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Sundaresan Y, Yacoub S, Kodati B, Amankwa CE, Raola A, Zode G. Therapeutic applications of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology for the treatment of ocular diseases. FEBS J 2023; 290:5248-5269. [PMID: 36877952 PMCID: PMC10480348 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Ocular diseases are a highly heterogeneous group of phenotypes, caused by a spectrum of genetic variants and environmental factors that exhibit diverse clinical symptoms. As a result of its anatomical location, structure and immune privilege, the eye is an ideal system to assess and validate novel genetic therapies. Advances in genome editing have revolutionized the field of biomedical science, enabling researchers to understand the biology behind disease mechanisms and allow the treatment of several health conditions, including ocular pathologies. The advent of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based gene editing facilitates efficient and specific genetic modifications in the nucleic acid sequence, resulting in permanent changes at the genomic level. This approach has advantages over other treatment strategies and is promising for the treatment of various genetic and non-genetic ocular conditions. This review provides an overview of the CRISPR/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system and summarizes recent advances in the therapeutic application of CRISPR/Cas9 for the treatment of various ocular pathologies, as well as future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bindu Kodati
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107
| | - Charles E. Amankwa
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107
| | - Akash Raola
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107
| | - Gulab Zode
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107
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2
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Smits JGA, Cunha DL, Amini M, Bertolin M, Laberthonnière C, Qu J, Owen N, Latta L, Seitz B, Roux LN, Stachon T, Ferrari S, Moosajee M, Aberdam D, Szentmary N, van Heeringen SJ, Zhou H. Identification of the regulatory circuit governing corneal epithelial fate determination and disease. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002336. [PMID: 37856539 PMCID: PMC10586658 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The transparent corneal epithelium in the eye is maintained through the homeostasis regulated by limbal stem cells (LSCs), while the nontransparent epidermis relies on epidermal keratinocytes for renewal. Despite their cellular similarities, the precise cell fates of these two types of epithelial stem cells, which give rise to functionally distinct epithelia, remain unknown. We performed a multi-omics analysis of human LSCs from the cornea and keratinocytes from the epidermis and characterized their molecular signatures, highlighting their similarities and differences. Through gene regulatory network analyses, we identified shared and cell type-specific transcription factors (TFs) that define specific cell fates and established their regulatory hierarchy. Single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) analyses of the cornea and the epidermis confirmed these shared and cell type-specific TFs. Notably, the shared and LSC-specific TFs can cooperatively target genes associated with corneal opacity. Importantly, we discovered that FOSL2, a direct PAX6 target gene, is a novel candidate associated with corneal opacity, and it regulates genes implicated in corneal diseases. By characterizing molecular signatures, our study unveils the regulatory circuitry governing the LSC fate and its association with corneal opacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jos G. A. Smits
- Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Dulce Lima Cunha
- Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Maryam Amini
- Dr. Rolf M. Schwiete Center for Limbal Stem Cell and Aniridia Research, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | | | - Camille Laberthonnière
- Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jieqiong Qu
- Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Nicholas Owen
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenz Latta
- Dr. Rolf M. Schwiete Center for Limbal Stem Cell and Aniridia Research, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, Saarland University Medical Center, UKS, Homburg, Germany
| | - Berthold Seitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Saarland University Medical Center, UKS, Homburg, Germany
| | | | - Tanja Stachon
- Dr. Rolf M. Schwiete Center for Limbal Stem Cell and Aniridia Research, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | | | - Mariya Moosajee
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Genetics, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Aberdam
- INSERM U976, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, INSERM U1138, Centre des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Nora Szentmary
- Dr. Rolf M. Schwiete Center for Limbal Stem Cell and Aniridia Research, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Simon J. van Heeringen
- Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Huiqing Zhou
- Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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3
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Dobrzycka M, Sulewska A, Biecek P, Charkiewicz R, Karabowicz P, Charkiewicz A, Golaszewska K, Milewska P, Michalska-Falkowska A, Nowak K, Niklinski J, Konopińska J. miRNA Studies in Glaucoma: A Comprehensive Review of Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14699. [PMID: 37834147 PMCID: PMC10572595 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914699] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma, a neurodegenerative disorder that leads to irreversible blindness, remains a challenge because of its complex nature. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of gene expression and are associated with glaucoma and other diseases. We aimed to review and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of miRNA-focused molecular studies in glaucoma through discussing their potential as biomarkers for early detection and diagnosis; offering insights into molecular pathways and mechanisms; and discussing their potential utility with respect to personalized medicine, their therapeutic potential, and non-invasive monitoring. Limitations, such as variability, small sample sizes, sample specificity, and limited accessibility to ocular tissues, are also addressed, underscoring the need for robust protocols and collaboration. Reproducibility and validation are crucial to establish the credibility of miRNA research findings, and the integration of bioinformatics tools for miRNA database creation is a valuable component of a comprehensive approach to investigate miRNA aberrations in patients with glaucoma. Overall, miRNA research in glaucoma has provided significant insights into the molecular mechanisms of the disease, offering potential biomarkers, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic targets. However, addressing challenges such as variability and limited tissue accessibility is essential, and further investigations and validation will contribute to a deeper understanding of the functional significance of miRNAs in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Dobrzycka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland; (M.D.); (K.G.)
| | - Anetta Sulewska
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland; (A.S.); (A.C.); (J.N.)
| | - Przemyslaw Biecek
- Faculty of Mathematics and Information Science, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-662 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Radoslaw Charkiewicz
- Center of Experimental Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-369 Bialystok, Poland;
- Biobank, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland; (P.K.); (P.M.); (A.M.-F.)
| | - Piotr Karabowicz
- Biobank, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland; (P.K.); (P.M.); (A.M.-F.)
| | - Angelika Charkiewicz
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland; (A.S.); (A.C.); (J.N.)
| | - Kinga Golaszewska
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland; (M.D.); (K.G.)
| | - Patrycja Milewska
- Biobank, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland; (P.K.); (P.M.); (A.M.-F.)
| | | | - Karolina Nowak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA;
| | - Jacek Niklinski
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland; (A.S.); (A.C.); (J.N.)
| | - Joanna Konopińska
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland; (M.D.); (K.G.)
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Shi X, Xue Z, Ye K, Yuan J, Zhang Y, Qu J, Su J. Roles of non-coding RNAs in eye development and diseases. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1785. [PMID: 36849659 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of ocular disorders is dramatically increasing worldwide, especially those that cause visual impairment and permanent loss of vision, including cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Extensive evidence has shown that ncRNAs are key regulators in various biogenesis and biological functions, controlling gene expression related to histogenesis and cell differentiation in ocular tissues. Aberrant expression and function of ncRNA can lead to dysfunction of visual system and mediate progression of eye disorders. Here, we mainly offer an overview of the role of precise modulation of ncRNAs in eye development and function in patients with eye diseases. We also highlight the challenges and future perspectives in conducting ncRNA studies, focusing specifically on the role of ncRNAs that may hold expanded promise for their diagnostic and therapeutic applications in various eye diseases. This article is categorized under: Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinrui Shi
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhengbo Xue
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kaicheng Ye
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jian Yuan
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jia Qu
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianzhong Su
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of PSI Genomics, Zhejiang, China
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5
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Su J, Yuan J, Xu L, Xing S, Sun M, Yao Y, Ma Y, Chen F, Jiang L, Li K, Yu X, Xue Z, Zhang Y, Fan D, Zhang J, Liu H, Liu X, Zhang G, Wang H, Zhou M, Lyu F, An G, Yu X, Xue Y, Yang J, Qu J. Sequencing of 19,219 exomes identifies a low-frequency variant in FKBP5 promoter predisposing to high myopia in a Han Chinese population. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112510. [PMID: 37171956 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023] Open
Abstract
High myopia (HM) is one of the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. Here, we report a whole-exome sequencing (WES) study in 9,613 HM cases and 9,606 controls of Han Chinese ancestry to pinpoint HM-associated risk variants. Single-variant association analysis identified three newly identified -genetic loci associated with HM, including an East Asian ancestry-specific low-frequency variant (rs533280354) in FKBP5. Multi-ancestry meta-analysis with WES data of 2,696 HM cases and 7,186 controls of European ancestry from the UK Biobank discerned a newly identified European ancestry-specific rare variant in FOLH1. Functional experiments revealed a mechanism whereby a single G-to-A transition at rs533280354 disrupted the binding of transcription activator KLF15 to the promoter of FKBP5, resulting in decreased transcription of FKBP5. Furthermore, burden tests showed a significant excess of rare protein-truncating variants among HM cases involved in retinal blood vessel morphogenesis and neurotransmitter transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhong Su
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health, Wenzhou 325101, Zhejiang, China; Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325011, China.
| | - Jian Yuan
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Liangde Xu
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Shilai Xing
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; Institute of PSI Genomics, Wenzhou 325024, China
| | - Mengru Sun
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yinghao Yao
- Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health, Wenzhou 325101, Zhejiang, China; Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325011, China
| | - Yunlong Ma
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Fukun Chen
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Longda Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
| | - Kai Li
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325011, China
| | - Xiangyi Yu
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Zhengbo Xue
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Yaru Zhang
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Dandan Fan
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Ji Zhang
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Hui Liu
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Xinting Liu
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Guosi Zhang
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Hong Wang
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Meng Zhou
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Fan Lyu
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health, Wenzhou 325101, Zhejiang, China
| | - Gang An
- Institute of PSI Genomics, Wenzhou 325024, China
| | - Xiaoguang Yu
- Institute of PSI Genomics, Wenzhou 325024, China
| | - Yuanchao Xue
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Jian Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China.
| | - Jia Qu
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health, Wenzhou 325101, Zhejiang, China; Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325011, China.
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Xue Z, Yuan J, Chen F, Yao Y, Xing S, Yu X, Li K, Wang C, Bao J, Qu J, Su J, Chen H. Genome-wide association meta-analysis of 88,250 individuals highlights pleiotropic mechanisms of five ocular diseases in UK Biobank. EBioMedicine 2022; 82:104161. [PMID: 35841873 PMCID: PMC9297108 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ocular diseases may exhibit common clinical symptoms and epidemiological comorbidity. However, the extent of pleiotropic mechanisms across ocular diseases remains unclear. We aim to examine shared genetic etiology in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), glaucoma, retinal detachment (RD), and myopia. METHODS We analyzed genome-wide association analyses for the five ocular diseases in 43,877 cases and 44,373 controls of European ancestry from UK Biobank, estimated their genetic relationships (LDSC, GNOVA, and Genomic SEM), and identified pleiotropic loci (ASSET and METASOFT). FINDINGS The genetic correlation of common SNPs revealed a meaningful genetic structure within these diseases, identifying genetic correlations between AMD, DR, and glaucoma. Cross-trait meta-analysis identified 23 pleiotropic loci associated with at least two ocular diseases and 14 loci unique to individual disorders (non-pleiotropic). We found that the genes associated with these shared genetic loci are involved in neuron differentiation (P = 8.80 × 10-6) and eye development systems (P = 3.86 × 10-5), and single cell RNA sequencing data reveals their heightened gene expression from multipotent progenitors to other differentiated retinal cells during retina developmental process. INTERPRETATION These results highlighted the potential common genetic architectures among these ocular diseases and can deepen the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the related diseases. FUNDING The National Natural Science Foundation of China (61871294), Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (LR19C060001), and the Scientific Research Foundation for Talents of Wenzhou Medical University (QTJ18023).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengbo Xue
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jian Yuan
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fukun Chen
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yinghao Yao
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325105, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shilai Xing
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiangyi Yu
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kai Li
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325105, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chenxiao Wang
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinhua Bao
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jia Qu
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health, Wenzhou 325101, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianzhong Su
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health, Wenzhou 325101, Zhejiang, China; Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325105, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Hao Chen
- Eye Hospital and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China.
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7
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Esposito G, Balzamino BO, Rocco ML, Aloe L, Micera A. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) as Partaker in the Modulation of UV-Response in Cultured Human Conjunctival Fibroblasts. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116337. [PMID: 35683016 PMCID: PMC9181148 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Corroborating data sustain the pleiotropic effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the protection of the visual system from dangerous stimuli, including ultraviolet (UV). Since UV exposure might promote ocular surface changes (conjunctival inflammation and matrix rearrangement), as previously reported from in vivo studies sustaining some protective NGF effects, in vitro cultures of human conjunctival fibroblasts (FBs) were developed and exposed to a single UV exposure over 15 min (0.277 W/m2), either alone or supplemented with NGF (1–10–100 ng/mL). Conditioned media and cell monolayers were collected and analyzed for protein release (ELISA, ELLA microfluidic) and transcript expression (real-time PCR). A specific “inflammatory to remodeling” pattern (IL8, VEGF, IL33, OPN, and CYR61) as well as a few epigenetic transcripts (known as modulator of cell differentiation and matrix-remodeling (DNMT3a, HDAC1, NRF2 and KEAP1)) were investigated in parallel. UV-exposed FBs (i), showed no proliferation or significant cytoskeleton rearrangement; (ii), displayed a trkANGFR/p75NTR phenotype; and (iii), synthesized/released IL8, VEGF-A, IL33, OPN, and CYR61, as compared to unexposed ones. NGF addition counteracted IL8, IL33, OPN, and CYR61 protein release merely at lower NGF concentrations but not VEGF. NGF supplementation did not affect DNMT3a or HDAC1 transcripts, while it significantly upregulated NRF2 at lowest NGF doses and did not change KEAP1 expression. Taken together, a single UV exposure activated conjunctival FBs to release pro-inflammatory/fibrogenic factors in association with epigenetic changes. The effects were selectively counteracted by NGF supplementation in a dose-dependent fashion, most probably accountable to the trkANGFR/p75NTR phenotype. Further in vitro studies are underway to better understand this additional NGF pleiotropic effect. Since UV-shield impairments represent a worldwide alert and UV radiation can slowly affect ocular surface homeostasis (photo-ageing, cataract) or might exacerbate ocular diseases with a preexisting fibrosis (pterygium, VKC), these findings on NGF modulation of UV-exposed FBs might provide additional information for protecting the ocular surface (homeostasis) from low-grade long-lasting UV insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziana Esposito
- Research and Development Laboratory for Biochemical, Molecular and Cellular Applications in Ophthalmological Science, IRCCS—Fondazione Bietti, 00198 Rome, Italy; (G.E.); (B.O.B.)
| | - Bijorn Omar Balzamino
- Research and Development Laboratory for Biochemical, Molecular and Cellular Applications in Ophthalmological Science, IRCCS—Fondazione Bietti, 00198 Rome, Italy; (G.E.); (B.O.B.)
| | - Maria Luisa Rocco
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, CNR, 00143 Rome, Italy;
- Fondazione IRET, 40064 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Luigi Aloe
- Fondazione IRET, 40064 Bologna, Italy;
- Associazione NGF ONLUS, 00172 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Micera
- Research and Development Laboratory for Biochemical, Molecular and Cellular Applications in Ophthalmological Science, IRCCS—Fondazione Bietti, 00198 Rome, Italy; (G.E.); (B.O.B.)
- Correspondence:
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