1
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Xu L, Ruddick WN, Bolch SN, Klingeborn M, Dyka FM, Kulkarni MM, Simpson CP, Beltran WA, Bowes Rickman C, Smith WC, Dinculescu A. Distinct Phenotypic Consequences of Pathogenic Mutants Associated with Late-Onset Retinal Degeneration. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:1706-1720. [PMID: 36328299 PMCID: PMC10726427 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A pathologic feature of late-onset retinal degeneration caused by the S163R mutation in C1q-tumor necrosis factor-5 (C1QTNF5) is the presence of unusually thick deposits between the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) and the vascular choroid, considered a hallmark of this disease. Following its specific expression in mouse RPE, the S163R mutant exhibits a reversed polarized distribution relative to the apically secreted wild-type C1QTNF5, and forms widespread, prominent deposits that gradually increase in size with aging. The current study shows that S163R deposits expand to a considerable thickness through a progressive increase in the basolateral RPE membrane, substantially raising the total RPE height, and enabling their clear imaging as a distinct hyporeflective layer by noninvasive optical coherence tomography in advanced age animals. This phenotype bears a striking resemblance to ocular pathology previously documented in patients harboring the S163R mutation. Therefore, a similar viral vector-based gene delivery approach was used to also investigate the behavior of P188T and G216C, two novel pathogenic C1QTNF5 mutants recently reported in patients for which histopathologic data are lacking. Both mutants primarily impacted the RPE/photoreceptor interface and did not generate basal laminar deposits. Distinct distribution patterns and phenotypic consequences of C1QTNF5 mutants were observed in vivo, which suggested that multiple pathobiological mechanisms contribute to RPE dysfunction and vision loss in this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - William N Ruddick
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Susan N Bolch
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Mikael Klingeborn
- McLaughlin Research Institute, Great Falls, Montana; Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, Berkeley, California
| | - Frank M Dyka
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Manoj M Kulkarni
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Chiab P Simpson
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - William A Beltran
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Catherine Bowes Rickman
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, Berkeley, California; Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - W Clay Smith
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Astra Dinculescu
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
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2
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Yang X, Chung JY, Rai U, Esumi N. SIRT6 overexpression in the nucleus protects mouse retinal pigment epithelium from oxidative stress. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201448. [PMID: 37185874 PMCID: PMC10130745 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201448] [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: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is essential for the survival of retinal photoreceptors. To study retinal degeneration, sodium iodate (NaIO3) has been used to cause oxidative stress-induced RPE death followed by photoreceptor degeneration. However, analyses of RPE damage itself are still limited. Here, we characterized NaIO3-induced RPE damage, which was divided into three regions: periphery with normal-shaped RPE, transitional zone with elongated cells, and center with severely damaged or lost RPE. Elongated cells in the transitional zone exhibited molecular characteristics of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Central RPE was more susceptible to stresses than peripheral RPE. Under stresses, SIRT6, an NAD+-dependent protein deacylase, rapidly translocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and colocalized with stress granule factor G3BP1, leading to nuclear SIRT6 depletion. To overcome this SIRT6 depletion, SIRT6 overexpression was induced in the nucleus in transgenic mice, which protected RPE from NaIO3 and partially preserved catalase expression. These results demonstrate topological differences of mouse RPE and warrant further exploring SIRT6 as a potential target for protecting RPE from oxidative stress-induced damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Yang
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jin-Yong Chung
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Usha Rai
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Noriko Esumi
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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3
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Yuan Y, Kong W, Liu XM, Shi GH. Gene Therapy Activates Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cell Proliferation for Age-related Macular Degeneration in a Mouse Model. Curr Med Sci 2023; 43:384-392. [PMID: 36944806 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-022-2684-3] [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: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative retinal disease. The degeneration or death of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells is implicated in the pathogenesis of AMD. This study aimed to activate the proliferation of RPE cells in vivo by using an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector encoding β-catenin to treat AMD in a mouse model. METHODS Mice were intravitreally injected with AAV2/8-Y733F-VMD2-β-catenin for 2 or 4 weeks, and β-catenin expression was measured using immunofluorescence staining, real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and Western blotting. The function of β-catenin was determined using retinal flat mounts and laser-induced damage models. Finally, the safety of AAV2/8-Y733F-VMD2-β-catenin was evaluated by multiple intravitreal injections. RESULTS AAV2/8-Y733F-VMD2-β-catenin induced the expression of β-catenin in RPE cells. It activated the proliferation of RPE cells and increased cyclin D1 expression. It was beneficial to the recovery of laser-induced damage by activating the proliferation of RPE cells. Furthermore, it could induce apoptosis of RPE cells by increasing the expression of Trp53, Bax and caspase3 while decreasing the expression of Bcl-2. CONCLUSION AAV2/8-Y733F-VMD2-β-catenin increased β-catenin expression in RPE cells, activated RPE cell proliferation, and helped mice heal from laser-induced eye injury. Furthermore, it could induce the apoptosis of RPE cells. Therefore, it may be a safe approach for AMD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Yuan
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, 215000, China.
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Suzhou, 215000, China.
| | - Wen Kong
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, 215000, China
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, 215000, China
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Guo-Hua Shi
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, 215000, China
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Suzhou, 215000, China
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4
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CRISPR/Cas9 mediated specific ablation of vegfa in retinal pigment epithelium efficiently regresses choroidal neovascularization. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3715. [PMID: 36878916 PMCID: PMC9988861 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29014-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas9 system easily edits target genes in various organisms and is used to treat human diseases. In most therapeutic CRISPR studies, ubiquitously expressed promoters, such as CMV, CAG, and EF1α, are used; however, gene editing is sometimes necessary only in specific cell types relevant to the disease. Therefore, we aimed to develop a retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-specific CRISPR/Cas9 system. We developed a CRISPR/Cas9 system that operates only in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) by expressing Cas9 under the RPE-specific vitelliform macular dystrophy 2 promoter (pVMD2). This RPE-specific CRISPR/pVMD2-Cas9 system was tested in human retinal organoid and mouse model. We confirmed that this system works specifically in the RPE of human retinal organoids and mouse retina. In addition, the RPE-specific Vegfa ablation using the novel CRISPR-pVMD2-Cas9 system caused regression of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) without unwanted knock-out in the neural retina in laser-induced CNV mice, which is a widely used animal model of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. RPE-specific Vegfa knock-out (KO) and ubiquitous Vegfa KO were comparable in the efficient regression of CNV. The promoter substituted, cell type-specific CRISPR/Cas9 systems can be used in specific 'target cell' therapy, which edits genes while reducing unwanted off- 'target cell' effects.
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5
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Millington-Ward S, Chadderton N, Finnegan LK, Post IJM, Carrigan M, Nixon R, Humphries MM, Humphries P, Kenna PF, Palfi A, Farrar GJ. RPE-Directed Gene Therapy Improves Mitochondrial Function in Murine Dry AMD Models. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043847. [PMID: 36835257 PMCID: PMC9968062 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness in the aged population. However, to date there is no effective treatment for the dry form of the disease, representing 85-90% of cases. AMD is an immensely complex disease which affects, amongst others, both retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor cells and leads to the progressive loss of central vision. Mitochondrial dysfunction in both RPE and photoreceptor cells is emerging as a key player in the disease. There are indications that during disease progression, the RPE is first impaired and RPE dysfunction in turn leads to subsequent photoreceptor cell degeneration; however, the exact sequence of events has not as yet been fully determined. We recently showed that AAV delivery of an optimised NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (NDI1) gene, a nuclear-encoded complex 1 equivalent from S. cerevisiae, expressed from a general promoter, provided robust benefit in a variety of murine and cellular models of dry AMD; this was the first study employing a gene therapy to directly boost mitochondrial function, providing functional benefit in vivo. However, use of a restricted RPE-specific promoter to drive expression of the gene therapy enables exploration of the optimal target retinal cell type for dry AMD therapies. Furthermore, such restricted transgene expression could reduce potential off-target effects, possibly improving the safety profile of the therapy. Therefore, in the current study, we interrogate whether expression of the gene therapy from the RPE-specific promoter, Vitelliform macular dystrophy 2 (VMD2), might be sufficient to rescue dry AMD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Millington-Ward
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
- Correspondence:
| | - Naomi Chadderton
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laura K. Finnegan
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Iris J. M. Post
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Matthew Carrigan
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rachel Nixon
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Marian M. Humphries
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Pete Humphries
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul F. Kenna
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
- The Research Foundation, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, D02 XK51 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Arpad Palfi
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
| | - G. Jane Farrar
- The School of Genetics and Microbiology, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, D02 VF25 Dublin, Ireland
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6
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Carrella S, Di Guida M, Brillante S, Piccolo D, Ciampi L, Guadagnino I, Garcia Piqueras J, Pizzo M, Marrocco E, Molinari M, Petrogiannakis G, Barbato S, Ezhova Y, Auricchio A, Franco B, De Leonibus E, Surace EM, Indrieri A, Banfi S. miR-181a/b downregulation: a mutation-independent therapeutic approach for inherited retinal diseases. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e15941. [PMID: 36194668 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202215941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a group of diseases whose common landmark is progressive photoreceptor loss. The development of gene-specific therapies for IRDs is hampered by their wide genetic heterogeneity. Mitochondrial dysfunction is proving to constitute one of the key pathogenic events in IRDs; hence, approaches that enhance mitochondrial activities have a promising therapeutic potential for these conditions. We previously reported that miR-181a/b downregulation boosts mitochondrial turnover in models of primary retinal mitochondrial diseases. Here, we show that miR-181a/b silencing has a beneficial effect also in IRDs. In particular, the injection in the subretinal space of an adeno-associated viral vector (AAV) that harbors a miR-181a/b inhibitor (sponge) sequence (AAV2/8-GFP-Sponge-miR-181a/b) improves retinal morphology and visual function both in models of autosomal dominant (RHO-P347S) and of autosomal recessive (rd10) retinitis pigmentosa. Moreover, we demonstrate that miR-181a/b downregulation modulates the level of the mitochondrial fission-related protein Drp1 and rescues the mitochondrial fragmentation in RHO-P347S photoreceptors. Overall, these data support the potential use of miR-181a/b downregulation as an innovative mutation-independent therapeutic strategy for IRDs, which can be effective both to delay disease progression and to aid gene-specific therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Carrella
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Di Guida
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Brillante
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Davide Piccolo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Ludovica Ciampi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Irene Guadagnino
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Jorge Garcia Piqueras
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Pizzo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Elena Marrocco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Marta Molinari
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Georgios Petrogiannakis
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Molecular Life Science, Department of Science and Environmental, Biological and Farmaceutical Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sara Barbato
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Yulia Ezhova
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Molecular Life Science, Department of Science and Environmental, Biological and Farmaceutical Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Advanced Biomedicine, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Brunella Franco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.,Scuola Superiore Meridionale, School of Advanced Studies, Naples, Italy
| | - Elvira De Leonibus
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Institute of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Maria Surace
- Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Indrieri
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
| | - Sandro Banfi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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7
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Mai S, Zhu X, Wan EYC, Wu S, Yonathan JN, Wang J, Li Y, Ma JYW, Zuo B, Tse DYY, Lo PC, Wang X, Chan KM, Wu DM, Xiong W. Postnatal eye size in mice is controlled by SREBP2-mediated transcriptional repression of Lrp2 and Bmp2. Development 2022; 149:276005. [PMID: 35833708 PMCID: PMC9382895 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Eye size is a key parameter of visual function, but the precise mechanisms of eye size control remain poorly understood. Here, we discovered that the lipogenic transcription factor sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2) has an unanticipated function in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) to promote eye size in postnatal mice. SREBP2 transcriptionally represses low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 2 (Lrp2), which has been shown to restrict eye overgrowth. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) is the downstream effector of Srebp2 and Lrp2, and Bmp2 is suppressed by SREBP2 transcriptionally but activated by Lrp2. During postnatal development, SREBP2 protein expression in the RPE decreases whereas that of Lrp2 and Bmp2 increases as the eye growth rate reduces. Bmp2 is the key determinant of eye size such that its level in mouse RPE inversely correlates with eye size. Notably, RPE-specific Bmp2 overexpression by adeno-associated virus effectively prevents the phenotypes caused by Lrp2 knock out. Together, our study shows that rapid postnatal eye size increase is governed by an RPE-derived signaling pathway, which consists of both positive and negative regulators of eye growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyi Mai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Key Laboratory of Biochip Technology, Biotech and Health Centre, Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.,Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Esther Yi Ching Wan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shengyu Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Jun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ying Li
- College of Information and Computer, Taiyuan University of Technology, 030024 Taiyuan, China
| | - Jessica Yuen Wuen Ma
- Centre for Myopia Research, School of Optometry, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bing Zuo
- Centre for Myopia Research, School of Optometry, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dennis Yan-Yin Tse
- Centre for Myopia Research, School of Optometry, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.,Research Centre for SHARP Vision, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pui-Chi Lo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Key Laboratory of Biochip Technology, Biotech and Health Centre, Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kui Ming Chan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Key Laboratory of Biochip Technology, Biotech and Health Centre, Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - David M Wu
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Wenjun Xiong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Key Laboratory of Biochip Technology, Biotech and Health Centre, Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
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8
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Tornabene P, Ferla R, Llado-Santaeularia M, Centrulo M, Dell'Anno M, Esposito F, Marrocco E, Pone E, Minopoli R, Iodice C, Nusco E, Rossi S, Lyubenova H, Manfredi A, Di Filippo L, Iuliano A, Torella A, Piluso G, Musacchia F, Surace EM, Cacchiarelli D, Nigro V, Auricchio A. Therapeutic homology-independent targeted integration in retina and liver. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1963. [PMID: 35414130 PMCID: PMC9005519 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29550-8] [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] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Challenges to the widespread application of gene therapy with adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors include dominant conditions due to gain-of-function mutations which require allele-specific knockout, as well as long-term transgene expression from proliferating tissues, which is hampered by AAV DNA episomal status. To overcome these challenges, we used CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homology-independent targeted integration (HITI) in retina and liver as paradigmatic target tissues. We show that AAV-HITI targets photoreceptors of both mouse and pig retina, and this results in significant improvements to retinal morphology and function in mice with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. In addition, we show that neonatal systemic AAV-HITI delivery achieves stable liver transgene expression and phenotypic improvement in a mouse model of a severe lysosomal storage disease. We also show that HITI applications predominantly result in on-target editing. These results lay the groundwork for the application of AAV-HITI for the treatment of diseases affecting various organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Tornabene
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Rita Ferla
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Miriam Centrulo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Margherita Dell'Anno
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Esposito
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Elena Marrocco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Emanuela Pone
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Renato Minopoli
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Carolina Iodice
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Edoardo Nusco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Anna Manfredi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Armenise/Harvard Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Next Generation Diagnostic Srl, 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | - Antonella Iuliano
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Annalaura Torella
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Giulio Piluso
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Enrico Maria Surace
- Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Davide Cacchiarelli
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Armenise/Harvard Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Nigro
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy. .,Medical Genetics, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, 80131, Naples, Italy.
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9
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Woogeng IN, Kaczkowski B, Abugessaisa I, Hu H, Tachibana A, Sahara Y, Hon CC, Hasegawa A, Sakai N, Nishida M, Sanyal H, Sho J, Kajita K, Kasukawa T, Takasato M, Carninci P, Maeda A, Mandai M, Arner E, Takahashi M, Kime C. Inducing human retinal pigment epithelium-like cells from somatic tissue. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:289-306. [PMID: 35030321 PMCID: PMC8828536 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Regenerative medicine relies on basic research outcomes that are only practical when cost effective. The human eyeball requires the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) to interface the neural retina and the choroid at large. Millions of people suffer from age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a blinding multifactor genetic disease among RPE degradation pathologies. Recently, autologous pluripotent stem-cell-derived RPE cells were prohibitively expensive due to time; therefore, we developed a faster reprogramming system. We stably induced RPE-like cells (iRPE) from human fibroblasts (Fibs) by conditional overexpression of both broad plasticity and lineage-specific transcription factors (TFs). iRPE cells displayed critical RPE benchmarks and significant in vivo integration in transplanted retinas. Herein, we detail the iRPE system with comprehensive single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) profiling to interpret and characterize its best cells. We anticipate that our system may enable robust retinal cell induction for basic research and affordable autologous human RPE tissue for regenerative cell therapy. Human Fibs reprogrammed to stable RPE-like cells Reprogramming factors selected for pioneering, plasticity, lineage, and target cell Nicotinamide (NIC) and Chetomin (CTM) improved the reprogramming outcomes scRNA-seq analysis identifies high-quality subpopulation resembling model cells
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Imad Abugessaisa
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Haiming Hu
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | | | - Yoshiki Sahara
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan; Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology and Development, Department of Animal Development and Physiology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Department of Renal and Cardiovascular Research, New Drug Research Division, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Tokushima 771-0192, Japan
| | - Chung-Chau Hon
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Akira Hasegawa
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Noriko Sakai
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | | | - Hashimita Sanyal
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Junki Sho
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Keisuke Kajita
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Takeya Kasukawa
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Minoru Takasato
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan; Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology and Development, Department of Animal Development and Physiology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Piero Carninci
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan; Human Technopole, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 1, Milan, Italy
| | - Akiko Maeda
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Michiko Mandai
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Erik Arner
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Cody Kime
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan.
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da Palma MM, Vargas ME, Burr A, Chen R, Pennesi ME, Weleber RG, Yang P. Variable expressivity of BEST1-associated autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy (ADVIRC) in a three-generation pedigree. BMJ Open Ophthalmol 2021; 6:e000813. [PMID: 34746433 PMCID: PMC8532547 DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2021-000813] [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: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Autosomal dominant vitreoretinochoroidopathy (ADVIRC) is associated with pathogenic variants in BEST1, which typically causes visual impairment in the late stage of disease. We present a pedigree with variable expressivity and the youngest case in the literature with visual impairment in early childhood. Methods and analysis This is a retrospective, observational, case series describing multigenerational members of one family affected with ADVIRC. Patients underwent examination, ultra-widefield fundus photography and angiography, optical coherence tomography, full-field electroretinography (ffERG) and full-field perimetry. Results Three affected members of the pedigree, one from each successive generation, were found to harbour a mutation, c.715G>A:p.Val239Met, in BEST1. The proband characterised in this report is, to our knowledge, the youngest documented case of ADVIRC in early childhood. Yet, this patient has the most severe retinal dysfunction compared with the father and paternal grandmother, whom exhibit classic characteristics of ADVIRC. Longitudinal data from the paternal grandmother showed that there was a rapid decline in ffERG responses (photopic decline worse than scotopic) from the fourth to fifth decade of life, which correlated with severe concentric constriction of visual fields. Conclusion This multigenerational case series provides new insights into the ADVIRC disease spectrum and rate of progression. While ADVIRC typically causes a slowly progressive disease, we show that variable phenotypic expressivity is possible among affected members of the same family with the same mutation in BEST1. Thus, ADVIRC must also be considered in the differential diagnosis of paediatric patients with severe retinal dystrophy in early childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Matioli da Palma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Federal University of Sao Paulo Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maurício E Vargas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Amanda Burr
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Rui Chen
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mark E Pennesi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Richard G Weleber
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Paul Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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11
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Johari YB, Mercer AC, Liu Y, Brown AJ, James DC. Design of synthetic promoters for controlled expression of therapeutic genes in retinal pigment epithelial cells. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 118:2001-2015. [PMID: 33580508 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) associated with dysfunction of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is the most common cause of untreatable blindness. To advance gene therapy as a viable treatment for AMD there is a need for technologies that enable controlled, RPE-specific expression of therapeutic genes. Here we describe design, construction and testing of compact synthetic promoters with a pre-defined transcriptional activity and RPE cell specificity. Initial comparative informatic analyses of RPE and photoreceptor (PR) cell transcriptomic data identified conserved and overrepresented transcription factor regulatory elements (TFREs, 8-19 bp) specifically associated with transcriptionally active RPE genes. Both RPE-specific TFREs and those derived from the generically active cytomegalovirus-immediate early (CMV-IE) promoter were then screened in vitro to identify sequence elements able to control recombinant gene transcription in model induced pluripotent stem (iPS)-derived and primary human RPE cells. Two libraries of heterotypic synthetic promoters varying in predicted RPE specificity and transcriptional activity were designed de novo using combinations of up to 20 discrete TFREs in series (323-602 bp) and their transcriptional activity in model RPE cells was compared to that of the endogenous BEST1 promoter (661 bp, plus an engineered derivative) and the highly active generic CMV-IE promoter (650 bp). Synthetic promoters with a highpredicted specificity, comprised predominantly of endogenous TFREs exhibited a range of activities up to 8-fold that of the RPE-specific BEST1 gene promoter. Moreover, albeit at a lower predicted specificity, synthetic promoter transcriptional activity in model RPE cells was enhanced beyond that of the CMV-IE promoter when viral elements were utilized in combination with endogenous RPE-specific TFREs, with a reduction in promoter size of 15%. Taken together, while our data reveal an inverse relationship between synthetic promoter activity and cell-type specificity, cell context-specific control of recombinant gene transcriptional activity may be achievable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf B Johari
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Andrew C Mercer
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Ye Liu
- Research and Early Development, REGENXBIO Inc., Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Adam J Brown
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - David C James
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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12
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Wu DM, Ji X, Ivanchenko MV, Chung M, Piper M, Rana P, Wang SK, Xue Y, West E, Zhao SR, Xu H, Cicconet M, Xiong W, Cepko CL. Nrf2 overexpression rescues the RPE in mouse models of retinitis pigmentosa. JCI Insight 2021; 6:145029. [PMID: 33491671 PMCID: PMC7934854 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.145029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Nrf2, a transcription factor that regulates the response to oxidative stress, has been shown to rescue cone photoreceptors and slow vision loss in mouse models of retinal degeneration (rd). The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is damaged in these models, but whether it also could be rescued by Nrf2 has not been previously examined. We used an adeno-associated virus (AAV) with an RPE-specific (Best1) promoter to overexpress Nrf2 in the RPE of rd mice. Control rd mice showed disruption of the regular array of the RPE, as well as loss of RPE cells. Cones were lost in circumscribed regions within the cone photoreceptor layer. Overexpression of Nrf2 specifically in the RPE was sufficient to rescue the RPE, as well as the disruptions in the cone photoreceptor layer. Electron microscopy showed compromised apical microvilli in control rd mice but showed preserved microvilli in Best1-Nrf2–treated mice. The rd mice treated with Best1-Nrf2 had slightly better visual acuity. Transcriptome profiling showed that Nrf2 upregulates multiple oxidative defense pathways, reversing declines seen in the glutathione pathway in control rd mice. In summary, Nrf2 overexpression in the RPE preserves RPE morphology and survival in rd mice, and it is a potential therapeutic for diseases involving RPE degeneration, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Wu
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology.,Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology, Blavatnik Institute, and
| | - Xuke Ji
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology.,Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology, Blavatnik Institute, and
| | - Maryna V Ivanchenko
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michelle Chung
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology, Blavatnik Institute, and.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| | - Mary Piper
- Department of Bioinformatics, T.H. Chan Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Parimal Rana
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology, Blavatnik Institute, and
| | - Sean K Wang
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology, Blavatnik Institute, and
| | - Yunlu Xue
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology, Blavatnik Institute, and
| | - Emma West
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology, Blavatnik Institute, and
| | - Sophia R Zhao
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology, Blavatnik Institute, and
| | - Hongbin Xu
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology, Blavatnik Institute, and.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| | - Marcelo Cicconet
- Image and Data Analysis Core, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wenjun Xiong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Constance L Cepko
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
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13
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胡 双, 杨 丽. [Expression pattern of different serotypes of adeno-associated viral vectors in mouse retina]. BEIJING DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF PEKING UNIVERSITY. HEALTH SCIENCES 2020; 52:845-850. [PMID: 33047717 PMCID: PMC7653430 DOI: 10.19723/j.issn.1671-167x.2020.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the expression efficiency of exogenous gene mediated by different serotypes of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors in retina, and to compare the expression efficiency of AAV vector and two kinds of promoters commonly used in ophthalmology after transfection into mouse retina, so as to provide the basis for selecting appropriate AAV vector and promoter for gene therapy of retinitis pigmentosa. METHODS AAV2/2, AAV2/5, AAV2/8 and AAV2/9 were prepared. The C57BL/6J mice were injected subretinally with 1 μL purified AAV vectors (1.00×1013 mg/L). Then the mice were killed 2 or 4 weeks after treatment, and the eyes were enucleated for frozen section. The expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) was observed under the confocal microscope. Two kinds of promoters, CMV and CAG, were selectd, and the expression of AAV2/8-GFP-CMV and AAV2/8-GFP-CAG was observed under confocal microscope. RESULTS No bacterial infection or immune response were seen in the injected mice. 2 weeks after injection, the GFP green fluorescence of AAV2/8 and AAV2/9 in the mouse retina was obvious, which indicated that the GFP green fluorescence of AAV2/8 and AAV2/9 was high after transfection into the mouse retina. In these two serotypes, GFP green fluorescence of AAV2/8 was mainly concentrated in photoreceptor cells while AAV2/8 was expressed in the whole retina, indicating that AAV2/8 was more specific to photoreceptors. Further experiments on AAV2/8 showed that the GFP green fluorescence of the mouse retina was obvious 4 weeks after injection, indicating that the exogenous gene mediated by AAV2/8 could be stably expressed in vivo. For CMV and CAG promoters, CMV promoter was expressed stronger in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)cells, while CAG promoter was stronger in photorecepters. In photorecepters, CAG promoter was expressed almost the same as CMV promoter, while CMV promoter was stronger in RPE cells. CONCLUSION AAV vectors could express transgene robustly in retinal cells; Among several AAV serotypes, AAV2/2 and AAV2/5 showed weaker GFP fluorescence than AAV2/8 and AAV2/9. AAV2/9 showed expression in each layer of the retina including ganglion cells. AAV2/8 was more specific for photoreceptor; CAG promoters had higher specificity for photoreceptors than CMV promoters.
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Affiliation(s)
- 双 胡
- />北京大学第三医院眼科,北京 100191Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 丽萍 杨
- />北京大学第三医院眼科,北京 100191Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
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14
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Sensing through Non-Sensing Ocular Ion Channels. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186925. [PMID: 32967234 PMCID: PMC7554890 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ion channels are membrane-spanning integral proteins expressed in multiple organs, including the eye. In the eye, ion channels are involved in various physiological processes, like signal transmission and visual processing. A wide range of mutations have been reported in the corresponding genes and their interacting subunit coding genes, which contribute significantly to an array of blindness, termed ocular channelopathies. These mutations result in either a loss- or gain-of channel functions affecting the structure, assembly, trafficking, and localization of channel proteins. A dominant-negative effect is caused in a few channels formed by the assembly of several subunits that exist as homo- or heteromeric proteins. Here, we review the role of different mutations in switching a “sensing” ion channel to “non-sensing,” leading to ocular channelopathies like Leber’s congenital amaurosis 16 (LCA16), cone dystrophy, congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB), achromatopsia, bestrophinopathies, retinitis pigmentosa, etc. We also discuss the various in vitro and in vivo disease models available to investigate the impact of mutations on channel properties, to dissect the disease mechanism, and understand the pathophysiology. Innovating the potential pharmacological and therapeutic approaches and their efficient delivery to the eye for reversing a “non-sensing” channel to “sensing” would be life-changing.
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15
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Soluble CX3CL1 gene therapy improves cone survival and function in mouse models of retinitis pigmentosa. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:10140-10149. [PMID: 31036641 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1901787116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a disease that initially presents as night blindness due to genetic deficits in the rod photoreceptors of the retina. Rods then die, causing dysfunction and death of cone photoreceptors, the cell type that mediates high acuity and color vision, ultimately leading to blindness. We investigated immune responses in mouse models of RP and found evidence of microglia activation throughout the period of cone degeneration. Using adeno-associated vectors (AAVs), delivery of genes encoding microglial regulatory signals led to the identification of AAV serotype 8 (AAV8) soluble CX3CL1 (sCX3CL1) as a promising therapy for degenerating cones. Subretinal injection of AAV8-sCX3CL1 significantly prolonged cone survival in three strains of RP mice. Rescue of cones was accompanied by improvements in visual function. AAV8-sCX3CL1 did not affect rod survival, microglia localization, or inflammatory cytokine levels in the retina. Furthermore, although RNA sequencing of microglia demonstrated marked transcriptional changes with AAV8-sCX3CL1, pharmacological depletion of up to ∼99% of microglia failed to abrogate the effect of AAV8-sCX3CL1 on cone survival. These findings indicate that AAV8-sCX3CL1 can rescue cones in multiple mouse models of RP via a pathway that does not require normal numbers of microglia. Gene therapy with sCX3CL1 is a promising mutation-independent approach to preserve vision in RP and potentially other forms of retinal degeneration.
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16
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Abstract
Adeno-associated viral (AAV) gene therapy is becoming an important therapeutic modality, especially for ocular diseases, due to its efficiency of gene delivery and relative lack of pathogenicity. However, AAV sometimes can cause inflammation and toxicity. We explored such effects using injections into the mouse eye. We found a strong correlation of toxicity and inflammation with the use of promoters that were broadly active, or specifically active in the retinal pigment epithelium. AAVs with photoreceptor-specific promoters were found to be nontoxic at all doses tested. These studies reveal that safer vectors can be designed if assays for relevant and specific cell types are developed and tested with a range of vectors with different genomic elements. Adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs) have become popular for gene therapy, given their many advantages, including their reduced inflammatory profile compared with that of other viruses. However, even in areas of immune privilege such as the eye, AAV vectors are capable of eliciting host-cell responses. To investigate the effects of such responses on several ocular cell types, we tested multiple AAV genome structures and capsid types using subretinal injections in mice. Assays of morphology, inflammation, and physiology were performed. Pathological effects on photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) were observed. Müller glia and microglia were activated, and the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β were up-regulated. There was a strong correlation between cis-regulatory sequences and toxicity. AAVs with any one of three broadly active promoters, or an RPE-specific promoter, were toxic, while AAVs with four different photoreceptor-specific promoters were not toxic at the highest doses tested. There was little correlation between toxicity and transgene, capsid type, preparation method, or cellular contaminants within a preparation. The toxic effect was dose-dependent, with the RPE being more sensitive than photoreceptors. Our results suggest that ocular AAV toxicity is associated with certain AAV cis-regulatory sequences and/or their activity and that retinal damage occurs due to responses by the RPE and/or microglia. By applying multiple, sensitive assays of toxicity, AAV vectors can be designed so that they can be used safely at high dose, potentially providing greater therapeutic efficacy.
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17
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Askou AL, Alsing S, Benckendorff JNE, Holmgaard A, Mikkelsen JG, Aagaard L, Bek T, Corydon TJ. Suppression of Choroidal Neovascularization by AAV-Based Dual-Acting Antiangiogenic Gene Therapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 16:38-50. [PMID: 30825671 PMCID: PMC6393707 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) is involved in the pathogenesis of vasoproliferative retinal diseases, such as exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The objective of this study was to investigate whether dual-acting therapy based on the simultaneous expression of anti-VEGFA microRNAs (miRNAs) and the secreted, antiangiogenic protein pigment endothelial-derived factor (PEDF) delivered by adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors provides improved protection against choroidal neovascularization (CNV). To investigate this, a multigenic AAV vector allowing retina pigment epithelium (RPE)-specific expression of anti-VEGFA miRNAs and PEDF was engineered. Robust expression of PEDF, driven by the RPE-specific vitelliform macular dystrophy 2 promoter, was observed in human cells and in mouse retina. A significant reduction in CNV was observed in a laser-induced CNV mouse model 57 days post-injection of the AAV5 particles conveying either anti-VEGFA miRNA and PEDF dual therapy or anti-VEGFA miRNA monotherapy. Overall, CNV reduction was most prominent in animals receiving dual-acting therapy. In both cases, the reduction in CNV was accompanied by a significant attenuation of VEGFA. In conclusion, the presented data reveal that gene therapy targeting VEGFA via multigenic AAV vectors displays combined efficacy, suggesting that dual-acting therapy is an important tool in future eye gene therapy for the treatment of neovascular ocular diseases, including AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Louise Askou
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Sidsel Alsing
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | - Andreas Holmgaard
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | - Lars Aagaard
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Toke Bek
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Thomas J Corydon
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
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18
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Rodrigues GA, Shalaev E, Karami TK, Cunningham J, Slater NKH, Rivers HM. Pharmaceutical Development of AAV-Based Gene Therapy Products for the Eye. Pharm Res 2018; 36:29. [PMID: 30591984 PMCID: PMC6308217 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-018-2554-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A resurgence of interest and investment in the field of gene therapy, driven in large part by advances in viral vector technology, has recently culminated in United States Food and Drug Administration approval of the first gene therapy product targeting a disease caused by mutations in a single gene. This product, LUXTURNA™ (voretigene neparvovec-rzyl; Spark Therapeutics, Inc., Philadelphia, PA), delivers a normal copy of the RPE65 gene to retinal cells for the treatment of biallelic RPE65 mutation–associated retinal dystrophy, a blinding disease. Many additional gene therapy programs targeting both inherited retinal diseases and other ocular diseases are in development, owing to an improved understanding of the genetic basis of ocular disease and the unique properties of the ocular compartment that make it amenable to local gene therapy. Here we review the growing body of literature that describes both the design and development of ocular gene therapy products, with a particular emphasis on target and vector selection, and chemistry, manufacturing, and controls.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evgenyi Shalaev
- Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Allergan plc, 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, California, 92612-1531, USA
| | - Thomas K Karami
- Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Allergan plc, 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, California, 92612-1531, USA
| | - James Cunningham
- Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Allergan plc, 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, California, 92612-1531, USA
| | - Nigel K H Slater
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Hongwen M Rivers
- Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Allergan plc, 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, California, 92612-1531, USA.
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19
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Cell-specific gene therapy driven by an optimized hypoxia-regulated vector reduces choroidal neovascularization. J Mol Med (Berl) 2018; 96:1107-1118. [PMID: 30105447 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-018-1683-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant growth of blood vessels in the choroid layer of the eye, termed choroidal neovascularization (CNV), is the pathological hallmark of exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD), causing irreversible blindness among the elderly. Co-localization of proangiogenic factors and hypoxia inducible factors (HIF) in neovascular membranes from AMD eyes suggests the role of hypoxia in pathogenesis of CNV. In order to utilize hypoxic conditions in RPE for therapeutic purposes, we developed an optimized hypoxia regulated, RPE cell-specific gene therapy to inhibit choroidal neovascularization. An adeno-associated virus (AAV2) vector comprising a RPE-specific promoter and HIF-1 response elements (HRE) was designed to regulate production of human endostatin (a powerful angiostatic protein) in RPE. The vector was tested in a mouse model of laser-induced CNV using subretinal delivery. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images from live mice and confocal images from lectin stained RPE flat mount sections demonstrated reduction in CNV areas by 80% compared to untreated eyes. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) confirmed exogenous endostatin mRNA expression from the regulated vector that was significantly elevated 3, 7, and 14 days following laser treatment, but its expression was completely shut off after 45 days. Thus, RPE-specific, hypoxia-regulated delivery of anti-angiogenic proteins could be a valuable therapeutic approach to treat neovascular AMD at the time and in the ocular space where it arises. KEY POINTS An optimized gene therapy vector targeting hypoxia and tissue-specific expression has been designed. The inhibitory role of gene therapy vector was tested in a mouse model of laser-induced CNV. An 80% reduction in choroidal neovascularization was achieved by the optimized vector. The expression of endostatin was limited to retinal pigment epithelium and regulated by hypoxia.
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Maddalena A, Tornabene P, Tiberi P, Minopoli R, Manfredi A, Mutarelli M, Rossi S, Simonelli F, Naggert JK, Cacchiarelli D, Auricchio A. Triple Vectors Expand AAV Transfer Capacity in the Retina. Mol Ther 2017; 26:524-541. [PMID: 29292161 PMCID: PMC5835116 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Revised: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal gene transfer with adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors holds great promise for the treatment of inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs). One limit of AAV is its transfer capacity of about 5 kb, which can be expanded to about 9 kb, using dual AAV vectors. This strategy would still not suffice for treatment of IRDs such as Usher syndrome type 1D or Alström syndrome type I (ALMS) due to mutations in CDH23 or ALMS1, respectively. To overcome this limitation, we generated triple AAV vectors, with a maximal transfer capacity of about 14 kb. Transcriptomic analysis following triple AAV transduction showed the expected full-length products along a number of aberrant transcripts. However, only the full-length transcripts are efficiently translated in vivo. We additionally showed that approximately 4% of mouse photoreceptors are transduced by triple AAV vectors and showed correct localization of recombinant ALMS1. The low-photoreceptor transduction levels might justify the modest and transient improvement we observe in the retina of a mouse model of ALMS. However, the levels of transduction mediated by triple AAV vectors in pig retina reached 40% of those observed with single vectors, and this bodes well for further improving the efficiency of triple AAV vectors in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Maddalena
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Patrizia Tornabene
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Paola Tiberi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Renato Minopoli
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Anna Manfredi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy; Armenise/Harvard Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, TIGEM, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | | | - Settimio Rossi
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Second University of Naples, Naples 80121, Italy
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Second University of Naples, Naples 80121, Italy
| | | | - Davide Cacchiarelli
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy; Armenise/Harvard Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, TIGEM, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli 80078, Italy; Medical Genetics, Department of Advanced Biomedicine, Federico II University, Naples 80131, Italy.
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Kumar S, Nakashizuka H, Jones A, Lambert A, Zhao X, Shen M, Parker M, Wang S, Berriochoa Z, Fnu A, VanBeuge S, Chévez-Barrios P, Tso M, Rainier J, Fu Y. Proteolytic Degradation and Inflammation Play Critical Roles in Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2017; 187:2841-2857. [PMID: 28941979 PMCID: PMC5718105 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2017.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is a common subtype of wet age-related macular degeneration in Asian populations, whereas choroidal neovascularization is the typical subtype in Western populations. The cause of PCV is unknown. By comparing the phenotype of a PCV mouse model expressing protease high temperature requirement factor A1 (HTRA1) in retinal pigment epithelium with transgenic mice expressing the inactive HTRA1S328A, we showed that HTRA1-mediated degradation of elastin in choroidal vessels is critical for the development of PCV, which exhibited destructive extracellular matrix remodeling and vascular smooth muscle cell loss. Compared with weak PCV, severe PCV exhibited prominent immune complex deposition, complement activation, and infiltration of inflammatory cells, suggesting inflammation plays a key role in PCV progression. More important, we validated these findings in human PCV specimens. Intravitreal delivery of an HTRA1 inhibitor (DPMFKLboroV) was effective (36% lesion reduction; P = 0.009) in preventing PCV initiation but ineffective in treating existing lesions. Anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid was effective in preventing PCV progression but ineffective in preventing PCV initiation. These results suggest that PCV pathogenesis occurs through two stages. The initiation stage is mediated by proteolytic degradation of extracellular matrix proteins attributable to increased HTRA1 activity, whereas the progression stage is driven by inflammatory cascades. This study provides a basis for understanding the differences between PCV and choroidal neovascularization, and helps guide the design of effective therapies for PCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Hiroyuki Nakashizuka
- Department of Visual Sciences, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Alex Jones
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Alyssia Lambert
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Xuchen Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Megan Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Mackenzie Parker
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Shixian Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Zachary Berriochoa
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Amrita Fnu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Stephanie VanBeuge
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | | | - Mark Tso
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jon Rainier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Yingbin Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.
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Schnabolk G, Parsons N, Obert E, Annamalai B, Nasarre C, Tomlinson S, Lewin AS, Rohrer B. Delivery of CR2-fH Using AAV Vector Therapy as Treatment Strategy in the Mouse Model of Choroidal Neovascularization. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2017; 9:1-11. [PMID: 29234687 PMCID: PMC5723362 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Complement activation plays a significant role in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) pathogenesis, and polymorphisms interfering with factor H (fH) function, a complement alternative pathway (AP) inhibitor, are associated with increased AMD risk. We have previously validated an AP inhibitor, a fusion protein consisting of a complement receptor 2 fragment linked to the inhibitory domain of fH (CR2-fH) as an efficacious treatment for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) when delivered intravenously. Here we tested an alternative approach of AAV-mediated delivery (AAV5-VMD2-CR2-fH or AAV5-VMD2-mCherry) using subretinal delivery in C57BL/6J mice. Secretion of CR2-fH was confirmed in polarized retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. A safe concentration of AAV5-VMD2-CR2-fH was identified using electroretinography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), RPE morphology, and antibody profiling. One month after gene delivery, CNV was induced using argon laser photocoagulation. OCT assessment demonstrated reduced CNV with AAV5-VMD2-CR2-fH administration. Bioavailability studies revealed that gene-therapy delivered similar levels of CR2-fH to the RPE/choroid as treatment by intravenous injections, and C3a ELISA verified reduced CNV-associated ocular C3a production. These results contribute to existing data illustrating the importance of the AP of complement in CNV development and its potential role in AMD treatment. Demonstration of AAV-vector efficacy opens new avenues for the development of treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloriane Schnabolk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Nathaniel Parsons
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Elisabeth Obert
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | | | - Cecile Nasarre
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Stephen Tomlinson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.,Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Division of Research, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
| | - Alfred S Lewin
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville FL 32611, USA
| | - Bärbel Rohrer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.,Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Division of Research, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
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Cubizolle A, Guillou L, Mollereau B, Hamel CP, Brabet P. Fatty acid transport protein 1 regulates retinoid metabolism and photoreceptor development in mouse retina. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180148. [PMID: 28672005 PMCID: PMC5495297 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), RPE65 catalyzes the isomerization of all-trans-retinyl fatty acid esters to 11-cis-retinol in the visual cycle and controls the rhodopsin regeneration rate. However, the mechanisms by which these processes are regulated are still unclear. Fatty Acid Transport Protein 1 (FATP1) is involved in fatty acid uptake and lipid metabolism in a variety of cell types. FATP1 co-localizes with RPE65 in RPE and inhibits its isomerase activity in vitro. Here, we further investigated the role of FATP1 in the visual cycle using transgenic mice that overexpress human FATP1 specifically in the RPE (hFATP1TG mice). The mice displayed no delay in the kinetics of regeneration of the visual chromophore 11-cis-retinal after photobleaching and had no defects in light sensitivity. However, the total retinoid content was higher in the hFATP1TG mice than in wild type mice, and the transgenic mice also displayed an age-related accumulation (up to 40%) of all-trans-retinal and retinyl esters that was not observed in control mice. Consistent with these results, hFATP1TG mice were more susceptible to light-induced photoreceptor degeneration. hFATP1 overexpression also induced an ~3.5-fold increase in retinosome autofluorescence, as measured by two-photon microscopy. Interestingly, hFATP1TG retina contained ~25% more photoreceptor cells and ~35% longer outer segments than wild type mice, revealing a non-cell-autonomous effect of hFATP1 expressed in the RPE. These data are the first to show that FATP1-mediated fatty acid uptake in the RPE controls both retinoid metabolism in the outer retina and photoreceptor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Cubizolle
- Inserm U1051, Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Laurent Guillou
- Inserm U1051, Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Bertrand Mollereau
- Laboratoire de Biologie et de Modélisation de la Cellule, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Christian P Hamel
- Inserm U1051, Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Philippe Brabet
- Inserm U1051, Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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BESTROPHINOPATHY: A Spectrum of Ocular Abnormalities Caused by the c.614T>C Mutation in the BEST1 Gene. Retina 2017; 36:1586-95. [PMID: 26716959 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000000950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the variable ocular phenotype associated with a heterozygous mutation in the BEST1 gene. METHODS Clinical and genetic assessment was performed in five members of the same family. Molecular genetic analysis of the BEST1 gene was performed by direct sequencing. Extensive ophthalmic examination included color fundus imaging, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, electro-oculography (EOG), and full-field electroretinography (ERG). The main outcome measures were BEST1 mutations, imaging, and electroretinography findings. RESULTS All affected family members carried a single heterozygous c.614T>C (p.I205T) mutation in exon 5 of the BEST1 gene. The 46-year-old proband showed nanophthalmos with chorioretinal atrophy in the macula, extensive coarse hyperpigmentation in the (mid) peripheral retina with tractional vitreous strands. Full-field ERG revealed nonrecordable cone and rod responses, and EOG showed an absent light rise. The daughter and son of the proband showed a phenotype resembling autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy, including short axial lengths, cystoid fluid collections, and shallow serous subretinal fluid accumulation on spectral domain optical coherence tomography throughout the macula in combination with mild retinal pigment epithelium changes. The son of the proband also showed subretinal yellowish deposits inferiorly in the macula as well as outside the temporal vascular arcade, that were hyperfluorescent on fundus autofluorescence, similar to those seen in autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy. Full-field ERG revealed a reduced rod and cone response and a markedly reduced or absent EOG light peak in both brother and sister of the proband. CONCLUSION The clinical spectrum of bestrophinopathy may encompass severe ocular phenotypes that affect the development and function of the entire eye. A clinical picture similar to autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy can also be caused by a single heterozygous mutation in the BEST1 gene, such as the c.614T>C (p.I205T) variant in this family.
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25
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Glavač D, Jarc-Vidmar M, Vrabec K, Ravnik-Glavač M, Fakin A, Hawlina M. Clinical and genetic heterogeneity in Slovenian patients with BEST disease. Acta Ophthalmol 2016; 94:e786-e794. [PMID: 27775230 DOI: 10.1111/aos.13202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the spectrum of BEST1 mutations and to study the phenotype in Slovenian families with Best vitelliform macular dystrophy (BVMD) to identify genotype-phenotype correlations. METHODS Twenty patients from five families underwent the ophthalmological examination including electrooculogram (EOG; N = 17), fundus autofluorescence imaging (N = 16) and optical coherence tomography (N = 14). Mutational screening was performed by direct DNA sequencing of the BEST1 gene. RESULTS Mutation c.43G>C (p.Gly15Arg) was detected in three patients from family M presenting with different clinical stages of Best disease. Mutation c.313G>C (p.Arg105Gly) was found in families K, ST, S, B and was associated with incomplete clinical penetrance and variable retinal changes, including extramacular and multifocal lesions. In three patients from family K, an atypical form of BVMD was observed; there were additional peripheral lesions outside of the vascular arcades in addition to the typical macular lesions. Multiple alterations between the vitelliruptive and pseudohypopyon stages over a period of 11 years were seen in one patient. CONCLUSION Two previously unreported disease-associated variants in the BEST1 gene (p.Gly15Arg and p.Arg105Gly) were found in Slovenian patients with Best disease. Our data expand the mutation spectrum of the BEST1 gene and further support the broad phenotypic variability observed clinically and with optical coherence tomography (OCT) and AF imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damjan Glavač
- Department of Molecular Genetics; Faculty of Medicine; University of Ljubljana; Ljubljana Slovenia
| | | | - Katarina Vrabec
- Department of Molecular Genetics; Faculty of Medicine; University of Ljubljana; Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Metka Ravnik-Glavač
- Department of Molecular Genetics; Faculty of Medicine; University of Ljubljana; Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Ana Fakin
- Eye Hospital; University Medical Centre Ljubljana; Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Marko Hawlina
- Eye Hospital; University Medical Centre Ljubljana; Ljubljana Slovenia
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26
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Identification of an Alternative Splicing Product of the Otx2 Gene Expressed in the Neural Retina and Retinal Pigmented Epithelial Cells. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150758. [PMID: 26985665 PMCID: PMC4795653 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the complexity of alternative splicing in the retina, we sequenced and analyzed a total of 115,706 clones from normalized cDNA libraries from mouse neural retina (66,217) and rat retinal pigmented epithelium (49,489). Based upon clustering the cDNAs and mapping them with their respective genomes, the estimated numbers of genes were 9,134 for the mouse neural retina and 12,050 for the rat retinal pigmented epithelium libraries. This unique collection of retinal of messenger RNAs is maintained and accessible through a web-base server to the whole community of retinal biologists for further functional characterization. The analysis revealed 3,248 and 3,202 alternative splice events for mouse neural retina and rat retinal pigmented epithelium, respectively. We focused on transcription factors involved in vision. Among the six candidates suitable for functional analysis, we selected Otx2S, a novel variant of the Otx2 gene with a deletion within the homeodomain sequence. Otx2S is expressed in both the neural retina and retinal pigmented epithelium, and encodes a protein that is targeted to the nucleus. OTX2S exerts transdominant activity on the tyrosinase promoter when tested in the physiological environment of primary RPE cells. By overexpressing OTX2S in primary RPE cells using an adeno associated viral vector, we identified 10 genes whose expression is positively regulated by OTX2S. We find that OTX2S is able to bind to the chromatin at the promoter of the retinal dehydrogenase 10 (RDH10) gene.
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Retinal gene delivery by adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors: Strategies and applications. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2015; 95:343-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2015.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Revised: 01/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Askou AL, Aagaard L, Kostic C, Arsenijevic Y, Hollensen AK, Bek T, Jensen TG, Mikkelsen JG, Corydon TJ. Multigenic lentiviral vectors for combined and tissue-specific expression of miRNA- and protein-based antiangiogenic factors. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2015; 2:14064. [PMID: 26052532 PMCID: PMC4449022 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2014.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Revised: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Lentivirus-based gene delivery vectors carrying multiple gene cassettes are powerful tools in gene transfer studies and gene therapy, allowing coexpression of multiple therapeutic factors and, if desired, fluorescent reporters. Current strategies to express transgenes and microRNA (miRNA) clusters from a single vector have certain limitations that affect transgene expression levels and/or vector titers. In this study, we describe a novel vector design that facilitates combined expression of therapeutic RNA- and protein-based antiangiogenic factors as well as a fluorescent reporter from back-to-back RNApolII-driven expression cassettes. This configuration allows effective production of intron-embedded miRNAs that are released upon transduction of target cells. Exploiting such multigenic lentiviral vectors, we demonstrate robust miRNA-directed downregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, leading to reduced angiogenesis, and parallel impairment of angiogenic pathways by codelivering the gene encoding pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF). Notably, subretinal injections of lentiviral vectors reveal efficient retinal pigment epithelium-specific gene expression driven by the VMD2 promoter, verifying that multigenic lentiviral vectors can be produced with high titers sufficient for in vivo applications. Altogether, our results suggest the potential applicability of combined miRNA- and protein-encoding lentiviral vectors in antiangiogenic gene therapy, including new combination therapies for amelioration of age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lars Aagaard
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Corinne Kostic
- Department of Ophthalmology, Unit of Gene Therapy and Stem Cell Biology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yvan Arsenijevic
- Department of Ophthalmology, Unit of Gene Therapy and Stem Cell Biology, University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Toke Bek
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Xue Y, Shen SQ, Jui J, Rupp AC, Byrne LC, Hattar S, Flannery JG, Corbo JC, Kefalov VJ. CRALBP supports the mammalian retinal visual cycle and cone vision. J Clin Invest 2015; 125:727-38. [PMID: 25607845 DOI: 10.1172/jci79651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein (CRALBP, encoded by RLBP1) can lead to severe cone photoreceptor-mediated vision loss in patients. It is not known how CRALBP supports cone function or how altered CRALBP leads to cone dysfunction. Here, we determined that deletion of Rlbp1 in mice impairs the retinal visual cycle. Mice lacking CRALBP exhibited M-opsin mislocalization, M-cone loss, and impaired cone-driven visual behavior and light responses. Additionally, M-cone dark adaptation was largely suppressed in CRALBP-deficient animals. While rearing CRALBP-deficient mice in the dark prevented the deterioration of cone function, it did not rescue cone dark adaptation. Adeno-associated virus-mediated restoration of CRALBP expression specifically in Müller cells, but not retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, rescued the retinal visual cycle and M-cone sensitivity in knockout mice. Our results identify Müller cell CRALBP as a key component of the retinal visual cycle and demonstrate that this pathway is important for maintaining normal cone-driven vision and accelerating cone dark adaptation.
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Trapani I, Puppo A, Auricchio A. Vector platforms for gene therapy of inherited retinopathies. Prog Retin Eye Res 2014; 43:108-28. [PMID: 25124745 PMCID: PMC4241499 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2014.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 07/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Inherited retinopathies (IR) are common untreatable blinding conditions. Most of them are inherited as monogenic disorders, due to mutations in genes expressed in retinal photoreceptors (PR) and in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The retina's compatibility with gene transfer has made transduction of different retinal cell layers in small and large animal models via viral and non-viral vectors possible. The ongoing identification of novel viruses as well as modifications of existing ones based either on rational design or directed evolution have generated vector variants with improved transduction properties. Dozens of promising proofs of concept have been obtained in IR animal models with both viral and non-viral vectors, and some of them have been relayed to clinical trials. To date, recombinant vectors based on the adeno-associated virus (AAV) represent the most promising tool for retinal gene therapy, given their ability to efficiently deliver therapeutic genes to both PR and RPE and their excellent safety and efficacy profiles in humans. However, AAVs' limited cargo capacity has prevented application of the viral vector to treatments requiring transfer of genes with a coding sequence larger than 5 kb. Vectors with larger capacity, i.e. nanoparticles, adenoviral and lentiviral vectors are being exploited for gene transfer to the retina in animal models and, more recently, in humans. This review focuses on the available platforms for retinal gene therapy to fight inherited blindness, highlights their main strengths and examines the efforts to overcome some of their limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Trapani
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
| | - Agostina Puppo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy; Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
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Kumar S, Berriochoa Z, Ambati BK, Fu Y. Angiographic features of transgenic mice with increased expression of human serine protease HTRA1 in retinal pigment epithelium. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2014; 55:3842-50. [PMID: 24854852 PMCID: PMC4581615 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.13-13111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is characterized by a branching vascular network (BVN) of choroid that terminates in polypoidal dilations. We have previously reported the generation of the first PCV model by transgenically expressing human HTRA1 (hHTRA1(+)), a multifunctional serine protease, in mouse RPE. The purpose of this study was to perform a comprehensive examination of the PCV phenotypes (e.g., lesion type and distribution) of hHTRA1(+) mice by a variety of in vivo imaging techniques. METHODS We generated improved hHTRA1(+) mice with a more consistent phenotype. Transgenic mice were examined by indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), fluorescein angiography, funduscopy, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. In particular, we performed ICGA by tail vein injection of ICG to obtain high-quality ICGA comparable to human studies in terms of the three phases (early, middle, and late) of angiography. RESULTS The polyps can be detected in the early "fill-in" phase of ICGA, and most lesions become visible in the middle phase and are more distinct in the late phase with the fading of surrounding vessels. In addition to the two key features of PCV (polypoidal dilations and BVNs), hHTRA1(+) mice exhibit other features of PCV (i.e., late geographic hyperfluorescence, pigment epithelial detachment, and hyperfluorescent plaque). Polypoidal lesions appear as reddish orange nodules on funduscopy. CONCLUSIONS Transgenic hHTRA1(+) mice exhibit a rich spectrum of "clinical" features that closely mimic human PCV. This animal model will serve as an invaluable tool for future mechanistic and translational studies of PCV and other forms of choroidal vasculopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Zachary Berriochoa
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Balamurali K Ambati
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Yingbin Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
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Trapani I, Colella P, Sommella A, Iodice C, Cesi G, de Simone S, Marrocco E, Rossi S, Giunti M, Palfi A, Farrar GJ, Polishchuk R, Auricchio A. Effective delivery of large genes to the retina by dual AAV vectors. EMBO Mol Med 2014; 6:194-211. [PMID: 24150896 PMCID: PMC3927955 DOI: 10.1002/emmm.201302948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2013] [Revised: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal gene therapy with adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors is safe and effective in humans. However, AAV's limited cargo capacity prevents its application to therapies of inherited retinal diseases due to mutations of genes over 5 kb, like Stargardt's disease (STGD) and Usher syndrome type IB (USH1B). Previous methods based on 'forced' packaging of large genes into AAV capsids may not be easily translated to the clinic due to the generation of genomes of heterogeneous size which raise safety concerns. Taking advantage of AAV's ability to concatemerize, we generated dual AAV vectors which reconstitute a large gene by either splicing (trans-splicing), homologous recombination (overlapping), or a combination of the two (hybrid). We found that dual trans-splicing and hybrid vectors transduce efficiently mouse and pig photoreceptors to levels that, albeit lower than those achieved with a single AAV, resulted in significant improvement of the retinal phenotype of mouse models of STGD and USH1B. Thus, dual AAV trans-splicing or hybrid vectors are an attractive strategy for gene therapy of retinal diseases that require delivery of large genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Trapani
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Sommella
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | - Carolina Iodice
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Cesi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | - Sonia de Simone
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Marrocco
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second University of NaplesNaples, Italy
| | - Massimo Giunti
- Department of Veterinary Morphophysiology and Animal Production, University of BolognaBologna, Italy
| | - Arpad Palfi
- The School of Genetics & Microbiology, Trinity College DublinDublin, Ireland
| | - Gwyneth J Farrar
- The School of Genetics & Microbiology, Trinity College DublinDublin, Ireland
| | - Roman Polishchuk
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM)Naples, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II UniversityNaples, Italy
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Zhang K, Liu GH, Yi F, Montserrat N, Hishida T, Esteban CR, Izpisua Belmonte JC. Direct conversion of human fibroblasts into retinal pigment epithelium-like cells by defined factors. Protein Cell 2014; 5:48-58. [PMID: 24474194 PMCID: PMC3938849 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-013-0011-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The generation of functional retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is of great therapeutic interest to the field of regenerative medicine and may provide possible cures for retinal degenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although RPE cells can be produced from either embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells, direct cell reprogramming driven by lineage-determining transcription factors provides an immediate route to their generation. By monitoring a human RPE specific Best1::GFP reporter, we report the conversion of human fibroblasts into RPE lineage using defined sets of transcription factors. We found that Best1::GFP positive cells formed colonies and exhibited morphological and molecular features of early stage RPE cells. Moreover, they were able to obtain pigmentation upon activation of Retinoic acid (RA) and Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathways. Our study not only established an ideal platform to investigate the transcriptional network regulating the RPE cell fate determination, but also provided an alternative strategy to generate functional RPE cells that complement the use of pluripotent stem cells for disease modeling, drug screening, and cell therapy of retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kejing Zhang
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
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Pasquay C, Wang LF, Lorenz B, Preising MN. Bestrophin 1 – Phenotypes and Functional Aspects in Bestrophinopathies. Ophthalmic Genet 2013; 36:193-212. [DOI: 10.3109/13816810.2013.863945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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35
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Kim JY, Zhao H, Martinez J, Doggett TA, Kolesnikov AV, Tang PH, Ablonczy Z, Chan CC, Zhou Z, Green DR, Ferguson TA. Noncanonical autophagy promotes the visual cycle. Cell 2013; 154:365-76. [PMID: 23870125 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2013.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 257] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Revised: 05/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Phagocytosis and degradation of photoreceptor outer segments (POS) by retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is fundamental to vision. Autophagy is also responsible for bulk degradation of cellular components, but its role in POS degradation is not well understood. We report that the morning burst of RPE phagocytosis coincided with the enzymatic conversion of autophagy protein LC3 to its lipidated form. LC3 associated with single-membrane phagosomes containing engulfed POS in an Atg5-dependent manner that required Beclin1, but not the autophagy preinitiation complex. The importance of this process was verified in mice with Atg5-deficient RPE cells that showed evidence of disrupted lysosomal processing. These mice also exhibited decreased photoreceptor responses to light stimuli and decreased chromophore levels that were restored with exogenous retinoid supplementation. These results establish that the interplay of phagocytosis and autophagy within the RPE is required for both POS degradation and the maintenance of retinoid levels to support vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Young Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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36
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Guziewicz KE, Zangerl B, Komáromy AM, Iwabe S, Chiodo VA, Boye SL, Hauswirth WW, Beltran WA, Aguirre GD. Recombinant AAV-mediated BEST1 transfer to the retinal pigment epithelium: analysis of serotype-dependent retinal effects. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75666. [PMID: 24143172 PMCID: PMC3797066 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 08/17/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the BEST1 gene constitute an underlying cause of juvenile macular dystrophies, a group of retinal disorders commonly referred to as bestrophinopathies and usually diagnosed in early childhood or adolescence. The disease primarily affects macular and paramacular regions of the eye leading to major declines in central vision later in life. Currently, there is no cure or surgical management for BEST1-associated disorders. The recently characterized human disease counterpart, canine multifocal retinopathy (cmr), recapitulates a full spectrum of clinical and molecular features observed in human bestrophinopathies and offers a valuable model system for development and testing of therapeutic strategies. In this study, the specificity, efficiency and safety of rAAV-mediated transgene expression driven by the human VMD2 promoter were assessed in wild-type canine retinae. While the subretinal delivery of rAAV2/1 vector serotype was associated with cone damage in the retina when BEST1 and GFP were co-expressed, the rAAV2/2 vector serotype carrying either GFP reporter or BEST1 transgene under control of human VMD2 promoter was safe, and enabled specific transduction of the RPE cell monolayer that was stable for up to 6 months post injection. These encouraging studies with the rAAV2/2 vector lay the groundwork for development of gene augmentation therapy for human bestrophinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina E. Guziewicz
- Section of Ophthalmology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail: (KEG); (GDA)
| | - Barbara Zangerl
- Section of Ophthalmology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Centre for Eye Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
- * E-mail: (KEG); (GDA)
| | - András M. Komáromy
- Section of Ophthalmology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Simone Iwabe
- Section of Ophthalmology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Vincent A. Chiodo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Sanford L. Boye
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - William W. Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - William A. Beltran
- Section of Ophthalmology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Gustavo D. Aguirre
- Section of Ophthalmology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Yan RT, Li X, Wang SZ. Photoreceptor-like cells in transgenic mouse eye. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2013; 54:4766-75. [PMID: 23847312 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.13-11936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Recent success of rescuing vision by photoreceptor replacement in mouse models of photoreceptor degeneration intensifies the need to identify approaches to generate photoreceptors cells for future replacement therapies. We explored the possibility of whether in the mouse eye photoreceptor-like cells could arise from the RPE experimentally manipulated to express a regulatory gene participating in transcriptional networks leading to photoreceptor genesis during retinal development. METHODS Transgenic mice were generated with a DNA construct that would express neurogenin1 from RPE bestrophin-1 promoter or neurogenin3 from RPE65 promoter. Transgenic mice were examined with histology and immunohistology for the presence of photoreceptor-like cells and for the presence of cells that might represent transitional stages in RPE-to-photoreceptor reprogramming. Explant culture of "sclera+choroid+RPE" eyecup was used to examine whether cells with photoreceptor traits could arise from the eyecup derived from transgenic mice. RESULTS Transgenic animals showed varied degrees of phenotype manifestation. Approximately 60% of offspring from ∼50% of founders contained photoreceptor-like cells in the subretinal space. These cells expressed photoreceptor proteins recoverin, red opsin, and rhodopsin, and displayed morphologic similarities to photoreceptors. In these eyes, the RPE was maintained. Cells seemingly amid RPE-to-photoreceptor transformation were observed in young and aged mice, suggesting old animals were responsive to the reprogramming scheme. De novo generation of photoreceptor-like cells was detected in "sclera+choroid+RPE" eyecup explants derived from adult animals. CONCLUSIONS Our results point to a potential way to generate photoreceptor cells in situ in adult mammalian eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Run-Tao Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-0019, USA.
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38
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Zhang K, Liu GH, Yi F, Montserrat N, Hishida T, Rodriguez Esteban C, Izpisua Belmonte JC. Direct conversion of human fibroblasts into retinal pigment epithelium-like cells by defined factors. Protein Cell 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s13238-013-3044-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
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McClements ME, MacLaren RE. Gene therapy for retinal disease. Transl Res 2013; 161:241-54. [PMID: 23305707 PMCID: PMC3831157 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2012.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2012] [Revised: 12/12/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy strategies for the treatment of inherited retinal diseases have made major advances in recent years. This review focuses on adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector approaches to treat retinal degeneration and, thus, prevent or delay the onset of blindness. Data from human clinical trials of gene therapy for retinal disease show encouraging signs of safety and efficacy from AAV vectors. Recent progress in enhancing cell-specific targeting and transduction efficiency of the various retinal layers plus the use of AAV-delivered growth factors to augment the therapeutic effect and limit cell death suggest even greater success in future human trials is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle E McClements
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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40
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Han Z, Conley SM, Makkia R, Guo J, Cooper MJ, Naash MI. Comparative analysis of DNA nanoparticles and AAVs for ocular gene delivery. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52189. [PMID: 23272225 PMCID: PMC3525534 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is a critical tool for the treatment of monogenic retinal diseases. However, the limited vector capacity of the current benchmark delivery strategy, adeno-associated virus (AAV), makes development of larger capacity alternatives, such as compacted DNA nanoparticles (NPs), critical. Here we conduct a side-by-side comparison of self-complementary AAV and CK30PEG NPs using matched ITR plasmids. We report that although AAVs are more efficient per vector genome (vg) than NPs, NPs can drive gene expression on a comparable scale and longevity to AAV. We show that subretinally injected NPs do not leave the eye while some of the AAV-injected animals exhibited vector DNA and GFP expression in the visual pathways of the brain from PI-60 onward. As a result, these NPs have the potential to become a successful alternative for ocular gene therapy, especially for the multitude of genes too large for AAV vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongchao Han
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Shannon M. Conley
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Rasha Makkia
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Junjing Guo
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Mark J. Cooper
- Copernicus Therapeutics, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Muna I. Naash
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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41
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Ohnaka M, Miki K, Gong YY, Stevens R, Iwase T, Hackett SF, Campochiaro PA. Long-term expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor slows, but does not stop retinal degeneration in a model of retinitis pigmentosa. J Neurochem 2012; 122:1047-53. [PMID: 22726126 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2012.07842.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of diseases in which one of hundreds of mutations causes death of rod photoreceptor cells and then cones gradually die from oxidative damage. As different mutations cause rod cell death by different mechanisms, mutation-specific treatments are needed. Another approach is to use a neurotrophic factor to promote photoreceptor survival regardless of the mechanism of cell death, and previous studies have demonstrated encouraging short-term results with gene transfer of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). We generated rd10 mice with doxycycline-inducible expression of GDNF in photoreceptors (Tet/IRBP/GDNF-rd10 mice) or retinal pigmented epithelial cells (Tet/VMD2/GDNF-rd10 mice). In doxycycline-treated Tet/IRBP/GDNF-rd10 mice, there was a 9.3 × 10(4) -fold increase in Gdnf mRNA at P35 and although it decreased over time, it was still increased by 9.4 × 10(3) -fold at P70. Gdnf mRNA was increased 4.5 × 10(2) -fold in doxycycline-treated Tet/VMD2/GDMF-rd10 mice at P35 and was not significantly decreased at P70. GDNF protein levels were increased about 2.3-fold at P35 and 30% at P70 in Tet/IRBP/GDNF-rd10 mice, and in Tet/VMD2/GDNF-rd10 mice they were increased 30% at P35 and not significantly increased at P70. Despite the difference in expression, Tet/IRBP/GDNF-rd10 and Tet/VMD2/GDNF-rd10 mice had comparable significant increases in outer nuclear layer thickness and mean photopic and scotopic ERG b-wave amplitudes compared with rd10 mice at P35 which decreased, but was still significant at P70. Compared with rd10 mice, Tet/IRBP/GDNF-rd10 and Tet/VMD2/GDNF-rd10 mice had comparable significant improvements in cone density at P50 that decreased, but were still significant at P70. These data indicate that despite a large difference in expression of GDNF, Tet/IRBP/GDNF-rd10 and Tet/VMD2/GDNF-rd10 provide comparable slowing of photoreceptor degeneration, but cannot stop the degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Ohnaka
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Abstract
Melanoma is often considered one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant human cancers. It is a disease that, due to the presence of melanin pigment, was accurately diagnosed earlier than most other malignancies and that has been subjected to countless therapeutic strategies. Aside from early surgical resection, no therapeutic modality has been found to afford a high likelihood of curative outcome. However, discoveries reported in recent years have revealed a near avalanche of breakthroughs in the melanoma field-breakthroughs that span fundamental understanding of the molecular basis of the disease all the way to new therapeutic strategies that produce unquestionable clinical benefit. These discoveries have been born from the successful fruits of numerous researchers working in many-sometimes-related, although also distinct-biomedical disciplines. Discoveries of frequent mutations involving BRAF(V600E), developmental and oncogenic roles for the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) pathway, clinical efficacy of BRAF-targeted small molecules, and emerging mechanisms underlying resistance to targeted therapeutics represent just a sample of the findings that have created a striking inflection in the quest for clinically meaningful progress in the melanoma field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hensin Tsao
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
- The Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | - Lynda Chin
- Department of Genomic Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Levi A. Garraway
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - David E. Fisher
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
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Xu J, Zhu D, Sonoda S, He S, Spee C, Ryan SJ, Hinton DR. Over-expression of BMP4 inhibits experimental choroidal neovascularization by modulating VEGF and MMP-9. Angiogenesis 2012; 15:213-27. [PMID: 22392094 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-012-9254-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2011] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bone morphorgenetic protein (BMP)-4 has been shown to play a pivotal role in eye development; however, its role in mature retina or ocular angiogenic diseases is unclear. Activating downstream Smad signaling, BMP4 can be either pro-angiogenic or anti-angiogenic, depending on the context of cell types and associated microenvironment. In this study, we generated transgenic mice over-expressing BMP4 in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells (Vmd2-Bmp4 Tg mice), and used the laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) model to study the angiogenic properties of BMP4 in adult eyes. Vmd2-Bmp4 Tg mice displayed normal retinal histology at 10 weeks of age when compared with age-matched wildtype mice. Over-expression of BMP4 in RPE in the transgenic mice was confirmed by real-time PCR and immunostaining. Elevated levels of Smad1,5 phosphorylation were found in BMP4 transgenic mice compared to wildype mice. Over-expression of BMP4 was associated with less severe CNV as characterized by fluorescein angiography, CNV volume measurement and histology. While control mice showed increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 after laser injury, Vmd2-Bmp4 Tg showed no increase in either VEGF or MMP-9. Further, we found that TNF-induced MMP-9 secretion in vitro was reduced by pretreatment of RPE cells with BMP4. The inhibition of MMP-9 was Smad-dependent because BMP4 failed to repress TNF-induced MMP-9 expression when Smad1,5 was silenced by siRNA. In summary, our studies identified an anti-angiogenic role for BMP4 in laser-induced CNV, mediated by direct inhibition of MMP-9 and indirect inhibition of VEGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine, The University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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44
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Han Z, Koirala A, Makkia R, Cooper MJ, Naash MI. Direct gene transfer with compacted DNA nanoparticles in retinal pigment epithelial cells: expression, repeat delivery and lack of toxicity. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2012; 7:521-39. [PMID: 22356602 DOI: 10.2217/nnm.11.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the safety of compacted DNA nanoparticles (NPs) in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. MATERIALS & METHODS Enhanced GFP expression cassettes controlled by the RPE-specific vitelloform macular dystrophy promoter were constructed with and without a bacterial backbone and compacted into NPs formulated with polyethylene glycol-substituted lysine 30-mers. Single or double subretinal injections were administered in adult BALB/c mice. Expression levels of enhanced GFP, proinflammatory cytokines and neutrophil/macrophage mediators, and retinal function by electroretinogram were evaluated at different time-points postinjection. RESULTS Immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR demonstrated that NPs specifically transfect RPE cells at a higher efficiency than naked DNA and similar results were observed after the second injection. At 6 h postinjections, a transient inflammatory response was observed in all cohorts, including saline, indicating an adverse effect to the injection procedure. Subsequently, no inflammation was detected in all experimental groups. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of NP-mediated RPE gene transfer therapy following multiple subretinal administrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongchao Han
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, BMSB 781, 940 Stanton L Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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Abstract
Retinal gene therapy holds great promise for the treatment of inherited and noninherited blinding diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration. The most widely used vectors for ocular gene delivery are based on adeno-associated virus (AAV) because it mediates long-term transgene expression in a variety of retinal cell types and elicits minimal immune responses. Inherited retinal diseases are nonlethal and have a wide level of genetic heterogeneity. Many of the genes have now been identified and their function elucidated, providing a major step towards the development of gene-based treatments. Extensive preclinical evaluation of gene transfer strategies in small and large animal models is key to the development of successful gene-based therapies for the retina. These preclinical studies have already allowed the field to reach the point where gene therapy to treat inherited blindness has been brought to clinical trial.In this chapter, we focus on AAV-mediated specific gene therapy for inherited retinal degenerative diseases, describing the disease targets, the preclinical studies in animal models and the recent success of the LCA-RPE65 clinical trials.
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Zarbin MA, Montemagno C, Leary JF, Ritch R. Regenerative nanomedicine and the treatment of degenerative retinal diseases. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2011; 4:113-37. [DOI: 10.1002/wnan.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco A. Zarbin
- Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, New Jersey Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Carlo Montemagno
- College of Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - James F. Leary
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN Purdue University, School of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Robert Ritch
- Einhorn Clinical Research Center, New York Eye & Ear Infirmary, New York, NY, USA
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Zhu M, Zheng L, Ueki Y, Ash JD, Le YZ. Unexpected transcriptional activity of the human VMD2 promoter in retinal development. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2011; 664:211-6. [PMID: 20238019 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-1399-9_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Vitelliform macular dystrophy (VMD) is associated with mutations in the VMD2 gene, which encodes a chloride channel protein and is thought to be preferentially expressed in the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE). In an effort to establish an inducible gene knockout system for the RPE, we recently used a 3.0-kb human VMD2 promoter to direct the expression of a reverse tetracycline-inducible system controlled Cre recombinase in transgenic mice. Although Cre function was localized to the RPE in most VMD2-cre mouse lines, Cre activity was also identified in neural retina in approximately half of the transgenic lines. In two VMD2-cre mouse lines, Cre activity was predominantly localized to retinal Müller cells. This surprising expression pattern is likely caused by the transcriptional activity of our transgene system during retinal development. Therefore, our results suggest that transcription of VMD2 gene may occur in progenitors of Müller cells. The two VMD2-cre mouse lines that demonstrated Cre activity specifically in the RPE or predominantly in the Müller cells were fully characterized. These VMD2-cre mice are potentially useful for dissecting cellular mechanisms of age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, two leading causes of blindness with high relevance to gene expression in the RPE or Müller cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meili Zhu
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma, OK 73104, USA
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48
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Koirala A, Makkia RS, Cooper MJ, Naash MI. Nanoparticle-mediated gene transfer specific to retinal pigment epithelial cells. Biomaterials 2011; 32:9483-93. [PMID: 21885113 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.08.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2011] [Accepted: 08/19/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Previously, we demonstrated that CK30PEG10k-compacted DNA nanoparticles (NPs) efficiently target photoreceptor cells and improve visual function in a retinitis pigmentosa model. Here, we test the ability of these NPs in driving transgene expression in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), using an RPE-specific reporter vector (VMD2-eGFP). NPs, uncompacted plasmid, or saline were subretinally delivered to adult BALB/c mice. NP-based expression was specific to RPE cells and caused no deleterious effects on retinal structure and function. eGFP expression levels in NP-injected eyes peaked at post-injection day 2 (PI-2), stabilized at levels ~3-fold higher than in naked DNA-injected eyes, and remained elevated at the latest time-point examined (PI-30). Unlike naked DNA, which only transfected cells at the site of injection, NPs were able to transfect cells throughout the RPE. Subretinal injections of rhodamine labeled NPs and naked DNA showed comparable initial uptake into RPE cells. However, at PI-7 and -30 days significantly more fluorescence was detected inside the RPE of NP-injected eyes compared to naked DNA, suggesting NPs are stable inside the cell which could possibly lead to higher and sustained expression. Overall, our results demonstrate that NPs can efficiently deliver genes to the RPE and hold great potential for the treatment of RPE-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adarsha Koirala
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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Jones A, Kumar S, Zhang N, Tong Z, Yang JH, Watt C, Anderson J, Amrita, Fillerup H, McCloskey M, Luo L, Yang Z, Ambati B, Marc R, Oka C, Zhang K, Fu Y. Increased expression of multifunctional serine protease, HTRA1, in retinal pigment epithelium induces polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 108:14578-83. [PMID: 21844367 PMCID: PMC3167497 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1102853108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the elderly. Wet AMD includes typical choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). The etiology and pathogenesis of CNV and PCV are not well understood. Genome-wide association studies have linked a multifunctional serine protease, HTRA1, to AMD. However, the precise role of HTRA1 in AMD remains elusive. By transgenically expressing human HTRA1 in mouse retinal pigment epithelium, we showed that increased HTRA1 induced cardinal features of PCV, including branching networks of choroidal vessels, polypoidal lesions, severe degeneration of the elastic laminae, and tunica media of choroidal vessels. In addition, HTRA1 mice displayed retinal pigment epithelium atrophy and photoreceptor degeneration. Senescent HTRA1 mice developed occult CNV, which likely resulted from the degradation of the elastic lamina of Bruch's membrane and up-regulation of VEGF. Our results indicate that increased HTRA1 is sufficient to cause PCV and is a significant risk factor for CNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Jones
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and
| | | | - Jia-Hui Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and
| | - Carl Watt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and
| | | | - Amrita
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and
| | | | | | - Ling Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and
| | - Zhenglin Yang
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu 610072, China
| | | | - Robert Marc
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and
| | - Chio Oka
- Division of Gene Function in Animals, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan
| | - Kang Zhang
- Molecular Medicine Research Center and Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; and
- Institute for Genomic Medicine and Shiley Eye Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Yingbin Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132
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Han Z, Conley SM, Naash MI. AAV and compacted DNA nanoparticles for the treatment of retinal disorders: challenges and future prospects. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2011; 52:3051-9. [PMID: 21558483 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.10-6916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy based on delivery of viral and nonviral vectors has shown great promise for the treatment of human ocular diseases; however, limitations have consistently prevented its widespread clinical application. Viral vectors have generally been better in terms of efficiency but have safety concerns. Nonviral vectors, on the other hand, offer safety but have often been disappointing in terms of efficiency of nuclear delivery and gene expression. Extensive animal studies have reported significant progress using both systems, but thus far only a few studies have shown promise in human clinical trials. This article reviews both viral and nonviral work with focus on two candidates for clinical ocular application--AAV and nanoparticles. Of particular interest are various requirements for successful clinical application of these technologies including vector trafficking, delivery, specific gene expression, and treatment safety, and tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongchao Han
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
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