and verified that intracameral delivery of IκBα-siRNA showed long-lasting and potent effects of reducing IOP without obvious inflammation in monkeys with COHT. We also verified that IκBα-siRNA could increase the expressions of MMP2 and MMP9 by knocking down IκBα in vitro and in vivo. Our results in nonhuman primates indicated that IκBα-siRNA may become a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of glaucoma. Knocking down IκBα could upregulate the expression of MMP2 and MMP9 in MCM and MTM LP could induce COHT model in rhesus monkeys successfully IκBα-siRNA has a long-term and potent IOP-lowering effect in LP-induced monkeys with COHT
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Difang Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zongyi Zhan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Zeng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolin Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute, Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Sports Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sa Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute, Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunfeng Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute, Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenlan Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuqing Lan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Hu Z, Mao X, Chen M, Wu X, Zhu T, Liu Y, Zhang Z, Fan W, Xie P, Yuan S, Liu Q. Single-Cell Transcriptomics Reveals Novel Role of Microglia in Fibrovascular Membrane of Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy. Diabetes 2022; 71:762-773. [PMID: 35061025 DOI: 10.2337/db21-0551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Vitreous fibrovascular membranes (FVMs), the hallmark of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), cause retinal hemorrhage, detachment, and eventually blindness. However, little is known about the pathophysiology of FVM. In this study, we used single-cell RNA sequencing on surgically harvested PDR-FVMs and generated a comprehensive cell atlas of FVM. Eight cellular compositions were identified, with microglia as the major cell population. We identified a GPNMB+ subpopulation of microglia, which presented both profibrotic and fibrogenic properties. Pseudotime analysis further revealed the profibrotic microglia was uniquely differentiated from retina-resident microglia and expanded in the PDR setting. Ligand-receptor interactions between the profibrotic microglia and cytokines upregulated in PDR vitreous implicated the involvement of several pathways, including CCR5, IFNGR1, and CD44 signaling, in the microglial activation within the PDR microenvironment. Collectively, our description of the novel microglia phenotypes in PDR-FVM may offer new insight into the cellular and molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of DR, as well as potential signaling pathways amenable to disease-specific intervention.
Collapse
|
41
|
De Ieso ML, Kuhn M, Bernatchez P, Elliott MH, Stamer WD. A Role of Caveolae in Trabecular Meshwork Mechanosensing and Contractile Tone. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:855097. [PMID: 35372369 PMCID: PMC8969750 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.855097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymorphisms in the CAV1/2 gene loci impart increased risk for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). CAV1 encodes caveolin-1 (Cav1), which is required for biosynthesis of plasma membrane invaginations called caveolae. Cav1 knockout mice exhibit elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and decreased outflow facility, but the mechanistic role of Cav1 in IOP homeostasis is unknown. We hypothesized that caveolae sequester/inhibit RhoA, to regulate trabecular meshwork (TM) mechanosensing and contractile tone. Using phosphorylated myosin light chain (pMLC) as a surrogate indicator for Rho/ROCK activity and contractile tone, we found that pMLC was elevated in Cav1-deficient TM cells compared to control (131 ± 10%, n = 10, p = 0.016). Elevation of pMLC levels following Cav1 knockdown occurred in cells on a soft surface (137 ± 7%, n = 24, p < 0.0001), but not on a hard surface (122 ± 17%, n = 12, p = 0.22). In Cav1-deficient TM cells where pMLC was elevated, Rho activity was also increased (123 ± 7%, n = 6, p = 0.017), suggesting activation of the Rho/ROCK pathway. Cyclic stretch reduced pMLC/MLC levels in TM cells (69 ± 7% n = 9, p = 0.002) and in Cav1-deficient TM cells, although not significantly (77 ± 11% n = 10, p = 0.059). Treatment with the Cav1 scaffolding domain mimetic, cavtratin (1 μM) caused a reduction in pMLC (70 ± 5% n = 7, p = 0.001), as did treatment with the scaffolding domain mutant cavnoxin (1 μM) (82 ± 7% n = 7, p = 0.04). Data suggest that caveolae differentially regulate RhoA signaling, and that caveolae participate in TM mechanotransduction. Cav1 regulation of these key TM functions provide evidence for underlying mechanisms linking polymorphisms in the Cav1/2 gene loci with increased POAG risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael L. De Ieso
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Megan Kuhn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Pascal Bernatchez
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Heart + Lung Innovation Centre, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michael H. Elliott
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean McGee Eye Institute University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - W. Daniel Stamer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Wang Q, Dou S, Zhang B, Jiang H, Qi X, Duan H, Wang X, Dong C, Zhang BN, Xie L, Cao Y, Zhou Q, Shi W. Heterogeneity of human corneal endothelium implicates lncRNA NEAT1 in Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 27:880-893. [PMID: 35141048 PMCID: PMC8807987 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The corneal endothelium is critical for maintaining corneal clarity by mediating hydration through barrier and pump functions. Progressive loss of corneal endothelial cells during aging has been associated with the development of Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), one of the main causes of cornea-related vision loss. The mechanisms underlying FECD development remain elusive. Single-cell RNA sequencing of isolated healthy human corneas discovered 4 subpopulations of corneal endothelial cells with distinctive signatures. Unsupervised clustering analysis uncovered nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1), a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), as the top expressed gene in the C0-endothelial subpopulation, but markedly downregulated in FECD. Consistent with human corneas, a UVA-induced mouse FECD model validated the loss of NEAT1 expression. Loss of NEAT1 function by an in vivo genetic approach reproduced the exacerbated phenotype of FECD by ablating corneal endothelial cells. Conversely, gain of function by a CRISPR-activated adenoviral delivery system protected corneas from UVA-induced FECD. Our findings provide novel mechanistic insights into the development of FECD, and targeting NEAT1 offers an attractive approach for treating FECD.
Collapse
|
43
|
Multimerin-1 and cancer: a review. Biosci Rep 2022; 42:230760. [PMID: 35132992 PMCID: PMC8881648 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20211248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Multimerin-1 (MMRN1) is a platelet protein with a role in haemostasis and coagulation. It is also present in endothelial cells (ECs) and the extracellular matrix (ECM), where it may be involved in cell adhesion, but its molecular functions and protein–protein interactions in these cellular locations have not been studied in detail yet. In recent years, MMRN1 has been identified as a differentially expressed gene (DEG) in various cancers and it has been proposed as a possible cancer biomarker. Some evidence suggest that MMRN1 expression is regulated by methylation, protein interactions, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in different cancers. This raises the questions if a functional role of MMRN1 is being targeted during cancer development, and if MMRN1’s differential expression pattern correlates with cancer progression. As a result, it is timely to review the current state of what is known about MMRN1 to help inform future research into MMRN1’s molecular mechanisms in cancer.
Collapse
|
44
|
Brigell M, Withers B, Buch A, Peters KG. Tie2 Activation via VE-PTP Inhibition With Razuprotafib as an Adjunct to Latanoprost in Patients With Open Angle Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:7. [PMID: 34989803 PMCID: PMC8742526 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.1.7] [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] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the ocular hypotensive efficacy and safety of razuprotafib, a novel Tie2 activator, when used as an adjunct to latanoprost in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT). Methods Subjects with OAG or OHT and an unmedicated IOP from ≥22 mm Hg to <36 mm Hg were randomized to one of three treatment arms: razuprotafib every day (QD) + latanoprost; razuprotafib twice daily (BID) + latanoprost; or latanoprost monotherapy. The primary endpoint was change in mean diurnal IOP from baseline at day 28. Results A total of 194 subjects were randomized, and 193 (99.5%) completed the study. Razuprotafib BID + latanoprost resulted in a significantly larger reduction in diurnal IOP than latanoprost alone (7.95 ± 0.26 mmHg vs. 7.04 ± 0.26 mm Hg, P < 0.05). A smaller improvement was observed after 14 days of treatment (7.62 ± 0.26 mm Hg vs. 7.03 ± 0.26 mm Hg, P = 0.11). Razuprotafib QD dosing did not demonstrate additional IOP lowering compared to latanoprost alone. Conjunctival hyperemia on Day 28 increased by 1.1 units on the four-point Efron scale two hours post dose from a baseline value of 0.6 units, and decreased thereafter. Conclusions Topical ocular razuprotafib as an adjunct to latanoprost therapy was well tolerated and significantly reduced IOP in patients with OAG/OHT. Translational Relevance These data support the IOP lowering efficacy of targeting Tie2 activation in Schlemm's canal in the relevant patient population.
Collapse
|
45
|
Youkilis JC, Bassnett S. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis of the ciliary epithelium and contiguous tissues in the mouse eye. Exp Eye Res 2021; 213:108811. [PMID: 34717927 PMCID: PMC8860325 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The ciliary epithelium plays a central role in ocular homeostasis but cells of the pigmented and non-pigmented layers are difficult to isolate physically and study. Here we used single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) to analyze the transcriptional signatures of cells harvested from the ciliary body and contiguous tissues. Microdissected tissue was dissociated by collagenase digestion and the transcriptomes of individual cells were obtained using a droplet-based scRNA-seq approach. In situ hybridization was used to verify the expression patterns of selected differentially-expressed genes. High quality transcriptomes were obtained from 10,024 cells and unsupervised clustering distinguished 22 cell types. Although efforts were made to specifically isolate the ciliary body, approximately half of the sequenced cells were derived from the adjacent retina. Cluster identities were assigned using expression of canonical markers or cluster-specific genes. The transcriptional signature of cells in the PCE and NPCE were distinct from each other and from cells in contiguous tissues. PCE cell transcriptomes were characterized by genes involved in melanin synthesis and transport proteins such as Slc4a4. Among the most differentially expressed genes in NPCE cells were those encoding members of the Zic family of transcription factors (Zic1, 2, 4), collagen XVIII (Col18a1), and corticotrophin-releasing hormone-binding protein (Crhbp). The ocular melanocyte population was distinguished by expression of the gap junction genes Gjb2 and Gjb6. Two fibroblast signatures were detected in the ciliary body preparation and shown by in situ hybridization to correspond to uveal and scleral populations. This cell atlas for the ciliary body and contiguous layers represents a useful resource that may facilitate studies into the development of the ciliary epithelium, the production of the aqueous and vitreous humors, and the synthesis of the ciliary zonule.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J C Youkilis
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - S Bassnett
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Yang T, Alessandri-Haber N, Fury W, Schaner M, Breese R, LaCroix-Fralish M, Kim J, Adler C, Macdonald LE, Atwal GS, Bai Y. AdRoit is an accurate and robust method to infer complex transcriptome composition. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1218. [PMID: 34686758 PMCID: PMC8536787 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02739-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Bulk RNA sequencing provides the opportunity to understand biology at the whole transcriptome level without the prohibitive cost of single cell profiling. Advances in spatial transcriptomics enable to dissect tissue organization and function by genome-wide gene expressions. However, the readout of both technologies is the overall gene expression across potentially many cell types without directly providing the information of cell type constitution. Although several in-silico approaches have been proposed to deconvolute RNA-Seq data composed of multiple cell types, many suffer a deterioration of performance in complex tissues. Here we present AdRoit, an accurate and robust method to infer the cell composition from transcriptome data of mixed cell types. AdRoit uses gene expression profiles obtained from single cell RNA sequencing as a reference. It employs an adaptive learning approach to alleviate the sequencing technique difference between the single cell and the bulk (or spatial) transcriptome data, enhancing cross-platform readout comparability. Our systematic benchmarking and applications, which include deconvoluting complex mixtures that encompass 30 cell types, demonstrate its preferable sensitivity and specificity compared to many existing methods as well as its utilities. In addition, AdRoit is computationally efficient and runs orders of magnitude faster than most methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | | | - Wen Fury
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | | | - Robert Breese
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | | | - Jinrang Kim
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | | | | | | | - Yu Bai
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Thomson BR, Liu P, Onay T, Du J, Tompson SW, Misener S, Purohit RR, Young TL, Jin J, Quaggin SE. Cellular crosstalk regulates the aqueous humor outflow pathway and provides new targets for glaucoma therapies. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6072. [PMID: 34663817 PMCID: PMC8523664 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26346-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) is a severe disease characterized by developmental defects in the trabecular meshwork (TM) and Schlemm's canal (SC), comprising the conventional aqueous humor outflow pathway of the eye. Recently, heterozygous loss of function variants in TEK and ANGPT1 or compound variants in TEK/SVEP1 were identified in children with PCG. Moreover, common variants in ANGPT1and SVEP1 have been identified as risk alleles for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) in GWAS studies. Here, we show tissue-specific deletion of Angpt1 or Svep1 from the TM causes PCG in mice with severe defects in the adjacent SC. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of normal and glaucomatous Angpt1 deficient eyes allowed us to identify distinct TM and SC cell populations and discover additional TM-SC signaling pathways. Furthermore, confirming the importance of angiopoietin signaling in SC, delivery of a recombinant ANGPT1-mimetic promotes developmental SC expansion in healthy and Angpt1 deficient eyes, blunts intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation and RGC loss in a mouse model of PCG and lowers IOP in healthy adult mice. Our data highlight the central role of ANGPT1-TEK signaling and TM-SC crosstalk in IOP homeostasis and provide new candidates for SC-targeted glaucoma therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin R Thomson
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- The Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Pan Liu
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- The Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tuncer Onay
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jing Du
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- The Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Stuart W Tompson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sol Misener
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- The Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Raj R Purohit
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- The Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Terri L Young
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jing Jin
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- The Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Susan E Quaggin
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
- The Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Chicago, IL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Sharif NA. Therapeutic Drugs and Devices for Tackling Ocular Hypertension and Glaucoma, and Need for Neuroprotection and Cytoprotective Therapies. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:729249. [PMID: 34603044 PMCID: PMC8484316 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.729249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Damage to the optic nerve and the death of associated retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), also known as glaucoma, is responsible for visual impairment and blindness in millions of people worldwide. The ocular hypertension (OHT) and the deleterious mechanical forces it exerts at the back of the eye, at the level of the optic nerve head/optic disc and lamina cribosa, is the only modifiable risk factor associated with glaucoma that can be treated. The elevated IOP occurs due to the inability of accumulated aqueous humor (AQH) to egress from the anterior chamber of the eye due to occlusion of the major outflow pathway, the trabecular meshwork (TM) and Schlemm’s canal (SC). Several different classes of pharmaceutical agents, surgical techniques and implantable devices have been developed to lower and control IOP. First-line drugs to promote AQH outflow via the uveoscleral outflow pathway include FP-receptor prostaglandin (PG) agonists (e.g., latanoprost, travoprost and tafluprost) and a novel non-PG EP2-receptor agonist (omidenepag isopropyl, Eybelis®). TM/SC outflow enhancing drugs are also effective ocular hypotensive agents (e.g., rho kinase inhibitors like ripasudil and netarsudil; and latanoprostene bunod, a conjugate of a nitric oxide donor and latanoprost). One of the most effective anterior chamber AQH microshunt devices is the Preserflo® microshunt which can lower IOP down to 10–13 mmHg. Other IOP-lowering drugs and devices on the horizon will be also discussed. Additionally, since elevated IOP is only one of many risk factors for development of glaucomatous optic neuropathy, a treatise of the role of inflammatory neurodegeneration of the optic nerve and retinal ganglion cells and appropriate neuroprotective strategies to mitigate this disease will also be reviewed and discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Najam A Sharif
- Global Alliances and External Research, Ophthalmology Innovation Center, Santen Inc., Emeryville, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Identification of Estrogen Signaling in a Prioritization Study of Intraocular Pressure-Associated Genes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910288. [PMID: 34638643 PMCID: PMC8508848 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only modifiable risk factor for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Herein we sought to prioritize a set of previously identified IOP-associated genes using novel and previously published datasets. We identified several genes for future study, including several involved in cytoskeletal/extracellular matrix reorganization, cell adhesion, angiogenesis, and TGF-β signaling. Our differential correlation analysis of IOP-associated genes identified 295 pairs of 201 genes with differential correlation. Pathway analysis identified β-estradiol as the top upstream regulator of these genes with ESR1 mediating 25 interactions. Several genes (i.e., EFEMP1, FOXC1, and SPTBN1) regulated by β-estradiol/ESR1 were highly expressed in non-glaucomatous human trabecular meshwork (TM) or Schlemm’s canal (SC) cells and specifically expressed in TM/SC cell clusters defined by single-cell RNA-sequencing. We confirmed ESR1 gene and protein expression in human TM cells and TM/SC tissue with quantitative real-time PCR and immunofluorescence, respectively. 17β-estradiol was identified in bovine, porcine, and human aqueous humor (AH) using ELISA. In conclusion, we have identified estrogen receptor signaling as a key modulator of several IOP-associated genes. The expression of ESR1 and these IOP-associated genes in TM/SC tissue and the presence of 17β-estradiol in AH supports a role for estrogen signaling in IOP regulation.
Collapse
|
50
|
Fan X, Bilir EK, Kingston OA, Oldershaw RA, Kearns VR, Willoughby CE, Sheridan CM. Replacement of the Trabecular Meshwork Cells-A Way Ahead in IOP Control? Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11091371. [PMID: 34572584 PMCID: PMC8464777 DOI: 10.3390/biom11091371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide, characterised with irreversible optic nerve damage and progressive vision loss. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a subset of glaucoma, characterised by normal anterior chamber angle and raised intraocular pressure (IOP). Reducing IOP is the main modifiable factor in the treatment of POAG, and the trabecular meshwork (TM) is the primary site of aqueous humour outflow (AH) and the resistance to outflow. The structure and the composition of the TM are key to its function in regulating AH outflow. Dysfunction and loss of the TM cells found in the natural ageing process and more so in POAG can cause abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, increased TM stiffness, and increased IOP. Therefore, repair or regeneration of TM's structure and function is considered as a potential treatment for POAG. Cell transplantation is an attractive option to repopulate the TM cells in POAG, but to develop a cell replacement approach, various challenges are still to be addressed. The choice of cell replacement covers autologous or allogenic approaches, which led to investigations into TM progenitor cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as potential stem cell source candidates. However, the potential plasticity and the lack of definitive cell markers for the progenitor and the TM cell population compound the biological challenge. Morphological and differential gene expression of TM cells located within different regions of the TM may give rise to different cell replacement or regenerative approaches. As such, this review describes the different approaches taken to date investigating different cell sources and their differing cell isolation and differentiation methodologies. In addition, we highlighted how these approaches were evaluated in different animal and ex vivo model systems and the potential of these methods in future POAG treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Fan
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK; (X.F.); (E.K.B.); (O.A.K.); (V.R.K.)
| | - Emine K. Bilir
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK; (X.F.); (E.K.B.); (O.A.K.); (V.R.K.)
| | - Olivia A. Kingston
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK; (X.F.); (E.K.B.); (O.A.K.); (V.R.K.)
| | - Rachel A. Oldershaw
- Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK;
| | - Victoria R. Kearns
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK; (X.F.); (E.K.B.); (O.A.K.); (V.R.K.)
| | - Colin E. Willoughby
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK; (X.F.); (E.K.B.); (O.A.K.); (V.R.K.)
- Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
- Correspondence: (C.E.W.); (C.M.S.); Tel.: +44-(28)-701-2338 (C.E.W.); +44-(151)-794-9031 (C.M.S.)
| | - Carl M. Sheridan
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK; (X.F.); (E.K.B.); (O.A.K.); (V.R.K.)
- Correspondence: (C.E.W.); (C.M.S.); Tel.: +44-(28)-701-2338 (C.E.W.); +44-(151)-794-9031 (C.M.S.)
| |
Collapse
|