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Zhao N, Hao XN, Huang JM, Song ZM, Tao Y. Crosstalk Between Microglia and Müller Glia in the Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Role and Therapeutic Value of Neuroinflammation. Aging Dis 2024; 15:1132-1154. [PMID: 37728589 PMCID: PMC11081163 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0823-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive neurodegeneration disease that causes photoreceptor demise and vision impairments. In AMD pathogenesis, the primary death of retinal neurons always leads to the activation of resident microglia. The migration of activated microglia to the ongoing retinal lesion and their morphological transformation from branching to ameboid-like are recognized as hallmarks of AMD pathogenesis. Activated microglia send signals to Müller cells and promote them to react correspondingly to damaging stimulus. Müller cells are a type of neuroglia cells that maintain the normal function of retinal neurons, modulating innate inflammatory responses, and stabilize retinal structure. Activated Müller cells can accelerate the progression of AMD by damaging neurons and blood vessels. Therefore, the crosstalk between microglia and Müller cells plays a homeostatic role in maintaining the retinal environment, and this interaction is complicatedly modulated. In particular, the mechanism of mutual regulation between the two glia populations is complex under pathological conditions. This paper reviews recent findings on the crosstalk between microglia and Müller glia during AMD pathology process, with special emphasis on its therapeutic potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhao
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Xiao-Na Hao
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Jie-Min Huang
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Zong-Ming Song
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Ye Tao
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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Khalili H, Kashkoli HH, Weyland DE, Pirkalkhoran S, Grabowska WR. Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products for Age-Related Macular Degeneration; Scaffold Fabrication and Delivery Methods. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:620. [PMID: 37111377 PMCID: PMC10146656 DOI: 10.3390/ph16040620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) represent a leading cause of blindness, resulting in permanent damage to retinal cells that are essential for maintaining normal vision. Around 12% of people over the age of 65 have some form of retinal degenerative disease. Whilst antibody-based drugs have revolutionised treatment of neovascular AMD, they are only effective at an early stage and cannot prevent eventual progression or allow recovery of previously lost vision. Hence, there is a clear unmet need to find innovative treatment strategies to develop a long-term cure. The replacement of damaged retinal cells is thought to be the best therapeutic strategy for the treatment of patients with retinal degeneration. Advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) are a group of innovative and complex biological products including cell therapy medicinal products, gene therapy medicinal products, and tissue engineered products. Development of ATMPs for the treatment of retinal degeneration diseases has become a fast-growing field of research because it offers the potential to replace damaged retinal cells for long-term treatment of AMD. While gene therapy has shown encouraging results, its effectiveness for treatment of retinal disease may be hampered by the body's response and problems associated with inflammation in the eye. In this mini-review, we focus on describing ATMP approaches including cell- and gene-based therapies for treatment of AMD along with their applications. We also aim to provide a brief overview of biological substitutes, also known as scaffolds, that can be used for delivery of cells to the target tissue and describe biomechanical properties required for optimal delivery. We describe different fabrication methods for preparing cell-scaffolds and explain how the use of artificial intelligence (AI) can aid with the process. We predict that combining AI with 3D bioprinting for 3D cell-scaffold fabrication could potentially revolutionise retinal tissue engineering and open up new opportunities for developing innovative platforms to deliver therapeutic agents to the target tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Khalili
- School of Biomedical Science, University of West London, London W5 5RF, UK
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | | | | | - Sama Pirkalkhoran
- School of Biomedical Science, University of West London, London W5 5RF, UK
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Boyd P, Campbell LJ, Hyde DR. Clcf1/Crlf1a-mediated signaling is neuroprotective and required for Müller glia proliferation in the light-damaged zebrafish retina. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1142586. [PMID: 36846595 PMCID: PMC9950120 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1142586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish possess the innate ability to fully regenerate any neurons lost following a retinal injury. This response is mediated by Müller glia that reprogram and divide asymmetrically to produce neuronal precursor cells that differentiate into the lost neurons. However, little is understood about the early signals that induce this response. Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) was previously shown to be both neuroprotective and pro-proliferative within the zebrafish retina, however CNTF is not expressed following injury. Here we demonstrate that alternative ligands of the Ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor (CNTFR), such as Cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1 (Clcf1) and Cytokine receptor-like factor 1a (Crlf1a), are expressed within Müller glia of the light-damaged retina. We found that CNTFR, Clcf1, and Crlf1a are required for Müller glia proliferation in the light-damaged retina. Furthermore, intravitreal injection of CLCF1/CRLF1 protected against rod photoreceptor cell death in the light-damaged retina and induced proliferation of rod precursor cells in the undamaged retina, but not Müller glia. While rod precursor cell proliferation was previously shown to be Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R)-dependent, co-injection of IGF-1 with CLCF1/CRLF1 failed to induce further proliferation of either Müller glia or rod precursor cells. Together, these findings demonstrate that CNTFR ligands have a neuroprotective effect and are required for induction of Müller glia proliferation in the light-damaged zebrafish retina.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David R. Hyde
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, and Center for Zebrafish Research, Galvin Life Sciences Building, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
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Lu C, Li S, Jin M. Rapamycin Inhibits Light-Induced Necrosome Activation Occurring in Wild-Type, but not RPE65-Null, Mouse Retina. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:19. [PMID: 36534385 PMCID: PMC9769341 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.13.19] [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] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Both photodamage and aberrant visual cycle contribute to disease progress of many retinal degenerative disorders, whereas the signaling pathways causing photoreceptor death remain unclear. Here we investigated the effects of intense photo-stress on (1) necrosome activation in wild-type and RPE65-null mice, (2) interaction of p62/Sequestosome-1 with the necrosome proteins, and (3) the effects of rapamycin on photodamage-induced necrosome activation and retinal degeneration in wild-type mice. Methods Dark-adapted rd12 mice and 129S2/Sv mice with or without rapamycin treatment were exposed to 15,000 lux light for different times. Expression levels and subcellular localization of proteins were determined through immunoblot and immunohistochemical analyses. Cone sheaths were stained with peanut agglutinin. Correlation between photoreceptor degeneration and receptor-interacting protein kinase-1 (RIPK1) expression was assessed with Spearman's correlation analysis. Protein-protein interaction was analyzed by immunoprecipitation. Results Intense light caused rod and cone degeneration accompanied by a significant increase in RIPK1-RIPK3 expressions, mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein phosphorylation, damage-associated molecular patterns protein release, and inflammatory responses in wild-type mouse retina. The same intense light did not induce the necrosome activation in rd12 retina, but it did in rd12 mice that received 9-cis-retinal supply. RIPK1 expression levels are positively correlated with the degrees of rod and cone degeneration. Photodamage upregulated expression and interaction of the p62 autophagosome cargo protein with the necrosome proteins, whereas rapamycin treatment attenuated the light-induced necrosome activation and photoreceptor degeneration. Conclusions Necrosome activation contributed to photodamage-induced rod and cone degeneration. The visual cycle and autophagy are the important therapeutic targets to alleviate light-induced retinal necroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunfeng Lu
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, LSU Health New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
| | - Songhua Li
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, LSU Health New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
| | - Minghao Jin
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, LSU Health New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States,Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, LSU Health New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
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Gegnaw ST, Sandu C, Mendoza J, Bergen AA, Felder-Schmittbuhl MP. Dark-adapted light response in mice is regulated by a circadian clock located in rod photoreceptors. Exp Eye Res 2021; 213:108807. [PMID: 34695438 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The retinal circadian system consists of a network of clocks located virtually in every retinal cell-type. Although it is established that the circadian clock regulates many rhythmic processes in the retina, the links between retinal cell-specific clocks and visual function remain to be elucidated. Bmal1 is a principal, non-redundant component of the circadian clock in mammals and is required to keep 24 h rhythms in the retinal transcriptome and in visual processing under photopic light condition. In the current study, we investigated the retinal function in mice with a rod-specific knockout of Bmal1. For this purpose, we measured whole retina PER2::Luciferase bioluminescence and the dark-adapted electroretinogram (ERG). We observed circadian day-night differences in ERG a- and b-waves in control mice carrying one allele of Bmal1 in rods, with higher amplitudes during the subjective night. These differences were abolished in rod-specific Bmal1 knockout mice, whose ERG light-responses remained constitutively low (day-like). Overall, PER2::Luciferase rhythmicity in whole retinas was not defective in these mice but was characterized by longer period and higher rhythmic power compared to retinas with wild type Bmal1 gene. Taken together, these data suggest that a circadian clock located in rods regulates visual processing in a cell autonomous manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumet T Gegnaw
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, F-67084, Strasbourg, France; Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Departments of Human Genetics and Ophthalmology, AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, NL, the Netherlands.
| | - Cristina Sandu
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, F-67084, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Jorge Mendoza
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, F-67084, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Arthur A Bergen
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Departments of Human Genetics and Ophthalmology, AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, NL, the Netherlands; The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN-KNAW), Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Meibergdreef 47, Amsterdam, NL, the Netherlands.
| | - Marie-Paule Felder-Schmittbuhl
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, F-67084, Strasbourg, France.
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Miralles de Imperial-Ollero JA, Gallego-Ortega A, Ortín-Martínez A, Villegas-Pérez MP, Valiente-Soriano FJ, Vidal-Sanz M. Animal Models of LED-Induced Phototoxicity. Short- and Long-Term In Vivo and Ex Vivo Retinal Alterations. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11111137. [PMID: 34833013 PMCID: PMC8617611 DOI: 10.3390/life11111137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Phototoxicity animal models have been largely studied due to their degenerative communalities with human pathologies, e.g., age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Studies have documented not only the effects of white light exposure, but also other wavelengths using LEDs, such as blue or green light. Recently, a blue LED-induced phototoxicity (LIP) model has been developed that causes focal damage in the outer layers of the superior-temporal region of the retina in rodents. In vivo studies described a progressive reduction in retinal thickness that affected the most extensively the photoreceptor layer. Functionally, a transient reduction in a- and b-wave amplitude of the ERG response was observed. Ex vivo studies showed a progressive reduction of cones and an involvement of retinal pigment epithelium cells in the area of the lesion and, in parallel, an activation of microglial cells that perfectly circumscribe the damage in the outer retinal layer. The use of neuroprotective strategies such as intravitreal administration of trophic factors, e.g., basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) or pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and topical administration of the selective alpha-2 agonist (Brimonidine) have demonstrated to increase the survival of the cone population after LIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A. Miralles de Imperial-Ollero
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Virgen de la Arrixaca, Campus de CC de la Salud, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.A.M.d.I.-O.); (A.G.-O.); (M.P.V.-P.)
| | - Alejandro Gallego-Ortega
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Virgen de la Arrixaca, Campus de CC de la Salud, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.A.M.d.I.-O.); (A.G.-O.); (M.P.V.-P.)
| | - Arturo Ortín-Martínez
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada;
| | - María Paz Villegas-Pérez
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Virgen de la Arrixaca, Campus de CC de la Salud, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.A.M.d.I.-O.); (A.G.-O.); (M.P.V.-P.)
| | - Francisco J. Valiente-Soriano
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Virgen de la Arrixaca, Campus de CC de la Salud, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.A.M.d.I.-O.); (A.G.-O.); (M.P.V.-P.)
- Correspondence: (F.J.V.-S.); (M.V.-S.); Tel.: +34-868-88-4503 (F.J.V-S.); +34-868-88-4330 (M.V.-S.)
| | - Manuel Vidal-Sanz
- Departamento de Oftalmología, Universidad de Murcia e Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) Virgen de la Arrixaca, Campus de CC de la Salud, El Palmar, 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.A.M.d.I.-O.); (A.G.-O.); (M.P.V.-P.)
- Correspondence: (F.J.V.-S.); (M.V.-S.); Tel.: +34-868-88-4503 (F.J.V-S.); +34-868-88-4330 (M.V.-S.)
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Yang JY, Lu B, Feng Q, Alfaro JS, Chen PH, Loscalzo J, Wei WB, Zhang YY, Lu SJ, Wang S. Retinal Protection by Sustained Nanoparticle Delivery of Oncostatin M and Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor Into Rodent Models of Retinal Degeneration. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:6. [PMID: 34347033 PMCID: PMC8340648 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.9.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is caused by mutations in more than 60 genes. Mutation-independent approaches to its treatment by exogeneous administration of neurotrophic factors that will preserve existing retinal anatomy and visual function are a rational strategy. Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and oncostatin M (OSM) are two potent survival factors for neurons. However, growth factors degrade rapidly if administered directly. A sustained delivery of growth factors is required for translating their potential therapeutic benefit into patients. Methods Stable and biocompatible nanoparticles (NP) that incorporated with CNTF and OSM (CNTF- and OSM-NP) were formulated. Both NP-trophic factors were tested in vitro using photoreceptor progenitor cells (PPC) and retinal ganglion progenitor cells (RGPC) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells and in vivo using an optic nerve crush model for glaucoma and the Royal College of Surgeons rat, model of RP (n = 8/treatment) by intravitreal delivery. Efficacy was evaluated by electroretinography and optokinetic response. Retinal histology and a whole mount analysis were performed at the end of experiments. Results Significant prosurvival and pro-proliferation effects of both complexes were observed in both photoreceptor progenitor cells and RGPC in vitro. Importantly, significant RGC survival and preservation of vision and photoreceptors in both complex-treated animals were observed compared with control groups. Conclusions These results demonstrate that NP-trophic factors are neuroprotective both in vitro and in vivo. A single intravitreal delivery of both NP-trophic factors offered neuroprotection in animal models of retinal degeneration. Translational Relevance Sustained nanoparticle delivery of neurotrophic factors may offer beneficial effects in slowing down progressive retinal degenerative conditions, including retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Yan Yang
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Bin Lu
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Qiang Feng
- NanoNeuron Therapeutics and HebeCell Corp., Natick, MA, USA
| | - Jorge S Alfaro
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Po-Hsuen Chen
- NanoNeuron Therapeutics and HebeCell Corp., Natick, MA, USA
| | - Joseph Loscalzo
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wen-Bin Wei
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Ying-Yi Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shi-Jiang Lu
- NanoNeuron Therapeutics and HebeCell Corp., Natick, MA, USA
| | - Shaomei Wang
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Onesto MM, Short CA, Rempel SK, Catlett TS, Gomez TM. Growth Factors as Axon Guidance Molecules: Lessons From in vitro Studies. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:678454. [PMID: 34093120 PMCID: PMC8175860 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.678454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth cones at the tips of extending axons navigate through developing organisms by probing extracellular cues, which guide them through intermediate steps and onto final synaptic target sites. Widespread focus on a few guidance cue families has historically overshadowed potentially crucial roles of less well-studied growth factors in axon guidance. In fact, recent evidence suggests that a variety of growth factors have the ability to guide axons, affecting the targeting and morphogenesis of growth cones in vitro. This review summarizes in vitro experiments identifying responses and signaling mechanisms underlying axon morphogenesis caused by underappreciated growth factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Timothy M. Gomez
- Neuroscience Training Program and Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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Delivery Systems of Retinoprotective Proteins in the Retina. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105344. [PMID: 34069505 PMCID: PMC8160820 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoprotective proteins play important roles for retinal tissue integrity. They can directly affect the function and the survival of photoreceptors, and/or indirectly target the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and endothelial cells that support these tissues. Retinoprotective proteins are used in basic, translational and in clinical studies to prevent and treat human retinal degenerative disorders. In this review, we provide an overview of proteins that protect the retina and focus on pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), and its effects on photoreceptors, RPE cells, and endothelial cells. We also discuss delivery systems such as pharmacologic and genetic administration of proteins to achieve photoreceptor survival and retinal tissue integrity.
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Inverse correlation between fatty acid transport protein 4 and vision in Leber congenital amaurosis associated with RPE65 mutation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:32114-32123. [PMID: 33257550 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2012623117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatty acid transport protein 4 (FATP4), a transmembrane protein in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), is a recently identified negative regulator of the ER-associated retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)65 isomerase necessary for recycling 11-cis-retinal, the light-sensitive chromophore of both rod and cone opsin visual pigments. The role of FATP4 in the disease progression of retinal dystrophies associated with RPE65 mutations is completely unknown. Here we show that FATP4-deficiency in the RPE results in 2.8-fold and 1.7-fold increase of 11-cis- and 9-cis-retinals, respectively, improving dark-adaptation rates as well as survival and function of rods in the Rpe65 R91W knockin (KI) mouse model of Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA). Degradation of S-opsin in the proteasomes, but not in the lysosomes, was remarkably reduced in the KI mouse retinas lacking FATP4. FATP4-deficiency also significantly rescued S-opsin trafficking and M-opsin solubility in the KI retinas. The number of S-cones in the inferior retinas of 4- or 6-mo-old KI;Fatp4 -/- mice was 7.6- or 13.5-fold greater than those in age-matched KI mice. Degeneration rates of S- and M-cones are negatively correlated with expression levels of FATP4 in the RPE of the KI, KI;Fatp4 +/- , and KI;Fatp4 -/- mice. Moreover, the visual function of S- and M-cones is markedly preserved in the KI;Fatp4 -/- mice, displaying an inverse correlation with the FATP4 expression levels in the RPE of the three mutant lines. These findings establish FATP4 as a promising therapeutic target to improve the visual cycle, as well as survival and function of cones and rods in patients with RPE65 mutations.
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Liu Y, Huang L, Tong Y, Chen J, Gao D, Yang F. Association of retinal nerve fiber abnormalities with serum CNTF and cognitive functions in schizophrenia patients. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9279. [PMID: 32676219 PMCID: PMC7335503 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have reported reductions in retinal nerve fiber layers (RNFL) in schizophrenia. Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) has shown protective effects on both the neurogenesis and retina. This study aimed at investigating retinal abnormalities and establishing their correlation with serum CNTF and cognitive impairments in schizophrenic Chinese patients. METHODS In total, 221 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and 149 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum CNTF and clinical features of patients were investigated. Cognitive functions were evaluated with Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychology Status (RBANS). RNFL thickness and macular thickness (MT) of both eyes were measured with optical coherence tomography (OCT). T-tests and analysis of covariance were used to compare the variables between the patient and control groups, while multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the associations of RNFL thickness, CNTF and cognitive impairments. RESULTS RNFL was found thinner in patients than in healthy controls (right: 88.18 ± 25.84 µm vs.102.13 ± 14.32 µm, p = 0.001; left: 92.84 ± 13.54 µm vs.103.71 ± 11.94 µm, p < 0.001). CNTF was lower in the schizophrenia group (1755.45 ± 375.73 pg/ml vs. 1909.99 ± 368.08 pg/ml, p = 0.001). Decline in RNFL thickness was found correlated with course of illness and serum CNTF in patients (all p < 0.05). Similarly, cognitive functions such as immediate memory and visuospatial functions were also found correlated with decline in RNFL thickness. CONCLUSION Decline in RNFL thickness was associated with cognitive impairments of schizophrenia and CNFT serum concentration. The possibility of reduction in RNFL thickness as a biomarker for schizophrenia needs to be further examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Liu
- Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lvzhen Huang
- People's Hospital of Peking University, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yongsheng Tong
- Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jingxu Chen
- Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Dongfang Gao
- Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Fude Yang
- Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Itkonen J, Annala A, Tavakoli S, Arango-Gonzalez B, Ueffing M, Toropainen E, Ruponen M, Casteleijn MG, Urtti A. Characterization, Stability, and in Vivo Efficacy Studies of Recombinant Human CNTF and Its Permeation into the Neural Retina in ex Vivo Organotypic Retinal Explant Culture Models. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12070611. [PMID: 32629980 PMCID: PMC7408322 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12070611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is one of the most studied neuroprotective agents with acknowledged potential in treating diseases of the posterior eye segment. Although its efficacy and mechanisms of action in the retina have been studied extensively, it is still not comprehensively understood which retinal cells mediate the therapeutic effects of CNTF. As with therapeutic proteins in general, it is poorly elucidated whether exogenous CNTF administered into the vitreous can enter and distribute into the retina and hence reach potentially responsive target cells. Here, we have characterized our purified recombinant human CNTF (rhCNTF), studied the protein’s in vitro bioactivity in a cell-based assay, and evaluated the thermodynamic and oligomeric status of the protein during storage. Biological activity of rhCNTF was further evaluated in vivo in an animal model of retinal degeneration. The retinal penetration and distribution of rhCNTF after 24 h was studied utilizing two ex vivo retina models. Based on our characterization findings, our rhCNTF is correctly folded and biologically active. Moreover, based on initial screening and subsequent follow-up, we identified two buffers in which rhCNTF retains its stability during storage. Whereas rhCNTF did not show photoreceptor preservative effect or improve the function of photoreceptors in vivo, this could possibly be due to the used disease model or the short duration of action with a single intravitreal injection of rhCNTF. On the other hand, the lack of in vivo efficacy was shown to not be due to distribution limitations; permeation into the retina was observed in both retinal explant models as in 24 h rhCNTF penetrated the inner limiting membrane, and being mostly observed in the ganglion cell layer, distributed to different layers of the neural retina. As rhCNTF can reach deeper retinal layers, in general, having direct effects on resident CNTF-responsive target cells is plausible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaakko Itkonen
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; (S.T.); (M.G.C.)
- Correspondence: (J.I.); (A.U.)
| | - Ada Annala
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.A.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Science, Utrecht University, David de Wiedgebouw, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Shirin Tavakoli
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; (S.T.); (M.G.C.)
| | - Blanca Arango-Gonzalez
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Strasse 7, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; (B.A.-G.); (M.U.)
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Strasse 7, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; (B.A.-G.); (M.U.)
| | - Elisa Toropainen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.A.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
| | - Marika Ruponen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.A.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
| | - Marco G. Casteleijn
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; (S.T.); (M.G.C.)
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Solutions for Natural Resources and Environment, Tietotie 2, Espoo, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 VTT, Finland
| | - Arto Urtti
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; (S.T.); (M.G.C.)
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.A.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
- Laboratory of Biohybrid Technologies, Institute of Chemistry, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskii pr. 26, Peterhoff, 198504 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Correspondence: (J.I.); (A.U.)
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13
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Toms D, Al-Ani A, Sunba S, Tong QYV, Workentine M, Ungrin M. Automated Hypothesis Generation to Identify Signals Relevant in the Development of Mammalian Cell and Tissue Bioprocesses, With Validation in a Retinal Culture System. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:534. [PMID: 32582664 PMCID: PMC7287043 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We have developed an accessible software tool (receptoR) to predict potentially active signaling pathways in one or more cell type(s) of interest from publicly available transcriptome data. As proof-of-concept, we applied it to mouse photoreceptors, yielding the previously untested hypothesis that activin signaling pathways are active in these cells. Expression of the type 2 activin receptor (Acvr2a) was experimentally confirmed by both RT-qPCR and immunochemistry, and activation of this signaling pathway with recombinant activin A significantly enhanced the survival of magnetically sorted photoreceptors in culture. Taken together, we demonstrate that our approach can be easily used to mine publicly available transcriptome data and generate hypotheses around receptor expression that can be used to identify novel signaling pathways in specific cell types of interest. We anticipate that receptoR (available at https://www.ucalgary.ca/ungrinlab/receptoR) will enable more efficient use of limited research resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Toms
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Abdullah Al-Ani
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Leaders in Medicine Program, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Saud Sunba
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Qing Yun Victor Tong
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Matthew Workentine
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Mark Ungrin
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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14
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Impacts of ciliary neurotrophic factor on the retinal transcriptome in a mouse model of photoreceptor degeneration. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6593. [PMID: 32313077 PMCID: PMC7171121 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63519-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) has been tested in clinical trials for human retinal degeneration due to its potent neuroprotective effects in various animal models. To decipher CNTF-triggered molecular events in the degenerating retina, we performed high-throughput RNA sequencing analyses using the Rds/Prph2 (P216L) transgenic mouse as a preclinical model for retinitis pigmentosa. In the absence of CNTF treatment, transcriptome alterations were detected at the onset of rod degeneration compared with wild type mice, including reduction of key photoreceptor transcription factors Crx, Nrl, and rod phototransduction genes. Short-term CNTF treatments caused further declines of photoreceptor transcription factors accompanied by marked decreases of both rod- and cone-specific gene expression. In addition, CNTF triggered acute elevation of transcripts in the innate immune system and growth factor signaling. These immune responses were sustained after long-term CNTF exposures that also affected neuronal transmission and metabolism. Comparisons of transcriptomes also uncovered common pathways shared with other retinal degeneration models. Cross referencing bulk RNA-seq with single-cell RNA-seq data revealed the CNTF responsive cell types, including Müller glia, rod and cone photoreceptors, and bipolar cells. Together, these results demonstrate the influence of exogenous CNTF on the retinal transcriptome landscape and illuminate likely CNTF impacts in degenerating human retinas.
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15
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Li S, Green JF, Jin M. Impacts of deletion and ichthyosis prematurity syndrome-associated mutations in fatty acid transport protein 4 on the function of RPE65. FEBS Lett 2019; 594:540-552. [PMID: 31595490 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium-specific 65 kDa (RPE65) isomerase plays a pivotal role in photoreceptor survival and function. RPE65-catalyzed synthesis of 11-cis-retinol from all-trans-retinyl esters in the visual cycle is negatively regulated, through a heretofore unknown mechanism, by the fatty acid transport protein FATP4, mutations in which are associated with ichthyosis prematurity syndrome (IPS). Here, we analyzed the interaction between deletion mutants of FATP4 and RPE65 and the impacts of IPS-associated FATP4 mutations on RPE65 expression, 11-cis-retinol synthesis, and all-trans-retinyl ester synthesis. Our results suggest that the interaction between FATP4 and RPE65 contributes to the inhibition of RPE65 function and that IPS-associated nonsense and missense mutations in FATP4 have different effects on the visual cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songhua Li
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - John F Green
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Minghao Jin
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
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