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Bhattacharya SK, Alabiad CR, Kishor K. Appropriate patient population for future visual system axon regeneration therapies. WIREs Mech Dis 2024; 16:e1637. [PMID: 38093604 PMCID: PMC10939871 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2024]
Abstract
A number of blinding diseases caused by damage to the optic nerve result in progressive vision loss or loss of visual acuity. Secondary glaucoma results from traumatic injuries, pseudoexfoliation or pigmentary dispersion syndrome. Progressive peripheral vision loss is common to all secondary glaucoma irrespective of the initial event. Axon regeneration is a potential therapeutic avenue to restore lost vision in these patients. In contrast to the usual approach of having the worst possible patient population for initial therapies, axon regeneration may require consideration of appropriate patient population even for initial treatment trials. The current state of axon regeneration therapies, their potential future and suitable patient population when ready is discussed in this perspective. The selection of patients are important for adoption of axon regeneration specifically in the areas of central nervous system regenerative medicine. This article is categorized under: Neurological Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology Neurological Diseases > Biomedical Engineering Metabolic Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Krishna Kishor
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, 1638 NW 10 Avenue, Miami, Florida, 33136
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2
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Mowat FM, Iwabe S, Aguirre GD, Petersen-Jones SM. Consensus guidelines for nomenclature of companion animal inherited retinal disorders. Vet Ophthalmol 2024. [PMID: 38334230 DOI: 10.1111/vop.13185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Companion animals, namely dogs, cats, and horses, can be affected with many forms of hereditary retinal disease. The number of such diseases characterized in the last decade has increased substantially, and nomenclature is nonstandardized, heterogenous, and confusing. We provide in this viewpoint article consensus guidelines for naming of companion animal hereditary retinal diseases, either prospectively or retrospectively. These consensus guidelines have been developed with the purpose of standardizing nomenclature. We provide examples for the iterative nomenclature process and a comprehensive File S1 on proposed renaming of previously described diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freya M Mowat
- Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Simone Iwabe
- Altasciences Preclinical Scranton, Scott Township, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Simon M Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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3
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Matsevich C, Gopalakrishnan P, Chang N, Obolensky A, Beryozkin A, Salameh M, Kostic C, Sharon D, Arsenijevic Y, Banin E. Gene augmentation therapy attenuates retinal degeneration in a knockout mouse model of Fam161a retinitis pigmentosa. Mol Ther 2023; 31:2948-2961. [PMID: 37580905 PMCID: PMC10556223 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptor cell degeneration and death is the major hallmark of a wide group of human blinding diseases including age-related macular degeneration and inherited retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa. In recent years, inherited retinal diseases have become the "testing ground" for novel therapeutic modalities, including gene and cell-based therapies. Currently there is no available treatment for retinitis pigmentosa caused by FAM161A biallelic pathogenic variants. In this study, we injected an adeno-associated virus encoding for the longer transcript of mFam161a into the subretinal space of P24-P29 Fam161a knockout mice to characterize the safety and efficacy of gene augmentation therapy. Serial in vivo assessment of retinal function and structure at 3, 6, and 8 months of age using the optomotor response test, full-field electroretinography, fundus autofluorescence, and optical coherence tomography imaging as well as ex vivo quantitative histology and immunohistochemical studies revealed a significant structural and functional rescue effect in treated eyes accompanied by expression of the FAM161A protein in photoreceptors. The results of this study may serve as an important step toward future application of gene augmentation therapy in FAM161A-deficient patients by identifying a promising isoform to rescue photoreceptors and their function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Matsevich
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Ning Chang
- Group for Retinal Disorder Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University Lausanne - Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexey Obolensky
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Avigail Beryozkin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Manar Salameh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Corinne Kostic
- Group for Retinal Disorder Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University Lausanne - Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dror Sharon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Yvan Arsenijevic
- Unit of Retinal Degeneration and Regeneration, Department of Ophthalmology, University Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eyal Banin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Shamshad A, Kang C, Jenny LA, Persad-Paisley EM, Tsang SH. Translatability barriers between preclinical and clinical trials of AAV gene therapy in inherited retinal diseases. Vision Res 2023; 210:108258. [PMID: 37244011 PMCID: PMC10526971 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2023.108258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are progressive degenerative diseases which cause gradual vision loss or complete blindness. As over 270 gene mutations have been identified in the underlying pathology of IRDs, gene therapy as a treatment modality has been an increasingly active realm of investigation. Currently, the most common vehicle of ocular gene delivery is the adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector. This is injected into the immune-privileged subretinal space to mediate transgene expression in retinal cells. Although numerous animal models of IRDs have demonstrated successful outcomes following AAV-mediated gene delivery, many of these studies fail to translate into successful outcomes in clinical trials. The purpose of this review is to A) comparatively assess preclinical and clinical IRD trials in which the success of AAV-mediated therapy failed to translate between animal and human participants B) discuss factors which may complicate the translatability of gene therapy in animals to results in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chaerim Kang
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, USA
| | - Laura A Jenny
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA; Jonas Children's Vision Care, and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Stephen H Tsang
- Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA; Jonas Children's Vision Care, and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Insitute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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5
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Rogers CM, Salzman MM, Li Z, Merten N, Russell LJ, Lillesand HK, Mowat FM. Subjective vision assessment in companion dogs using dogVLQ demonstrates age-associated visual dysfunction. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1244518. [PMID: 37662991 PMCID: PMC10469761 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1244518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Dim light vision as assessed by proxy and clinical tools is commonly impaired in older humans and impacts quality of life. Although proxy visual assessment tools have been developed for dogs, it is unclear if they are sensitive enough to detect subtle visual dysfunction in older dogs. We sought to determine if a newly designed proxy visual function questionnaire could detect age-associated differences in visual behaviors in varying lighting conditions in dogs. Methods A 27-item questionnaire (the dog variable lighting questionnaire, dogVLQ) was designed to assess visual behavior in dogs in different lighting settings. We conducted the dogVLQ, a previously validated visual function questionnaire the dog vision impairment score and performed light- and dark-adapted electroretinography (ERG) on a subset of dogs. Questionnaire scores were analyzed for dog age associations using correlation analysis. Results Questionnaire responses from 235 dog owners were obtained (122 female, 112 male dogs), 79 of which underwent ERG (43 female, 36 male dogs). Bright light visual behavior was significantly associated with light-adapted bright flash ERG amplitudes, visual behavior in near darkness was associated with dark-adapted ERG amplitudes. The dogVLQ identified worse vision in older dogs in bright light, dim light, and darkness; predicted onset was younger for vision in near darkness. Older dogs had more difficulty navigating transitions between lighting conditions. Discussion Subjective dog owner assessment of visual function associates with objective measurement of retinal function in dogs and supports reduced vision-mediated behaviors in older dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callie M. Rogers
- Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Michele M. Salzman
- Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Zhanhai Li
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Natascha Merten
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics and Gerontology), School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Leah J. Russell
- Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Hannah K. Lillesand
- Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Freya M. Mowat
- Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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Li Z, Wang Z, Chen Z, Voegeli H, Lichtman JH, Smith P, Liu J, DeWan AT, Hoh J. Systematically identifying genetic signatures including novel SNP-clusters, nonsense variants, frame-shift INDELs, and long STR expansions that potentially link to unknown phenotypes existing in dog breeds. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:302. [PMID: 37277710 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09390-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In light of previous studies that profiled breed-specific traits or used genome-wide association studies to refine loci associated with characteristic morphological features in dogs, the field has gained tremendous genetic insights for known dog traits observed among breeds. Here we aim to address the question from a reserve perspective: whether there are breed-specific genotypes that may underlie currently unknown phenotypes. This study provides a complete set of breed-specific genetic signatures (BSGS). Several novel BSGS with significant protein-altering effects were highlighted and validated. RESULTS Using the next generation whole-genome sequencing technology coupled with unsupervised machine learning for pattern recognitions, we constructed and analyzed a high-resolution sequence map for 76 breeds of 412 dogs. Genomic structures including novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), SNP clusters, insertions, deletions (INDELs) and short tandem repeats (STRs) were uncovered mutually exclusively among breeds. We also partially validated some novel nonsense variants by Sanger sequencing with additional dogs. Four novel nonsense BSGS were found in the Bernese Mountain Dog, Samoyed, Bull Terrier, and Basset Hound, respectively. Four INDELs resulting in either frame-shift or codon disruptions were found in the Norwich Terrier, Airedale Terrier, Chow Chow and Bernese Mountain Dog, respectively. A total of 15 genomic regions containing three types of BSGS (SNP-clusters, INDELs and STRs) were identified in the Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Chow Chow, Field Spaniel, Keeshond, Shetland Sheepdog and Sussex Spaniel, in which Keeshond and Sussex Spaniel each carried one amino-acid changing BSGS in such regions. CONCLUSION Given the strong relationship between human and dog breed-specific traits, this study might be of considerable interest to researchers and all. Novel genetic signatures that can differentiate dog breeds were uncovered. Several functional genetic signatures might indicate potentially breed-specific unknown phenotypic traits or disease predispositions. These results open the door for further investigations. Importantly, the computational tools we developed can be applied to any dog breeds as well as other species. This study will stimulate new thinking, as the results of breed-specific genetic signatures may offer an overarching relevance of the animal models to human health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zicheng Li
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | - Zuoheng Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Zhiyuan Chen
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Heidi Voegeli
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Judith H Lichtman
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Peter Smith
- Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Ju Liu
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, 16766 Jingshi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Andrew T DeWan
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Center for Perinatal Pediatric and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Josephine Hoh
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
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Pasmanter N, Petersen-Jones SM. Characterization of scotopic and mesopic rod signaling pathways in dogs using the On-Off electroretinogram. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:422. [PMID: 36463174 PMCID: PMC9719241 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03505-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The On-Off, or long flash, full field electroretinogram (ERG) separates retinal responses to flash onset and offset. Depending on degree of dark-adaptation and stimulus strength the On and Off ERG can be shaped by rod and cone photoreceptors and postreceptoral cells, including ON and OFF bipolar cells. Interspecies differences have been shown, with predominantly positive Off-response in humans and other primates and a negative Off-response in rodents and dogs. However, the rod signaling pathways that contribute to these differential responses have not been characterized. In this study, we designed a long flash protocol in the dog that varied in background luminance and stimulus strength allowing for some rod components to be present to better characterize how rod pathways vary from scotopic to mesopic conditions. RESULTS With low background light the rod a-wave remains while the b-wave is significantly reduced resulting in a predominantly negative waveform in mesopic conditions. Through modeling and subtraction of the rod-driven response, we show that rod bipolar cells saturate with dimmer backgrounds than rod photoreceptors, resulting in rod hyperpolarization contributing to a large underlying negativity with mesopic backgrounds. CONCLUSIONS Reduction in rod bipolar cell responses in mesopic conditions prior to suppression of rod photoreceptor responses may reflect the changes in signaling pathway of rod-driven responses needed to extend the range of lighting conditions over which the retina functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nate Pasmanter
- grid.17088.360000 0001 2150 1785Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road, D208 East Lansing, MI USA
| | - Simon M. Petersen-Jones
- grid.17088.360000 0001 2150 1785Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road, D208 East Lansing, MI USA
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Rafati A, Esmaeili Gouvarchin Ghaleh H, Azarabadi A, Masoudi MR, Afrasiab E, Ghorbani Alvanegh A. Stem cells as an ideal carrier for gene therapy: A new approach to the treatment of hepatitis C virus. Transpl Immunol 2022; 75:101721. [PMID: 36150664 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2022.101721] [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: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Various chemical drugs have been approved for the treatment of patients with hepatitis C, but most of these treatments are costly, and also have an inadequate response and many side effects. Also, there is no effective vaccine for hepatitis C due to its high genetic diversity. In recent decades, clinical trials have grown dramatically regarding the benefits of stem cell therapy as a modulator of immune system responses and anti-inflammatory drugs. The most promising point in stem cell therapy and similar therapies is that patients with chronic pain and severe injuries are offered drug-free treatment or surgery. In the present study, we examine the various dimensions of the use of stem cells with the approach of gene therapy carriers as a new treatment method in the treatment of Hepatitis C. METHODS Search terms were including gene carrier, stem cell therapy, gene therapy, liver disorders, hepatitis C virus. At first, 1000 article titles related to the mentioned keywords for different diseases were found. After removing duplicate titles and items that did not match the scope of the research, articles that met the criteria for entering the research and had usable information were selected. All abstracts of selected articles were studied by researchers. In the initial review, articles related to the title were identified and categorized based on the type of challenge. CONCLUSION Gene therapy, either directly and in vivo or indirectly and in vitro, requires carriers (vectors) to transfer the gene. These carriers are divided into two groups, viral and non-viral. In indirect gene therapy, living cells are isolated from a person's body and genetically modified. Stem cells have the properties to transfer the desired genes to the patient's body, including the ability to proliferate for a long time and differentiate into the tissue cells in which they are located.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Rafati
- Department of Medical Genetics, Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran
| | | | - Afsaneh Azarabadi
- Instructor of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Urmia University of Medical Sciences
| | - Mahmood Reza Masoudi
- School of Medical Sciences, Emam Reza Hospital Sirjan Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran
| | - Elmira Afrasiab
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Akbar Ghorbani Alvanegh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran; Human Genetics Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Wegg ML, Pollard D, Ofri R. Retrospective evaluation of pre-surgical electroretinography results in a mixed-breed canine population presented for cataract removal surgery. Vet Ophthalmol 2022; 26:145-154. [PMID: 35649104 DOI: 10.1111/vop.13001] [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: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Electroretinography (ERG) is used prior to cataract removal surgery to assess retinal function. We aimed to replicate and improve upon previous studies by performing a full ECVO protocol and by examining the retina post-surgery in all patients. ANIMALS STUDIED One hundred twenty-seven eyes from 67 dogs were included in the study. PROCEDURES A full ECVO protocol electroretinography, which includes extensive rod and cone analysis, was performed on all dogs presenting for cataract surgery. RESULTS Our main findings were that amplitudes, but not implicit times of rod responses decreased with advanced cataracts. Amplitudes of the single flash rod and rod flicker responses were significantly lower in eyes with mature cataracts, and the former also decreased in hypermature cataracts. Cone flicker amplitude responses were also significantly lower in eyes with mature and hypermature cataracts. However, mixed single flash rod-cone and cone responses, with the exception of the mixed rod-cone a-wave amplitude in eyes with hypermature cataracts, were unaffected by cataract stage. The b-wave amplitude of the scotopic, mixed rod-cone, and photopic cone responses were affected by age and decreased by an average of 2.9, 7.5, and 1.5 μV/year, retrospectively (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Lower ERG amplitudes in canine cataract patients may result from aging or the presence of advanced cataracts and may not indicate the presence of retinal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela L Wegg
- The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | | | - Ron Ofri
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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10
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Park SA, Sledge D, Monahan CF, Teixeira L, Boyd R, Freeman K, Koehl K, Harman C, Munoz K, Occelli LM, Pirie CG, Davidson H, Petersen-Jones S, Komáromy AM. Atypical chorioretinal lesions in Siberian Husky dogs with primary angle-closure glaucoma: a case series. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:182. [PMID: 35578341 PMCID: PMC9109312 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03259-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A number of etiologies for different canine chorioretinal lesions have been proved or suggested but some fundic lesions remain unclear in terms of an etiologic diagnosis, treatment options and prognosis. The purpose of this case series is to describe atypical chorioretinal lesions observed in dogs with primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). CASE PRESENTATION Two spayed-female Siberian Huskies (3- and 4-year-old) and one Siberian Husky/Australian Shepherd mixed breed dog (11-month-old) that had multifocal depigmented retinal lesions and PACG were included. PROCEDURES Ophthalmic examination, gross, and histopathologic examination findings are described. One of the dogs underwent further clinical diagnostics. Advanced clinical diagnostics on the fellow, presumed to be non-glaucomatous eye of a dog revealed: pectinate ligament dysplasia by gonioscopy, retinal thinning in the depigmented area and wedge shaped retinal thinning with delayed choroidal vascular perfusion by optical coherence tomography, confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography. Quantifiable maze testing for the same eye revealed mild nyctalopia but the full-field electroretinogram showed no generalized decrease of retinal function. Genetic testing for mutations within the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator gene causing X-linked progressive retinal atrophy in Siberian Huskies was negative. Histopathologic evaluations on enucleated eyes in two dogs confirmed goniodysgenesis, PACG with optic nerve head cupping, and diffuse inner retinal atrophy. In addition, segmental profound retinal atrophy, loss of retinal pigment epithelium, and adhesion of the retina to Bruch's membrane was observed and coincided with multifocal depigmented lesions noted on fundic examination. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first case series with clinical and histopathologic data of chorioretinal lesions, most likely caused by severely impaired choroidal perfusion. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the etiology and pathophysiology, including its possible association with PACG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Ae Park
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
| | - Dodd Sledge
- Michigan State University Diagnostic Laboratory, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Colleen F Monahan
- Michigan State University Diagnostic Laboratory, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Leandro Teixeira
- Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin, Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ryan Boyd
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Katie Freeman
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Kristin Koehl
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Christine Harman
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Kirk Munoz
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Laurence M Occelli
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Chris G Pirie
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Harriet Davidson
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Simon Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - András M Komáromy
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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11
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Marinho LFLP, Occelli LM, Bortolini M, Sun K, Winkler PA, Montiani-Ferreira F, Petersen-Jones SM. Development of retinal bullae in dogs with progressive retinal atrophy. Vet Ophthalmol 2021; 25:109-117. [PMID: 34708922 PMCID: PMC10074838 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12932] [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: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report the development of focal bullous retinal detachments (bullae) in dogs with different forms of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). PROCEDURES Dogs with three distinct forms of PRA (PRA-affected Whippets, German Spitzes and CNGB1-mutant Papillon crosses) were examined by indirect ophthalmoscopy and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Retinal bullae were monitored over time. One CNGB1-mutant dog was treated with gene augmentation therapy. The canine BEST1 gene coding region and flanking intronic sequence was sequenced in at least one affected dog of each breed. RESULTS Multiple focal bullous retinal detachments (bullae) were identified in PRA-affected dogs of all three types. They developed in 4 of 5 PRA-affected Whippets, 3 of 8 PRA-affected Germans Spitzes and 15 of 20 CNGB1-mutant dogs. The bullae appeared prior to marked retinal degeneration and became less apparent as retinal degeneration progressed. Bullae were not seen in any heterozygous animals of any of the types of PRA. Screening of the coding region and flanking intronic regions of the canine BEST1 gene failed to reveal any associated pathogenic variants. Retinal gene augmentation therapy in one of the CNGB1-mutant dogs appeared to prevent formation of bullae. CONCLUSIONS Retinal bullae were identified in dogs with three distinct forms of progressive retinal atrophy. The lesions develop prior to retinal thinning. This clinical change should be monitored for in dogs with PRA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Felipe L P Marinho
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Laurence M Occelli
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Mariza Bortolini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Kelian Sun
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Paige A Winkler
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Simon M Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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12
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Bhattacharjee S, Ceri Davies D, Holland JC, Holmes JM, Kilroy D, McGonnell IM, Reynolds AL. On the importance of integrating comparative anatomy and One Health perspectives in anatomy education. J Anat 2021; 240:429-446. [PMID: 34693516 PMCID: PMC8819042 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13570] [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: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
As a result of many factors, including climate change, unrestricted population growth, widespread deforestation and intensive agriculture, a new pattern of diseases in humans is emerging. With increasing encroachment by human societies into wild domains, the interfaces between human and animal ecosystems are gradually eroding. Such changes have led to zoonoses, vector‐borne diseases, infectious diseases and, most importantly, the emergence of antimicrobial‐resistant microbial strains as challenges for human health. Now would seem to be an opportune time to revisit old concepts of health and redefine some of these in the light of emerging challenges. The One Health concept addresses some of the demands of modern medical education by providing a holistic approach to explaining diseases that result from a complex set of interactions between humans, environment and animals, rather than just an amalgamation of isolated signs and symptoms. An added advantage is that the scope of One Health concepts has now expanded to include genetic diseases due to advancements in omics technology. Inspired by such ideas, a symposium was organised as part of the 19th International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (IFAA) Congress (August 2019) to investigate the scope of One Health concepts and comparative anatomy in contemporary medical education. Speakers with expertise in both human and veterinary anatomy participated in the symposium and provided examples where these two disciplines, which have so far evolved largely independent of each other, can collaborate for mutual benefit. Finally, the speakers identified some key concepts of One Health that should be prioritised and discussed the diverse opportunities available to integrate these priorities into a broader perspective that would attempt to explain and manage diseases within the scopes of human and veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - D Ceri Davies
- Human Anatomy Unit, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jane C Holland
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - David Kilroy
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Imelda M McGonnell
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Alison L Reynolds
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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13
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Thompson DA, Handley SE, Henderson RH, Marmoy OR, Gissen P. An ERG and OCT study of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis CLN2 Battens retinopathy. Eye (Lond) 2021; 35:2438-2448. [PMID: 34272513 PMCID: PMC8377094 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-021-01594-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN2 Batten disease) is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disease of childhood. The natural history of motor and language regression is used to monitor the efficacy of CNS treatments. Less is known about CLN2 retinopathy. Our aim is to elaborate the nature, age of onset, and symmetry of CLN2 retinopathy using visual electrophysiology and ophthalmic imaging. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We reviewed 22 patients with genetically confirmed CLN2 disease; seventeen showing classical and five atypical disease. Flash electroretinograms (ERGs), flash and pattern reversal visual evoked potentials (VEPs), recorded from awake children were collated. Available fundus images were graded, optical coherence tomography (OCT) central subfoveal thickness (CST) measured, and genotype, age, clinical vision assessment and motor language grades assembled. RESULTS ERGs show cone/rod system dysfunction preceded by localised macular ellipsoid zone disruption on OCT from 4.8 years. Electroencephalogram (EEG) time-locked spikes confounded both pattern 6/17 (35%) and flash VEPs 12/16 (75%). Paired right eye (RE) and left eye (LE) ERG amplitudes did not differ significantly for each flash stimulus at the p 0.001 level, Wilcoxon ranked signed test. Cone ERGs show a functional deficit before CST thinning in classical disease. Optomap hyper fundus autofluorescence (FAF) at the fovea was noted in three patients with normal ERGs. The oldest patient showed an ovoid aggregate above the external limiting membrane at the fovea, which did not affect the PERG. CONCLUSION ERG findings in CLN2 retinopathy show symmetrical cone-rod dysfunction, from 4y10m in this series, but a broad range of ages when ERG function is preserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy A Thompson
- Clinical and Academic Department of Ophthalmology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
| | - Siân E Handley
- Clinical and Academic Department of Ophthalmology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Robert H Henderson
- Clinical and Academic Department of Ophthalmology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Oliver R Marmoy
- Clinical and Academic Department of Ophthalmology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Paul Gissen
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
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14
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Occelli LM, Marinho F, Singh RK, Binette F, Nasonkin IO, Petersen-Jones SM. Subretinal Transplantation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Tissue in a Feline Large Animal Model. J Vis Exp 2021:10.3791/61683. [PMID: 34424232 PMCID: PMC10029721 DOI: 10.3791/61683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative (RD) conditions associated with photoreceptor loss such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) cause progressive and debilitating vision loss. There is an unmet need for therapies that can restore vision once photoreceptors have been lost. Transplantation of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived retinal tissue (organoids) into the subretinal space of an eye with advanced RD brings retinal tissue sheets with thousands of healthy mutation-free photoreceptors and has a potential to treat most/all blinding diseases associated with photoreceptor degeneration with one approved protocol. Transplantation of fetal retinal tissue into the subretinal space of animal models and people with advanced RD has been developed successfully but cannot be used as a routine therapy due to ethical concerns and limited tissue supply. Large eye inherited retinal degeneration (IRD) animal models are valuable for developing vision restoration therapies utilizing advanced surgical approaches to transplant retinal cells/tissue into the subretinal space. The similarities in globe size, and photoreceptor distribution (e.g., presence of macula-like region area centralis) and availability of IRD models closely recapitulating human IRD would facilitate rapid translation of a promising therapy to the clinic. Presented here is a surgical technique of transplanting hPSC-derived retinal tissue into the subretinal space of a large animal model allowing assessment of this promising approach in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence M Occelli
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University
| | - Felipe Marinho
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University
| | | | | | | | - Simon M Petersen-Jones
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University;
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15
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ERG assessment of altered retinal function in canine models of retinitis pigmentosa and monitoring of response to translatable gene augmentation therapy. Doc Ophthalmol 2021; 143:171-184. [PMID: 33818677 DOI: 10.1007/s10633-021-09832-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze ERG responses from two dog models of retinitis pigmentosa, one due to a PDE6A mutation and the other a CNGB1 mutation, both to assess the effect of these mutations on retinal function and the ability of gene augmentation therapy to restore normal function. METHODS Scotopic and photopic ERGs from young affected and normal control dogs and affected dogs following AAV-mediated gene augmentation therapy were analyzed. Parameters reflecting rod and cone function were collected by modeling the descending slope of the a-wave to measure receptor response and sensitivity. Rod-driven responses were further assessed by Naka-Rushton fitting of the first limb of the scotopic b-wave luminance-response plot. RESULTS PDE6A-/- dogs showed a dramatic decrease in rod-driven responses with very reduced rod maximal responses and sensitivity. There was a minor reduction in the amplitude of maximal cone responses. In contrast, CNGB1-/- dogs had some residual rod responses with reduced amplitude and sensitivity and normal cone responses. Following gene augmentation therapy, rod parameters were substantially improved in both models with restoration of sensitivity parameters log S and log K and a large increase in log Rmax in keeping with rescue of normal rod phototransduction in the treated retinal regions. CONCLUSIONS Modeling of rod and cone a-waves and the luminance-response function of the scotopic b-wave characterized the loss of rod photoreceptor function in two dog models of retinitis pigmentosa and showed the effectiveness of gene augmentation therapy in restoring normal functional parameters.
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16
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Hu ML, Edwards TL, O'Hare F, Hickey DG, Wang JH, Liu Z, Ayton LN. Gene therapy for inherited retinal diseases: progress and possibilities. Clin Exp Optom 2021; 104:444-454. [PMID: 33689657 DOI: 10.1080/08164622.2021.1880863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) comprise a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders affecting the retina. Caused by mutations in over 300 genes, IRDs result in visual impairment due to dysfunction and degeneration of photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium, or the choroid. Important photoreceptor IRDs include retinitis pigmentosa and Leber congenital amaurosis. Macular dystrophies include Stargardt and Best disease. Currently, IRDs are largely incurable but the landscape of treatment options is rapidly changing for these diseases which, untreated, result in severe visual impairment and blindness.Advances in DNA delivery to the retina and improved genetic diagnosis of IRDs have led to a new era of research into gene therapy for these vision-threatening disorders. Gene therapy is a compelling approach due to the monogenic nature of most IRDs, with the retina being a favourable target for administering genetic vectors due to its immunoprivileged environment, direct visibility, and multiple methods to assess sensitivity and function. Generally, retinal gene therapy involves a subretinal or intravitreal injection of a viral vector, which infects target cells to deliver a therapeutic gene, or transgene. A gene augmentation strategy introduces a functioning copy of a gene to restore expression of a mutated gene, whereas a gene-editing strategy aims to directly edit and correct the mutation. Common delivery vectors include adeno-associated virus (AAV) and lentivirus.Voretigene neparvovec-rzyl (Luxturna) became the first FDA-approved direct gene therapy in December 2017, and the Australian TGA followed suit in August 2020. More are projected to follow, with clinical trials underway for many other IRDs.This review provides an overview of gene therapy for IRDs, including current progress and challenges. A companion article in this issue details target patient populations for IRD gene therapy, and how optometrists can assist in assessing individuals who may be eligible for current and future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica L Hu
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Thomas L Edwards
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Fleur O'Hare
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Doron G Hickey
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jiang-Hui Wang
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Zhengyang Liu
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lauren N Ayton
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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17
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Zhang H, Sajdak BS, Merriman DK, McCall MA, Carroll J, Lipinski DM. Electroretinogram of the Cone-Dominant Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel during Euthermia and Hibernation in Comparison with the Rod-Dominant Brown Norway Rat. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:6. [PMID: 32492111 PMCID: PMC7415905 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.6.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The majority of small animal species used in research are nocturnal, with retinae that are anatomically and functionally dissimilar from humans, complicating their use as disease models. Herein we characterize the retinal structure and electrophysiological function of the diurnal, cone-dominant 13-lined ground squirrel (13-LGS) retina during euthermia and in hibernation. Methods Full-field electroretinography (ERG) was performed in 13-LGS and Brown Norway (BN) rat models to establish baseline values for retinal function in each species, including following intravitreal injection of pharmacologic agents to selectively block the contributions of ON- and OFF-bipolar cells. The effect of hibernation-associated retinal remodeling on electrophysiological function was assessed in 13-LGS during torpor and emergence, with correlative histology performed using transmission electron microscopy. Results Under light-adapted conditions, the a-, b-, and d-wave amplitude of the 13-LGS was significantly greater than that of the BN rat. Retinal function was absent in the 13-LGS during hibernation and correlated to widespread disruption of photoreceptor and RPE structure. Remarkably, both retinal function and structure recovered rapidly on emergence from hibernation, with ERG responses reaching normal amplitude within 6 hours. Conclusions ERG responses for both BN rats and 13-LGS reflect the relative proportions of cone photoreceptors present within the retinae, indicating that the cone-dominant 13-LGS may be a potentially useful model for studying human central retinal function and disease. That retinal remodeling and restoration of electrophysiological function occurs rapidly on emergence from hibernation implies the 13-LGS may also be a useful tool for studying aspects of retinal physiology and recovery from injury.
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18
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Wise EN, Foster ML, Kremers J, Mowat FM. A modified silent substitution electroretinography protocol to separate photoreceptor subclass function in lightly sedated dogs. Vet Ophthalmol 2020; 24:103-107. [PMID: 33232560 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A previously published study successfully isolated photoreceptor responses from canine rods, long/medium-wavelength (L/M) cones, and short-wavelength (S) cones using silent substitution electroretinography (ERG) performed under general anesthesia. We hypothesized that responses would be similar in dogs under sedation and that a curtailed protocol suitable for use in clinical patients could effectively isolate responses from all three photoreceptor subtypes. ANIMALS STUDIED Three normal adult purpose-bred beagles (2 females and 1 male). METHODS Dogs were dark-adapted for 1 hour. Sine wave color stimuli were delivered using LEDs in a Ganzfeld dome. The ERG protocol under anesthesia was performed as previously published; sedated ERG protocols were performed after a 3-day washout period. Intravenous sedation (dexmedetomidine 1.25 mcg/kg, butorphanol 0.1 mg/kg) was administered for sedation. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and linear regression. RESULTS In both anesthetized and sedated animals, rod-derived responses peaked at low frequency (4-12 Hz), L/M-cone responses peaked at high frequency (32-38 Hz), and S-cone responses peaked at low frequency (4-12 Hz). The frequencies eliciting maximal responses were similar in sedated and anesthetized protocols, although rod amplitudes were significantly higher in the sedated protocols compared with anesthetized (P < .001). CONCLUSION We present a clinically applicable method to consistently isolate rod and cone subclass function in sedated dogs. This may allow detailed evaluation of photoreceptor function in clinical patients with rod or cone subclass deficits without the need for general anesthesia or protracted adaptation times.
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Affiliation(s)
- E N Wise
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - M L Foster
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - J Kremers
- University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - F M Mowat
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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19
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Saraiva IQ, Delgado E. Congenital ocular malformations in dogs and cats: 123 cases. Vet Ophthalmol 2020; 23:964-978. [PMID: 33058381 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Provide epidemiological data regarding the prevalence of congenital ocular malformations in dogs and cats. ANIMALS STUDIED A population of 32 974 dogs and 13 977 cats that presented for consultation at the veterinary teaching hospital. PROCEDURES Medical records from 2011 to 2018 were reviewed. A retrospective and prospective epidemiological clinical study addressing congenital ocular malformations was conducted. Signalment, medical history, reason for presentation, clinical findings, vision impairment, and treatment options were analyzed. RESULTS From the total of cases analyzed, 103 dogs (0.3%) and 20 cats (0.1%) met the inclusion criteria. The majority of dogs were mixed breed, the most common breed being the French Bulldog, while the majority of cats were European domestic shorthair. The median age of diagnosis was 12 months for dogs and 6 months for cats. Sex predisposition was not found. The most frequently identified abnormalities were as follows: congenital cataract (dogs: 31.1%; cats: 30.0%), microphthalmia (dogs: 35.0%, cats: 25.0%), and persistent pupillary membrane (dogs: 27.2%, cats: 40.0%). Some of the concurrently observed malformations were significantly associated. A statistically significant association was found between ocular dermoids and the French Bulldog breed (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Even though congenital ocular malformations are uncommon, knowledge about their prevalence is important, since they can cause vision impairment or even blindness. Moreover, some human ocular disease phenotypes are similar to the ones presented by dogs and cats, so they can be used as models to investigate pathophysiology and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Q Saraiva
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Esmeralda Delgado
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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20
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Hitti-Malin RJ, Burmeister LM, Ricketts SL, Lewis TW, Pettitt L, Boursnell M, Schofield EC, Sargan D, Mellersh CS. A LINE-1 insertion situated in the promoter of IMPG2 is associated with autosomal recessive progressive retinal atrophy in Lhasa Apso dogs. BMC Genet 2020; 21:100. [PMID: 32894063 PMCID: PMC7487703 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-020-00911-w] [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: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Canine progressive retinal atrophies are a group of hereditary retinal degenerations in dogs characterised by depletion of photoreceptor cells in the retina, which ultimately leads to blindness. PRA in the Lhasa Apso (LA) dog has not previously been clinically characterised or described in the literature, but owners in the UK are advised to have their dog examined through the British Veterinary Association/ Kennel Club/ International Sheep Dog Society (BVA/KC/ISDS) eye scheme annually, and similar schemes that are in operation in other countries. After the exclusion of 25 previously reported canine retinal mutations in LA PRA-affected dogs, we sought to identify the genetic cause of PRA in this breed. Results Analysis of whole-exome sequencing data of three PRA-affected LA and three LA without signs of PRA did not identify any exonic or splice site variants, suggesting the causal variant was non-exonic. We subsequently undertook a genome-wide association study (GWAS), which identified a 1.3 Mb disease-associated region on canine chromosome 33, followed by whole-genome sequencing analysis that revealed a long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1) insertion upstream of the IMPG2 gene. IMPG2 has previously been implicated in human retinal disease; however, until now no canine PRAs have been associated with this gene. The identification of this PRA-associated variant has enabled the development of a DNA test for this form of PRA in the breed, here termed PRA4 to distinguish it from other forms of PRA described in other breeds. This test has been used to determine the genotypes of over 900 LA dogs. A large cohort of genotyped dogs was used to estimate the allele frequency as between 0.07–0.1 in the UK LA population. Conclusions Through the use of GWAS and subsequent sequencing of a PRA case, we have identified a LINE-1 insertion in the retinal candidate gene IMPG2 that is associated with a form of PRA in the LA dog. Validation of this variant in 447 dogs of 123 breeds determined it was private to LA dogs. We envisage that, over time, the developed DNA test will offer breeders the opportunity to avoid producing dogs affected with this form of PRA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekkah J Hitti-Malin
- Kennel Club Genetics Centre, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, UK. .,Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, UK.
| | - Louise M Burmeister
- Kennel Club Genetics Centre, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, UK
| | - Sally L Ricketts
- Kennel Club Genetics Centre, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, UK
| | - Thomas W Lewis
- The Kennel Club, London, W1J 8AB, UK.,School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, The University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Louise Pettitt
- Kennel Club Genetics Centre, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, UK
| | - Mike Boursnell
- Kennel Club Genetics Centre, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, UK
| | - Ellen C Schofield
- Kennel Club Genetics Centre, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, UK
| | - David Sargan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Cathryn S Mellersh
- Kennel Club Genetics Centre, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, UK
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Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and its Prevention: Current Issues in Mammalian Hearing. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 18:32-36. [PMID: 32984667 DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2020.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) has been well investigated across diverse mammalian species and the potential for prevention of NIHL is of broad interest. To most efficiently develop novel therapeutic interventions, a good understanding of the current state of knowledge regarding mechanisms of injury is essential. The overarching goals of this review are to 1) concisely summarize the current state of knowledge, and 2) provide opinions on the most significant future trends and developments.
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22
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Thompson DA, Iannaccone A, Ali RR, Arshavsky VY, Audo I, Bainbridge JWB, Besirli CG, Birch DG, Branham KE, Cideciyan AV, Daiger SP, Dalkara D, Duncan JL, Fahim AT, Flannery JG, Gattegna R, Heckenlively JR, Heon E, Jayasundera KT, Khan NW, Klassen H, Leroy BP, Molday RS, Musch DC, Pennesi ME, Petersen-Jones SM, Pierce EA, Rao RC, Reh TA, Sahel JA, Sharon D, Sieving PA, Strettoi E, Yang P, Zacks DN. Advancing Clinical Trials for Inherited Retinal Diseases: Recommendations from the Second Monaciano Symposium. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:2. [PMID: 32832209 PMCID: PMC7414644 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.7.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Major advances in the study of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) have placed efforts to develop treatments for these blinding conditions at the forefront of the emerging field of precision medicine. As a result, the growth of clinical trials for IRDs has increased rapidly over the past decade and is expected to further accelerate as more therapeutic possibilities emerge and qualified participants are identified. Although guided by established principles, these specialized trials, requiring analysis of novel outcome measures and endpoints in small patient populations, present multiple challenges relative to study design and ethical considerations. This position paper reviews recent accomplishments and existing challenges in clinical trials for IRDs and presents a set of recommendations aimed at rapidly advancing future progress. The goal is to stimulate discussions among researchers, funding agencies, industry, and policy makers that will further the design, conduct, and analysis of clinical trials needed to accelerate the approval of effective treatments for IRDs, while promoting advocacy and ensuring patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra A Thompson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alessandro Iannaccone
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Robin R Ali
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Vadim Y Arshavsky
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Isabelle Audo
- Sorbonne Université, Institut de la Vision, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France.,CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, Paris, France
| | | | - Cagri G Besirli
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Kari E Branham
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Steven P Daiger
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Deniz Dalkara
- Sorbonne Université, Institut de la Vision, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Jacque L Duncan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Abigail T Fahim
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - John G Flannery
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - John R Heckenlively
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Elise Heon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - K Thiran Jayasundera
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Naheed W Khan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Henry Klassen
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Stem Cell Research Center, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Bart P Leroy
- Department of Ophthalmology and Center Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital and University, Ghent, Belgium.,Division of Ophthalmology and Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robert S Molday
- Department of Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David C Musch
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mark E Pennesi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science Center, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Simon M Petersen-Jones
- Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Eric A Pierce
- Ocular Genomics Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rajesh C Rao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jose A Sahel
- Sorbonne Université, Institut de la Vision, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France.,CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, Paris, France.,Fondation Ophtalmologique Rothschild, Paris, France.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dror Sharon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Paul A Sieving
- Department of Ophthalmology and Center for Ocular Regenerative Therapy, University of California-Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA.,National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Enrica Strettoi
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - Paul Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science Center, Portland, OR, USA
| | - David N Zacks
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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23
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Switonski M. Impact of gene therapy for canine monogenic diseases on the progress of preclinical studies. J Appl Genet 2020; 61:179-186. [PMID: 32189222 PMCID: PMC7148265 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-020-00554-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Rapid progress in knowledge of the organization of the dog genome has facilitated the identification of the mutations responsible for numerous monogenic diseases, which usually present a breed-specific distribution. The majority of these diseases have clinical and molecular counterparts in humans. The affected dogs have thus become valuable models for preclinical studies of gene therapy for problems such as eye diseases, immunodeficiency, lysosomal storage diseases, hemophilia, and muscular dystrophy. Successful gene therapies in dogs have significantly contributed to decisions to run clinical trials for several human diseases, such as Leber's congenital amaurosis 2-LCA2 (caused by a mutation of RPE65), X-linked retinitis pigmentosa-XLRP (caused by mutation RPGR), and achromatopsia (caused by mutation of CNGB3). Promising results were also obtained for canine as follows: hemophilia (A and B), mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS I, MPS IIIB, MPS VII), leukocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD), and muscular dystrophy (a counterpart of human Duchenne dystrophy). Present knowledge on molecular background of canine monogenic diseases and their successful gene therapies prove that dogs have an important contribution to preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Switonski
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
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24
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Pasmanter N, Petersen-Jones SM. A review of electroretinography waveforms and models and their application in the dog. Vet Ophthalmol 2020; 23:418-435. [PMID: 32196872 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Electroretinography (ERG) is a commonly used technique to study retinal function in both clinical and research ophthalmology. ERG responses can be divided into component waveforms, analysis of which can provide insight into the health and function of different types and populations of retinal cells. In dogs, ERG has been used in the characterization of normal retinal function, as well as the diagnosis of retinal diseases and measuring effects of treatment. While many components of the recorded waveform are similar across species, dogs have several notable features that should be differentiated from the responses in humans and other animals. Additionally, modifications of standard protocols, such as changing flash frequency and stimulus color, and mathematical models of ERG waveforms have been used in studies of human retinal function but have been infrequently applied to visual electrophysiology in dogs. This review provides an overview of the origins and applications of ERG in addition to potential avenues for further characterization of responses in the dog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel Pasmanter
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Simon M Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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25
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A putative silencer variant in a spontaneous canine model of retinitis pigmentosa. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008659. [PMID: 32150541 PMCID: PMC7082071 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the leading cause of blindness with nearly two million people affected worldwide. Many genes have been implicated in RP, yet in 30–80% of the RP patients the genetic cause remains unknown. A similar phenotype, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), affects many dog breeds including the Miniature Schnauzer. We performed clinical, genetic and functional experiments to identify the genetic cause of PRA in the breed. The age of onset and pattern of disease progression suggested that at least two forms of PRA, types 1 and 2 respectively, affect the breed, which was confirmed by genome-wide association study that implicated two distinct genomic loci in chromosomes 15 and X, respectively. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a fully segregating recessive regulatory variant in type 1 PRA. The associated variant has a very recent origin based on haplotype analysis and lies within a regulatory site with the predicted binding site of HAND1::TCF3 transcription factor complex. Luciferase assays suggested that mutated regulatory sequence increases expression. Case-control retinal expression comparison of six best HAND1::TCF3 target genes were analyzed with quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR assay and indicated overexpression of EDN2 and COL9A2 in the affected retina. Defects in both EDN2 and COL9A2 have been previously associated with retinal degeneration. In summary, our study describes two genetically different forms of PRA and identifies a fully penetrant variant in type 1 form with a possible regulatory effect. This would be among the first reports of a regulatory variant in retinal degeneration in any species, and establishes a new spontaneous dog model to improve our understanding of retinal biology and gene regulation while the affected breed will benefit from a reliable genetic testing. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a blinding eye disease that affects nearly two million people worldwide. Several genes and variants have been associated with the disease, but still 30–80% of the patients lack genetic diagnosis. There is currently no standard treatment for RP, and much is expected from gene therapy. A similar disease, called progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), affects many dog breeds. We performed clinical, genetic and functional analyses to find the genetic cause for PRA in Miniature Schnauzers. We discovered two forms of PRA in the breed, named type 1 and 2, and show that they are genetically distinct as they map to different chromosomes, 15 and X, respectively. Further genetic, bioinformatic and functional analyses discovered a fully penetrant recessive variant in a putative silencer region for type 1 PRA. Silencer regions are important for gene regulation and we found that two of its predicted target genes, EDN2 and COL9A2, were overexpressed in the retina of the affected dog. Defects in both EDN2 and COL9A2 have been associated with retinal degeneration. This study provides new insights to retinal biology while the genetic test guides better breeding choices.
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26
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Singh RK, Winkler P, Binette F, Glickman RD, Seiler M, Petersen-Jones SM, Nasonkin IO. Development of a protocol for maintaining viability while shipping organoid-derived retinal tissue. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2020; 14:388-394. [PMID: 31908157 DOI: 10.1002/term.2997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Retinal organoid technology enables generation of an inexhaustible supply of three-dimensional retinal tissue from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) for regenerative medicine applications. The high similarity of organoid-derived retinal tissue and transplantable human fetal retina provides an opportunity for evaluating and modeling retinal tissue replacement strategies in relevant animal models in the effort to develop a functional retinal patch to restore vision in patients with profound blindness caused by retinal degeneration. Because of the complexity of this very promising approach requiring specialized stem cell and grafting techniques, the tasks of retinal tissue derivation and transplantation are frequently split between geographically distant teams. Delivery of delicate and perishable neural tissue such as retina to the surgical sites requires a reliable shipping protocol and also controlled temperature conditions with damage-reporting mechanisms in place to prevent transplantation of tissue damaged in transit into expensive animal models. We have developed a robust overnight tissue shipping protocol providing reliable temperature control, live monitoring of the shipment conditions and physical location of the package, and damage reporting at the time of delivery. This allows for shipping of viable (transplantation-competent) hPSC-derived retinal tissue over large distances, thus enabling stem cell and surgical teams from different parts of the country to work together and maximize successful engraftment of organoid-derived retinal tissue. Although this protocol was developed for preclinical in vivo studies in animal models, it is potentially translatable for clinical transplantation in the future and will contribute to developing clinical protocols for restoring vision in patients with retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratnesh K Singh
- Research & Development, Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc, Alameda, CA
| | - Paige Winkler
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
| | - Francois Binette
- Research & Development, Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc, Alameda, CA
| | - Randolph D Glickman
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX
| | - Magdalene Seiler
- Stem Cell Research Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Simon M Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
| | - Igor O Nasonkin
- Research & Development, Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc, Alameda, CA
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27
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Motta FL, Martin RP, Porto FBO, Wohler ES, Resende RG, Gomes CP, Pesquero JB, Sallum JMF. Pathogenicity Reclasssification of RPE65 Missense Variants Related to Leber Congenital Amaurosis and Early-Onset Retinal Dystrophy. Genes (Basel) 2019; 11:E24. [PMID: 31878136 PMCID: PMC7016655 DOI: 10.3390/genes11010024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A challenge in molecular diagnosis and genetic counseling is the interpretation of variants of uncertain significance. Proper pathogenicity classification of new variants is important for the conclusion of molecular diagnosis and the medical management of patient treatments. The purpose of this study was to reclassify two RPE65 missense variants, c.247T>C (p.Phe83Leu) and c.560G>A (p.Gly187Glu), found in Brazilian families. To achieve this aim, we reviewed the sequencing data of a 224-gene retinopathy panel from 556 patients (513 families) with inherited retinal dystrophies. Five patients with p.Phe83Leu and seven with p.Gly187Glu were selected and their families investigated. To comprehend the pathogenicity of these variants, we evaluated them based on the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology (ACMG/AMP) classification guidelines. Initially, these RPE65 variants met only three pathogenic criteria: (i) absence or low frequency in the population, (ii) several missense pathogenic RPE65 variants, and (iii) 15 out of 16 lines of computational evidence supporting them as damaging, which together allowed the variants to be classified as uncertain significance. Two other pieces of evidence were accepted after further analysis of these Brazilian families: (i) p.Phe83Leu and p.Gly187Glu segregate with childhood retinal dystrophy within families, and (ii) their prevalence in Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA)/early-onset retinal dystrophy (EORD) patients can be considered higher than in other inherited retinal dystrophy patients. Therefore, these variants can now be classified as likely pathogenic according to ACMG/AMP classification guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana L. Motta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Sao Paulo SP 04039-032, Brazil;
- Instituto de Genética Ocular, Sao Paulo SP 04552-050, Brazil
| | - Renan P. Martin
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (R.P.M.); (E.S.W.)
| | - Fernanda B. O. Porto
- INRET Clínica e Centro de Pesquisa, Belo Horizonte MG 30150-270, Brazil;
- Centro Oftalmológico de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte MG 30180-070, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth S. Wohler
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (R.P.M.); (E.S.W.)
| | | | - Caio P. Gomes
- Department of Biophysics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo SP 04039-032, Brazil; (C.P.G.); (J.B.P.)
| | - João B. Pesquero
- Department of Biophysics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo SP 04039-032, Brazil; (C.P.G.); (J.B.P.)
| | - Juliana M. F. Sallum
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Sao Paulo SP 04039-032, Brazil;
- Instituto de Genética Ocular, Sao Paulo SP 04552-050, Brazil
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28
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Abstract
In humans high quality, high acuity visual experience is mediated by the fovea, a tiny, specialized patch of retina containing the locus of fixation. Despite this, vision restoration strategies are typically developed in animal models without a fovea. While electrical prostheses have been approved by regulators, as yet they have failed to restore high quality, high acuity vision in patients. Approaches under pre-clinical development include regenerative cell therapies, optogenetics and chemical photosensitizers. All retinal vision restoration therapies require reactivation of inner retina that has lost photoreceptor input and that the restored signals can be interpreted at a behavioural level. A greater emphasis on tackling these challenges at the fovea may accelerate progress toward high quality vision restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette E McGregor
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, 601 Crittenden Blvd, Rochester, New York, USA
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29
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Burton JA, Valero MD, Hackett TA, Ramachandran R. The use of nonhuman primates in studies of noise injury and treatment. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2019; 146:3770. [PMID: 31795680 PMCID: PMC6881191 DOI: 10.1121/1.5132709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to prolonged or high intensity noise increases the risk for permanent hearing impairment. Over several decades, researchers characterized the nature of harmful noise exposures and worked to establish guidelines for effective protection. Recent laboratory studies, primarily conducted in rodent models, indicate that the auditory system may be more vulnerable to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) than previously thought, driving renewed inquiries into the harmful effects of noise in humans. To bridge the translational gaps between rodents and humans, nonhuman primates (NHPs) may serve as key animal models. The phylogenetic proximity of NHPs to humans underlies tremendous similarity in many features of the auditory system (genomic, anatomical, physiological, behavioral), all of which are important considerations in the assessment and treatment of NIHL. This review summarizes the literature pertaining to NHPs as models of hearing and noise-induced hearing loss, discusses factors relevant to the translation of diagnostics and therapeutics from animals to humans, and concludes with some of the practical considerations involved in conducting NHP research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane A Burton
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37212, USA
| | - Michelle D Valero
- Eaton Peabody Laboratories at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | - Troy A Hackett
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Ramnarayan Ramachandran
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
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30
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Gardiner KL, Cideciyan AV, Swider M, Dufour VL, Sumaroka A, Komáromy AM, Hauswirth WW, Iwabe S, Jacobson SG, Beltran WA, Aguirre GD. Long-Term Structural Outcomes of Late-Stage RPE65 Gene Therapy. Mol Ther 2019; 28:266-278. [PMID: 31604676 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The form of hereditary childhood blindness Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) caused by biallelic RPE65 mutations is considered treatable with a gene therapy product approved in the US and Europe. The resulting vision improvement is well accepted, but long-term outcomes on the natural history of retinal degeneration are controversial. We treated four RPE65-mutant dogs in mid-life (age = 5-6 years) and followed them long-term (4-5 years). At the time of the intervention at mid-life, there were intra-ocular and inter-animal differences in local photoreceptor layer health ranging from near normal to complete degeneration. Treated locations having more than 63% of normal photoreceptors showed robust treatment-related retention of photoreceptors in the long term. Treated regions with less retained photoreceptors at the time of the intervention showed progressive degeneration similar to untreated regions with matched initial stage of disease. Unexpectedly, both treated and untreated regions in study eyes tended to show less degeneration compared to matched locations in untreated control eyes. These results support the hypothesis that successful long-term arrest of progression with RPE65 gene therapy may only occur in retinal regions with relatively retained photoreceptors at the time of the intervention, and there may be heretofore unknown mechanisms causing long-distance partial treatment effects beyond the region of subretinal injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin L Gardiner
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Malgorzata Swider
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Valérie L Dufour
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alexander Sumaroka
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - András M Komáromy
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - William W Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Simone Iwabe
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - William A Beltran
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gustavo D Aguirre
- Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies, Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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31
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Singh RK, Occelli LM, Binette F, Petersen-Jones SM, Nasonkin IO. Transplantation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Tissue in the Subretinal Space of the Cat Eye. Stem Cells Dev 2019; 28:1151-1166. [PMID: 31210100 PMCID: PMC6708274 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2019.0090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
To develop biological approaches to restore vision, we developed a method of transplanting stem cell-derived retinal tissue into the subretinal space of a large-eye animal model (cat). Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) were differentiated to retinal organoids in a dish. hESC-derived retinal tissue was introduced into the subretinal space of wild-type cats following a pars plana vitrectomy. The cats were systemically immunosuppressed with either prednisolone or prednisolone plus cyclosporine A. The eyes were examined by fundoscopy and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging for adverse effects due to the presence of the subretinal grafts. Immunohistochemistry was done with antibodies to retinal and human markers to delineate graft survival, differentiation, and integration into cat retina. We successfully delivered hESC-derived retinal tissue into the subretinal space of the cat eye. We observed strong infiltration of immune cells in the graft and surrounding tissue in the cats treated with prednisolone. In contrast, we showed better survival and low immune response to the graft in cats treated with prednisolone plus cyclosporine A. Immunohistochemistry with antibodies (STEM121, CALB2, DCX, and SMI-312) revealed large number of graft-derived fibers connecting the graft and the host. We also show presence of human-specific synaptophysin puncta in the cat retina. This work demonstrates feasibility of engrafting hESC-derived retinal tissue into the subretinal space of large-eye animal models. Transplanting retinal tissue in degenerating cat retina will enable rapid development of preclinical in vivo work focused on vision restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratnesh K Singh
- Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (formerly BioTime Inc.), Carlsbad, California
| | - Laurence M Occelli
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lasing, Michigan
| | - Francois Binette
- Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (formerly BioTime Inc.), Carlsbad, California
| | - Simon M Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lasing, Michigan
| | - Igor O Nasonkin
- Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (formerly BioTime Inc.), Carlsbad, California
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32
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Matsuo T, Uchida T, Yamashita K, Takei S, Ido D, Fujiwara A, Iino M, Oguchi M. Vision evaluation by functional observational battery, operant behavior test, and light/dark box test in retinal dystrophic RCS rats versus normal rats. Heliyon 2019; 5:e01936. [PMID: 31294104 PMCID: PMC6595189 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vision plays a key role in some behavior tests for rats. Okayama University-type retinal prosthesis (OUReP) is a photoelectric dye-coupled polyethylene film which generates electric potential in response to light and stimulates nearby neurons. This study aims to assess vision in retinal dystrophic (RCS) rats, in comparison with normal rats, by selected behavior tests. We also examined whether the tests could detect vision changes in RCS rats with dye-coupled film implantation. Methods Data sets were 5 normal rats, 4 untreated RCS rats, 7 RCS rats with dye-coupled films implanted at the age of 7 weeks after excluding unsuccessful implantation at autopsy. Behavior tests chosen were landing foot splay and visual forelimb-placing response in the menu of functional observational battery, operant-conditioning lever-press response and light/dark box test. Results Normal visual placing response was significantly less frequent in untreated RCS rats at the age of 9 and 11 weeks, compared with normal rats (P = 0.0027, chi-square test) while normal response was significantly more frequent at the age of 9 weeks in RCS rats with dye-coupled film implantation, compared with untreated RCS rats (P = 0.0221). In operant-conditioning lever-press test, the correct response rate was significantly lower in untreated RCS rats than in normal rats at the age of 9 weeks (P < 0.05, Tukey-Kramer test) while the rate was not significantly different between normal rats and RCS rats with dye-coupled film implantation. In light/dark box test, the time to enter dark box was significantly shorter in normal rats, compared with untreated RCS rats or RCS rats with dye-coupled film implantation (P < 0.05, Tukey-Kramer test). Conclusions Behavior tests of functional observational battery, operant-conditioning lever-press response and light/dark box test discriminated vision between normal rats and RCS rats. The visual placing response and operant-conditioning lever-press test might have sensitivity to detect vision recovery in RCS rats with OUReP implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiko Matsuo
- Regenerative and Reconstructive Medicine (Ophthalmology), Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama City, Japan.,Ophthalmology, Okayama University Medical School and Okayama University Hospital, Okayama City, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Uchida
- Polymer Materials Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama City, Japan
| | - Koichiro Yamashita
- Polymer Materials Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama City, Japan
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33
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Hitti RJ, Oliver JAC, Schofield EC, Bauer A, Kaukonen M, Forman OP, Leeb T, Lohi H, Burmeister LM, Sargan D, Mellersh CS. Whole Genome Sequencing of Giant Schnauzer Dogs with Progressive Retinal Atrophy Establishes NECAP1 as a Novel Candidate Gene for Retinal Degeneration. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10050385. [PMID: 31117272 PMCID: PMC6562617 DOI: 10.3390/genes10050385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine progressive retinal atrophies (PRA) are genetically heterogeneous diseases characterized by retinal degeneration and subsequent blindness. PRAs are untreatable and affect multiple dog breeds, significantly impacting welfare. Three out of seven Giant Schnauzer (GS) littermates presented with PRA around four years of age. We sought to identify the causal variant to improve our understanding of the aetiology of this form of PRA and to enable development of a DNA test. Whole genome sequencing of two PRA-affected full-siblings and both unaffected parents was performed. Variants were filtered based on those segregating appropriately for an autosomal recessive disorder and predicted to be deleterious. Successive filtering against 568 canine genomes identified a single nucleotide variant in the gene encoding NECAP endocytosis associated 1 (NECAP1): c.544G>A (p.Gly182Arg). Five thousand one hundred and thirty canids of 175 breeds, 10 cross-breeds and 3 wolves were genotyped for c.544G>A. Only the three PRA-affected GS were homozygous (allele frequency in GS, excluding proband family = 0.015). In addition, we identified heterozygotes belonging to Spitz and Dachshund varieties, demonstrating c.544G>A segregates in other breeds of German origin. This study, in parallel with the known retinal expression and role of NECAP1 in clathrin mediated endocytosis (CME) in synapses, presents NECAP1 as a novel candidate gene for retinal degeneration in dogs and other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekkah J Hitti
- Kennel Club Genetics Centre, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK.
| | - James A C Oliver
- Kennel Club Genetics Centre, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK.
| | - Ellen C Schofield
- Kennel Club Genetics Centre, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK.
| | - Anina Bauer
- Institute of Genetics, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Maria Kaukonen
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
- Folkhälsan Research Center, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Oliver P Forman
- Wisdom Health, Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Leicestershire LE14 4RS, UK.
| | - Tosso Leeb
- Institute of Genetics, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Hannes Lohi
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
- Folkhälsan Research Center, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Louise M Burmeister
- Kennel Club Genetics Centre, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK.
| | - David Sargan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK.
| | - Cathryn S Mellersh
- Kennel Club Genetics Centre, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK.
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Natural models for retinitis pigmentosa: progressive retinal atrophy in dog breeds. Hum Genet 2019; 138:441-453. [PMID: 30904946 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-019-01999-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a heterogeneous group of inherited retinal disorders eventually leading to blindness with different ages of onset, progression and severity. Human RP, first characterized by the progressive degeneration of rod photoreceptor cells, shows high genetic heterogeneity with more than 90 genes identified. However, about one-third of patients have no known genetic causes. Interestingly, dogs are also severely affected by similar diseases, called progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Indeed, RP and PRA have comparable clinical signs, physiopathology and outcomes, similar diagnosis methods and most often, orthologous genes are involved. The many different dog PRAs often segregate in specific breeds. Indeed, undesired alleles have been selected and amplified through drastic selection and excessive use of inbreeding. Out of the 400 breeds, nearly 100 have an inherited form of PRA, which are natural animal models that can be used to investigate the genetics, disease progression and therapies in dogs for the benefit of both dogs and humans. Recent knowledge on the canine genome and access to new genotyping and sequencing technologies now efficiently allows the identification of mutations involved in canine genetic diseases. To date, PRA genes identified in dog breeds correspond to the same genes in humans and represent relevant RP models, and new genes found in dogs represent good candidate for still unknown human RP. We present here a review of the main advantages of the dog models for human RP with the genes already identified and an X-linked PRA in the Border collie as a model for orphan X-linked RPs in human.
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Mäkeläinen S, Gòdia M, Hellsand M, Viluma A, Hahn D, Makdoumi K, Zeiss CJ, Mellersh C, Ricketts SL, Narfström K, Hallböök F, Ekesten B, Andersson G, Bergström TF. An ABCA4 loss-of-function mutation causes a canine form of Stargardt disease. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1007873. [PMID: 30889179 PMCID: PMC6424408 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal recessive retinal degenerative diseases cause visual impairment and blindness in both humans and dogs. Currently, no standard treatment is available, but pioneering gene therapy-based canine models have been instrumental for clinical trials in humans. To study a novel form of retinal degeneration in Labrador retriever dogs with clinical signs indicating cone and rod degeneration, we used whole-genome sequencing of an affected sib-pair and their unaffected parents. A frameshift insertion in the ATP binding cassette subfamily A member 4 (ABCA4) gene (c.4176insC), leading to a premature stop codon in exon 28 (p.F1393Lfs*1395), was identified. In contrast to unaffected dogs, no full-length ABCA4 protein was detected in the retina of an affected dog. The ABCA4 gene encodes a membrane transporter protein localized in the outer segments of rod and cone photoreceptors. In humans, the ABCA4 gene is associated with Stargardt disease (STGD), an autosomal recessive retinal degeneration leading to central visual impairment. A hallmark of STGD is the accumulation of lipofuscin deposits in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The discovery of a canine homozygous ABCA4 loss-of-function mutation may advance the development of dog as a large animal model for human STGD. Stargardt disease (STGD) is the most common inherited retinal disease causing visual impairment and blindness in children and young adults, affecting 1 in 8–10 thousand people. For other inherited retinal diseases, the dog has become an established comparative animal model, both for identifying the underlying genetic causes and for developing new treatment methods. To date, there is no standard treatment for STGD and the only available animal model to study the disease is the mouse. As a nocturnal animal, the morphology of the mouse eye differs from humans and therefore the mouse model is not ideal for developing methods for treatment. We have studied a novel form of retinal degeneration in Labrador retriever dogs showing clinical signs similar to human STGD. To investigate the genetic cause of the disease, we used whole-genome sequencing of a family quartet including two affected offspring and their unaffected parents. This led to the identification of a loss-of-function mutation in the ABCA4 gene. The findings of this study may enable the development of a canine model for human STGD.
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MESH Headings
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily A, Member 4/chemistry
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily A, Member 4/genetics
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily A, Member 4/metabolism
- ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters/genetics
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Codon, Nonsense
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dog Diseases/genetics
- Dog Diseases/metabolism
- Dog Diseases/pathology
- Dogs
- Female
- Genes, Recessive
- Homozygote
- Humans
- Lipofuscin/metabolism
- Macular Degeneration/congenital
- Macular Degeneration/genetics
- Macular Degeneration/metabolism
- Macular Degeneration/veterinary
- Male
- Microscopy, Fluorescence
- Models, Molecular
- Mutagenesis, Insertional
- Mutation
- Pedigree
- Protein Conformation
- Retina/metabolism
- Retina/pathology
- Stargardt Disease
- Whole Genome Sequencing
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvi Mäkeläinen
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marta Gòdia
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Minas Hellsand
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Agnese Viluma
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Daniela Hahn
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karim Makdoumi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Caroline J. Zeiss
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Cathryn Mellersh
- Kennel Club Genetics Centre, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, United Kingdom
| | - Sally L. Ricketts
- Kennel Club Genetics Centre, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, United Kingdom
| | - Kristina Narfström
- Section for Comparative Ophthalmology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Finn Hallböök
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Björn Ekesten
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Göran Andersson
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tomas F. Bergström
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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36
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Mowat FM. Naturally Occurring Inherited Forms of Retinal Degeneration in Vertebrate Animal Species: A Comparative and Evolutionary Perspective. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1185:239-243. [PMID: 31884618 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-27378-1_39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
The ability to noninvasively monitor retinal abnormalities using imaging and cognitive and electrophysiological assessment has made it possible to carefully characterize genetic influences on retinal health. Because genetic retinal traits in animal species are not commonly detrimental to survival beyond birth, it is possible to document the natural history of retinal disease. Human quality of life is greatly impacted by retinal disease, and blindness carries a significant financial burden to society. Because of these compelling reasons, there is an ongoing medical need to study the effect of genetic mutations on retinal health and to develop therapies to address them. Transgenic animal models have aided in these missions, but there are opportunities for novel gene discovery and a development of greater understanding of retinal physiology using animal models that develop naturally occurring heritable retinal disorders. In this chapter, the advantages and disadvantages of transgenic and spontaneous vertebrate animal models of human inherited retinal disease are debated, in particular those of carnivore species, and the potential resource of spontaneous heritable retinal disorders in inbred nondomestic carnivore species is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freya M Mowat
- North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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Oh A, Loew ER, Foster ML, Davidson MG, English RV, Gervais KJ, Herring IP, Mowat FM. Phenotypic characterization of complete CSNB in the inbred research beagle: how common is CSNB in research and companion dogs? Doc Ophthalmol 2018; 137:87-101. [PMID: 30051304 DOI: 10.1007/s10633-018-9653-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) has been described in a Japanese beagle dog research colony, certain clinical correlates with human CSNB have not yet been described, nor has an estimate of frequency of the condition been made in inbred and outbred beagle populations. METHODS A beagle with CSNB obtained from a commercial research dog supplier in the USA and matched control dogs (n = 3) underwent examination, refraction, ocular imaging, assessment of visual navigation ability and detailed electroretinography (ERG). Retrospective review of ERGs in two independent groups of inbred (n = 15 and 537, respectively) and one group of outbred dogs (n = 36) was used to estimate CSNB frequency in these populations. RESULTS In the affected dog, there were absent dark-adapted b-waves in response to dim-light flashes, severely reduced dark-adapted b-waves in response to bright-light flashes, and normal light-adapted b-waves with a-waves that had broadened troughs. Long-flash ERGs confirmed a markedly reduced b-wave with a preserved d-wave, consistent with cone ON-bipolar cell dysfunction. There was evidence of normal rod photoreceptor a-wave dark adaptation, and rapid light adaptation. In the wider beagle populations, five inbred beagles had a b/a wave ratio of < 1 in dark-adapted bright-flash ERG, whereas no outbred beagles had ERGs consistent with CSNB. CONCLUSIONS The identified dog had clinical findings consistent with complete type CSNB, similar to that described in the Japanese colony. CSNB appears to be a rare disorder in the wider beagle population, although its detection could confound studies that use retinal function as an outcome measure in research dogs, necessitating careful baseline studies to be performed prior to experimentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Oh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Ellis R Loew
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Melanie L Foster
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | - Michael G Davidson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA
| | | | - Kristen J Gervais
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Ian P Herring
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Freya M Mowat
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA.
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38
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Matsuo T, Uchida T, Nitta M, Yamashita K, Takei S, Ido D, Tanaka M, Oguchi M, Furukawa T. Subretinal implantation of Okayama University-type retinal prosthesis (OUReP TM) in canine eyes by vitrectomy. J Vet Med Sci 2017; 79:1939-1946. [PMID: 29046507 PMCID: PMC5745168 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.17-0450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Okayama University-type retinal prosthesis (OURePTM) is a photoelectric
dye-coupled polyethylene film which generates electric potential in response to light and
stimulates nearby neurons. This study aims to test surgical feasibility of subretinal
implantation and functional durability of dye-coupled films in the subretinal space. The
dye-coupled films were implanted subretinally by 25-gauge vitrectomy in the right eye of
11 normal beagle dogs: 2 dogs served for film removal after 5-month film implantation, 3
dogs for film removal after 3-month film implantation, 3 dogs for 3-month film
implantation and pathological examination, and 3 dogs for sham surgery. The surface
electric potential of the removed dye-coupled films in response to light was measured by
the Kelvin Probe system. At surgery, rolled-up dye-coupled films in 5 × 5 mm square size
could be inserted into subretinal space of retinal detachment induced by fluid injection
with a 38-gauge polyimide tip. Retinal attachment was maintained by silicone oil injection
in vitreous cavity. At autopsy, the retina in all dogs maintained the ganglion cell layer,
inner and outer nuclear layers while it lost the outer segments in some part. All 5 sheets
of removed dye-coupled films maintained the dye color. One sheet of the 5-month implanted
film showed proportional increase of surface potential in response to increasing light
intensity. Subretinal implantation of OURePTM by vitrectomy was technically
feasible in canine eyes, and OURePTM maintained the function of generating
light-evoked surface potential after 5 months in subretinal implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiko Matsuo
- Ophthalmology, Okayama University Medical School and Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama-shi, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Uchida
- Polymer Materials Science, Okayama University Faculty of Engineering and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama-shi, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Makoto Nitta
- Polymer Materials Science, Okayama University Faculty of Engineering and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama-shi, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Koichiro Yamashita
- Polymer Materials Science, Okayama University Faculty of Engineering and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama-shi, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | | | - Daisuke Ido
- Ina Research, Inc., Ina-shi, Nagano 399-4501, Japan
| | | | - Masao Oguchi
- Ina Research, Inc., Ina-shi, Nagano 399-4501, Japan
| | - Toshinori Furukawa
- Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts, Kurashiki-shi, Okayama 712-8505, Japan
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Yeh CY, Koehl KL, Harman CD, Iwabe S, Guzman JM, Petersen-Jones SM, Kardon RH, Komáromy AM. Assessment of Rod, Cone, and Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cell Contributions to the Canine Chromatic Pupillary Response. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:65-78. [PMID: 28061512 PMCID: PMC5231906 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-19865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate a chromatic pupillometry protocol for specific functional assessment of rods, cones, and intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) in dogs. Methods Chromatic pupillometry was tested and compared in 37 dogs in different stages of primary loss of rod, cone, and combined rod/cone and optic nerve function, and in 5 wild-type (WT) dogs. Eyes were stimulated with 1-s flashes of dim (1 cd/m2) and bright (400 cd/m2) blue light (for scotopic conditions) or bright red (400 cd/m2) light with 25-cd/m2 blue background (for photopic conditions). Canine retinal melanopsin/Opn4 was cloned, and its expression was evaluated using real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Results Mean ± SD percentage of pupil constriction amplitudes induced by scotopic dim blue (scDB), scotopic bright blue (scBB), and photopic bright red (phBR) lights in WT dogs were 21.3% ± 10.6%, 50.0% ± 17.5%, and 19.4% ± 7.4%, respectively. Melanopsin-mediated responses to scBB persisted for several minutes (7.7 ± 4.6 min) after stimulus offset. In dogs with inherited retinal degeneration, loss of rod function resulted in absent scDB responses, followed by decreased phBR responses with disease progression and loss of cone function. Primary loss of cone function abolished phBR responses but preserved those responses to blue light (scDB and scBB). Although melanopsin/Opn4 expression was diminished with retinal degeneration, melanopsin-expressing ipRGCs were identified for the first time in both WT and degenerated canine retinas. Conclusions Pupil responses elicited by light stimuli of different colors and intensities allowed differential functional assessment of canine rods, cones, and ipRGCs. Chromatic pupillometry offers an effective tool for diagnosing retinal and optic nerve diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie Y Yeh
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States 2School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Kristin L Koehl
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Christine D Harman
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Simone Iwabe
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - José M Guzman
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Simon M Petersen-Jones
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
| | - Randy H Kardon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States 4Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - András M Komáromy
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States 2School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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40
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Kropatsch R, Akkad DA, Frank M, Rosenhagen C, Altmüller J, Nürnberg P, Epplen JT, Dekomien G. A large deletion in RPGR causes XLPRA in Weimaraner dogs. Canine Genet Epidemiol 2016; 3:7. [PMID: 27398221 PMCID: PMC4938961 DOI: 10.1186/s40575-016-0037-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) belongs to a group of inherited retinal disorders associated with gradual vision impairment due to degeneration of retinal photoreceptors in various dog breeds. PRA is highly heterogeneous, with autosomal dominant, recessive or X-linked modes of inheritance. In this study we used exome sequencing to investigate the molecular genetic basis of a new type of PRA, which occurred spontaneously in a litter of German short-hair Weimaraner dogs. Results Whole exome sequencing in two PRA-affected Weimaraner dogs identified a large deletion comprising the first four exons of the X-linked retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene known to be involved in human retinitis pigmentosa and canine PRA. Screening of 16 individuals in the corresponding pedigree of short-hair Weimaraners by qPCR, verified the deletion in hemizygous or heterozygous state in one male and six female dogs, respectively. The mutation was absent in 88 additional unrelated Weimaraners. The deletion was not detectable in the parents of one older female which transmitted the mutation to her offspring, indicating that the RPGR deletion represents a de novo mutation concerning only recent generations of the Weimaraner breed in Germany. Conclusion Our results demonstrate the value of an existing DNA biobank combined with exome sequencing to identify the underlying genetic cause of a spontaneously occurring inherited disease. Identification of the genetic cause has allowed the development of a diagnostic test, which should help to eradicate the PRA causing mutation from the respective canine line. Thus, planning of future pairings is facilitated and manifestation of this type of PRA can be prevented. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40575-016-0037-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Kropatsch
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr-University, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Denis A Akkad
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr-University, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Matthias Frank
- Kleintierklinik Frank, Mooswaldallee 10 i, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Rosenhagen
- Tierärztliche Überweisungspraxis, Lortzingstraße 12, 28209 Bremen, Germany
| | - Janine Altmüller
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Weyertal 115 b, 50931 Cologne, Germany ; Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Peter Nürnberg
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Weyertal 115 b, 50931 Cologne, Germany ; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Robert-Koch Str. 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany ; Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 26, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Jörg T Epplen
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr-University, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany ; Faculty of Health, University Witten-Herdecke, Alfred-Herrhausen-Strasse 50, 58448 Witten, Germany
| | - Gabriele Dekomien
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr-University, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
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Winkler PA, Davis JA, Petersen-Jones SM, Venta PJ, Bartoe JT. A tool set to allow rapid screening of dog families with PRA for association with candidate genes. Vet Ophthalmol 2016; 20:372-376. [DOI: 10.1111/vop.12401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paige A. Winkler
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences; College of Veterinary Medicine; Michigan State University; East Lansing MI 48824 USA
- Genetics Program; Michigan State University; East Lansing MI 48824 USA
| | - Jennifer A. Davis
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology; University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham AL 35294 USA
| | - Simon M. Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences; College of Veterinary Medicine; Michigan State University; East Lansing MI 48824 USA
- Genetics Program; Michigan State University; East Lansing MI 48824 USA
| | - Patrick J. Venta
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences; College of Veterinary Medicine; Michigan State University; East Lansing MI 48824 USA
- Genetics Program; Michigan State University; East Lansing MI 48824 USA
- Microbiology & Molecular Genetics; Michigan State University; East Lansing MI 48824 USA
| | - Joshua T. Bartoe
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences; College of Veterinary Medicine; Michigan State University; East Lansing MI 48824 USA
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42
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Boyd RF, Sledge DG, Boye SL, Boye SE, Hauswirth WW, Komáromy AM, Petersen-Jones SM, Bartoe JT. Photoreceptor-targeted gene delivery using intravitreally administered AAV vectors in dogs. Gene Ther 2016; 23:223-30. [PMID: 26467396 PMCID: PMC4840844 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2015.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Delivery of therapeutic transgenes to retinal photoreceptors using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors has traditionally required subretinal injection. Recently, photoreceptor transduction efficiency following intravitreal injection (IVT) has improved in rodent models through use of capsid-mutant AAV vectors; but remains limited in large animal models. Thickness of the inner limiting membrane (ILM) in large animals is thought to impair retinal penetration by AAV. Our study compared two newly developed AAV vectors containing multiple capsid amino acid substitutions following IVT in dogs. The ability of two promoter constructs to restrict reporter transgene expression to photoreceptors was also evaluated. AAV vectors containing the interphotoreceptor-binding protein (IRBP) promoter drove expression exclusively in rod and cone photoreceptors, with transduction efficiencies of ~4% of cones and 2% of rods. Notably, in the central region containing the cone-rich visual streak, 15.6% of cones were transduced. Significant regional variation existed, with lower transduction efficiencies in the temporal regions of all eyes. This variation did not correlate with ILM thickness. Vectors carrying a cone-specific promoter failed to transduce a quantifiable percentage of cone photoreceptors. The newly developed AAV vectors containing the IRBP promoter were capable of producing photoreceptor-specific transgene expression following IVT in the dog.
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Affiliation(s)
- RF Boyd
- Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - DG Sledge
- Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - SL Boye
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - SE Boye
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - WW Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - AM Komáromy
- Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - SM Petersen-Jones
- Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - JT Bartoe
- Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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43
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Kostic C, Arsenijevic Y. Animal modelling for inherited central vision loss. J Pathol 2015; 238:300-10. [PMID: 26387748 PMCID: PMC5063185 DOI: 10.1002/path.4641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Disease-causing variants of a large number of genes trigger inherited retinal degeneration leading to photoreceptor loss. Because cones are essential for daylight and central vision such as reading, mobility, and face recognition, this review focuses on a variety of animal models for cone diseases. The pertinence of using these models to reveal genotype/phenotype correlations and to evaluate new therapeutic strategies is discussed. Interestingly, several large animal models recapitulate human diseases and can serve as a strong base from which to study the biology of disease and to assess the scale-up of new therapies. Examples of innovative approaches will be presented such as lentiviral-based transgenesis in pigs and adeno-associated virus (AAV)-gene transfer into the monkey eye to investigate the neural circuitry plasticity of the visual system. The models reported herein permit the exploration of common mechanisms that exist between different species and the identification and highlighting of pathways that may be specific to primates, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Kostic
- Unit of Gene Therapy and Stem Cell Biology, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yvan Arsenijevic
- Unit of Gene Therapy and Stem Cell Biology, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
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