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Usategui-Martin R, Fernandez-Bueno I. Neuroprotective therapy for retinal neurodegenerative diseases by stem cell secretome. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:117-118. [PMID: 32788461 PMCID: PMC7818883 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.283498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Usategui-Martin
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ivan Fernandez-Bueno
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid; Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León; Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud, Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valladolid, Spain
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Bryman GS, Liu A, Do MTH. Optimized Signal Flow through Photoreceptors Supports the High-Acuity Vision of Primates. Neuron 2020; 108:335-348.e7. [PMID: 32846139 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The fovea is a neural specialization that endows humans and other primates with the sharpest vision among mammals. This performance originates in the foveal cones, which are extremely narrow and long to form a high-resolution pixel array. Puzzlingly, this form is predicted to impede electrical conduction to an extent that appears incompatible with vision. We observe the opposite: signal flow through even the longest cones (0.4-mm axons) is essentially lossless. Unlike in most neurons, amplification and impulse generation by voltage-gated channels are dispensable. Rather, sparse channel activity preserves intracellular current, which flows as if unobstructed by organelles. Despite these optimizations, signaling would degrade if cones were lengthier. Because cellular packing requires that cone elongation accompanies foveal expansion, this degradation helps explain why the fovea is a constant, miniscule size despite multiplicative changes in eye size through evolution. These observations reveal how biophysical mechanisms tailor form-function relationships for primate behavioral performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory S Bryman
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center and Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Center for Life Science 12061, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Andreas Liu
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center and Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Center for Life Science 12061, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Michael Tri H Do
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center and Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Center for Life Science 12061, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Tao Y, Cai L, Zhou D, Wang C, Ma Z, Dong X, Peng G. CoPP-Induced-Induced HO-1 Overexpression Alleviates Photoreceptor Degeneration With Rapid Dynamics: A Therapeutic Molecular Against Retinopathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 60:5080-5094. [PMID: 31825462 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.19-26876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) causes progressive photoreceptor degeneration in the retina. The N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-administered mouse is used as a chemically induced RP model with rapid progression rate. This study was designed to study heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in the MNU-administered mice, and to explore the therapeutic effects of cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP). Methods The HO-1 expression in the retina of MNU-administered mice was analyzed. CoPP was injected intravenously into the MNU-administered mice. Subsequently, the CoPP-treated mice were subjected to functional and morphologic examinations. Results HO-1 was involved in the MNU-induced photoreceptor degeneration. CoPP treatment enhanced retinal HO-1 expression in the MNU-administered mice. Electroretinogram (ERG) examination and behavioral tests showed that CoPP treatment improved the retinal responsiveness of MNU-administered mice. Histologic analysis and optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination showed that retinal architecture of the CoPP-treated mice was more intact than that of the MNU+vehicle group. Cone photoreceptors in the MNU-administered mice were rescued efficiently by CoPP treatment. Furthermore, multielectrode array (MEA) recording showed that CoPP treatment mitigated the spontaneous firing response, enhanced the light-induced firing response, and preserved the basic configurations of visual signal pathway in the MNU-administered mice. Mechanism studies suggested that CoPP afforded these therapeutic effects by modulating the apoptosis cascades and alleviating the oxidative stress in degenerative retinas. Conclusions CoPP alleviated photoreceptor degeneration and rectified the signaling abnormities in MNU-administered mice. CoPP may serve as a potential medication against degenerative retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Tao
- Lab of Visual Cell Differentiation and Modulation, Department of Physiology, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lun Cai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dawei Zhou
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 967(210) Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Dalian, China
| | - Chunhui Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhao Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaofei Dong
- Department of Ophthalmology, 967(210) Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Dalian, China
| | - Guanghua Peng
- Lab of Visual Cell Differentiation and Modulation, Department of Physiology, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Puertas-Neyra K, Usategui-Martín R, Coco RM, Fernandez-Bueno I. Intravitreal stem cell paracrine properties as a potential neuroprotective therapy for retinal photoreceptor neurodegenerative diseases. Neural Regen Res 2020; 15:1631-1638. [PMID: 32209762 PMCID: PMC7437593 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.276324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerations are the leading causes of irreversible visual loss worldwide. Many pathologies included under this umbrella involve progressive degeneration and ultimate loss of the photoreceptor cells, with age-related macular degeneration and inherited and ischemic retinal diseases the most relevant. These diseases greatly impact patients’ daily lives, with accompanying marked social and economic consequences. However, the currently available treatments only delay the onset or slow progression of visual impairment, and there are no cures for these photoreceptor diseases. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies are being investigated, such as gene therapy, optogenetics, cell replacement, or cell-based neuroprotection. Specifically, stem cells can secrete neurotrophic, immunomodulatory, and anti-angiogenic factors that potentially protect and preserve retinal cells from neurodegeneration. Further, neuroprotection can be used in different types of retinal degenerative diseases and at different disease stages, unlike other potential therapies. This review summarizes stem cell-based paracrine neuroprotective strategies for photoreceptor degeneration, which are under study in clinical trials, and the latest preclinical studies. Effective retinal neuroprotection could be the next frontier in photoreceptor diseases, and the development of novel neuroprotective strategies will address the unmet therapeutic needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Puertas-Neyra
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Usategui-Martín
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Rosa M Coco
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada, Universidad de Valladolid; Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León; Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud, Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ivan Fernandez-Bueno
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada, Universidad de Valladolid; Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León; Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud, Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valladolid, Spain
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5
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Thomas BB, Zhu D, Lin TC, Kim YC, Seiler MJ, Martinez-Camarillo JC, Lin B, Shad Y, Hinton DR, Humayun MS. A new immunodeficient retinal dystrophic rat model for transplantation studies using human-derived cells. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2018; 256:2113-2125. [PMID: 30215097 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-018-4134-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To create new immunodeficient Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats by introducing the defective MerTK gene into athymic nude rats. METHODS Female homozygous RCS (RCS-p+/RCS-p+) and male nude rats (Hsd:RH-Foxn1mu, mutation in the foxn1 gene; no T cells) were crossed to produce heterozygous F1 progeny. Double homozygous F2 progeny obtained by crossing the F1 heterozygotes was identified phenotypically (hair loss) and genotypically (RCS-p+ gene determined by PCR). Retinal degenerative status was confirmed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging, electroretinography (ERG), optokinetic (OKN) testing, superior colliculus (SC) electrophysiology, and by histology. The effect of xenografts was assessed by transplantation of human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (hESC-RPE) and human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived RPE (iPS-RPE) into the eye. Morphological analysis was conducted based on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunostaining. Age-matched pigmented athymic nude rats were used as control. RESULTS Approximately 6% of the F2 pups (11/172) were homozygous for RCS-p+ gene and Foxn1mu gene. Homozygous males crossed with heterozygous females resulted in 50% homozygous progeny for experimentation. OCT imaging demonstrated significant loss of retinal thickness in homozygous rats. H&E staining showed photoreceptor thickness reduced to 1-3 layers at 12 weeks of age. Progressive loss of visual function was evidenced by OKN testing, ERG, and SC electrophysiology. Transplantation experiments demonstrated survival of human-derived cells and absence of apparent immune rejection. CONCLUSIONS This new rat animal model developed by crossing RCS rats and athymic nude rats is suitable for conducting retinal transplantation experiments involving xenografts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biju B Thomas
- Department of Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
- USC Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Danhong Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tai-Chi Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
- USC Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Young Chang Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Magdalene J Seiler
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Stem Cell Research Center, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Juan Carlos Martinez-Camarillo
- Department of Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
- USC Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bin Lin
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Stem Cell Research Center, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Yousuf Shad
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - David R Hinton
- Department of Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mark S Humayun
- Department of Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
- USC Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Semo M, Haamedi N, Stevanato L, Carter D, Brooke G, Young M, Coffey P, Sinden J, Patel S, Vugler A. Efficacy and Safety of Human Retinal Progenitor Cells. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2016; 5:6. [PMID: 27486556 PMCID: PMC4959814 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.5.4.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We assessed the long-term efficacy and safety of human retinal progenitor cells (hRPC) using established rodent models. METHODS Efficacy of hRPC was tested initially in Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) dystrophic rats immunosuppressed with cyclosporine/dexamethasone. Due to adverse effects of dexamethasone, this drug was omitted from a subsequent dose-ranging study, where different hRPC doses were tested for their ability to preserve visual function (measured by optokinetic head tracking) and retinal structure in RCS rats at 3 to 6 months after grafting. Safety of hRPC was assessed by subretinal transplantation into wild type (WT) rats and NIH-III nude mice, with analysis at 3 to 6 and 9 months after grafting, respectively. RESULTS The optimal dose of hRPC for preserving visual function/retinal structure in dystrophic rats was 50,000 to 100,000 cells. Human retinal progenitor cells integrated/survived in dystrophic and WT rat retina up to 6 months after grafting and expressed nestin, vimentin, GFAP, and βIII tubulin. Vision and retinal structure remained normal in WT rats injected with hRPC and there was no evidence of tumors. A comparison between dexamethasone-treated and untreated dystrophic rats at 3 months after grafting revealed an unexpected reduction in the baseline visual acuity of dexamethasone-treated animals. CONCLUSIONS Human retinal progenitor cells appear safe and efficacious in the preclinical models used here. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE Human retinal progenitor cells could be deployed during early stages of retinal degeneration or in regions of intact retina, without adverse effects on visual function. The ability of dexamethasone to reduce baseline visual acuity in RCS dystrophic rats has important implications for the interpretation of preclinical and clinical cell transplant studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ma'ayan Semo
- Department of Ocular Biology and Therapeutics, UCL-Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Nasrin Haamedi
- Department of Ocular Biology and Therapeutics, UCL-Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | | | - David Carter
- Department of Ocular Biology and Therapeutics, UCL-Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | | | - Michael Young
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter Coffey
- Department of Ocular Biology and Therapeutics, UCL-Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | | | | | - Anthony Vugler
- Department of Ocular Biology and Therapeutics, UCL-Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
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Jayakody SA, Gonzalez-Cordero A, Ali RR, Pearson RA. Cellular strategies for retinal repair by photoreceptor replacement. Prog Retin Eye Res 2015; 46:31-66. [PMID: 25660226 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2015.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Loss of photoreceptors due to retinal degeneration is a major cause of blindness in the developed world. While no effective treatment is currently available, cell replacement therapy, using pluripotent stem cell-derived photoreceptor precursor cells, may be a feasible future treatment. Recent reports have demonstrated rescue of visual function following the transplantation of immature photoreceptors and we have seen major advances in our ability to generate transplantation-competent donor cells from stem cell sources. Moreover, we are beginning to realise the possibilities of using endogenous populations of cells from within the retina itself to mediate retinal repair. Here, we present a review of our current understanding of endogenous repair mechanisms together with recent progress in the use of both ocular and pluripotent stem cells for the treatment of photoreceptor loss. We consider how our understanding of retinal development has underpinned many of the recent major advances in translation and moved us closer to the goal of restoring vision by cellular means.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujatha A Jayakody
- Gene and Cell Therapy Group, Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath St, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Anai Gonzalez-Cordero
- Gene and Cell Therapy Group, Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath St, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Robin R Ali
- Gene and Cell Therapy Group, Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath St, London EC1V 9EL, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Rachael A Pearson
- Gene and Cell Therapy Group, Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath St, London EC1V 9EL, UK.
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8
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A role for the outer retina in development of the intrinsic pupillary light reflex in mice. Neuroscience 2014; 286:60-78. [PMID: 25433236 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.11.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Revised: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Mice do not require the brain in order to maintain constricted pupils. However, little is known about this intrinsic pupillary light reflex (iPLR) beyond a requirement for melanopsin in the iris and an intact retinal ciliary marginal zone (CMZ). Here, we study the mouse iPLR in vitro and examine a potential role for outer retina (rods and cones) in this response. In wild-type mice the iPLR was absent at postnatal day 17 (P17), developing progressively from P21-P49. However, the iPLR only achieved ∼ 30% of the wild-type constriction in adult mice with severe outer retinal degeneration (rd and rdcl). Paradoxically, the iPLR increased significantly in retinal degenerate mice >1.5 years of age. This was accompanied by an increase in baseline pupil tone in the dark to levels indistinguishable from those in adult wild types. This rejuvenated iPLR response was slowed by atropine application, suggesting the involvement of cholinergic neurotransmission. We could find no evidence of an increase in melanopsin expression by quantitative PCR in the iris and ciliary body of aged retinal degenerates and a detailed anatomical analysis revealed a significant decline in melanopsin-positive intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) in rdcl mice >1.5 years. Adult mice lacking rod function (Gnat1(-/-)) also had a weak iPLR, while mice lacking functional cones (Cpfl5) maintained a robust response. We also identify an important role for pigmentation in the development of the mouse iPLR, with only a weak and transient response present in albino animals. Our results show that the iPLR in mice develops unexpectedly late and are consistent with a role for rods and pigmentation in the development of this response in mice. The enhancement of the iPLR in aged degenerate mice was extremely surprising but may have relevance to behavioral observations in mice and patients with retinitis pigmentosa.
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Cuenca N, Fernández-Sánchez L, Campello L, Maneu V, De la Villa P, Lax P, Pinilla I. Cellular responses following retinal injuries and therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases. Prog Retin Eye Res 2014; 43:17-75. [PMID: 25038518 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2014.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 296] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Revised: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Retinal neurodegenerative diseases like age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and retinitis pigmentosa each have a different etiology and pathogenesis. However, at the cellular and molecular level, the response to retinal injury is similar in all of them, and results in morphological and functional impairment of retinal cells. This retinal degeneration may be triggered by gene defects, increased intraocular pressure, high levels of blood glucose, other types of stress or aging, but they all frequently induce a set of cell signals that lead to well-established and similar morphological and functional changes, including controlled cell death and retinal remodeling. Interestingly, an inflammatory response, oxidative stress and activation of apoptotic pathways are common features in all these diseases. Furthermore, it is important to note the relevant role of glial cells, including astrocytes, Müller cells and microglia, because their response to injury is decisive for maintaining the health of the retina or its degeneration. Several therapeutic approaches have been developed to preserve retinal function or restore eyesight in pathological conditions. In this context, neuroprotective compounds, gene therapy, cell transplantation or artificial devices should be applied at the appropriate stage of retinal degeneration to obtain successful results. This review provides an overview of the common and distinctive features of retinal neurodegenerative diseases, including the molecular, anatomical and functional changes caused by the cellular response to damage, in order to establish appropriate treatments for these pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Cuenca
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain; Multidisciplinary Institute for Environmental Studies "Ramon Margalef", University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain.
| | - Laura Fernández-Sánchez
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Laura Campello
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Victoria Maneu
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Pedro De la Villa
- Department of Systems Biology, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Pedro Lax
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Isabel Pinilla
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lozano Blesa University Hospital, Aragon Institute of Health Sciences, Zaragoza, Spain
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10
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Seiler MJ, Aramant RB, Jones MK, Ferguson DL, Bryda EC, Keirstead HS. A new immunodeficient pigmented retinal degenerate rat strain to study transplantation of human cells without immunosuppression. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2014; 252:1079-92. [PMID: 24817311 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-014-2638-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Revised: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The goal of this study was to develop an immunodeficient rat model of retinal degeneration (RD nude rats) that will not reject transplanted human cells. METHODS SD-Tg(S334ter)3Lav females homozygous for a mutated mouse rhodopsin transgene were mated with NTac:NIH-Whn (NIH nude) males homozygous for the Foxn1 (rnu) allele. Through selective breeding, a new stock, SD-Foxn1 Tg(S334ter)3Lav (RD nude) was generated such that all animals were homozygous for the Foxn1 (rnu) allele and either homo- or hemizygous for the S334ter transgene. PCR-based assays for both the Foxn1 (rnu) mutation and the S334ter transgene were developed for accurate genotyping. Immunodeficiency was tested by transplanting sheets of hESC-derived neural progenitor cells to the subretinal space of RD nude rats, and, as a control, NIH nude rats. Rats were killed between 8 and 184 days after surgery, and eye sections were analyzed for human, neuronal, and glial markers. RESULTS After transplantation to RD nude and to NIH nude rats, hESC-derived neural progenitor cells differentiated to neuronal and glial cells, and migrated extensively from the transplant sheets throughout the host retina. Migration was more extensive in RD nude than in NIH nude rats. Already 8 days after transplantation, donor neuronal processes were found in the host inner plexiform layer. In addition, host glial cells extended processes into the transplants. The host retina showed the same photoreceptor degeneration pattern as in the immunocompetent SD-Tg(S334ter)3Lav rats. Recipients survived well after surgery. CONCLUSIONS This new rat model is useful for testing the effect of human cell transplantation on the restoration of vision without interference of immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalene J Seiler
- Anatomy & Neurobiology/Reeve-Irvine Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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11
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Roska B, Busskamp V, Sahel JA, Picaud S. [Retinitis pigmentosa: eye sight restoration by optogenetic therapy]. Biol Aujourdhui 2013; 207:109-121. [PMID: 24103341 DOI: 10.1051/jbio/2013011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a hereditary retinal disease leading to blindness, which affects two million people worldwide. Restoring vision in these blind patients was proposed by gene delivery of microbial light-activated ionic channels or pumps "optogenetic proteins" to transform surviving cells into artificial photoreceptors. This therapeutic strategy was validated in blind animal models of RP by recording at the level of the retina and cortex and by behavioural tests. The translational potentials of these optogenetic approaches have been evaluated using in vitro studies on post-mortem human retinal tissues. Here, we review these recent results and discuss the potential clinical applications of the optogenetic therapy for RP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Botond Roska
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66F, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
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12
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Matynia A. Blurring the boundaries of vision: novel functions of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells. J Exp Neurosci 2013; 7:43-50. [PMID: 25157207 PMCID: PMC4089729 DOI: 10.4137/jen.s11267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian vision consists of the classic image-forming pathway involving rod and cone photoreceptors interacting through a neural network within the retina before sending signals to the brain, and a non image-forming pathway that uses a photosensitive cell employing an alternative and evolutionary ancient phototransduction system and a direct connection to various centers in the brain. Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) contain the photopigment melanopsin, which is independently capable of photon detection while also receiving synaptic input from rod and cone photoreceptors via bipolar cells. These cells are the retinal sentry for subconscious visual processing that controls circadian photoentrainment and the pupillary light reflex. Classified as irradiance detectors, recent investigations have led to expanding roles for this specific cell type and its own neural pathways, some of which are blurring the boundaries between image-forming and non image-forming visual processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Matynia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA. ; Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
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13
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Atkinson CL, Feng J, Zhang DQ. Functional integrity and modification of retinal dopaminergic neurons in the rd1 mutant mouse: roles of melanopsin and GABA. J Neurophysiol 2012; 109:1589-99. [PMID: 23255724 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00786.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The progressive loss of rod and cone photoreceptors in human subjects with retinitis pigmentosa causes a gradual decline in vision and can result in blindness. Current treatment strategies for the disease rely on the integrity of inner retinal neurons, such as amacrine cells, that are postsynaptic to photoreceptors. Previous work has demonstrated that a specialized subclass of retinal amacrine cell that synthesizes and releases the key neurotransmitter dopamine remains morphologically intact during the disease; however, the pathophysiological function of these neurons remains poorly understood. Here we examined spontaneous and light-evoked spike activity of genetically labeled dopamine neurons from the retinas of retinal degeneration 1 (rd1) mice. Our results indicated that rd1 dopamine neurons remained functionally intact with preserved spontaneous spiking activity and light-evoked responses. The light responses were mediated exclusively by melanopsin phototransduction, not by surviving cones. Our data also suggested that dopamine neurons were altered during photoreceptor loss, as evidenced by less spontaneous bursting activity and increased light-evoked responses with age. Further evidence showed that these alterations were attributed to enhanced GABA/melanopsin signaling to dopamine neurons during disease progression. Taken together, our studies provide valuable information regarding the preservation and functional modification of the retinal dopamine neuronal system in rd1; this information should be considered when designing treatment strategies for retinitis pigmentosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron L Atkinson
- Eye Research Inst., Oakland Univ., 423 Dodge Hall, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
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14
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Braithwaite T, Vugler A, Tufail A. Autoimmune Retinopathy. Ophthalmologica 2012; 228:131-42. [DOI: 10.1159/000338240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Accepted: 03/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Vugler AA, Semo M, Coffey PJ. Seeing again through ancient eyes: microbial opsins and the promise of restoring vision. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2011. [DOI: 10.1586/eop.11.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Objective Visual Assessment of Antiangiogenic Treatment for Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Optom Vis Sci 2011; 88:1255-61. [DOI: 10.1097/opx.0b013e3182282f13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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